Hi everybody. Recently I attended a Brittish car show in Stowe, VT where my brother showed his Land Rover D110. As I was walking around with my wife, we finally got to the dozen or so Minis that showed up. Now not all of them were classic Minis, but they all were pretty cool. I have always wanted a classic Mini and after looking over all of the classics at this car show, I knew for sure that I need to find one. And, as my brother put it, I got the Mini bug in my head.

So, the long and short of it, the wife and I are learning everything we can, so we know what we are getting into, and hopefully will be buying one next summer. Perhaps I'll find a nice one in Stowe next year.

I have looked around here for a day or two just checking things out and I can't wait to get involved and meet some people that know way more than I do about these awesome cars.


Cheers

 

Well there are not a ton of MINI's out there but if you want and are willing to search you can find one I'm sure. Good luck, you might want to move this post over to the Classic Mini forum.

 

Yeah, this might have been a bit of a long winded intro post lol. I have started looking, but mainly am still learning about them. I don't want to fall into the same pitfall my brother did with his first Land Rover. Lets just say that it will probably just end up being a parts truck.

But, I am really looking forward to finding out all I can and hopefully be part of the Mini crowd one of these days. I love these cars.

 

Hi Murdoc. What reagion of PA are you located? We have several classic owners in our local club (PhillyMINI) and they may be able to help answer any questions.

There is a classic MINI importer in the area too: http://www.miniobsession.com/forsale.htm Don't have any experience with them, but thought it may help with your research.

The LR D110 is rather rare here in the states. My 'other' ride is an Land Rover LR3.

 

I live on the opposite side of the state. I live up in Dreary Erie, but I do have family out the Philly way. Thanks JackMac for the link too, that will certainly help in my search.

As for the D110, yes they are pretty rare especially the RHD models, my brothers was a pretty good find. He got it from either Rovers North or East Coast Rovers, I always forget which one it is.

 

There is a guy in the PittStop MINI club with a classic as well. Pittsburgh is a little closer.

 

Well, one thing led to another, and when the Mini bug bites, it bites hard. So I found myself looking for a MINI. So, I went and found myself one, it is in Pittsburgh at MINI of Pittsburgh, and I get to go pick it up this Saturday afternoon! I am excited as hell for this. It is a leftover new '10, black with white mirrors and roof, they are putting the white bonnet stripes on for me, 6 speed, cold weather package, and sport seats. I am so excited to go pick up my first MINI!

 

Let me tell you a little secret, you picked the best day ever to come get your new MINI. Not only is the Countryman prototype supposed to be around but after the dealer closes the PittStop club is having a big party in the showroom. You might want to see about sticking around.
Official website: http://PittStop.clubexpress.com/cont...item_id=146915
More details: http://www.meetup.com/motoringthebur...ndar/15385943/

 

Gah, we won't be able to stick around, as of right now. But looking to see if we can change our plans for Saturday afternoon.
I am getting so excited to go pick up my MINI tomorrow morning. 26 hours until we leave Erie to go get it! I have never been this excited to get a car!
Thanks amberback for that information, my wife wants to see the Countryman, and so do I. The folks down at MINI of Pittsburgh have been the absolutely greatest. I have felt, for the last week, that I am the most important customer Josh is dealing with. They have gone above and beyond what I have ever seen from a dealership, and because of that, they have earned ALL of my MINI oriented business. Maint, parts, accessories, and someday maybe a JCW. I can't say enough good stuff about these folks!!!

 

sounds like Christmas comes early to your house!

best of luck with your new Mini, and safe driving!

pac

 

They are pretty awesome. I was there yesterday to get my oil changed, they also washed my car and replaced the wipers. I walked into the showroom while I was waiting and the sales manager (that i don't remember ever meeting) knew who I was, what color my car was, and when i bought it! Then I spent about 30 minutes talking to Jon (who i bought my car off of) about mods and going to MOTD.

I know its a bit far for you, but I'd love to see you at some of our events! Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is a big one in the summer that will be worth the drive out for sure. It's a whole weekend thing and on Saturday we get our pictures taken on the West End Overlook (we get to drive our MINIs up a sidewalk!) and then we're police escorted through the city and into Shenley Park for the event. It's quite fun driving through all the red lights with 60+ MINIs in a row and everyone waving.

Another thing you might want to plan on going to is the MINIs at the Pub meet. It's near Cleveland, OH in June. http://www.pubminimeet.com/

 

WOO HOO!!

 

Pittsburgh Vintage grand prix sounds like fun. I'll have to look in to that one.
As far as the Pub, looks like a few people from Michigan MINI would be interested in driving there.

 

Would love to see you there! http://www.pvgp.org/674693113112149/site/default.asp The dates for PVGP 2011 are already up. I think all MINI registration goes through the PittStop club.

 

We finally got the car, at around 1 or so today. And it is now 9 pm and I can't (not that I want to) wipe the smile off my face!!!!! The drive back from Pittsburgh was fun, the errands that I usually dread were fun to go do, I have had this new car for a grand total of 8 hours, and am in love!!! I wish I would have done this sooner lol.

Thanks for all the welcomes and I really do want to get to some of the meet ups, I'd love to meet some fellow MINI and Mini owners.

Oh, and I was giddy with excitement when my wife and I stopped for lunch in Grove City. As we were leaving, we were at the turn light to get onto the interstate, and another MINI was getting off, as they turned the corner, I got my first MINI wave!!!! It totally made my day.

 

congrats murdoc on the new car.

 

Congrats! Pics please!

 

congratz...yeh I wore that "first mini I own" smile for quite a while

still wear it for the most part...especially when I pass other motorists who are driving too slow or too erratically..lol

packimocity

 

Thanks everyone, and the pics will be posted this afternoon. I want to get a few in the sunshine, and it was dreary in erie(as usual) yesterday and didn't want to post up rainy pictures lol.

 

The weather didn't want to work with me yesterday (I was stuck in the basement at work all day) and so I just uploaded the pics I took on Sunday to my gallery. I'd link em here but I think I need to shrink em so they don't take up too much space lol.

 

Looks good! Even in the rain!

Any mods planned already? Black out the chrome? Black or white (if you're brave) wheels would look awesome.

Is this you on my facebook newsfeed? lol http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...26793070691493

 

I was thinking of starting small, like swapping out the side scuttles with the black jack scuttles, maybe. I was also looking to see if I can change the grill to something a little more subdued. But I am not sure yet. The aftermarket is amazing for the MINI's. And I thought the Jeep aftermarket was big lol.
And yes, that is me and the wife!

 

I have the black jack scuttles. When you get them, make sure you put double sided tape on the insert - some of them don't snap in very securely. I've already spent $300 on 2 sets of scuttles. Never again.

 

Thanks for the advice. This is going to be way too much fun, isn't it? Is that even possible lol.