MINI Takes the States

Sections: Events Apr 13th, 2006 20 Comments

MINI USA will offer the first batch of 80 GPs delivered to the US a chance for a truly special delivery experience. MINI USA will be announcing the plans at the New York autoshow today.

Here’s what we know; MINI will fly the first GPs out to Monterey Historics in California where the lucky owners will pick them up. After the festivities are over, you will have the chance to join MINI USA, journalists and MINI owners for a cross country road trip culminating at Limerock. Along the way the caravan will be stopping in major cities and picking up even more MINIs for the rest of the ride.

We’ll have more on the plans (including the official press release) shortly. Whew… we’ve been keeping that under wraps for way too long….

Written By: Gabe

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com Dave

It strikes me as ambitious, but I wish them the best.

First 80 owners is probably about 1 from each dealership (my speculation). The article says they’d fly the cars to Monterey (which seems unnecessary since a ground transport would be a half day trip from the Port Hueneme VPC). Any rumors about whether MINIUSA would be picking up the tab for the owners to get to Monterey?

It will be interesting to see how many new owners decide to take on this cross country trip and put a few thousand miles on their brand new special editions.
Erik Rutberg

So how long will this event be? I was at my dealership today and the manager told me there will be 2 events. One starting at Monterey and the other at Niagra Falls. She was not sure were I would be going, but would know in the next 3 weeks. I am on the East Coast, so if there are 2 starting points, I would assume that I am starting at Niagra Falls. Can’t wait to hear more. I was excited for the car, but I think I more excited for this event now. If we all start in Monterey, I have to start convincing the wife why I need to be away a couple weeks, while she stays home with the 2 year old. I could do the cross country drive in 2 days (did it in my ’88 M5), but since the Monterey Historics and Lime Rock Vintage festival are 2 weeks apart, I think that is what BMW has in mind for a timetable.

Erik Rutberg
Micah

Dammit I wanna do that! Anyone feel like sponsoring me for $30K?! I promise the GP will get driven properly and taken to the track on numerous occasions (and I’ll also give you my ’06 Space Blue/Silver MCS)… :)
alpha-6

Any chance of the GP making an appearance at THE DRAGON in NC??!?!? (much like the fully loaded JCW cabrio did last year.)
http://www.wezensky.com dickdavid

…Along the way the caravan will be stopping in major cities and picking up even more MINIs for the rest of the ride.

Picking up more GPs or is this one of those Forrest Gump-cross-country things where anybody with a MINI can join? That would be fun if I could get off work and put my life on hold.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Picking up more GPs or is this one of those Forrest Gump-cross-country things where anybody with a MINI can join? That would be fun if I could get off work and put my life on hold.

Yes.
http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

Finally! :)
http://www.nemini.org GMINI

finally announced. much more appealing than the story first told me.
Charlie

OK; so if I live in Monterey, and I’m buying in Ohio, where do I take delivery of my GP?
Patrick

So that’s what was meant by “Buying Experience”.

Great idea and all, but … isn’t this kind of thing more for those with way too much time and money on their hands and can just drop what they’re doing?

I think Ferrari owners do this kind of thing.

Anyway, for those able to do this … awesome.

Unfortunately, for most of us getting a GP … we’ll have to pass.
MINIAC

As I posted in the another thread …

MINI USA should make it a ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œBuyers ExperienceÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â for everyone who purchases one by having the wheel arches and rear lower trim painted to match the side skirts when the cars arrive at the VPC.
matt tardif

I am ‘first’ on the list for my dealer in Peabody massachusetts. the good news is i am a school teacher and have a summer holiday. I could handle either trip. Sounds like one of my all-time favorite movies. Cannonball run!
Erik Rutberg

I have seen the press release for MINI takes the States. It mentions an east coast starting point too, but does not elude to where it is. Any other info on that? I have a summer to plan. Will east coasters have the option of Monterey Delivery?
http://www.hrmini.com AprilWhine

I’m #1 from Checkered Flag in Va Beach VA! :D

I was told car will be delivered in Monterey and I will be driving cross country, but no other details.
05DSMCS

Can’t wait to see the planned route! I am going to do whatever I can to join this crazy parade, how fun!
Erik Rutberg

Major stops in route, in order:

Monterey, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Albquerque, Amarillo, Dallas, Memphis, Nasville, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Charleston, Charlottesville, Washington DC, New York, Lakeville(lime rock)
Charles

Does this mean there will NOT be any deliveries to dealers before August?
http://Motoringfile.com Mark Hendrie

Any chance of a similar UK event? I suspect the answer to that question is “no” – typical rip-off Britain and we have to pay around $8,000 more than US buyers! I am still glad that I have ordered this car but it does get annoying when we are always ripped-off for.

In relation to release dates – I am first in line at my dealer and have been told September with the cars starting production in July.
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