Posted a little bit in other threads about this car when it was listed on Bring a Trailer. I was the high bidder but didn't meet reserve, made a deal with the seller privately, and after much messing about (all on my end of the transaction, unfortunately) it has arrived in TX today.

I've only ever driven a GP one other time and only briefly. I drove a 2003 MCS for a few weeks when we took it on trade at the dealer where I worked a few years ago, and my daily is a 2010 Cooper, so I had some notion of what to expect. So far, though, the best part is driving windows down and running up through the gears with some judicious application of the throttle. That whine combined with that exhaust is just wonderful.

Car is in great condition, feels better than the one I drove briefly back in May. Very clean, just as advertised. The seller was so patient and great to deal with, I can't thank him enough.

Eventually, this will be my side project, not to modify or track, but to document my ownership through my blog and social media. This car will be with me for a long, long time and I'm thoroughly chuffed to have it in my garage...

 

Welcome to the group of GP owners.

 

A little piece I wrote for my blog when I picked up my GP. http://taketheonramp.blogspot.com/20...its-place.html

 

Welcome! Lots of knowledgeable folks here who are glad to share information about these great vehicles. I remember back in the '80's when BMW came out with the e28 M5. There was an article in, I believe, AUTOMOBILE that called it the ultimate "Q Ship", meaning a wolf and sheep's clothing. Our GP's are MINI "Q Ships".

 

Enjoyed reading your blog. How's it going?

 

Thanks! It's been going well until recently when the slave cylinder and throwout bearing decided to simultaneously implode. It's at the shop to get new clutch, just haven't gotten around to it over the holidays. Thinking about putting in a Valeo single-mass flywheel setup, but haven't decided for sure. Can't wait to get it back, have a trip planned at the end of April that will involve some good Hill Country roads...

 

Due to a few BIG life changes, I have decided to sell my GP! I'll post the official soon, but it's going to get a detail and a few small bits taken care of in the next weeks and then I'm probably going to put it up on BaT as well as list it here. If anyone wants a fully serviced, low mileage GP look no further.

For reference, here's a rough list of the work that I've done since I've had it:

single mass flywheel conversion with new clutch (Valeo)
motor mounts (top and bottom, with poly insert for the lower)
drive belt
new plugs/wires/ignition pack
Stoptech slotted rotors, Stoptech pads, stainless lines
new headlight bulbs :-)
new exhaust hangers (inner)
oil pan gasket and crank seal replaced
new cabin air filter
Madness filter element for air intake
recent alignment
discrete audio upgrades (amp, component speakers, compact subwoofer, Pioneer head unit, have all original pieces)

Just under 60k miles. Not perfect, but in excellent condition. Would not hesitate to drive it cross country! Likely going with an auction listing, but hoping to see it bring mid-high teens. Might be picking up a new daily driver today, so this will need to go pretty soon. Let me know if interested, feel free to share.

 

Audio install wasn't documented, but here's a photo of the end result. Everything else is in stock locations.
Amp/sub behind driver seat, new head unit, and new components in the door. All are NVX except the head unit is Pioneer.

 

UPDATE:

GP 0813 has found a new home, locally here in SoCal. I have a new(ish) 2018 JCW Clubman to replace it, though, so it's not all sad!