I'm a believer in living an unconventional life, and I decided some months ago to buy a car in California and drive it cross-country to my home in PA, for the fun of the experience. I'd owned an R56 before and struggled with the usual problems of that model. But it was still my favorite car. The newer models call to me, as well, though I've always preferred the size and styling of the R53.

I decided to hunt down a 2006 JCW, and eventually found one with 76K on the odometer. I put it through a pre-purchase inspection, which discovered the usual problems, though mostly just starting. I set three goals. I wanted to make my 3000 mile journey without problems. I needed to pass my state inspection so I could register the car. And I wanted a decent first year of ownership, with the understanding that I'll take on the work myself of fixing what needs fixing.

I flew to California, and the owner picked me up at the airport in his other MINI. He took me to his house, and we went for a test drive. Everything checked out, and we finalized the paperwork. He's an exceptional person, having dedicated his life to the betterment of other people, and I was happy to take over ownership of the car from him.

Then I set out on the drive. I took 10 days to cover what turned out to be over 3400 miles. There was a winter storm tracking me, dumping snow and ice on Southern states not accustomed to dealing with it, so I changed my route and headed North. By the time it was all done, I covered the country from left to right (CA to MD) and top to bottom (TX to MI). I saw things I'd never seen before, and had a great time bonding to this spectacular little machine.

I'm sure the car and I are going to have an interesting time together. I'm going to be its driver and its mechanic, so we'll get to know each other well. I know I've found a special car.

I post this to remind you guys that you also have special cars, and to get out there and drive them. Make your days on this planet interesting.

Here are some pics to show you part of my journey: https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/g/album/12033714 There, you'll see the car with: The Hoover Dam, the St. Louis Arch, and the world's largest rocking chair, among other things.

 

Very cool trip! How did the car do? Any issues?

 

 

Cross country runs are always fun, I'm planning another one for this coming summer. Glad PA got another factory JCW R53!

 

Sounds like fun! I had to leave my R53 in N California last month when we relocated here to Colorado due to the fire in Paradise. I am looking forward to flying back and then driving the little beast out here over the Rockies....I may have lost my house but I still git my Cooper!

 

Looks like a ton of fun. I was wondering what led you into my home state of Michigan, since it's not exactly on the direct line...was it just for the Air Zoo, or did you get to explore a little more of our peninsulam amoenam?

 

 

 

 

Congrats, Love that you did a nice cross country trek in it as people just don't do that anymore.

 

Looks like an adventuresome trip. I hope you continue with the patience and resources to find the alternate routes and roads less traveled for anywhere you plan to go. These li'l cars make the journey what it should be.