vwdeluxe * 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible *

[vwdeluxe]

Hey gang! Still lurking the site and keeping in touch with the AWESOME friends I have made here at the ORG over the past 4 years! Who knows, you may even see me at Roswell again ;)

Here are the pics of my NBC replacement vehicle ... a 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible. I have to say that I have never driven anything like this. Truly a go-kart!! I got him in February and he's been a dream. Named Sparky after Speed Racer's mechanic, it's all about driving with a MINI. I've had him out to do laps at Lime Rock Racetrack and WOW what a blast. Some pics show my racing numbers ("53") and that is my tribute to Herbie ... my true love. I still have my '73 Super Beetle Convertible (Bettie) and I will probably post pics pf her as well in a separate post.

Hope everyone is well, and kudos to Jeff and the revamped site! Looks great!

-Steve

[vwdeluxe]

Getting ready to race at Lime Rock, Labor Day weekend!

[vwdeluxe]

The numbers are magnetic and it's so cool how much can be customized at the factory and dealer!

[vwdeluxe]

Ahhhhh, the day that Sparky arrived at the dealer :)

[vwdeluxe]

The day he came home ... before stripes and numbers ;)

[vwdeluxe]

Interior Shot ... Guess I should have listed some stats:

MINI Cooper S Convertible
173hp Supercharged 1.6 liter
6-speed Manual Transmission
Hyper Blue Metallic Paint
Black Fabric Roof
Fully Automatic and Remote Convertible Roof
Chrome Line Exterior Trim
Cold Weather Package
- Heated Seats
- Heated Washer Jets
- Heated Sideview Mirrors
Premium Package
- Automatic Climate Control
- OnBoard Computer
- Harmon Kardon Stereo Upgrade
- Chrome Line Interior Trim
- Multifunction Steering wheel with Cruise Control
Convenience Package
- Automatic Headlamps
- Rain-sensing Wipers
- Auto-dim Rearview Mirror
- Universal Garage Door Opener (Homelink)
Sport Package Plus
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Self-adjusting Xenon Headlamps with autowash
- Front Fog Lamps
- 17" two-peice Web Spoke Alloy Wheels on Performance Tires
- Black Bonnet Stripes
Limited Slip Differential
Dark Blue Leather Interior
Body-color Interior Trim Panels
Body-color Shift Knob
Checkered Flag Wind Deflector
Custom MINI Side Stripes
Rear Fog Lamp
Rear Park Distance Control
Checkered Flag Mirror Caps
Cooper Works Air Intake
European Spec Rear Tailamps
iPod Interface/Adapter
Union Jack Rear Window screen



-Steve

[vwdeluxe]

I love the split folding rear seats ... VERY handy and an easy way for me to carry my 10'x10' tent to shows :)

[vwdeluxe]

Another great feature is the Easy-Load system when the top is up. It allows the rear bottom edge of the roof to be lifted like a hatch to make a larger opening for loading cargo. With the seats folded, you can get some pretty big items in there!

I couldn't fit a beach chair in my NBC's trunk!

-Steve

[vwdeluxe]

A view from inside with the top up ... visibility is not as bad as it appears :)

[vwdeluxe]

The "Sunroof Feature" allows the top to be partially opened up to speeds of 75mph. An awesome way to let sun, light and air in the cabin without opening the roof the whole way. No other convertible on the market in the US has this feature. Way too cool!

The roof can also be opened remotely. Because there are lo latches or levers and it is fully automatic, simply puch the unlock button on the remote three times and hold and the roof and windows open for you. You can close the roof and windows with the convenience close feature (works the same way as VW) by using the key in the driver's door lock and holding it in the lock position.

[vwdeluxe]

The top in "Remote Operation".

[vwdeluxe]

Self-leveling Xenon Headlamps with Autowash, AND they look way too cool!

[vwdeluxe]

Once again, at Lime Rock race track.

Thanks for looking!

-Steve

[w00sh!]

SCHWEET Mini!

:D

[Tommy]

One great car you got there !

[digitalputty]

:cool: What a nice Mini! I would love to have one of them too! hehe. :)

[dnyed]

I love your MINI! :)

[angelworks]

Gorgeous!

