mk1-forum.net

I was contemplating what modern car to get, as my wife has the only modern in the family, and with my daughter on the way shortly, I thought I would get something myself.
After hours of thinking what I'd want. I bought an R53 Cooper S.
I gave 1200 for a 54 plate car with 140k on the clock, a years test and full service history.

Hate to admit it, but I love it.

Yes the ride is harsh, yes the boot is so small that you have to drop the rear seat for a single bag of shopping, yes its thirsty, yes the cabin plastics shake loose, yes its noisy, but it rides well, it's quicker than a wet shit off a shovel, the seats are comfy and if I drive like an old man, it's actually not too bad on fuel... Oh, and the best bit is, if you're feeling rich, the right foot makes the best supercharger whine...

I did also manage to lock myself out with the engine running... That was fun...

The MINI Y Register
The MINI Y Register is for those who own or have an interest in early BMW MINIs built in 2001.
Your MINI does not have to be on a Y plate, as 51 plates were issued in 2001 however currently the the main focus of the Y Register will be to collect information about MINIs built in the first 6 months of 2001 and predominantly Registered on a Y plate.

For the purpose of this group we have 3 categories your 2001 MINI may fall into:

An early MINI
Any MINI built in 2001 and Registered on a Y plate.

An early press MINI
Any MINI built in April 2001 or earlier and Registered with the sequential number plate Y*** OBL or Registered to the BMW press office.

An early pre production MINI
Anything built on 25/04/01 or earlier as volume production started on 26/04/01.

We also welcome any information you may have on early MINIs and we look forward to opportunities to get together these early MINIs together and enjoy them.
http://miniyregister.co.uk/

I've just one question.......

Y

, no malice ment, I just couldn't resist it

My 2005 MINI Cooper Check Mate is great, very fine New Classic MINI.

Kees.

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DOWNTON Mini is what I like a lot.
Downton Sport40 1999 replica. NOW FOR SALE !
Mini Mk3 1974 for Downtoning it.

Had a 56 plate, the supercharger is intoxicating, they will be a modern classic - had to sell it though because used to jar the old back.......it feels like a classic mini in so many ways....dont let prejudice stop you from enjoying one.

There is a red/black 53 plate Cooper around here and some joker has put the seventies blue/silver British Leyland A panel badges on each side.

It looks good to be fair. A later R50 with the Getrag gearbox is a decent car if it's in nice condition.

Not quite British Leyland but this surviving 1998 pre-production prototype R50/53 MINI Cooper below did have 'Rover' badges on the window glass......

Unique BMW Mini Prototype Found On Ebay Proves Rover Origins:-
https://jalopnik.com/unique-bmw-mini-pr ... 1474761064

Although I am not into BINIs at all (did't even sit in one yet), I do believe that they have a good chance of becoming a classic in due time.

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1964 Austin Cooper S 1275
1965 Volvo Amazon Combi
1965 Austin Cooper 998
1967 Morris Minor 1000
1967 Austin Cooper 998 Mk II
1969 Austin Cooper S 1275
1972 Austin 1300GT (2x)
1975 Mini Jubilee
1978 Mini 1000

New Episode of Wheeler Dealers - 2004 R53 Mini Cooper S MC40
"Mike tracks down one of only 1000 MC40s ever produced, the 40th anniversary homage to the Monte Carlo rally-winning British icon. Ant tackles the dreaded 100,000 mile service including the supercharger, while restoring its original ride height and signature look."
https://twitter.com/wheelerdealers/stat ... 56?lang=en

Yes - getting there. I narrowly avoided buying a 2006 GP, which I think is the one to have. Bit overpriced, but I don't think you would lose a lot long term on a low mileage clean one.