Wowzer !! The winning bidder really wanted a first generation GP to pay that price. I wonder if’n he has plans on driving it or it’s going to stay a garage queen ??
That's actually sign #3. Sign #1 is when you walk into a room and then think "Why did I come in here?" Sign #2 is when your knees pop like bubble wrap being run over by a steam roller and you are just walking up a flight of stairs. Back on Topic: On Facebook, I saw reports of a 2006 JCW (30k miles or so... well kept) that sold at auction in the UK for over $13k!
not a GP, but a pristine 20k mile R53 with a sunroof https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-mini-cooper-s-49/ unusual color combo that isn't my cup of tea.
I am guessing $12k because it isn't a JCW. BAT buyers are into the badging and don't really know that a JCW isn't much different from a regular S. Looks like a time capsule and you'd feel bad about changing anything from OEM to aftermarket, so technically there's a lack of fun in this car for me - a) you can't drive it much or those low low miles will quickly go up, and b) you can't work and tinker on it much, because it is all nice and OEM, likely doesn't need much more than a tensioner, a few o-rings and an engine mount (even that doesn't seem to be leaking). Swapping intakes and exhausts on this would de-value it. So kind of a boring car for me unless you just want to look at it in your garage.
I could see someone buying this car to mod just because it isn’t a JCW or GP and depending on the mods it could easily be put back to OEM. To use of the car versus keeping the mileage low could be a problem for some but I’m guessing the relative low entry price for such a fun car to drive will result in this car being a fun weekend driver. I’ve seen some cars on BAT go for a whole lot more than I ever thought they would but I’ll guess it goes for $13,500.
$10,600 and just a day or so to go! https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-mini-cooper-s-49/ It is a very well kept car. 15 years old and in spectacular shape. Aero kit all around. Space cloth seats (which wear beautifully and keep you planted better than the crappy leather that MINI used on the Gen 1 cars. It's a beauty (and makes me very happy w/ the price I paid 4 years ago for my R53 JCW).
Two bidders are starting to get serious and the price is up to $11,450. Someone is going to get a near showroom condition R53 to enjoy.
$11,850 with less than eight hours to go. Historically the last couple of hours will see an upsurge of bidding. I agree that this is a pristine car and will be a great buy for someone.
Ugh...no cold weather package There goes any interest I may have had, especially since Ohio has cold and nasty Winter weather.