[{"id": 4035227, "authorName": "Whee", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/whee/", "bidAmount": 40, "content": "$40 bid placed by Whee", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1578967475, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4035245, "authorName": "alexlrose93", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alexlrose93/", "bidAmount": 250, "content": "$250 bid placed by alexlrose93", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1578967886, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4035325, "authorName": "Winchm60", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/winchm60/", "bidAmount": 1040, "content": "$1,040 bid placed by Winchm60", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1578970247, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4035331, "authorName": "Winchm60", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/winchm60/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautiful example and low miles on one of the best drivers cars out there; what's not to love!? I remembering adding the CF dash to my old R53 and what a huge change it makes to the appearance. Looking forward to this one.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1578970420, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4035338, "authorName": "Dkjonestx", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dkjonestx/", "bidAmount": 3100, "content": "$3,100 bid placed by Dkjonestx", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1578970670, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4035339, "authorName": "PWSchuh", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pwschuh/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Not really a fan of the modern Mini, but this Monte Carlo tribute is the one I would consider owning.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1578970711, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4035395, "authorName": "genevamotorcars", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genevamotorcars/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow, I thought I was the only one with a low mile MC40. Mine does have the JCW though. Definitely unique cars!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1578972428, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4035535, "authorName": "Number_Six", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/number_six/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Looks like the Wheeler Dealer car.\r\nPretty cool.", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1578977395, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4035561, "authorName": "noqno21", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/noqno21/", "bidAmount": 3200, "content": "$3,200 bid placed by noqno21", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1578978327, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4035573, "authorName": "HeavyTank77", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/heavytank77/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have an '04 Cooper S with 65k and its beyond a hoot to drive. Good versions of this are going up and the MC40 package only adds value. Probably more in the UK than in the US, but still a rare example. Best of luck!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1578978819, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4036077, "authorName": "topshoe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/topshoe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had one of these for 8 years. Had the JCW kit installed on mine. Put over 100k miles on it. Love that little car. Looked brand new when I sold it. Only reason I got rid of it, was I just wasn't putting any miles on it and these cars need to be driven. Still have two extra wheels if anyone needs spares.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579015449, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4036186, "authorName": "Dkjonestx", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dkjonestx/", "bidAmount": 3300, "content": "$3,300 bid placed by Dkjonestx", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579018208, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4036683, "authorName": "Rich_Truett", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rich_truett/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Love those rare extra gauges!\r\nThat's a very cool option.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579027206, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4036777, "authorName": "mnirips2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mnirips2/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Great example of the rawest MINI chassis. Good luck with the auction. I was happy with the final bid on my 2003 Cooper S. Don't get discouraged at low initial bids- things will heat up fast at the last minute. I promise!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1579028662, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4037544, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks @mnirips2. Appreciate the insights into the auction and comments on the Mini", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579034220, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4037557, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Rich_Truett. Gauges are a nice extra that came as stock with the MC40. Nice to know the oil temperature is where it needs to be to show the right mechanical sympathy to the car", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579034346, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038042, "authorName": "Noonzio", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/noonzio/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Probably worth pointing out that this has the pre-facelift 5 piece dash, but the post-facelift 3 spoke steering wheel - do you know if the 3 spoke steering wheel was an owner modification, and if, so, are the connections still in there (behind the airbag) for the cruise control and stereo operations?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1579038642, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038183, "authorName": "Rich_Truett", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rich_truett/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jaymcary when I bought my '03 Cooper new, I had those gauges installed at the dealer. Maybe one of the few non S Coopers to have those. I loved those gauges, which were like $500 extra.