Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: R53 Strut Brace Recommendations.....

The braces on the 'verts is not located in the same place as the aftermarket ones are. The 'vert braces are attached to the front of the chassis forward of the towers to help stop the NVH caused by the roof removal. The towers are located so close to the firewall that they should never move side to side enough to req any kind of bracing.

 

Pretty sure when MINI chopped the roof off they found they had a flexible flyer. A tin topped MINI has a much stronger structure. As I've said many times in many places. I'm sure the strut bars do something. I just can't feel it.

Edit: The convertible also has under-body bracing in the rear suspension.