I was wondering why my car is called the R56, what does the R stand for, and is it the 56th version of the "R" or what? Sorry for such a stupid question.

 

Not a stupid question. I just assumed thay had a random numbering system.

1st Gen Mini R50
1st Gen MCS R53
2nd Gen MCS R56

convertibles some other number.

 

"R" is for Rover.

When BMW took over in 1994, Mini was still part of the Rover group. The original plan was to sell the BMW Minis through both BMW and Rover dealers. Before the first generation Minis went on sale, BMW got rid of the Rover brand. The "R" remained, however.

 

Myth or urban legend? Give us your votes.

In any event, it makes for a good story.

 

Well, then, please allow me to reveal my source: Rob Golding, in the 2007 book "Mini, 50 years." Page 43.

 

Yep, verified pg 43.

 

Thanks folks. Now I have another bit of automotive trivia (verified) to impress the people I bore with this kind of information.

 

Now, if someone can just come up with an explanation for the individual model numbers.