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1579039940, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038300, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Noonzio Thanks for the comments. To the best of my knowledge and with a quick Google image search, all examples have this set up. I'm not aware that anything was changed from the factory", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579040819, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038431, "authorName": "topshoe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/topshoe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The steering wheel is stock. The three spoke steering wheel came out in 2004. Mine had the same one. This car is completely stock except for the window tint and JCW exhaust and stubby antenna.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1579042214, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038453, "authorName": "genevamotorcars", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genevamotorcars/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jaymcary, @noonzio. That steering wheel is correct. All MC40s had the three spoke wheel. Some other 04.5s had this as well. Everything looks correct in terms of factory original on this car. Same as my MC40. 04 was a weird year. I have owned about 5 of these R53s and 04s are by far the strangest year in terms of options. Hope this helps!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1579042602, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038524, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@genevamotorcars, @topshoe. Really appreciate you both jumping in to clarify with your excellent MC40 knowledge!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1579044458, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038723, "authorName": "Winchm60", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/winchm60/", "bidAmount": 4040, "content": "$4,040 bid placed by Winchm60", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579049552, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4038725, "authorName": "LBCfan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lbcfan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Does this car have a functioning cruise control? Might be useful if I were to bid, win and need to drive it home (LOL - PS don't tell wife)\r\nAre the front seats heated or not on the MC40s - and on this particular model?\r\nMine were nice benefit on my S convertible, but had move on 18 months ago", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579049557, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038839, "authorName": "Tomfitz73", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tomfitz73/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Is your MC40 running a stock engine tune or was an aftermarket or custom tune installed when the supercharger pulley and exhaust was installed?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579052434, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038845, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Tomfitz73 The engine tune is totally stock. No custom tune. Just the pulley and exhaust changed", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1579052622, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4038897, "authorName": "bgnejad", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bgnejad/", "bidAmount": 4500, "content": "$4,500 bid placed by bgnejad", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579054076, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4039001, "authorName": "genevamotorcars", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genevamotorcars/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@LBCfan. MC40s had no cruise control, and it was not an option unfortunately. However, this makes it one of the most drivers oriented R53s made. Also one of the lightest!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1579056952, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4039028, "authorName": "Will88", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/will88/", "bidAmount": 4688, "content": "$4,688 bid placed by Will88", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579057740, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4039184, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@LBCfan, Also no heated seats. Not a problem in Southern California but understand they're helpful elsewhere. Thanks @genevamotorcars for the answer on cruise control. It is a great drivers car. The whine of the supercharger completes it for me", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1579064959, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4039218, "authorName": "OneFortyThirdScale", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/onefortythirdscale/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good looking well kept R53. I noticed a lot of gunk in front of the passenger front damper area in the engine compartment where it looks like a ground is connected. Where is that gunk coming from?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579066766, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4039241, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks @OneFortyThirdScale. I took a closer look and difficult to determine what it is. There is no evidence of anything fresh and it was easy to clean off with a damp cloth from the plastic. There is no leak of any kind so believe it may have come from lubricant for the connection but I am not 100%", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579068623, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4039282, "authorName": "muscrum", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/muscrum/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jaymcary @OneFortyThirdScale that fluid is likely from the the hydraulic engine mount. They are prone to failure and are an easy diy replacement.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1579073832, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4039763, "authorName": "topshoe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/topshoe/", "bidAmount": 5200, "content": "$5,200 bid placed by topshoe", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579102061, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4040165, "authorName": "TTG", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ttg/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is my fav R53. Great looking car and GLWA!