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GP, Five Year Anniversary!

Today marks the five year anniversary of the GP love affair. It seems like it was only yesterday when we ran onto the small island at Laguna Seca to see 32 stunning GPs awaiting their new owners and marking the beginning of the epic two week cross country journey from Monterey to Lime Rock known as Mini Takes the States 2006. 

We covered some 5k miles during those two weeks of MTTS 2006 helping solidify our bond and after five years and 26k miles later she has been nothing but loyal, dependable and always ready to please whenever I get behind the wheel.

I’ve been behind the wheel of countless cars over the years but I can’t say any have continued to provide the pleasure and enjoyment day after day and after five years like GP has.

Happy Anniversary to GP0154, GP0203 and the rest of the 30 GPs.

GP, A Four Year Love Affair

Tomorrow marks the four year anniversary of the GP love affair.   It seems like it was only yesterday when we ran onto the small island at Laguna Seca to see 32 stunning GPs awaiting their new owners and marking the beginning of the epic two week cross country journey from Monterey to Lime Rock known as Mini Takes the States 2006.   

Leave it to the Ancient Greeks to defined six levels of Love and as with many inter-personal relationships it all started with ‘Eros – based on passionate physical appearance  but over the years has evolved to ‘Philia’ –  virtuous love, loyalty into ’Agape’ - a selfless altruistic love.

I covered some 5k miles during those two weeks of MTTS 2006 helping solidify our bond and after four years and 23k miles later she has been nothing but loyal, dependable and always ready to please whenever I get behind the wheel.   I’ve been behind the wheel of countless cars over the years but I can’t say any have continued to provide the pleasure and enjoyment day after day and after four years like GP has.     

MINI Takes the States 2010 is Coming!

As reported on Motoringfile today, it is official that MTTS 2010 is coming.   Based on the preliminary information we are looking at a central gathering in Denver, Colorado on the weekend of August 6th with various feeder rally’s TBD.   Well it sounds like it is time for GP to get a new set of shoes and will make her third cross country route.    She started in Monterey and made it to NY only to travel as far back to Colorado and back.   Hmm, wonder if I can get Red over in time and make the trip in her?  Nah, its GP’s trip.

MINI USA’s rolling festival of all things MINI is back for 2010. After sitting on lots of details over the past few months we can finally report what we know.

After much deliberation MINI USA has decided to combine the best parts of the last two events and combine them. The event will start with a handful of events around the country in major cities. From this point there will be a rally (aka a cross-country road trip similar to MTTS ‘06) from the starting point to a central location. What we can finally confirm that that central location will be Denver Colorado. Once there attendees will be treated to a two day festival including many of the activities we’ve seen at both MTTS and MINI United over the years. We expect this to culminate in a headlining concert on the last night. This final festival will take place on August 6th through the 8th.

We’re still getting details on the starting points and their associated dates but rest assured you’ll hear it all here first.

And one more thing, expect to see something not seen on US streets before. Both on the rally routes and at the event.

 As you would expect MotoringFile and White Roof Radio will also be providing exclusive daily coverage of the event starting with the kick off parties and ending in Denver. So, even if you can’t make it, we’ll have you covered.

If you have attended MTTS in the past you already know how cool it is. This years is shaping up to be the best yet.

Stay tuned to MotoringFile and White Roof Radio for updates as they happen

Seasons Last Snow Fall?

GP wishing she was down in Florida with her sister.   Hopefully its the last snow of the season.   Better schedule her a spa session.

Seasons First Snow Fall

and boy it was a boat load.  must have received a good 18-20″ with drifts over 3′ high. 

GP1415 and 1717 are in the back inside their carcoons but GP0154 had to stay on the side with just her car cover, drifts almost buried her.  I bet she wishes she was down in Florida with GP0203

drifts created some nice results

Mini Bear Christmas

I have been on the road so much over the years I honestly can not remember the last time I was home beyond the short weekend to actually have time to put a tree up or decorate for the holidays.  I think it was another lifetime.

I am keeping it is simple with a mini tree decorated with Mini’s and Bears.

Bootylicious

During my recent trip to the UK, I met up with my friend Martin who I had first met at the IMM earlier this summer and who also owns a Blue Cooper Sport just like my Blue.   Red was parked next to his during the Mini 50 car show and I admired Martins custom boot liner he created for his Mini.  It really fitted quite well and with the split bottom it made for getting to the battery to connect a tender rather easily.

I had previously purchased Red the boot liner that is generally available covered with carpet material but it really doesn’t fit all that well and the side pieces constantly fall and its a pain to get to the battery or tire with the solid one piece bottom.  You basically have to fight all the pieces into place.    Here is Red before and after with the carpet boot liner.  Yeah, its better then nothing but why settle for 2nd best

After seeing Martin at a few other car shows over the summer he kindly agreed to make me a custom boot liner like his.    I had originally intended it for Red but since she’s been spoiled with so many upgrades I brought this one back home for Blue who is very happy with her xmas gift and her booty never looked so good.   Thanks Martin, it look awesome!

When I return to the UK next year, Martin will create another set for Red.  If you are interested in one of these let me know and I will put you in touch with Martin.    If you show your car or are just as obsessive compulsive as I am there really isn’t another boot liner kit like this one and yes, color is your choice.

Santa’s New Sleigh

Red visited Santa and tried out for becoming his new sleigh but unfortunately she lacks the boot space though the Bears wasted no time in putting in their Xmas wish list.

On dropping Red back at Classic Mini’s where hopefully we can get a set of Recaro’s fitted before my next visit we spotted a Bunnie, a rather large Bunnie who stopped by to visit the Mini’s.  And I finally got the bears proper Fish-n-Chip with mushy peas for dinner!

Brookland, Concorde & Mercedes World

I visited Brookland Museum, the birthplace of British Motorsport and Aviation.   Only a small section of the historic track still exists and most of the original track land has been sold off, one section now home of Mercedes-Benz World.

The Concorde Experience – home of first Brookland Concorde’s.  1/3 of each Concorde was built at Brookland and those components transported for full assembly.  A total of 20 were built but 17 were for general flight.  Picture has the current history of each and their current location.

Mercedes-Benz World and Performance Center a rather huge complex with several floors covering all the current models, including Smart as well as historic cars.  Didn’t have time but may return some day to schedule a track session.  They have several to choose from.

 All the Day’s Pictures

Red Goes Topless..Almost

Picked up Red from Classic Minis after she was fitted with the Webasto Fabric roof and John Cooper Works Tuning Kit  last month.

Now she’s almost a convertible!   The roof opens up almost all the way back and although I had a lot of reservations of having the roof cut to have it installed I am really glad I did.   It is amazingly rather quite with it open and the blast of fresh air is welcoming.

 The weather cleared up from the morning rain and was able to keep it open and enjoy the weather and scenic trek up to Cobham.   Roof open makes on the road photo’s a breeze. 

Will find out later in the week on the HP gain but so far the JCW conversion has provided enough HP to make a world of difference in hwy driveability and she almost sounds as good as the GP with her RC40 Stainless steel exhaust.   Now to figure out the fuel economy hit .