FAQs

What is the goal of The JCW Register?

In the classic car community, it is always joked about that there are more of the desirable models on the road than originally built. The goal of The JCW Register is to try and assist in ensuring the value and provenance of original cars is maintained, with recording of the cars and kit numbers sooner rather than later.

Does this mean all cars on the register are what you would call a “Legitimate” JCW?

During the registration process I attempt my utmost to confirm a car is legitimate, but some may slip through the cracks. The idea is to try and minimize the number of fakes made from wrecked vehicles and catalogue early the Vins assigned to the kit numbers. It can’t be guaranteed without provenance a vehicle is legitimate, but all the checks are listed HERE (R50) or HERE (R53 & R52). If purchasing a car there is no substitute for due diligence and provenance, make sure you are content that a car is legitimate prior to purchase. We will give the tools to assist you in verifying a car but will not be responsible if you purchase a car that turns out not to be legitimate, so again Provenance, Provenance, Provenance.

Why are you only cataloguing the Gen 1 and 2 cars and not the F56?

The later Generation cars aren’t quite like the Gen 1 cars. The Generation 3 cars that are JCWs can be easily located by Vin number as they are factory built JCW editions. Whereas the Generation 1 cars were predominantly tuning kit fitments completed after sale by BMW and JCG (John Cooper Garages). The Generation 1 cars had individually serial numbered Rocker cover plaques and they for the most part cant be located by VIN (Factory optioned cars excepted, however still cant track the kit number from that).

The R56 early tuning kit (2007-2009 Prior to factory cars) are an exception to this rule again as they had a tuning kit available with an individually serial numbered rocker cover. The effort has begun to catalogue these now, as can be seen on the registers page, options and kits.

When I submit my car to The JCW Register what information will be displayed publicly?

When you submit your car to the JCW register, you will fill out a large amount of information on your vehicle that goes into a database kept offline. The only information publicly shown is the cars kit number, kit type, car model, car year, and country. There is no other identifying information of the owner or vehicle listed publicly.

If I have any questions regarding the kit details or about my car what do I do?

Get in touch via the contact us page with your questions and we will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible!

Who runs the JCW Register?

The JCW Register is run by James Keene, an Australian Mini enthusiast, who after seeing significant confusion for some time on what was included in the JCW Kits for the R53 generation of cars decided to clarify and provide a resource that the community could rely on whilst also allowing community feedback and assistance on the project. R53 Owners club and a number of individuals who focus specifically on JCW and JCG research have assisted with developing the resources including photographs, information, proof reading and more.

What Minis and JCWs do you have?

James has several Minis and JCWs.

1. James’ Electric Blue R53 is what he calls the “Worlds best Fake JCW” as it didnt start life as a JCW, he created it, and left one thing wrong intentionally that is small and tests people at car meets with trying to locate it using the register as a tool for them to find it.

2. James also has a BRG 2002 R53 JCW that was one of the early kit fitments in Australia, that car has a phenomenal history, with info and forum posts going back to the original owner, so its always been owned by enthusiasts, the car also acted as the development car for Whiteline Suspension, having the full catalogue on it till very recently where the coilovers were removed and AP coilovers added.

3. Mellow Yellow R56 JCW Racecar, built from a plethora of Mini Challenge spares for production car racing and Bathurst 6 hour.

4. Black F56 JCW, a gorgeous car run as a daily driver by James’ wife, this has minimal modifications.