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1579109440, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4042390, "authorName": "John_B", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/john_b/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have the same exact car, an '04 MC40 that I purchased from a good friend a few years ago to use as my foul weather driver. I wanted something that was small because mostly it would be just me driving it. It had to be OK in snow, which I figured it would be because well, rally car, sort of. It had to be able to haul around a reasonable amount of stuff, which it can because the rear seats fold down and it's a hatchback. It had to be reliable, which it has been absolutely. I bought it like this car with 34k miles and have put another 20k trouble-free miles on it. Last but not least, it had to be kind of cool and fun, which it most certainly is, and this is the part that has just blown me away. I've never had a Mini before, but this thing just makes me smile every time I drive it. Like the auction car mine also has a smaller pulley and JCW exhaust. It also has a camber truss, a cold air intake, and I believe an ECU tune. I think it makes about 220 hp. It came with a set of summer tires and winter rims with Blizzak snows. I started enjoying the car so much and running it pretty hard that I put a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on it, replacing the runflats that it came with (it never had a spare). The thing is shockingly agile and grippy in turns. Highway exit ramps are a particular joy, where it tries to pull the cheeks off my face. The sound of the supercharger wail under full throttle from 4,000 to 7,000+ is absolutely intoxicating. It's kind of like that little red devil cartoon character pops up on your shoulder all the time goading you on saying \"Come on! Hit it!! I've had it up to 140 on the highway and it's rock solid. One thing: With the flashy race/rally inspired graphics it seems to attract a lot of people that want to race it. I think people assume it's a sheep in wolf's clothing and easy prey. It's not! Many expensive and sporty cars have been surprised by this scrappy little Mini. I've been very fortunate to have had quite a variety of exotic and sporty cars, and still do, but this little car has completely taken me by surprise. There are few cars that the more I drive them, the more I like them. This is one of them.\r\n\r\nTo the seller: GLWTA. \r\nTo the new owner: You're about to be blown away!", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1579130081, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4042540, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@John_B Can\u2019t thank you enough for the ringing endorsement. It is an absolute blast to drive as you say and the supercharger makes you want to hear it again and again. Nice to meet a fellow owner.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1579133601, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4042609, "authorName": "DAC1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dac1/", "bidAmount": 5300, "content": "$5,300 bid placed by DAC1", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579136139, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4042978, "authorName": "JohnMD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johnmd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had an '03 Mini Cooper S. The mini messaging system was great, I definitely held those signs up as I drove by people. They also worked well for blocking the sun when it was shining through the window.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1579146069, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4043012, "authorName": "Apollocreed", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/apollocreed/", "bidAmount": 6600, "content": "$6,600 bid placed by Apollocreed", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579147634, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4043017, "authorName": "Spoolenturbo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/spoolenturbo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This car makes me smile!!\r\nMy first introduction to new Mini's was a 2004 JCW MC40 I bought 6 years ago with 8200mi on it from a guy in Calabasas (Southern Cali).\r\nI had a company reproduce the #37 door magnets with 3M looked amazing!\r\n\r\nHad 3M company in Texas per my VIN# got me all original vinyl stickers. The factory stickers are super this cheap and degrade. Fact this car comes with them is AWESOME.\r\n\r\nNever had any issues at all, did my maintence myself, only thing was that damn Passenger motor mount filled with Hydrolic fluid. They last maybe 20K miles then puke out the front.\r\nI noticed this car definatly 'has' or had the problem, if the rubber square near top of mount is touching the canister (bottomed out) needs replacement. Super easy!!\r\n\r\nLong story short mine was lost at 57,000 after getting side swipped by a Tahoe on 91 Fwy. Then head on into the K-Rail center divider at 70 mph. After that a 76 Unocal rig couldn't stop and hit the back spun around again..... WALKED AWAY with three cuts on my hand, and dizzy as hell. THESE are incredibly well built the R53 is the best!!\r\n\r\nWish I could buy this one.... Good Luck @jaymcary and winning bidder.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1579148170, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4043042, "authorName": "DAC1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dac1/", "bidAmount": 6700, "content": "$6,700 bid placed by DAC1", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579149581, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4043835, "authorName": "Apollocreed", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/apollocreed/", "bidAmount": 7000, "content": "$7,000 bid placed by Apollocreed", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579191943, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4043840, "authorName": "kobe-sean", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kobe-sean/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "How much HP would it be producing?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579192063, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4046586, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Kobe-Sean. It originally made 163bhp. With the JCW exhaust and 17% pulley it may have changed slightly but I would count on the 163bhp", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1579222403, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4046604, "authorName": "kobe-sean", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kobe-sean/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jaymcary - Oh nice. Thanks for the information.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1579222956, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4046827, "authorName": "Regenmeister", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/regenmeister/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This looks to be a very well kept \"honest\" car - I have three RB53 Cooper S all bought during the past 12 months (1) Blue with white Cooper Hood Stripes and Union Jack Wrap on the roof 63k miles (2) Yellow, gray leather interior 67k miles and (3) Red with white roof 23k miles, all in immaculate condition - these are great little cars, supercharged \"S\" the best of breed and series 1 are fast heading to collector status. Lots of punchy torque that kicks in at 3k rpm and travel flat through the corners.