2006 MINI Cooper S (R53) DriveTribe - offered directly from Richard Hammond

When Izzy Hammond, daughter of Richard Hammond decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and pursue a career in motoring, television and video, he suggested that she needed to ‘earn her spurs’ by completing a project worthy of DriveTribe, the global automotive platform founded by Richard, James May and Jeremy Clarkson. Her decision was to source a small saloon and turn it into a proper track-day car with the assistance of The Smallest Cog and subsequently a 2006 supercharged MINI Cooper S (R53) was purchased for £1,500 and nicknamed ‘Stanley’ as a playful reference to her father’s favourite car ‘Ollie’.

Beginning with a DriveTribe YouTube video of her learning to service the car, there followed a succession of 10-12 minute YouTube shorts exploring the cars modifications and development with support from NAPA Racing UK. An early setback with a blown engine prompted the decision to take it to the next stage and a further £20,000 in parts was invested and ‘Stanley’ is now a 300+bhp modern performance icon.

At its heart is Lohen’s WX3 W11 big-bore, big valve, ported head, 1,800cc engine, a formidable package that has been dyno proven at an astonishing 304bhp. This represents an extraordinary output for a MINI Cooper S, transforming 'Stanley' into a genuinely rapid and highly engaging machine. The drivetrain has also been comprehensively uprated to match the substantial power output and features a quick-shift gear linkage for crisp, positive changes, a Quaife limited-slip differential to maximise traction, and an Euston ECU ensuring precise engine management and drivability.

Safety has been given equal priority, with the fitment of a full Safety Devices roll-cage, reinforcing 'Stanley’s' credentials as a properly engineered performance car rather than a cosmetic showpiece. Adding further significance to its story, 'Stanley' was driven by Izzy Hammond at the VSCC Pomeroy Trophy 2025, placing it firmly within the modern British motorsport and enthusiast landscape.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very well-known, professionally upgraded MINI Cooper S with documented event use, serious performance credentials, and strong media provenance with several million views. Engineered for serious fast-road and circuit use, 'Stanley' is a standout example for collectors, track-day enthusiasts, or those seeking a uniquely engaging modern performance car with a story to tell.