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Looking to buy a R53 nearby my Western NC area so come at me if you have a CS for for sale....I'm fastidious about my vehicles so just one's in primo condition need apply !! As for past motoring...owned 2 1992 Svx's, a Callaway Scirocco, '67 E type, '72 911T, Evo VIII, , Mazdaspeed 3, Lotus Europa and Elan +2S, and some 2 wheeled guys..an '86 GSXR Limited and '86 RG Gamma 500 were the more interesting ones. Looking forward to finding a 2005 R53 and putting some thought into its handling characteristics . Happy Holidays to All!
Last edited by Craig Moore; 12-23-2019 at 05:41 PM.
Hi and welcome to NAM,Craig!
The gen 1 Mini's are so fun to drive and the 05 and 06 R53 models are best and the 06 in factory John Cooper works are assembled on the line and come with limited slip diff. they were extra on the 05 along with other components. (the JCW are pumped up to 210 HP, and the 6 speed the transmission is well matched to the power and acceleration is smooth an predictable in the twisties. They do not have the scariness on and off the throttle in the curves, so the smoothness gets you through the turns without wanting to pitch you off the road. The 05s can have the same components installed at the dealer, but in most cases the documentation off the VIN is sketchy, to know what you really have. (the 05 is still a great Mini) (I have owned several)
My 06 R53 JCW has the edge though!
I hope you find a good one, as you have owned many nice cars, that shows me you know how to get the power down and around!
I owned a Lotus coupe in the 60' when I was in school in Germany. It was left hand drive and was nameless, as they were only sold as a kit there for tax reasons. I loved that little car, but there was no way to bring it back to the USA, as you could not meet the rules for a legal street car.
My 06 R53 JCW:
This is my favorite and daily driver (not hopped up) So much fun and very well built. Mine was red and enamel paint It was a Elite but could not be called that in Germany. Coventry Climax engine with two 2 barrel Webbers Max out at 135 MPH (assembled in 1962)
I hope you find one soon, as soon after, you will get another!
My home shop:
They have a saying here: " Post pictures, or it never happened!"
Keep us posted!
12-23-2019 | 02:23 PM