\r\n\r\nTo the prospective purchaser, make sure you get full ownership history and all the books and manuals that come with the car. The service manual is important as it shows a maintenance history, major milestone history completed and has an electronic history of service dates and type undertaken. Regular preventative maintenance is important as with any car. If dealer service, there this will be recorded in a central data base accessed by all dealers and a good idea to get a health check on purchase. Major service will costs approx. $1k top to bottom. Can go up to 205 on tyre width if you want. Also check if all tools are there, very hard to come by and expensive to source, especially factory tow eye.\r\n\r\nWhilst expensive, (BMW) maintenance should be undertaken by dealer to ensure original parts fitted where possible on major items to maintain vehicle integrity, consumables like windscreen blades not so important, eBay good source of part information but beware of cheap nasty product from \"Chindia\" also some Mini specialists charge like wounded bulls.\r\n\r\nAnybody 6ft+ tall may find a bit squeezy and rear seating useless unless for children, really a two seater with token back seat like early MGB's or Corvettes.\r\n\r\nGreat cars and best bang for buck if Tarmac Rallying, spirited driving or use around town ;-)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579229286, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4047040, "authorName": "2006JCW", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2006jcw/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I\u2019m a BAT lurker. It\u2019s my nightly guilty pleasure that my wife thinks is getting a bit weird. Never thought to comment until I saw this gem. I\u2019m the owner of an 06 JCW with 18K miles on it. I found it last fall, bought it, and got only a few hours behind its wheel before winter hit the Canadian Rockies and forced my find into winter hibernation. \r\nThese cars are bloody amazing......one of the most engaging drives I\u2019ve experienced. Finding fresh lower mileage R53\u2019s like this great MC40 is very tricky so the future owner of this one is a very lucky bugger. Great cars, great R53 community and the most addicting noise from that SC that I can think of. \r\nGLWS. Well presented seller.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579236248, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4047074, "authorName": "7six7", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/7six7/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My very first new car purchase was an Indi Blue Cooper S with a white roof and stripes. I was stationed in Germany & on my way to a new assignment in England. My wife and I picked up the car at the dealer in Stuttgart and proceeded to drive across Germany, France, and through the (then new-ish) Chunnel to our new home in Cambridgeshire. I absolutely LOVED that car. It was the first real performance car I had owned and I taught myself heel/toeing, trail braking, and the definition of lift throttle oversteer on English B roads over the following few years. Since then, I\u2019ve owned quite a few interesting and involving cars, but I\u2019ve never had a connection with a machine like I did with that car (I guess it\u2019s true when they say you never forget your first). It just exuded character and almost goaded you into driving it like a maniac EVERYWHERE. A trip to the market for butter meant exploring the limits of grip on every delicious English roundabout along the way. It was the perfect car on the perfect roads. Anyone who purchases one of these first gen \u201cnew\u201d Minis is guaranteed to have some fun, no matter how miserable they are. This example looks to be in great condition and the collectibility factor is high with the MC40 package. I\u2019ve got half a mind to bid on this thing, but I just picked a Mazdaspeed Miata weekend car and another \u201cfun\u201d purchase might find me permanently banished to the garage by the wife. Come to think of it, that might not be such a bad fate!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579237893, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4047553, "authorName": "topshoe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/topshoe/", "bidAmount": 7200, "content": "$7,200 bid placed by topshoe", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579273412, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4048300, "authorName": "mfburns", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mfburns/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Chiming in here as I was the second owner of this car, so know both the original owner, and the seller.\r\n\r\nI bought the car in 2018. The original owner was a woman who got the car on retirement. She kept it for 14 years, holding onto it longer than she expected because, in her words, the subsequent generations of (BMW) MINI\u2019s weren\u2019t as good as the first. I think many of us agree with her. But, 14 years in the car wasn\u2019t being driven often because it was a stick. \r\n\r\nIt\u2019s self evident she took care of the car.\r\n\r\nWhen the warranty expired she bought a service contract. This is noted in the Carfax in 2008. From then all the way through 2016 you\u2019ll see regular Dealership servicing, also listed on the Carfax, so it was clear to me that mechanically the car was excellent.\r\n\r\nShe also kept all the cars MC40 coolness. The decals weren\u2019t removed. The custom MC40 floor and trunk mats (which were rubber, being true to this car\u2019s \u2018Rally\u2019 special edition heritage) are with it.. The covers for the fog lights too, which is rare. The plaque in the centre console is intact. The MC40 gear shift. Having all of this made it really, really rare. So, I bought it.\r\n\r\nI then shipped it in a fully enclosed container to Los Angeles. While it cost 2X the cost of an open container, that\u2019s how I treat my cars, regardless of value. Pic 28 shows it coming off the truck - I supplied the pic to the seller.\r\n\r\nI then refreshed everything the car needed, money no object. \r\n\r\nFluids and oil. \r\n\r\nOne of the additional gauges standard on the MC40, the Oil Temp gauge was not connected correctly and wasn\u2019t working. It was replaced with a new OEM part.\r\n\r\nNew Pirelli P-Zero tires - the MINI spec model were fitted all around. \r\n\r\nOn the passenger side at the rear the headliner was showing signs of failure, so it was replaced.