I just flew from Iowa to pick up an '05 R52 JCW in Albuquerque. It's my 4th MINI, first JCW and R52. With only a handful of low res photos and the reassurance of a mostly forthcoming seller I pulled the trigger.

I just quit my job and needed a change of pace. A leap of faith purchase and adventure seemed like a great distraction. I could have bought countless R53s in my area, but I was under the spell of the JCW.

After a 5 min drive and quick inspection I handed over the cash. Let's be honest, after flying across the country, the engine would have to be knocking for me not to buy it.

Day one: I removed the ridiculous wrap and got 2 hours into my drive before I was sidelined by the combination of snow and 18" summer tires. As whiteout conditions prevailed dull wiper blades and a dry reservoir didn't help.

 

Looks so much better without the wrap!!

 

At least it kept the paint from fading and getting door dings/rock chips over the years. Came off easily at a local shop.

 

+1 much better without that wrap. Saved the paint. Loosk like someone put money into it with the Rare JCW 18" wheels and the Brembo GT brake kit. WOW. Nice find.

 

I like the chrome grill on the red. Been thinking about changing mine to either black or chrome. The black has more of a raw look but I just don't see a JCW as some sub 5 sec 0-60 pocket rocket monster off the line.

How many miles?

 

GPS took me down some country road.

 

Maybe I didn't get as good of a deal as I thought I did. Just noticed the clutch slips in 5th and 6th.

 

how many miles on it? At least you can get rid of the dual mass flywheel now.

 

After the trip, 80k miles.Whats the difference?

Albuquerque, NM to Dubuque, IA in just under 3 days..

Made a little detour to Baron MINI in KC.


Tomorrow the detailing begins..

 

Did they send you to Bilski's for lunch?

 

Nice find, and I'd say it was worth the trip other than the clutch but it got you home. I have the R95 wheels and my car is Chili Red too. Nice to find the condition of the paint and bodywork in great shape because of the wrap. Kinda wish I had a R52, but I may have to start looking for one with the JCW, yours as the inspiration. Nice garage to work in, Cheers!

 

No, I went to my old stomping grounds, Free State in Lawrence.

Maybe we can trade once I get it cleaned up and new clutch installed. This is my first convertible, but I'm already wishing I'd stuck with the hard top.

 

Yup, Iron Man and Copperhead are occasional favorites. There's just too many and too little time.

 

I want to see more pictures from your trip! This past summer I rode from PA to LA and back across the south and midwest. Was amazing experience.

 

I spent the morning clay baring the paint and was able to remove many scuffs and dings. Overall, paint looks pretty good. Kids had a good time taking the Cooper to school this morning (don't worry, top went up). I gotta say, as a former R53 owner, it's so much easier to get kids in car seats without a roof! After getting some quotes for the new clutch, I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't slip in the least bit this morning, even with spirited driving. It was slipping in single degree temps, I wonder if thats related. I guess I'll hold off on that job until I have more time with it.