The Chalkboard Mini: A Creative Twist on a 2001 Mini Cooper R50

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Luke Horton Kennedy,

2001 Mini Cooper R50

Instagram: @The.chalkboardmini

Performance Stats: 116hp, 110llb-ft 1.6L inline 4

Meet Luke Horton Kennedy and His Chalkboard Mini

My name is Luke Horton Kennedy, and I’ve been living in Stoke-on-Trent since I was 4, though I was born in Northampton. My passion for photography began in 2014 when my parents gifted me my first camera. I started shooting anything I could, and as I improved, I saved up to buy my first DSLR—a Canon EOS 700D. That investment allowed me to shoot my first wedding, turning my hobby into a profession. By 16, I was earning regular income from product shoots, teaching myself video editing along the way using software like Adobe Premiere and After Effects.

At 18, I got my first full-time job in a warehouse, which, unfortunately, pulled me away from automotive photography. Around the same time, I started learning to drive, but COVID-19 put a halt to my lessons. Fast forward to age 22, and I finally purchased my first car—a 2001 Mini Cooper R50.

The Hunt for the Perfect First Car

With the high cost of insurance for new drivers and living expenses, I needed a car that was both affordable and cheap to insure. After searching Facebook Marketplace, I found a 2001 Mini Cooper for just £600. Though the insurance was £2,600, it was a bargain compared to quotes I had seen for over £6,000.

The Mini wasn’t in the best shape. Originally painted Liquid Yellow, the previous owner had crashed it and replaced the front with blue parts, then covered the car with a light coat of matte black spray paint. Despite its rough condition, this car reignited my love for the automotive world.

The Birth of the "Chalkboard Mini"

One day at a car meet, a friend joked that my paint job looked like a chalkboard. That comment sparked an idea—I grabbed a pack of chalk and tested it out on the car. To my surprise, it washed off easily, and I decided to embrace the concept fully. From then on, I brought chalk to every car meet, inviting people to draw on the car. It was a hit, and “The Chalkboard Mini” was born.

I’ve since given the car a full respray (again with rattle cans), and while it’s far from perfect, the chalk concept has become a defining feature. People love interacting with the car at events, turning it from a blank slate into a piece of collaborative art.

Mini Cooper R50 Build Overview

Though the car is mostly stock, I’ve made a few key modifications to enhance its performance and appearance:

Build List:

• Engine: Stock 1.6L inline 4, producing 116hp and 110 lb-ft of torque.

• Suspension: Replaced with Cooper S components.

• Brakes: Rear pads, discs, and callipers replaced due to age.

• Wheels: Upgraded to 17-inch Cooper S Crown wheels.

• Exhaust: Replaced with a 4-inch Hornet exhaust after the original rusted through.

• Cosmetic Upgrades:

• JCW-style front grille

• Black Alcantara headliner with Rolls-Royce-style fiber optic lights

What Makes the Chalkboard Mini Unique?

The main attraction of my Mini is undoubtedly its chalkboard paintwork. The car starts the day as a blank canvas, and by the end of every event, it’s covered in drawings and messages from fellow car enthusiasts. This interactive element sets my Mini apart and has even earned it trophies at car shows.

Minis are already a blast to drive, but the added customization makes mine even more special. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with people loving the chance to make their mark on the car at meets.

Who Did the Work?

Most of the work on my Mini has been done by myself and my friends. Since we all own the same generation Mini, we often help each other out. However, after snapping a knuckle bolt while replacing the top mounts, I’ve left some of the more complex tasks to a local Mini garage.

Future Plans for the Mini

Although I love my current Mini, I’m considering upgrading to a Cooper S while maintaining the chalkboard theme. I’m also exploring the idea of using a wrap instead of a rattle can for a more polished look. Despite putting over £3,000 into the car, it’s starting to show its age, and an upgrade might be on the horizon.

Shout Outs and Support

A big thank you goes to @randyther53 for all the help with my car. Without my friends and the support of the car community, this build wouldn’t have come together.

Dream Car

While I’m incredibly happy with my Mini, my ultimate dream would be to do a full nut-and-bolt restoration on it. It’s my ideal car, and I’d love to perfect it in every way possible.

Footnote: 

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