
MINI PACEMAN R61
ASBO 2.0 — THE UNICORN MINI R53 COOPER S
A One-of-One Bespoke Wide-Arch Build | Now For Sale
Some MINIs are modified. Others are built to stand apart. ASBO 2.0 does exactly that.
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We are pleased to offer for sale ASBO 2.0, an exceptionally distinctive MINI R53 Cooper S combining extensive
mechanical investment, bespoke fabrication and an unmistakable wide-body appearance.
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Originally commissioned by our good friend “The Bingster”, founder of the rapidly growing UK MINI community
The MiniMandem, ASBO 2.0 was conceived as something far removed from an ordinary R53 build.
With its extensively upgraded power-train, carefully selected performance components and unique wide-arch conversion, this MINI represents a considerable amount of development, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion |
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![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion 10X17 Wheel with 245/40r17 tyres |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Super Charged Engine | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Super Charged Engine | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Super Charged Engine |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Clocks | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Headliner | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Boot area |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Clocks | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Seats | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Clocks |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Clocks | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Clocks |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Clocks | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Door Card | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Clocks |
![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Front Seats | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Front Seats | ![]() Mini R53 Cooper S1 of 1 Fully Modified Mini Cooper S, A Bespoke 1 off conversion Interior Rear Seats |
A Bespoke VAD Wide-Arch Conversion
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One of the defining features of ASBO 2.0 is its custom-built VAD wide-arch conversion — a one-off development
for the Gen 1 R53 platform.
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The original plan was to use an existing Gen 1 flare kit. However, when the supplied product failed to meet the
required standards of fitment and finish, we took a different approach.
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Using our own Gen 2 MINI Flares as the starting point, the arches were extensively modified to suit the proportions
and bodywork of the R53.
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This demanding fabrication work was undertaken with the help of Ashley Otley of Bespoke Custom Fabrication (BC-FAB).
Through careful modification, refinement and attention to fitment, the finished arches achieved the aggressive stance
and integrated appearance we had envisioned.
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The result is a genuinely individual conversion that gives ASBO 2.0 a presence rarely seen on the R53 platform.
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Performance & Mechanical Investment
Beneath the distinctive exterior sits a substantial mechanical specification.
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The engine was fully rebuilt by 1320 Mini approximately 15,000 miles ago, licensed stage 2 remap from 1320
with 237bhp with Printout with further upgrades and extensive component replacement throughout the
current owner's eight-year tenure.
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Highlights include a 469 CatCam, Bosch 550 injectors, a Kavs 17% supercharger pulley, Airtec enclosed induction kit
and GRS intercooler. The Teflon supercharger has been fully serviced within the last 500 miles, while the timing chain was
replaced within the last 100 miles.
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The drivetrain has also received significant attention, including a fully serviced BKL gearbox, Orranje Performance single-mass
clutch and flywheel, new release bearing, and replacement engine and gearbox mounts.
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Further investment includes a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system with a custom manifold, refreshed suspension, H&R lowering springs, polyurethane-bushed lower arms and Brembo braking components all round.
Individual Styling & Interior
The exterior is completed by an extensive collection of performance-inspired and bespoke components, including:
VAD one-off wide arches, Orranje Leap Gamma front splitter, Orranje Leap Tau rear diffuser, Adjustable rear aerodynamic wing,
Rare rear-window louvre, Custom bonnet vents and vented front wings, Aero side skirts, 10-inch-wide Dare wheels all round,
Halo LED lighting and Union Jack rear lights, Genuine carbon-fibre scuttle vents, currently wrapped in gloss black,
Fully tinted windows with front sun strip.
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Inside, the car features heated JCW Recaro leather seats, grey suede Alcantara headliner and upper dashboard, custom illuminated clocks and switches, steering-wheel-mounted dual clocks, integrated boost gauge and Ultra Gauge.
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The audio system comprises an Alpine head unit, Phoenix Gold amplifier and subwoofer, and uprated Pioneer speakers.
Ownership, History & Specification
ASBO 2.0 has covered 167,000 miles and has been owned by the current owner for approximately eight years, having
been purchased at 79,000 miles.
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The car benefits from a part service-history stamped book and extensive supporting paperwork accumulated throughout
the current ownership. It is supplied with two keys.
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The mileage is reflected transparently in the listing, alongside the substantial mechanical work and ongoing investment
the car has received.
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A full specification of the engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, exterior, interior and audio equipment accompanies this advert.
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ASBO 2.0 — A Rare Opportunity
ASBO 2.0 is not an off-the-shelf modified MINI. It is a highly individual R53 Cooper S with a distinctive build story,
extensive mechanical development and a one-off VAD wide-arch conversion.
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For the enthusiast looking for something genuinely different, this is an opportunity to acquire a MINI with a clear identity,
an extensive specification and a considerable amount of work already completed.
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ASBO 2.0 — The Unicorn MINI R53 Cooper S.
One-of-one wide-arch styling. Extensive mechanical investment. An unmistakable presence.
Offered for sale by VAD Design.
For further information, the complete specification or to discuss the car, please contact VAD Design directly.
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PRICE P.O.A
"WE CAN SHIP GLOBALLY, ALL INTERNATIONAL ENQUIRES ARE WELCOME"
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