The color on the R53 is nice. Now that you have had a few days with the Countryman how do you like it.
Sorry, I was out of town visiting the UK. The color on the R53 is called Black Eye Purple. It sold as Purple Haze in the US, but in Canada, there is plaque stuck to the bonnet that says Black Eye Purple on it. Best car for my purposes, I have ever owned. The Countryman is the most carlike of SUVs I have ever driven. It handles well and I have driven it in conditions to notice the All4 drive take almost 100% of the torque to rear wheels. The 8 speed automatic transmission (wife needed an automatic) likes to keep the revs low. Like cruising at 1200rpm as much as possible. Which means, it can drone a bit at highway speeds. It works well in Sport mode but also drinks a lot of fuel in that mode. I am a bit disappointed with fuel mileage overall but the power is quite decent. Getting back to the 8 speed auto, I have a suspicion it isn't a true 8 gear transmission. It rubber bands a bit like it was a CVT with 8 fixed ratios. I could be wrong. Other than that, so far, so good.
It's an early build V6 motor'd car and has won a few awards. I'm the original owner. 2011 was the first time it won a first place award in a show where I had to drive pretty far for and have a passport to get there.
Agreed - you have more pics? Looks like its in perfect condition. I hate they stopped it... would have been one of the few American mid engines.
I have lots of pictures, not all them of my Fiero, here. https://www.flickr.com/photos/beken/albums/72157616205753040
I've never seen this MINI in my office parking lot before, but it appears the owner of this coupe found me and parked next to me....like every good MINIac should do.