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This is all good info guys, if only my lottery numbers would come up. I'm not sure on the exact details, but the paint was done in Germany, so maybe a BMW plant? There's one here in Aberdeen, made my day...week, when I last saw it.
Built and painted at Plant Oxford, UK. The Connaught Green was not applied on the regular assembly line, but was done elsewhere at the plant.
I was reliably informed by the owner of one over here that it was painted in Germany then shipped to dealers from there. Maybe they were not all done this way.
This article, including a direct quote from the managing directory of Plant Oxford, talks about the car being produced at the UK factory. No reference to external support or shipping to Germany. The factory at Oxford has all of the capability and resources needed to complete the car.
The cars actually came with two monroney stickers in the US. One for how the car originally came off the assembly line (black paint, no special edition content) then a 2nd showing the change of color, and hand-built content.
I had both versions, and handed off to the next owner along with the extra side scuttle numbers and certificate of authenticity. Keeping a special edition car complete helps with future value.
And I still have all of those extras. THANK YOU JackMac
* both window stickers, extra set of numbers, original shift ****, blanks for the rear fogs, and the COA which is now also signed by Sir Sterling Moss (that was probably a mistake but I was having a few beers at Lime Rock when we met him)
He also signed the dash on a pair of WC50s and a GP that day. For those that don't know the full story, Moss was the second driver of the Coopers that won the World Championship in 59 and 60.
interesting how they comment on the softness of the paint. not sure if anyone else has noticed this. Fortunately the original owner of 425 was smart and put on a clear protector (thanks again) but I've seen a few others with excessive chipping on the nose. I've also seen a few with chipping on the aero body work just in front of the rear wheels.
I personally have a pair of small scratches on the hood that kill me every time I look at them. Want to get them fixed but worried that they wont be able to match the paint well (told the entire hood needs to be re-sprayed to fix them). any similar stories or advice on fixing?
Worst part is the scratches happened while showing the car at a Mini event.
I have minor chipping as my car, I do have some wear on the side aero panel in front of the scoop. Painting would have to be expensive as the color is so exclusive.
Last edited by mini coop; Jul 16, 2021 at 03:37 PM.
Yes - I still have the green beast. Always torn between letting it go (I hardly ever drive it), and keeping it (because its so fun to drive). It had around 7K miles when I bought it in 2011 and has 18K on the odometer now. I'm always open to hearing offers if anyone is out shopping for a 50, but I don't have it actively listed.
435 has not been totaled. There is a photo of one in a salvage lot, it is reported to be 443.
Here is 435 in Spokane, Washington.
WC50 435
Originally Posted by mini coop
I have number 400 and number 435 has been totaled. So, there are only 49 now in the country. Unfortunate that so many of them have been modded and mistreated. Good for those of us who have kept ours factory original though. Here's mine yesterday. Number 400 with 16,000 miles on it..... 100% OEM. Love this car and how much rarer it will become. This a rare winter trip as it sits in my garage during winter until the weather breaks.
WC50 for sale in Connecticut on Hemmings for $20,000.00. It has 55,000 miles on the odometer. No reference or clear photo to which number it is. If I were to guess it looks like 43_. Not a bad price I feel as the prices will continue to rise as more are driven, tracked or modified. No reference as to original owner, service, maintenance or issues. Description is not good. It just provides a history as to what and why the car exists. Photos do not give a clear indication as to the overall condition of the car either. Not a good representation for $20,000.00 and for somebody looking for one and wanting to invest. A call or email could probably clear things up though.
They are hard to come by and many are not in good shape. I don't think people appreciated them for what they are. The price will continue to escalate. There were 50 and now at 49 if no others have been wrecked etc.
Last edited by mini coop; Jul 16, 2021 at 03:35 PM.
Okay Folks I have been torn all year about this but I am thinking of letting 425 go. Haven't put together a listing yet and thought I'd just post something here first to see if anyone knows of anybody interested in a well maintained WC50. I plan on putting together a complete add this weekend. Not even sure what's a fair price point but I believe I have a fair goal in mind. Main reason for letting it go is life – change in priorities and some very large home expenses on the horizon.
Full disclosure for this group. I believe I'm the 4th owner and purchased it with 30k miles in 2014 from someone in NC who never drove it. All prior owners including myself are mature adults and the vehicle has no history of abuse. Jackmac was the original owner and took excellent care of the veh over its first 20k+ miles. Car now has 57759 miles on it. I do drive it to work once a week but it spends the rest of the time in my garage. It's never seen snow as far as I know. I've taken it to many MINI events and its won best in show 4 out of the 5 times I entered it. Never tracked and very well maintained. New brakes, rotors, and recent tune up. Tires are Pilot SS and less than a year old.
Had the clutch and complete transmission replaced by Prestige Mini 2 years ago under warranty due to minor flaw from factory. It does have a couple MINOR mods - tinted windows, clear bra, and full GP underbody kit. The underbody kit was installed by me to help protect the underside of the car, and because I like the look of the rear better. The original carbon fiber rear diffuser is in perfect condition and can easily snap back on the car if you want to remove the kit, or I can just sell the car without the GP kit on it.
I would rate the interior to be a 9.5 out of 10, if not a 10. The body is in very good condition with no dents or any history of an accident. Windshield was replaced but with OEM glass. There are a pair of scratches that I got when someone leaned on the car during a car show. They are located on the hood above the front right wheel. Other than that there are only a few very minor rock chips here and there as you would expect.I have all the original paperwork – window stickers, extra numbers, and COA from MINI. I also have all the repair work from all owners of the vehicle. As I mentioned in a previous post, 425 is one of 2 MINIs that were signed by Sir Sterling Moss at an event at Lime Rock Park. You can see the pic a few posts up. Feel free to IM or email me with any questions. I am located in western CT and this is not the same WC50 mentioned above that was listed for 20k in CT.
email schumi425@outlook.com
Pics to follow
I don't believe people who say it's just another JCW and not worth much. Looking at auctions - the color, options at that time, exclusiveness, and the fact that many are modded, tracked and not cared for keeps adding value to the car.
Question - what types of shows have you entered with this car? I too want to enter that arena.....and win. Thanks.
Last edited by mini coop; Jul 16, 2021 at 03:35 PM.
4 of the shows were Mini specific. the car won 3 of them and I was up against some highly tweaked GP's (one featured in MC2) and a couple of classics. Lost to a classic at the last one. The 5th show was just a local event and we won best euro class out of about a dozen cars.
Its amazing how few MINI people know about this car. When I showed it I had a scanned copy of the COA, the introductory letter from MINI, and both window stickers placed on the windshield so people can read the full story.
Once people read about it, they knew how special it was and the votes were easy.
I have gotten several inquiries already but nothing solid yet. Likely going to post it with an asking price in the high teens and see what the market dictates. I'll listen to all offers
Depending on the offer, the car may come with a cover, Bentley manual, forged intercooler, set of winter wheels (need new tires), and some other small odds and ends that I can't think of at the moment.
