New 2 the forum.
I've visited many times and gained considerable knowledge from NAM members.
I've been building wild air cooled customs (VW & Porsche), for 36 years. I bought my wife a new R53 MCS from the dealer, w/3mi on the OD in 2004.
I ultimately inherited it in 2008 after deciding to give up my 3 classic VWs and my '73 Porsche 914, buy my wife an SUV....I kept the Mini .
I7 years and 70k later we've been through a lot together. I still looks new. It's the only "new" car I've ever owned and wouldn't trade it for anything else....no matter how many times I had to work on it.

Thanks for all you help in helping each other!

 

Welcome to the forum. Any pictures to share?

 

Thanx for the warm welcome
Wow MiniCPA - Your 'vert looks pretty sweet!
I've become a bit of a purist in contrast to my past builds.
My '04 R53 remains pretty much original with a few recent/minor updates - vinyl stripes, a pair spot lights and cold air intake mod - which I've added about 2 months ago.
It's nothing special (to most). Much cherished by me. Included are a few snaps I took about 4 months ago before I sent it out to a BMW mechanic for an oil filter housing seal and top mount replacement. I usually do my own repairs/upkeep but I no longer have a garage and the oil filter housing gasket was such a pain to get to, working in the parking lot of my condo.
Anyway....





Taken before I added the vinyl stripes that continue down the rear boot and bumper.





Unrelated to the MINI world......Love it or hate it - This was just one of my custom/daily driver builds....

Always wanted a Karman Ghia. Bought a junker for $200, built it from the ground up, stuffed a 2 liter 914 engine in the rear. (Side air intakes are functional - lower to the brakes - upper to the engine and air intakes)

 

Nice looking MINI. I don’t think anyone on the forum thinks any MINI is “nothing special”.

I love the custom build. I couldn’t guess what it was based on. You do great work. How much do you charge for a job like that?

My MINI is stock as well. The first owner replaced the tires before I got it with 13,000 miles four years ago. It now has 21,000 miles.

 

Envious - 21k?! - Nice.
I have to agree = ALL MINIs are special.
And to think we almost looked at getting a new VW beetle until we saw the Mini come out. Whew! - that was a close one!

Thanx for the compliment regarding the Ghia. I've never had a job as a mechanic or worked in an automotive body shop. I just love building/creating things. I had about 200 hrs in that Ghia. I haven't built a car in 15 years. I wouldn't know what to charge.
Love 'em or hate 'em - that love for creating those cars landed me a 25 year career in the entertainment industry as a practical FX artist. Kinda wish I still had a shop.

I appreciate the Mini for it's "purity". I think my "Mad Max" days are far behind me...