Year: 2006
Make: MINI
Model: Hardtop
Price: $1
Mileage: 100
Color: red
Private or Dealer Listing: Private Listing
Location (Region): Midwestern

From the eBay auction description: ”The following is a write up about the car and all its options: 2004 two race Mini's were built and shown to MINI USA as part of a marketing exercise to fine major sponsors for a USA MlNl Challenger Series similar to the series run in the UK. MINI USA was loaned one of the cars to test and help fine sponsors, but no major race series, Indy Car, Rolex, Grand AM, etc. had track time for a new race series so the exercise died. The Tuner shop that built these race cars built some customer ordered street cars and this is the 7th one built at a total cost new of over $52,000.”

I’m not sure what shop built the cars, but IMO, the only cars with any provenance might be the two original race car samples. Even the description makes it unclear about the original two race cars, and whose marketing exercise it was. As written it sounds like MINI had nothing to do with the original idea since one the the race cars was loaned to MINI USA to shop around the race series idea.

Does anyone have any more info on this story, or know what shop built the cars? Without more info I would value the car the same as any other JCW with similar mods/options, condition and mileage.

 

 

I couldn't find any good info regarding the early USA Challenge.


I do like how the early UK Challenge cars were spec'd with the classic John Cooper Motorsport bits o' kit --- a precursor to Works?
The vintage typeface was used...
AP 4 pot front calipers with 2 piece discs - original challenge spec:
Interior:
Many many thanks for the info --- it's really sort of amazing just how far a fabricated plaque can carry on a fiction and continues to be offered as a rare pukka gem when in reality it ain't what it's made out to be at all.

Amazingly,
this fiction has been carrying on ever since 2008:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...le-in-usa.html

...now it seems to be recirculating in the market yet again!

 

Super sweet Sidewalk

https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/...571501467.html

 

Looks pretty clean for 140k miles! I've never seen this color combo

Its slightly high in miles, but in that goldilocks number where it most likely had all the important things done recently (optimistically speaking) to stay on the road. Nice find! Work the dealer down $7-800.

 

extremely low mileage!

06 MCS
18,068k miles
$13,250

Bonus points:
rare Royal Grey Metallic and slicktop!

https://utica.craigslist.org/cto/d/2...571761652.html

 

if it only had the Chrono pack!
:0

 

Check Mate!

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/d/2006-mini-cooper-checkmate/6579229192.html

 

I shouldn't keep looking at CL after I buy!

This is a better deal than I got.

2013 2500 mls

 

Yeah, but P-R-N-D-L

 

06 MCS JCW
117k
$7,995

Slicktop with LSD.

Seems slightly overpriced but aside from a few obvious issues appears to be in rather good shape as far as just looking at the pictures.

The engine bay looks great.

Why do the cloth seats always seem to soil so easily?
I've seen it a lot when looking at these cars.
That said, I think I'd like the split style, the leatherette/cloth (in grey/black though) --- what are they called?

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/c...574435576.html

 

I would seriously consider that if I were closer!

 

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto...586881301.html
just posted mine up for sale! fixed a whole bunch of stuff and just figured out i couldn't swap out of my imprezza lease because of stupid chase bank...

 

Clean title, but not seats

 

04 R53
140K
$1,000
Nashville, TN

The engine blew but...

"Ddm cold air intake, straight piped from cat back to tips, black out headlights, carbon fiber gas cap, black door handle overlays, blacked out bumper lights and headlights. Suspension was completely redone about a year before blowing. BC Racing Coilovers, tie rod ends, all ball joints, moog adjustable rear control arms"
+notched scoop, XXR wheels (I wish he was parting out)

https://nashville.craigslist.org/cto...590272246.html

 

if that was closer I would buy it, i have a engine in the garage

 

2006 R52S with only 6,500 miles? If this is legit this is a bargain at $7900.

Seller did have it listed at $10k on Facebook Marketplace, but took that ad down.

https://masoncity.craigslist.org/cto...590101232.html

(copy saved on CL saver here: http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/vie...6R52SMasonCity)

 

Only 3 hours away.. Hmmmm.. Interior is pretty dusty, might now have been looked after very well.. But 6K miles!

*Anytime a seller calls an R53 a "Turbo" is cause for alarm, but this might just be an old man since he also listed his cell number (most likely landline) in the advert.

 

I am tempted to go and look at this one. I need to stop looking at these for sale ads :/


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=COOPER

 

I want this but I read the listing. They say it has heated seats and premium stereo.... MC40 didn't come with those and based on the pics the listing in wrong. No HK grills and the seat buttons are not there.

 

If you're in the market for a MC40, here's a wonderfully maintained one in the bay area (California). Owned by the Mini tech that has been working on my car when needed. I've driven home for a day and can confirm that it's a great driver's car

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...597334289.html

 

Looks very nice and well maintained!

 

want!!!!

 

Not bad.

https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/c...593676764.html

 

https://annarbor.craigslist.org/cto/...609976800.html

Not too bad, maybe a little high on the price but given mileage/condition. Reflection of the owner (?) in the paint on the hatch shows a mature gentleman, so could be a well cared for weekend car. Cup holder bracket has been replaced with an anthracite one.