There were a total of 50 imported to US. Must be 400-449.

 

I've seen some very poor condition used WC50's become available recently. No numbers, no stripes, not the original wheels, perhaps tracked. Mine will always remain original, maintained and garaged.

 

For anyone looking, there is a clean one-owner car currently for sale here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-15-500-a.html

 

Have you seen it in person, by chance?

 

415's for sale. High mileage, some blacked out chrome, no price listed, no shot under the bonnet (indication of mods):

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ngId=479304263

My search continues.

 

No, but I did exchange messages with the current owner.

 

I did too. I was concerned that the owner is a mechanic, I believe, but wasn't sure if the timing chain and guide service had been done. I might have this wrong, but that was my takeaway.

What did you find out?

 

Didn't go that deep as I'm not currently in the market, but it is the best of the 3 WC50's currently for sale. Any N14 is going to need attention, I wouldn't let that stop you if shopping for a WC50. Maybe helpful as a negotiating point on price...

 

Last time I saw the listing (I initially found it on CL, clearly it's also on NAM) the price was firm. The service is about $2k (dealership).

I'd like a lower mileage WC50, so I passed.

 

Many have been tracked, modified, not serviced, not maintained or simply treated as an everyday car. Good WC50's are now hard to find. As though it was easy to start with. Only 50 in the US to begin with and now down to 49, that we know of, as one has been totaled. At some point high mileage, repair, paint, and/or restoration will need to be accepted by a potential buyer so to own one of these rare MINI's. Mine - 100% oem. Garaged, no snow, no rain. I feel the rarity and value will continue to increase. I look forward to the car shows in 2018.

 

Yours was the rare exception. I knew about that one at Prestige, glad it found a good home. But these cars are approaching 8 years old, and the pool of cars is extremely small. A one-owner 50k Mile car is a good one.

Maybe in time another low mileage gem will appear, but that will require a lot of patience and a bit of luck.

 

My point exactly. I wish the best to anyone looking for a WC50. It's worth it.

 

Hi all,

Pulled the trigger and now proud owner of #407. The previous owner was older gentleman that did not want to budge. Not the lowest of miles at almost 58k, but the car was kept in good condition overall. Normal wear and tear in the usual places. I'll slowly bring the car back into better shape. No oil leaks, except the usual seeping at the valve cover which I'll try to fix with a new gasket. Tensioner was replaced, but still the original timing chain. The car could probably use a walnut shell blasting, feels slightly sluggish. Resisting the temptation to upgrade bits, however I feel the suspension really needs to be replaced. I'm debating whether to stay all OEM since the value and performance of KW and other suspensions seem tough to beat. I'm going to need new control arm bushings, brake job very soon. Overall, if the value of these cars is really going to go up then I feel like I managed to get in at a decent price.

-nels

 

Congrats. Take good care of it and enjoy.

 

That's great news, @nels415, Happy Motoring!

 

That's great. Welcome to the group! Sounds like you have great plans ahead of you. Nice to see that others appreciate the significance of the car. Please keep us posted on your progress.

 

 

I can give some background info on #415 for anyone interested. I am not the current owner, but I traded it in with 81,700 miles in April of 2017.

I can't vouch for the current owner, the last 8,000 miles, or the current status of anything.

I can tell you that I purchased it with 3,000 miles on it at a Ford dealership in Memphis, TN in March of 2011 (it had been traded in on a Cobra R). It was always Mini dealer maintained (Cleveland and Wesley Chapel), and not modded under the hood while I had it. No accidents while I owned it.


- Cylinder head cover was leaking and replaced at 61,681
- Replaced clutch and flywheel under warranty at 71,987
- Battery replaced at 71,987
- Replaced front and rear struts at 72,907
- Replaced timing chain guide rails at 76,569


It was driven daily and around the country on many mini rallies. It was enjoyed and even spent a day with JackMac at an event.

It spent about 2 years in Ohio, and has spent about 4 years in Florida. When I traded it in, it was in a condition that you would expect for a daily driver with 80,000 miles. By that I mean it had some stone chips, some scratches, some rattles, and some squeaks. It was by no means perfect.

I'm a mini enthusiast and am sharing this information for anyone interested in the history of the car. I make no warranty or guarantee. I am just providing information.

I hope a mini enthusiast ends up with the car. It is a special car.


Steve

 

Hi Steve, hope all is well with you!

 

All is good. Still have one WC50 and a GP2. Happy motoring!

 

Number 443 has been totaled. One less in the US. Now there are only 49 and how many are still in good condition?

 

Waiting for good weather.

 

Tucked away in my garage is my time capsule, 4,000 mile original untouched WC50.



Totally original



Perfect factory interior still smells new.



Is this the lowest mileage WC50 in the country? Let me know.



The JCWs keep each other company in the garage.

 

Also tucked in my garage is my WC50.

Similar to you is our JCW Coupe.

 

The one at Schomp MINI has around 1k miles I believe.