\r\n\r\nI fitted four new, OEM carpet floor mats, preserving the MC40 mats.\r\n\r\nThe tail-lights, which had become little cloudy, were replaced with new OEM ones. At first I thought it was just on the surface so I polished them, but it turns out the outer-most layer has a tiny air outlet (by design) and the cloudiness was on the inside and couldn\u2019t be polished out. The originals are still with the car.\r\n\r\nThe decals, which are original, were all covered in UV-protecting Clear Bra to preserve them.\r\n\r\nI went to the design company used by Wheeler Dealers to make spares of all the decals, but unlike the TV show, who didn\u2019t have the originals and had to guess the size and design from pictures, we were able to update them to be exact replicas of the originals. That sort of detail matters to me.\r\n\r\nI also made a couple of very small changes that I think are improvements.\r\n\r\nThe windows were tinted.\r\n\r\nThe rear section of the exhaust was swapped out for an OEM John Cooper Works exhaust. This makes it pop a little, and sounds fantastic. The original is with the car.\r\n\r\nThe rear antenna was replaced with an OEM stubby antenna.\r\n\r\nThe Supercharger pulley was replaced with a 17% pulley. It\u2019s a conservative upgrade that gives it a little more zing, without risk. The tune was not changed. This is reversible is the buyer doesn\u2019t like it, but I can\u2019t imagine anyone doing that - the car is incredible to drive.\r\n\r\nI bought a spare OEM MC40 gear shift. I expect this will be NLA soon, if not already, and it\u2019s a consumable part. It\u2019s new in the box, and with the car.\r\n\r\n\r\nAll of this was in 2018, and the car has covered less than 2k miles since. So, be absolutely confident the car needs nothing. \r\n\r\nLastly, the car also comes with four, new-old-stock MC40 Tire Valve covers. These were an accessory when the car was new, and very rare. They came to me from a friend of mine who is a Pebble Beach Concours winning detailer, who randomly had them. They were never fitted so are new. A pic of them will be supplied to BaT to add to the listing today.\r\n\r\nWhy did I sell it, then? You can see my history on BaT. Early last year I bought a mint VW R32 - another must-own dream car of mine - and I couldn\u2019t justify 2 bulldog-ish hatchbacks. The seller, who in full transparency I am friends with, knew the car, so when I said I was going to sell it on BaT, he said he\u2019d buy it. And did. \r\n\r\nIf anyone has any questions, I\u2019m happy to answer them. The car is honest, rare and wonderful, and in extraordinary condition - likely one of the very, very best examples remaining.", "likes": 12, "timestamp": 1579287073, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4050214, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@mfburns Really appreciate the background on the car. As a loving owner, this is a great description of all of the work that has been done to it.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579302793, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4050560, "authorName": "bringatrailer", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "An additional photo was added to the end of the gallery.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1579311946, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4051164, "authorName": "Apollocreed", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/apollocreed/", "bidAmount": 7500, "content": "$7,500 bid placed by Apollocreed", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579356997, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4051358, "authorName": "TV_Casualty", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tv_casualty/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Fantastic Mini, appears to be in amazing condition. GLWTS, and congrats to the eventual winner!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1579361899, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4052480, "authorName": "pjs911", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pjs911/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Although my 1980 Mini paled in comparison to this beast, I fondly recall the great fun it was. I drove it in the heart of Western Canadian winters and it was stellar. The odd time I got stuck in deeeep snow, I'd leave it in 1st gear, hop out and lean into it (using the A pillar), hop back in and away I plowed looking forward to the next series of reverse/handbrake donuts. Yes, I was a pup. I sold it sooner than I should have but a lengthy backpacking trip to the South Pacific needed funding. Once I could afford it, I chose the 911 path and I've been addicted ever since. Nevertheless, I have always wanted another Mini; clearly this car is fantastic and my \"bidding finger\" is twitching. I wonder if any reverse donuts were executed the during the rally of Monte Carlo?", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579422209, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4053146, "authorName": "alphamotoring", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alphamotoring/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The listing notes that the car has cruise control, no MC40 came with cruise control, nor does it have the MFSW switch for factory cruise, might just be a typo? Either way, as a owner of a MC40 with the JCW kit this is one clean example!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1579465478, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4053329, "authorName": "DanGamble", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dangamble/", "bidAmount": 7600, "content": "$7,600 bid placed by DanGamble", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579474726, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4053356, "authorName": "Apollocreed", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/apollocreed/", "bidAmount": 7850, "content": "$7,850 bid placed by Apollocreed", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579475904, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4053534, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@alphamotoring. Thanks for the comment and for spotting the cruise control error. It has been updated above. In addition, the clear protective film is on the decals only and has been updated above. Want to make sure everyone noticed that. Thanks again", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1579486102, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4053563, "authorName": "c4911", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/c4911/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a great looking car! Hope the buyer and seller end up happy.