Leather. The entire panel is covered, as is the color insert. Same goes for the console.

 

 

And the smell of that leather is something else again. We were out on a Mini run and we all got stopped by the Police for a random breath test (looking for drunk drivers) the cop doing the Goodwood did a double take when my wife put the window down he was stunned by the smell of the leather and blown away by the interior these guys are hard to impress as they do see it all every day.

 

Nothing in that list is a Mini.

Everything in that list will continue to be available when all the Goodwoods are sold that's it no more. Only 1000 people in the world can own a Goodwood only 140 people in the USA can own one and only 10 in Australia. That makes it a pretty exclusive club.

The cars in your list if you have the money well anyone anytime can buy one.

 

There is nothing on four wheels that generates more smiles, thumbs up and "I love your MINI" then you get from all age groups, males and females. The other day I had a adorable young lady say, "You have my dream car". Not many cars generate that response. Plus it make me smile as soon as I open the door, hit the start button and hear it roar to life.

 

The Goodwood Edition is simply smart marketing. MINI knows there are a small group of buyers that both love the MINI concept and have the means to afford the $50K. This is not about is the car intrinsically worth $50K or even a question about are there better ways to spend $50K. It's simply about I love it, I want it and can afford it. The proof that it's good marketing is that MINI will sell all the cars and the owners will more than likely feel they got what they paid for. Some might even admit that $50K is a little nutty for a MINI but they will all likely believe their cars are special and be happy with their decision - which in my opinion is what owning a niche car is all about. Ask yourself is a Bugatti worth $2,000,000.00 - that depends on the same criteria - I love it, I want it and I can afford it. Most of us can justify anything if we can answer yes to those three things.

A MINI is not a transportation appliance and it's not likely the best at anything pragmatic or economic so by this definition we are all guilty of waisting our money. I for one am still a MINI fan - and to put things in context - I am fortunate enough to have a Boxster S sitting in the garage next to my JCW Clubman and I have to honestly say that 9 days our of 10 I am happier driving the MINI. I know, strange........but true.

 

I am the first to admit that the money I spent on the Goodwood is insane remember in Australia we are talking around $84k USD. My wifes family don't get it at all, in fact they never understand anything we buy. We have indulged ourselves a bit over the last few years but we have also worked bloody hard to buy the toys we enjoy.

 

Considering how cheap the interior of my car feels, I wouldn't mind if there was a "interior material upgrade" option for $500-800 if it made a difference in the appearance and feel of the interior. The roofliner is so ugly that I ponder whether to pop it out and glue dark gray fabric over it just so I don't have to see that horrible mousefur.

 

There is a $1000 upgrade to get leather on the dash...or at least, something that looks like it.