Hi everyone!

I'm a certifiable car nut, looking to thin down my herd (currently 5), and get something fun and practical. Hoping a Cooper S will fit the bill. I've been racing most of my life, currently running a vintage Formula Ford. Other cars include a hopped up '65 Mustang that has been in the family since new, a 2001 Boxster with all kinds of mods, a Benz for the wife, and a Lincoln Navigator (soon to go) for me to schlep my kids around.

I'm trying to figure out what are problems to watch for, and whether I can find a JCW second-hand for a reasonable price.

Thanks!

Brad

 

Not sure if you are looking for 1st Gen or 2nd Gen. http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
This months Grassroots Motorsports Magazine also has a "MINI Buyers Guide"

 

Happy Hunting! Good Luck!

 

Thanks! I need to study up on the differences between first and second generation cars. That buyers guide will be helpful!

 

Go look for a GP!

 

Need a back seat...

 

Never sell a car, you can't have too many!

I'm up to six, including my very first, a '52 MG TD.

I'll keep my MINI forever too!

Dave

 

Welcome, from a former formula ford racer. Brought over a Vector from Europe years ago to race. Good Lord I will never go that route again. What chassis are you running?

I don't have my JCW yet, but I think you would be very happy with one. If your not looking for a lot of specific option you can find a JCW for a very fair price.
Good luck.

 

That Vector project sounds fun. What did you use for power? Didn't those use Ford V6s? What series did you run in?

My Formula Ford is a 1979 Crossle 35F. I run it with VARA, HSR, and HMSA.

Seems like there are cars with JCW kits added to them, and JCW cars.

 

The Vector I had used the 1600cc, I believe the block was originally from, of all things, a Ford pinto. It was actually a very quick car and was nearly as fast as the DB Swift, which was the fastest chassis in my day.
A VERY long story short with the Vector...finally got it running and certified and rented the track for a day to get it dialed in for the up coming season when I was about halfway down the straightaway at maybe 95mph when the engine failed and literally a piston went flying out of the block. I can laugh at it now, but lets just say I sold that one as a roller and went the easy route to the arrive and drive with the FF Barber Dodge Series then to Russell Formula Mazda.
I dug up the only picture I could find of me and the Vector



As far as the JCW's go there are JCW kits you can buy that go on the MCS but to me they are not a "JCW". The Factory JCW's come with all the performance goodies out of the box, plus a few extra beefed up internals.
If I was you, and it seems we have a little in common , I would look at the Factory JCW, you could probably pick up a used one for nearly the same cost as a MCS with a JCW kit.

Good luck....where are you located?

 

Oh nice. So it was just a modern formula Ford. Yup, same engine in my Crosslè.

Think I'll keep looking for a JCW!

I'm in SoCal, LA suburbs. You? When did you run with Barber, and Russell? Worked for both of them back in the 80's.

 

I didnt notice your location. My sister used to live in sherman oaks years ago. I am in Scottsdale, AZ. Let me know if you ever make it to Phoenix area. I should have my JCW within the next week.
It was around mid 90's, mostly at Leguna Seca and what was Sears point,

I would love to get back to racing sooner then later....just need to make some more money...as I'm sure your all too we'll aware of.

Really though don't hesitate if your around the PHX area, i would be happy to meet up.

What price point are you looking for, and most important specs for you?...i will keep my eye out.

 

I wish I'd known more about these cars before I got one. I just knew I wanted a MINI but I would have def opted for a JCW. Good luck with the hunt.

Check out SCMM.org. Very nice MINI club to join here in SoCal.

 

Very cool. I'll check them out, thanks!

You're practically in my back yard! I'm going to keep looking...not really in a rush.

Meanwhile, you guys know anyone looking for a SUPER clean '01 Boxster with tons of mods?

 

I think you will want a JCW car or a modified Cooper S to be satisified with the performance. The Gen 1 (supercharged) and Gen 2 (turbocharged) have different personalities so you should drive at least one of each type.

There are all kinds of aftermarket parts available for the Mini Coopers so that should keep your mod virus in check.

If you go the JCW route, there are various JCW options so you need to do a little research about the options and know what specific options are on the car you are looking at.

For my first Mini I purchased a 2003 S and did all the engine, suspension, brake, exterior, interior mods myself. That produced a car better than a similar JCW optioned car and was very satisfying.
For my second Mini I purchased a 2006 GP that already had JCW engine, JCW suspension, and JCW brakes. I still modified the suspension, brakes, exterior, and interior to create something better.

 

What are you trying to decide between besides a mini?

 

I've thought about a 325 Coupé. But, there's nothing else I'm terribbly excited about.

 

I would wait for the 86/BRZ to come out and see how you like that before doing anything. It's gonna be a couple months but at least then you won't second guess yourself

 

That's a good thought. Except, I need something with a back seat. This brings up a good point. Just how usable is the back seat in a hardtop MC?

 

The 86 is a coupe not a 2-seater. It has a back seat just like the RX-8 or a Mini.

Mini backseat is useful for throwing stuff on that you don't need/want up front, or for like bar runs with friends. I wouldn't want to sit back there for extended drives. Small people (kids or midgets) will fit fine though and baby seats are alright too

 

I have three kids. So, a couple times a month, they'll have to squeeze back there. It seems like the rear seat in a Mini is substantially larger than in a coupe like the 86, or a Mustang, or 3 Series BMW.