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579488140, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4053834, "authorName": "Fergy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fergy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm sure it is in great condition, but must not be much fun to drive, as owner #2 only drove it about 1,100 miles in the year he owned it!! - ha.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579527828, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4054586, "authorName": "Mongoose59", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mongoose59/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "We raced a 2005S in La Carrera Panamericana - things are bomb proof. We check tires and fluids daily and had no issues at all. Surprisingly the think is roomy ---- I am 6'4\" and my son is over 6' as well. The rear seats etc. were removed and the car did have a cage. Our best speed through Mexico City was 139.6 so the buggers will run pretty well. Great fun cars they are. Good luck to the seller and buyer.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579544335, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4054722, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Just over 3 1/2 hours left.\r\n\r\nThis is great opportunity to own a rare 31K mile special edition mini. \r\n\r\n- Really well presented example. Outstanding in fact\r\n- Tons of collector items that accompany the car\r\n- Full service history. This car has been loved through its life\r\n- Anything that needed work above and beyond servicing has been done, e.g. headliner\r\n- John Cooper Works exhaust with an extra bit of pop\r\n- On sale today. Who knows if a car in this condition and mileage will be available again\r\n\r\nI've not seen a better example than this.\r\n\r\nI'm here for any last minute questions. Good luck to everyone. Happy bidding!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579546187, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4054758, "authorName": "bretticus4", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bretticus4/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "man. if this were on the east coast i'd have an itchy finger today.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1579546427, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4055175, "authorName": "Gweedoe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gweedoe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have # 919 not as nice as this one but it is in great shape for having 143000 miles on it and its a blast to drive as well as an attention getter.\r\nThis car is worth much more than it is bid up to!\r\nThis is a once in a life time fore one like this.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579549180, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4055845, "authorName": "LBCfan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lbcfan/", "bidAmount": 8000, "content": "$8,000 bid placed by LBCfan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579553660, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4055855, "authorName": "Apollocreed", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/apollocreed/", "bidAmount": 8300, "content": "$8,300 bid placed by Apollocreed", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579553751, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4055857, "authorName": "LBCfan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lbcfan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have it's 1994 (classic mini) twin so they would look great together in the garage (although lack of cruise for a long drive to Texas could get old \u2026.)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579553755, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4055960, "authorName": "JimInManchester", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jiminmanchester/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I bought a 2006 Cooper \"S\" in Texas and had it shipped to New Hampshire for $600 (open carrier). At that price it was not worth the cost of a plane ticket, gas and lodging to pick it up on my own.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579554589, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4055972, "authorName": "MustangBob", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mustangbob/", "bidAmount": 8400, "content": "$8,400 bid placed by MustangBob", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579554704, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056400, "authorName": "cbeene", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cbeene/", "bidAmount": 8600, "content": "$8,600 bid placed by cbeene", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579557920, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056461, "authorName": "sgoldsby", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sgoldsby/", "bidAmount": 8750, "content": "$8,750 bid placed by sgoldsby", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579558288, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056478, "authorName": "Voltron", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/voltron/", "bidAmount": 9500, "content": "$9,500 bid placed by Voltron", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579558411, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056515, "authorName": "VVGoat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vvgoat/", "bidAmount": 9600, "content": "$9,600 bid placed by VVGoat", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579558673, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056534, "authorName": "jharvey89", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jharvey89/", "bidAmount": 9700, "content": "$9,700 bid placed by jharvey89", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579558788, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056545, "authorName": "sgoldsby", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sgoldsby/", "bidAmount": 9802, "content": "$9,802 bid placed by sgoldsby", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579558860, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056551, "authorName": "VVGoat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vvgoat/", "bidAmount": 9902, "content": "$9,902 bid placed by VVGoat", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579558887, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056565, "authorName": "Jblackf90", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jblackf90/", "bidAmount": 10100, "content": "$10,100 bid placed by Jblackf90", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559016, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056570, "authorName": "LBCfan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lbcfan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My forecast of >10k didn't go through as kept getting error message in trying to connect to site? ...but maybe good as I may be wrong anyway?