I'll second that thought

 

I like the diecast model idea.

Where would be a good place to buy one?

Looking for a red with white stripes.

 

Matchbox makes a R53 all red. You can get it for less than a buck at Target. Then you could get some white pinstriping or tape to finish it off. In Matchbox terms the difference between R53 and R56 isn't that much.

 

Here are some suggestions:

Go on Amazon and get one of the books--used. They are a fraction of the new price and are usually either new or virtually so. I just bought "The New MINI" 2nd edition, for $.41. Yeah, you read it right. And right after I bought, the price went down to $.38. I could have bought some gas with that money! (Enough to get out of the station, anyway.)

A couple of MINI shirts, or a shirt and a cap. I ordered my MINI on 12/13--the day after my birthday (in '06--I got one of the first R56s), and Hubby gave me a cap. I use it all the time--especially when I've got the sunroof open and the sun is overhead.

A MINI beach towel. I never knew they existed until I was at a MINI Christmas party, and got one. Unfortunately, it was stolen from me in one of those horrible tricks where the next person up gets to steal or select anew. They cost $40 and are really neat. MINI lists them on the official site, so they're probably a parts-order item.

 

Do you have a pointer (URL) or picture of one of these? Thanks!

 

I picked mine up for peanuts at a local accessory store when I was looking for something else! But this looks better:

http://technabob.com/blog/2007/06/08...e-you-need-it/

 

Wally World's cheapo compressor ($20) has a big light at one end--runs off the lighter.

 

You and Minipol are my kind of folks. Having lived in Europe for ten years I know beer when I taste it, and it isn't Budweiser.