I recently bought (from model-mann on eBay) a New York 2004 press release featuring the debut of the MINI Convertible. As well as standard press release text and a CDR, there is a nice “Encyclopedia of Open Motoring” with suggestions for motoring in the Convertible; the contents include such articles as “The Law Of The Top”, “What If Nature Happens” and “What About Hair”:
There is also a “Convertible Contract”: MINI owner hereby agrees to motoring with the top in down, or open position, at least 90% o an operating period. this time period only applicable while MINI Convertible remains in the legal possession of MINI owner. MINI USA recognizes and hereby agrees 10% of an operating period allows for MINI Convertible top be in the up, or closed position.
Apparently the MINI Convertible will be delivered open, with a seal over the close switch:
It will be interesting to see whether MINI USA actually follows through with this plan … will there be MINI Convertible police to enforce the 90/10 rule? 😉
M&I / GBMINI 
I guess that means no motoring during the winter? Brrrr…