R52 MINI Convertible Production Ending
The R50/R52/R53 era is just a few weeks away from being officially over. The current MINI convertible (last of the R5x architecture) will be ending production in late June. That means ordering the last of the Tritec era MINIs will end just a few weeks before that. MINI expects convertible stock to be at near normal levels through the summer but to dwindle quickly through the fall.
The next generation R57 MINI convertible (based on the R56 and featuring a number of convertible specific improvements detailed in previous articles) will begin production this winter with sales to start in March of 2009.
Viva el R52!
Who came up with the timing on this one? So they’ll be left without a convertable for a good couple of months….
I guess they don’t want any R52s around when the newer one comes on line….
Matt
Long live the R50, R52 and R53!
The sweet sound of the Supercharged Tritec will be fondly remembered!
Truly, the end of an era.
Many thanks to Frank Stephenson for having the courage and vision to design a worthy successor to the original Issigonis Mini. An immortal design that reflects the passion of a car made by designers, not accountants or lawyers.
Excuse me now, I need to go out and give a big hug to my R53.
I had a 2003 MCS, and loved it. I do not like the new MINIs with their turbos and smoothness. That’s why I bought (arrives soon and now aboard Western Highway) my 2008 MCS convertible – I love the Tritec with its supercharger whine, and the car’s good looks – I think it will become a classic and hold a lot of value 20 years from now.
Faces east… raises a pint and says, “Well done gents”.
Cheers,
Jack
My JCW/MCS arrives in a couple weeks. The only way I’ll EVER part with it will be if the third generation Mini gets it right.
This thing should hold it’s value nicely.
Gabe — is production in winter with sales in 03/09 only with regards to US MINIs?
I assume that Europeans are still getting them this fall, right? or not?
That would explain why production of the R52 ends in June.
Sic transit gloria mundi. A wonderful run of success.
Hey Vanwall, you seem to be heavy into Latin, aren’t you?
Porro ago primoris genetation MINI
A fond farewell to the last variation good looking MINI. I’m with Mowse – no new MINI for me until they fix the current one. I cringe every time I get a newer MINI as a service loaner.
Also, with a convertible that awful speedo and center stack is even more visible. Yuck!
Ya ne znayu. Que?
sad sad
here’s to the original new mini. the best =P
Thanks C4.I was fortunate to have that opportunity. I don’t think any car has been a more fun design challenge than the MINI. It was definitely a designer’s dream project! I’m looking forward to my next move now…it only gets better!
E Plurbis Unum = R52/53 4ever
And if you’re wondering, yes that was Frank Stephenson.
R52 was the first new MINI model where a bunch of us actually made a trek to the dealership to see on it’s national “tour.” Great fun!!! I never needed a drop top myself, but that didn’t stop me from being a big fan. I look forward to the next iteration.
Always nice to hear from Frank! Looking forward to his future projects as well.
And if you’re wondering, yes that was the webmaster, Gabe Bridger. ;P
I wasn’t 😉
It’s VERY cool to know that the actual MINI designer visits this website – somehow it makes everything that much more personal, which I suppose is what the MINI is about 🙂
Once again, I expect the “new new” MINI convertible will be successful, like the R56 is … but too different for some of the “old timers” (like me!)
and me!
Whew. You know, I loved that story till the sappy ending…
<blockquote>(last of the R5x architecture)</blockquote>
?? I understand what you are trying to say, but what about R56, R55, R57, R58? I’d try and find a different wording, because this just doesn’t make sense 🙂
Maybe “last of the R50-based cars”?
I have to say that Frank’s design is my favorite. I just wish he would have stayed on at MINI. The changes made in the R56 are like R53 on steriods.
Frank – if you are reading this – a question.
What do you think of the R56 and the changes made to your design?
I think BMW needs to rethink the direction they are taking the MINI.
The key word here is “MINI” not MAXI-4Wheel-Stationwagen.
What the R50/R53/R52 represent to me is a 1970’s muscle car hidden inside in a small sportscar frame with plenty of additude to boot.
These models I believe will hold their value for quite some time because owners like myself will purchase them used when the time comes to buy another.
Thank You Frank for giving me the opportunity to become a very proud owner of an R52.
Frank is a motoringfile fan? Very COOL!
How about a era-ending interview with him?
One question that has always bugged me. Why did the rear license plate get moved from the rear bumper (in the original sketches) to the rear hatch? I have always wondered what real life rendition of that would have looked like. The sketches were GREAT!
oh yeah – 102k on my 02 MCS and still have a smile on my face.
Frank, best wishes in your next career move. I am sure there are many automakers right now that look forward to your experience, vision, integrity and impressive design portfolio.
DB, Todd and Gabe: I also second the suggestion for a “Live” WRR interview with Frank. That would make for a truly memorable podcast.
A co-worker and her husband just finalized their order for a Sidewalk R52 this past weekend. When doing so they were told theirs was one of if not the last spot available for production.
And they’re trading in their 06 Lexus LS 430 for the MINI.
Quite a change from a LS430 to a MINI! But filling up that V8 Lexus must have gotten pretty old, I bet.
>Frank is a motoringfile fan? Very COOL!
Yes Frank and I have been exchanging emails for over five years now. He’s been a fan since almost the inception of the site.
I will miss the Tritec. The new peugeut turbo engine sucks.
Look what BMW made this poor bunny do.
(Click on my name)
Frank, I have a thought for your next career move. COME BACK TO MINI FOR THE THIRD GENERATION!!!!!!!!
We loved our R52, even driving with the top down from Cleveland OH back to DC two years ago this weekend (Memorial Day trip). The only complaint we had with it was the flexible chassis….the windshield header would vibrate…you could see it in the rear-view mirror. I didn’t notice it until I got my own R53 and then drove the wife’s car.
PGT, did you have any brace bars on it?
Since 2001, my dream was the Frank’stephenson mini…a long wait for the R56 and finally say…”What have they done to the mini design :(, why all cars tend to be massive, botox like as all german cars”. Quickly, i have to buy an R53 before they…too late… no more R53. And one day (dec.2007) i saw a picture (never see it for real !) of THE mini cooper S Sidewalk sparkling silver.Stunning, state of the art, incredible… i didn’t miss the last chance to heard the supercharger,and drive this fabulous R52. Order april 1st, receive 6 months later.
My dream come’s true, thank’s Mr Stephenson, thank’s a lot. I always think that’s sidewalk have been created by somes people at bmw…in “memory” of Franck Stephenson 😉
C4…just saw your Q….we at one point tried to install the M7 USS but it didn’t clear the Milltek exhaust. It did help though I would have swapped to the proper fitting TSW brace when it came out if we kept the R52.