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559034, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056573, "authorName": "MustangBob", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mustangbob/", "bidAmount": 10350, "content": "$10,350 bid placed by MustangBob", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559051, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056577, "authorName": "Jblackf90", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jblackf90/", "bidAmount": 10750, "content": "$10,750 bid placed by Jblackf90", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559083, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056586, "authorName": "MustangBob", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mustangbob/", "bidAmount": 11000, "content": "$11,000 bid placed by MustangBob", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559137, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056593, "authorName": "Jblackf90", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jblackf90/", "bidAmount": 11750, "content": "$11,750 bid placed by Jblackf90", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559194, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4056609, "authorName": "Jblackf90", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jblackf90/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 1/20/20 for $11,750 to Jblackf90", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559315, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 4056611, "authorName": "Reinyb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/reinyb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Very well bought", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559336, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056616, "authorName": "HeavyTank77", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/heavytank77/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "NICE.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559352, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056619, "authorName": "jaymcary (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jaymcary/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks @jblackf90. You got a great car for that price. Congrats!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1579559378, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056620, "authorName": "LBCfan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lbcfan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I tried submitting several times with no success, but if this works ... congrats to buyer and seller on a great car", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559391, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056622, "authorName": "Gweedoe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gweedoe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Great price", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579559415, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056636, "authorName": "Jblackf90", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jblackf90/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Looking forward to seeing it in my driveway. I also have an \u201807 that I also bought on bat. I have to fight my wife for it.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1579559493, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056810, "authorName": "genevamotorcars", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genevamotorcars/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow! Great result for a great car! My 04 MC40 JCW will be on here on a day or two!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1579562103, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056883, "authorName": "TH_Smith", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/th_smith/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hello,\r\nI have a Mini MC-40 with 140k miles. It needs a clutch. So if the winner of this auction is in CA and interested let me know. It would make a perfect parts car or project.\r\nThanks,\r\nTom", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1579563663, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056906, "authorName": "Gweedoe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gweedoe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I think I will list my MC40 it\u2019s in almost as good of condition, I just don\u2019t drive it much.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1579564187, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4056945, "authorName": "Champ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/champ/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "These cars are on the rise already. The hot ones. That GP recently proved as much.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579565196, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4057032, "authorName": "CrazyBMW", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/crazybmw/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jblackf90. Curious how you will like it compared to your 2007. Had a 2007 and now a 2012.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579567689, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4057057, "authorName": "genevamotorcars", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/genevamotorcars/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TH_smith. Contact me Thanks", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579568255, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4058576, "authorName": "Motiv8ed", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/motiv8ed/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Descent result! Maybe my 5k mile MC40 will hit soon as well", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579630466, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4062602, "authorName": "TH_Smith", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/th_smith/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hello,\r\nHow do I get in contact with genevamotorcars? It's probably something simple, but I have never done it before.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1579714538, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7310919, "authorName": "Maccydoo75", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/maccydoo75/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "When did wheeler dealer do up and sell one in USA?.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1637175900, "type": "comment"}]