A few months back we announced a series of limited edition MINIs created with our help by MINI of Chicago. Yet the first of those special editions, a White Silver JCW, should have been in a owner's hands by now. What gives?
A few months back we announced a series of limited edition MINIs created with our help by MINI of Chicago. Yet the first of those special editions, a White Silver JCW, should have been in a owner’s hands by now. What gives? As bad luck would have it, our MF Spec, 2013 JCW was included in a production delay that pushed all new JCWs back to November start dates. On the bright side, the delay has given us some time to gear up for the car’s debut, and MINI of Chicago has responded by including a MF-exclusive bonus of $1,000 in free JCW accessories to the buyer.
What are the qualifying factors for MotoringFile Spec? It starts with performance, meaning you’ll see mostly JCWs. Also expect the optional factory sport suspensions and other options that make MINIs a bit more sporting as standard from us. However, these cars won’t all be ultra-rarified and hardcore. Frankly, if you want hardcore, go buy the JCW GP. Done. Instead, these MF Spec MINIs are meant as daily drivers that look exceptional while staying focused on from-the-factory performance.
As much as we’d like to, we can’t have these cars hand-built (not yet at least). Nor can we option unique paint or include aftermarket accessories. That’s part of the challenge. Our goal is to stay within the factory and dealer installed options list, but set a unique, thoughtful spec far more enthusiast-oriented than what you usually find on the dealer lot. We will also be adding some subtle touches to make these cars even more unique. For example, each car will be numbered via a unique grille badge and key-fob artwork created by MotoringBadges.
Factory Specification (Accessories list forthcoming)
Each MF Spec MINI will be known simply by its number. Up first is a White Silver Cooper S JCW hardtop that uses a wide range of options and MINI accessories to create a high contrast exterior look. Black will be the color of choice for the headlights, taillights, grille trim, wheels (18″ V-Spoke R133s) and center stripes. All this chosen contrast accentuates the clean look of White Silver yet give the car a healthy dose of aggression. We call it “01” and it sets the tone for the MotoringFile Spec lineup.
Inside, it’s Recaro seats, the JCW dash and JCW red trim to complete the interior package. These contrasting elements will let the window gazers know this isn’t just any MINI.
What else does it have? Everything. Literally. For the 01, we wanted to start with a bang. No, it’s not cheap, but for those who want sports style, speed and daily luxury, this can be your car.
Look for MotoringFile Spec 01 to hit the MINI of Chicago showroom in early January. If you’re interested in learning more about 01, contact MINI of Chicago at (773) 969-5700.
If you can’t wait, MINI of Chicago is currently running a special on any JCW or GP order during December. Either car comes with a complimentary track day.
Comments are closed.
<p>Early September? It’s going to take 10 months?</p>
<p>Typo. We assume early January.</p>
<p>are the black headlight/taillight rings now a factory option, I’ve been waiting for them to appear in the configurator but haven’t seen them yet. Also why can’t MINI use the same bonnet stripes on the hardtop that they use on the Coupe, where the stripe extends into the hood scoop? I like the design though, mine will be very similar minus the JCW kit and with 17″ bullet stars.</p>
<p>I’d like to see the headlight/taillight trim in body color. This seems overkill on the black.</p>
<p>Absolutely nothing is exclusive except the badge… Funny</p>
<p>Not sure why that’s funny to you. And not sure where anyone said it had exclusive options.</p>
<p>A so-called limited edition car, with nothing exclusive, you don’t see the little paradox ? If not, some will see…</p>
<p>Why are you so defensive about this? Accept that this was a very poorly executed idea.</p>
<p>I mentioned this last time; it’s not difficult to get custom paint, or even pull a feature from a model they no longer make. There has to be something else other than Motoringfile configuring a car for you….</p>
<p>Guys – speak to the right person at Mini… speak to a brand rep. You do a tremendous amount for Mini – they could return the publicity and offer you a custom car. The body/ engine would have to be the same, but they could could offer you some custom factory accessories / colors.</p>
<p>Who’s working your deals for you? I have a suspicion you’re connect to Mini is your sales guy/manager at Mini of Chicago, rather than going directly to Mini for this. If it’s a bunch of writers/ enthusiasts that are trying to get this done, you’re hurting yourselves. Imagine a group of accountants, who are excellent at what they do, attempt to complete a construction project… it’s a different skill-set. Equip yourself with someone that can make this deal happen and with a unique version on Mini’s website, and some of the bigger dealers in the country, your web-traffic would increase.</p>
<p>We’re not quitting our day jobs to go into MINI manufacturing (as fun as they would be). We could go to MINI or an aftermarket company sure but that’s not what this is about. It’s about crafting a car for the community based on options and accessories available to show what can be done.</p>
<p>What? Who’s talking about quitting your day jobs? Going into Mini Manufacturing? Who’s asking you to manufacture ANYTHING?</p>
<p>Crafting a car? Showing what can be done? You mean just like what Mini does with their Mini configurer online? Because that does a great job showing exactly what can be done… with a Mini.</p>
<p>My whole point in posting was to say Motoringfile should be leveraging the press and benefit that it is giving Mini to have Mini work with you on a REAL exclusive version – something that CAN NOT BE GOTTEN otherwise. Maybe even a color scheme (through the factory), certain slightly customized accessories.</p>
<p>Calling your dealer and saying ‘hey! let’s configure a car together!’ is fun, sure! But it’s a joke to call it a ‘motoringfile exclusive.’</p>
<p>If this isn’t important to you, why even waste time on Motoringfile? You have a HUGE opportunity here, to make a car that Mini ITSELF can promote, driving traffic to your site… which ultimately, is what you want no? Who’s making the decisions on this… I think you guys could be doing significantly better – and it wouldn’t be too difficult. I offered to help last time, I offer my help again in making this happen. Please have whoever is directing this project shoot me an email.</p>
<p>Test.</p>