There's something about that Solar Red that I just can't put my finger on. I like it, but don't know why!? Is this a metallic paint? There must not be very many of these around?

 

It is metallic and it was only available for a year or so. Solar Red, Space Blue, and Royal Grey were all designed to work with a silver roof, so the colors were a bit more muted. I saw a Solar Red/Solar Red Cooper earlier this week...it was hot!!!

 

Solar Red was not even offered for 6 months. I believe they promptly killed it from production around the Feb-March 2006 timeframe.

Yes it is metallic. I have only seen like 2 or 3 in the past 2 years so they are indeed rare animals.

 

I got to say that solar red looks stunning!

 

And even if you did have someone local, the paint samples at a dealer aren't a good replacement for seeing a whole car, with top and interior, in order to make your decision. Our local dealer had a nightfire MC, and I would have purchased a Nightfire red if they had it in an S convertible. Reminded me of my old BMW convertible in "Calypso Red." Nice, dark, a little different.

Of course we ordered a White Silver convertible - another color we've never seen in person (excpet on the paint chips).

 

There's a Black MCS Sidewalk sitting up here at my dealers....it makes all the other MINI's look ugly...I must say!!!!

 

Just thought I'd chime in with some pics of my CR and my s/o's NFR together. I'm trying to post pics with different lighting, but maybe it'll give you a better idea how they compare even if the colors aren't dead on with your monitor.










And here's his NFR next to two R53 CR's, one with a white top and one with a black top.

 

Look at that gorgeous color!!

Thanks for posting the pics. They come the closest to capturing NFR of any pics I've seen.

 

Fantastic, thanks for that! Over the weekend I was able to see a nightfire red in person, and while it's a beautiful color, there's just something about chili with a white roof that I gotta have! I've never owned a red car before (brown (Chevette at that!), blue CRX, black Prelude, White Maxima, white Miata and silver Maxima), so I'm going for the chili!

 

Can't go wrong either way. Great choice - though I'm admittedly a bit biased

 

I had a tough time deciding between the two colors as well....when it came down to the ultimate decision, it was which color made me smile the most.
I think both of these colors are gorgeous and either way you will be very happy. Good luck with your decision.