Just went in the garage and took my first pictures of John Bull with his top down. I had my first topless drive today .... nothing beats a Roadster!

 

Love the driving lamps! And why does everyone's garage look tidier than my living room...

 

The kids went to college and cleared their stuff out.

I have to get some better pictures outside. Perfect time to do it, but my phone's charging and I don't know where my wife put her camera. Argh!

 

Finally, some outdoor pictures of John Bull. Motoring in a MINI Roadster is so different than simply driving a car. Every day is becoming an adventure! MR. T. - the pictures are proof it did happen!

 

I just love the classy look of the factory JCW exterior trim on the Roadster (obviously I'm a bit biased).

 

Couldn't agree more. Going to the shops with my wife is almost fun now...

 

Copy and paste does a better job than thumbnails. Even if you take the picture on garbage day in the neighborhood. Excellent timing.

 

So, did you get the 25% happy for you, 25% envious, 25% curious, 25% judgmental, “look” from you neighbors yet? . . .

 

I haven't had a chance to catch the neighbors' reactions yet. I will over the next few days, I'm sure. They're still laughing over the Fiat 500 rental I drove while waiting for John Bull to arrive from England. But I'll bet you their reactions will be divided up like you suggest. Someone at NAM once mentioned attending a MINI event and spotting 9 Roadsters in attendance. He said 8 of the 9 were driven by white guys over 50 years-old. I fit the category and I totally understand the attraction of 50+ guys to the Roadster. We grew up in an exciting era of MG, Austin Healey, Triumph, etc., and the MINI Roadster strikes a real chord with our demographic. What will neighbors think? We'll see. I don't really give a damn if I receive any "judgmental" looks. My Roadster passed the test with my wife, daughters, son-in-law, and ME. That's all it takes!

 

Congrats on the R59 and nice to see you had the top down.

 

I'm sure the demographic involves not just nostalgia but practical reasons. I actually wish nostalgia would be more often the reason, a nice and deeply felt emotion. Boy that would be refreshing...
But who can typically afford to spend almost 40k on a tiny vehicle that can only be shared with one other passenger . . . yes, usually a wealthier type person with no kids at home, and no longer much need to hull stuff around = on average (and average only) a 50+ white person


I tell you a story. Our very nice financial guy at MINI had ordered a R59 soon before we picked up ours. He's probably in his mid 20s, early 30s. When we went to pick-up the car he tells us that he's never going to drive his roadster! why? because he and his wife just got news of her pregnancy. His wife wanted a country man which they ordered. That's how it goes...

 

By coincidence, I was just speaking to my son-in-law about your company. He said he has probably spent thousands of dollars with you over the past several years, particularly when he was working on his Audi. Patrick is from the Birmingham, AL area (Mountain Brook). He said you guys were top notch and recommended you for whatever I need for my Roadster. Good to hear. He rebuilt a 1968 Mustang from the junkyard and has since been offered tens of thousands of dollars for it. Beautiful car. He's a lawyer now, but still tinkers with cars whenever he gets the chance.

 

Thanks , Yes if you need anything let me know. And thanks for the kind words. Its nice that he still rebuilds vehicles and gets his hands dirty.

 

By the way, Dave, your car makes me really want the added head lights . . . I'm going back and forth with it, though admittedly it works great on the cleaner front end of the JCW. I don't know if it would look as nice on an S that is a little busier looking (?)

 

Thanks, Gil-galad! To be honest, the JCW exterior package was the single most important option for me. Makes the car 100% IMO.

 

The pictures don't do the chrome driving lamps justice. In person, the lamps give my Roadster a retro flair reminiscent of old time European ragtops. And they work great too. The lamps add an extra dimension to my Roadster that really works for me. My second most important 'appearance' option after the JCW exterior package.

 

I'm glad this day has finally come for you, Dave. Congrats and happy motoring!

 

Notice the GREEN skies! Perfect car for watching these shows!

 

Holy S**t, that is beautiful. Thanks for the amazing pics!

 

+1. Those are amazing shots. How many Ford or Chevy owners care enough about their vehicles to consider similar photography? MINI's are special and certainly warrant such highlights IMO.

 

Thank you, my MINI Friend! Well worth the wait, I assure you.

 

Well I am a Chevy owner and I did it!




I understand what your saying! These minis are just worthy of pictures in any and every environment!

For example:

Makes Lake Yellowstone look better!


Makes a boring road look fun!


Makes nice roads look even nicer!



Even makes my garage more enjoyable!


Makes a herd of Bison look fun!





Ever see the Bonneville Speedway during rainy season... With a MINI?



Empty race track or great excuse for a MINI pic?

 

Can't say I've ever seen green sky........

I'm feeling a road trip coming on..

great pictures.

Congrats.. all of you guys with the new roadsters.

Just be warned, every time you get out of your roadster you will say:

WOW WHAT A RIDE!!!!!!!!!

 

mak, great pics. Thanks for sharing!

 

Great pic of your Roadster, makaveliks.