As reported here a couple weeks ago the MINI was named the 2004 Marque at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Here's some further news I just received from someone regarding MINIUSA's plans for the event:

I am on the planning committee for the up and coming 2004 Pittsburgh Vintage Grandprix and thought I would share this little tid-bit of info I was told the other day (from a Sales Manager at the local Mini Dealership).

It appears that Mini USA is seriously considering using the 2004 Pittsburgh Vintage Grandprix as the national premier release event for the Mini Cabrio. They are apparently considering using this high profile event since the Mini Cooper was designated the Marque Car for 2004.

This event is approximately 3 weeks before each dealership in the USA is supposed to obtain their one “sample” production cabrio from Mini USA (which is supposed to be roughly 6 weeks before final availability to the general public). How exciting is that to have the first full fledged production Mini Cabrio in the entire USA at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grandprix!

This info of course is tentative on Mini USA's part but what better reason to come to celebrate the MINI/Mini at the Vintage Grandprix in Pittsburgh, PA this July!

Take care!

I have heard that the US introduction of the cabrio might take place at the New York Auto show this April – I wonder if this plan has been put on hold or changed altogether?