2002 Mini Cooper S

I’ve mentioned the launch year R53 BMW Cooper S before simply because so few survive in decent nick with small mileages. Prices start from £500 for ragged sheds, but very occasionally a 50,000-miler with a full service history pops up at £3000£4000. There’s a growing band of followers, Facebook page and even a register – 02sregister.co.uk.

Prices and demand are definitely on the move but you can still spot viable examples in the small ads sold by owners who haven’t yet heard of the cult status of the early cars. A few of those first 2002 cars were press demonstrators. Tanya Field, who founded the 02sregister, found RE02 VRK – the original press car – in the small ads and bought it unseen. The 65th UK S was a works car driven by Clarkson himself and is definitely collectable. RE02 VKV, another press Top Gear car, was found on ebay and is currently being restored. Even after 17 years the original supercharged S still feels urgent, quick-witted and chuckable but make sure that there’s a history with evidence of regular engine and gearbox oil changes and don’t expect brilliant build quality, especially from plastic parts. D&S Car Sales in Gloucestershire has a blue 2002 with 81,000 miles on the clock and seven stamps for £1990. A private seller in London has just sold a mint 40,000-miler in red with full history for £4500 so you can see how low-mileage early cars are starting to make stronger money. Keep your eyes open for the few good early survivors that are left – one day they’ll become highly desirable Mini icons with prices to match.