GP Talk

dave · #1 09-25-2006, 08:53 AM

In creating GP Talk today, I'm realizing just how badly this forum was probably needed for those of you with an interest in the GP, especially since "GP" is too short to use with the search function.

If you know of GP specific threads that aren't already in GP talk, post a link to them in this thread and I will get them moved over.

Thanks!

**GBMINI** · #2 09-25-2006, 11:26 AM

Thanks ...
so far most of the chat has been on MINI2, for various reasons ...

Metal Man · #3 09-25-2006, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

In creating GP Talk today, I'm realizing just how badly this forum was probably needed for those of you with an interest in the GP, especially since "GP" is too short to use with the search function.

If you know of GP specific threads that aren't already in GP talk, post a link to them in this thread and I will get them moved over.

Thanks!

Thanks

DarkMiniCooperS · #4 09-25-2006, 04:58 PM

Good idea!!

I probably will never see a GP JCW but it will be fun to at least read about people's experiences with it!

MOTORN · #5 09-25-2006, 07:18 PM

Cool, Let's Motor

Only took a year Dave!!! LOL

iflymini · #6 09-26-2006, 09:56 AM

Thanks for the forum!!!!

iflymini
GP1292

lastrega · #7 09-26-2006, 10:03 AM

Great Idea !!

I have a question:

I am planning to autoX with my GP but want to save my wheels and I as consindering going with a smaller size tire. Suggestions? ideas?

Thanks,

GyPsy GP 0142

Jim Ray · #8 09-26-2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastrega

Great Idea !!

I have a question:

I am planning to autoX with my GP but want to save my wheels and I as consindering going with a smaller size tire. Suggestions? ideas?

Thanks,

GyPsy GP 0142

Hi! You win for best GP name. I am jealous.

The problem is that there are no aftermarket bolts for the GP. The lug bolts are 14mm by 1.25.

I have put the V spoke 16" on mine, and they clear fine, but limit cooling. I don't track mine, so cooling is not an issue. Many wheels will fit, even some 15", however if they don't use the stock GP wheel lugs, no way to fit them. Alex at Tire Rack is working on the problem.

GP 0019

H.A.W.G. · #9 11-19-2006, 08:11 PM

I got see one when I picked up my cooper, it is an amazing car, I love the color and the wheels are amazing, yall are lucky bunch

simplekid15 · #10 01-24-2007, 12:36 AM

Yes we are very lucky.

I love my GP so much!!

IanF · #11 02-06-2007, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBMINI

Thanks ...
so far most of the chat has been on MINI2, for various reasons ...

If only MINI2 would confirm my registration... after three attempts, I gave up and haven't been there in years...

**GBMINI** · #12 02-06-2007, 08:04 AM

Did you get a GP, Ian?!

cct1 · #13 02-06-2007, 10:26 AM

This thread is in desperate need of photos...:D

PlayPlay · #14 03-31-2007, 05:26 AM

Question Re: GP Interiors...

I was looking at used GP's and I thought all GP dashes had a brushed silver finish. But, I saw one that had the JCW black leather dash with red stitching. Was that an option?

jimskater · #15 03-31-2007, 09:53 AM

JCW leather dash was not an option.

Here's the options list for US spec GP's:

1._______________; no, not that
2._______________; not that, either
3._______________; nope

& finally

4. ______________; sorry, no

Fill in the blanks with any MINI factory option, & you'll see the answer to the right.

Jim Ray · #16 04-01-2007, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimskater

JCW leather dash was not an option.

Here's the options list for US spec GP's:

1._______________; no, not that
2._______________; not that, either
3._______________; nope

& finally

4. ______________; sorry, no

Fill in the blanks with any MINI factory option, & you'll see the answer to the right.

John Michael Cooper signing the dash?

jimskater · #17 04-01-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ray

John Michael Cooper signing the dash?

Well, that wasn't quite a factory option. But it's nice to have.

BobDogNdaHouse · #18 11-14-2007, 01:10 AM

This might be a stupid question but what does GP stand for?

**GBMINI** · #19 11-14-2007, 10:11 AM

GP is a reference to "Grand Prix" racing, the original MINIs were raced by John Cooper (where the "Cooper" name comes from), so the GP is a nod to the history of the MINI/Mini.

BobDogNdaHouse · #20 11-15-2007, 05:42 AM

Thanks that's what I would have guessed but there are so many acronyms in the MINI community, I'm trying to get them all straight.

tazio · #21 11-15-2007, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBMINI

GP is a reference to "Grand Prix" racing, the original MINIs were raced by John Cooper (where the "Cooper" name comes from), so the GP is a nod to the history of the MINI/Mini.

But Minis were never raced in any "Grand Prix" events... And, for the record, John Cooper never raced Minis. He tuned them.

I'm still trying to figure out this naming choice. I hold out hope that there was something rational and substantive behind it, but so far I have not heard a reasonable explanation. Like the rest of the "GP", it may just be the product of half-baked marketing.

MOTORN · #22 11-15-2007, 06:20 AM

From 1958 to 1967 Cooper cars were raced in Formula 1 by John Cooper and his Dad. The Coopers were not the drivers but the constructors. Around 1960-
1961 John Cooper became involved with the Mini. GP is in reference to the Cooper Car Company and its involvement in F1.

Cooper Grand Prix Victories (You might remember a few of the drivers names) LOL

Year Country (Track) Driver Date

1958 Argentine Grand Prix (Buenos Aires) Stirling Moss January 19
Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo) Maurice Trintignant May 18
1959 Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo) Jack Brabham May 10
British Grand Prix (Aintree) Jack Brabham July 18
Portuguese Grand Prix (Monsanto) Stirling Moss August 23
Italian Grand Prix (Monza) Stirling Moss September 13
United States Grand Prix (Sebring) Bruce McLaren December 12
1960 Argentine Grand Prix (Buenos Aires) Bruce McLaren February 7
Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort) Jack Brabham June 6
Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) Jack Brabham June 19
French Grand Prix (Reims) Jack Brabham July 3
British Grand Prix (Silverstone) Jack Brabham July 16
Portuguese Grand Prix (Porto) Jack Brabham August 14
1962 Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo) Bruce McLaren June 3
1966 Mexican Grand Prix (Mexico City) John Surtees October 23
1967 South African Grand Prix (Kyalami) Pedro Rodríguez January 2

lastrega · #23 11-15-2007, 06:34 AM

Quote:

But Minis were never raced in any "Grand Prix" events... And, for the record, John Cooper never raced Minis. He tuned them.

Correct .. but not too many people know the difference between the Monte Carlo Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Rally where in 1964, 1965 1967 MINI won. There was a victory in 1966 too, if it were for the silly headlamp argument !!!

GP, I was told by MINI GERMANY officials @ the MISANO MINI GP presentation , was just a marketing pitch !!

MOTORN · #24 11-15-2007, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastrega

GP, I was told by MINI GERMANY officials @ the MISANO MINI GP presentation , was just a marketing pitch !!

What do they know? Give me a badge and I'm an offical too. "we don't need no stinking badges" They were not aware of the ties either.

rawk · #25 11-15-2007, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastrega

GP, I was told by MINI USA officials, was just a marketing pitch !!

GP...Great Pitch!

...and now we know the rest of the story. Paul Harvey, good day!