Long time MINI owner, friend and ruler of MINIsOnTop driving directions, Richard decided to grab one of the last of the “first gen” MINIs, before the ’07 / turbo version shows up … he went from Dark Silver to Space Blue, and spec’ed his new MINI really nicely with almost everything: Premium, Sports & Cold Weather packs, and the wonderful English Leather seats.
Richard had the roof rack fittings added to the new car (he still has the roof rack from the old MINI) – it’s a bit surprising to see drills being applied to a brand new MINI even before the keys have been handed over!
Richard’s posted his first impressions over on MINI2:
The feel of the car relative to the ’03 is very noticeably better. No squeaks or rattles (at least not yet), the improved gearing is great, and there are plenty of small changes that are generally positive. I’m even starting to get used to looking for the clock in the right place. And the leather seats do not disappoint!
Great to hang out with you Richard – enjoy the new MINI 🙂
M&I / GBMINI 
Nice buddy…will look for the new one around town.
Hey Jared – we were talking about you (and other MINI owners) at lunchtime 😉
Nice pics Ian! Way to go Richard on not drill holes in the front! It is more unique that way! 🙂
Ian, do you have any pics showing the difference between the “aero kit” license plate bracket and the standard one?
Brian, compare this pic of the aero kit with this one of my first GBMINI (but that’s also MCS to MC – here’s a pic of someone else’s MCS)
Ah, so it’s a question of which grille to block. Gotcha. 🙂
Brian, the aero kit bracket has an opening underneath to allow air to flow to the grill behind it.
Uh oh Ian…good things I hope?
Can’t make the BBQ thing – work on Sunday.