Living in the UK here in Cambridgeshire and love it (work for for the Air Force); headed back to the US sometime after the first of the year but don't know for sure where yet (long story).

Single, no kids or pets (will check around when I get back to the states and see if there is a dog which will have me) so looked at the BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and the Clubman. At 6'4" and 20 stone (280 American), surprise, surprise, Clubman came up the winner (not even close!).

Bit the bullet and ordered my Clubman a couple of weeks ago; wanted the Sport package so am supposed to get early December production (it should be here in time to fill one medium size Christmas stocking) and will get to drive it here for a few weeks before bringing it back to the US.

Lightning Blue w/ Silver top and trim, 6 speed Getrag manual transmission,
Sport package w/ 16" bridge spoke alloy wheels, sport seats w/checkered carbon black/black cloth upholstery, front fog lamps (and the rear one too), multi-function steering wheel (need that cruise control) and centre arm rest. The dealer here, Park Mill (just outside the RAF Mildenhall gate) is looking into the cargo net supposedly available on European deliveries to keep cargo (and dog) where they are supposed to be, or at least out of the front seats.

Lots of good posts; learned a lot and expect to see some of you on the road, just where is still the question. Stay tuned.

OldLoad (former C-5 Galaxy loadmaster; 12 years with many UK pub sorties!)

 

Congrats! That is one heck of a Christmas present! Enjoy!

 

Welcome

 

Good for you and welcome aboard. Please promise to let us know when you get your Christmas present and post some photos. As for when you head back to the states, I've no doubt that you'll find yourself in an area with other MINI owners.

Congratulations on your wise decision!

 

Welcome OldLoad. For an American, amazing you're spelling center 'centre'... . Keep us posted on your purchase - very exciting!

I was in London a few months ago and saw a beautiful hot chocolate each day on my way to the tube...made me realize I HAD to have a Clubman! Do you see many in the UK?

 

We are seeing a sudden surge in Laser Blue/Silver clubbies...I guess this wonderful color combo went neglected, and needs to be caught up! Congrats big guy, keep that seat low, and cockpit aglow. Welcome!

 

Congrats and the Obsession has begun.

 

Welcome and congrats! That's not a right hander is it? ...

Happy Trails!

 

Welcome Just got my Clubman S Lightning Blue/Silver last Friday. Great choice

Lois

 

Silly - "center" and "centre" have two different meanings! Please refer to this crazy and long thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=151128&goto=newpost

WELCOME OLDLOAD!! Now that you have some time to plan, I strongly suggest you start researching some gorgeous road trips throughout Europe while you have your beastie there. There are routine ferries between your little island and "the continent" that literally open new roads. And the weather on "the continent" at that time of year is breathtaking!! (Having come from western Germany - Baumholder & thereabouts - myself, I suggest the mountains full of twisties!)

 

Congrats on your Christmas gift! and...

 

...that thread is whacky and I left it ages ago! And couldn't see the definitions after scrolling through. I work with many Brits and understand the meanings to be the same - center/centre as in something in the middle, Or a building - as in the hockey center.

 

I was just teasing. One of the wacky posters in there defined them, but I was too lazy to go back and find it. I live on a street called Centre Hill, and I can't tell you how many ignorami (proper pluralization?) get completely befuddled over it.

 

got it !

 

HANG ON A BIT, now that I pay attention to your sig, YOU JUST GOT YOUR MINI TOO!!!! Well! Congrats all around!

 

YESSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm absolutely in love . He's getting his racing stripes and tinting today, so I had to drive our Honda Pilot to work and it was just so sad for me.

Thanks!