Hubby has promised to buy me one of those lil cuties some day soon.

Not that the Princess will be going anywhere------we'll just need a bigger stable!

[vwdeluxe]

Thanks, gang, for taking a peek and all the compliments ... I have to say that I am really missing the VW world :)

I saw an '06 NBC today and picked up the brochure at the dealer ... it came with the coolest DVD of a couple traveling from MA to NY to do a yo-yo show! Has anyone seen this, it's very well done, indeed. I was longing for a NBC and recalling my two trips across country with Trixie, my 2003 NBC, to Roswell. Maybe if the 2.0T engine finds its way into the NBC, I'll consider another :)

Peace!

-Steve

[spdbump2001]

Nice pics of your MCSc Steve! Glad to hear that you got some track time on him. I've yet to track my MCS but I definitely will sometime soon. I whole-heartedly agree with you on the driving experience. This is my first bone-stock car where I can scratch the tires in 3rd! Fun, fun, fun!!

[callisto9]

absolutely beautiful car! thanks for sharing the pics with us!

[Billsbug]

Awesome! Best car I saw at the last Miami Auto Show...wish there was a wagon...:D

[Porkchop]

Awesome! Best car I saw at the last Miami Auto Show...wish there was a wagon...:D

Oh my gosh, you are not kidding... I would pull out of cheap mode instantly and put a deposit down in there were a MINI wagon.

[Pelican18TQA4]

Thanks, gang, for taking a peek and all the compliments ... I have to say that I am really missing the VW world :)

I saw an '06 NBC today and picked up the brochure at the dealer ... it came with the coolest DVD of a couple traveling from MA to NY to do a yo-yo show! Has anyone seen this, it's very well done, indeed. I was longing for a NBC and recalling my two trips across country with Trixie, my 2003 NBC, to Roswell. Maybe if the 2.0T engine finds its way into the NBC, I'll consider another :)

Peace!

-Steve

Don't worry Steve, we still love you :D

[spdbump2001]

Oh my gosh, you are not kidding... I would pull out of cheap mode instantly and put a deposit down in there were a MINI wagon.

It may be a possibility... http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/09/13/the_mini_wagon_concept_-_in_depth

[Billsbug]

Oh...my...GAWD!!! :hitit:

[vwdeluxe]

Just an update to my thread! Still missing the group :)

Rode in my friend's 1998 NB the other day and was getting all nostalgic and stuff ... heehee.


Here is my beloved Sparky after a nice spring cleaning, waiting to have his Winter Wheels removed and the 17" alloys with summer perf. tires installed. :)


-Steve

[Lnzbug]

Very nice Mini:goodjob: My favorite color and everything....wanna trade?

[vwdeluxe]

Thanks Ellen! :D

I am super happy with my MINI, thanks!


-Steve

[Lnzbug]

Hey Steve, what kind of mileage do you get?

[vwdeluxe]

I really haven't been paying attention to it lately, but I when I was - it ran about 22-25 in the city (driving agressively I will add) and as high as 34 on the highway. The MINI S with the 6-speed manual is rated 25/32. A friend of mine has a base Cooper with the 5-speed and she has got as much as 41 on a highway trip! The base Cooper 5-speed is rated 28/36 I think.

:)



-Steve

[Pelican18TQA4]

Steve good buddy, old friend! Nice to see you 'round these parts again.

[Oyveychris]

Those pics make me want to trade in my beetle! Very nice!:D

[vwdeluxe]

Steve good buddy, old friend! Nice to see you 'round these parts again.


Dave, old friend, haven't chatted with you in a dog's age! I have had time lately to return and check out the forums ... missing the VW world every now and then. :)

Let's chat live sometime soon!

Hope all is well.


-Steve

[SeeMKay]

What a fun little car! I have sat in a few but never drove one yet.

It would be my choice if I EVER THOUGHT of getting rid of my NBC. :)

[shellbug]

That is a beautiful car!!!!! I am glad you are loving that mini, I remember all the problems you went through with your nbc. I love the stipes and numbers.
~Shelly

[Ivy]

I LOVEthat mini!!!! My favorite feature on those is the sunroof alternative. That is awsome! Looks fantastic!