Introduction
This web page is dedicated to GBMINI, the IndiBlue/White roof MINI Cooper S that I bought in February 2003:
Before I bought this car, I had owned a Black/White roof MINI Cooper; I bought it in June 2002 because I was not patient enough to wait for about nine months from ordering my MCS to getting to drive it!
I ordered my new MINI from MINI Peabody in July 2002:At the beginning of December, my MINI was ordered from the factory, and allocated a production number (3646949). This allowed me to go to the MINIUSA web site and track its progress!
- January 10, 2003 my MINI was built at the MINI factory near Oxford, England;
- January 16, 2003 my MINI arrived at the Southampton docks;
- January 19, 2003 my MINI had been loaded onto the Carmen;
- January 29, 2003 my MINI was unloaded at the New York docks (and left alone for too long!);
- February 8, 2003 my MINI finally arrived at the MINI Vehicle Distribution Center;
- February 14, 2003 my MINI arrived at MINI Peabody!
- February 25, 2003 I finally picked up and drove GBMINI (#2)!
Throughout this long wait, the "Can't Wait For February Club" on MCOL helped. About 50 prospective MINI owners waited, somewhat impatiently, for their MINI to arrive that month (although more than 2500 were sold - I wonder how the others coped with the wait!)
In addition to customizing my MINI with its factory specifications, I have made a number of modifications to GBMINI, including:
- Union Jack Flag painted on roof;
- Aftermarket Stereo installation; and most recently
- John Cooper Works upgrade installed.
GBMINI has met many other MINIs, both in passing and at organized events - see the GBMINI meets theme:
- June 2003: MINIs On Top event organized on MINI2 by "Cape Cod Mini" from an original suggestion by "LordWinslow";
- November 2003: MINI Meander;
- January 2004: Big Dig Tunnel Run;
- March 2004: The Amazing Reservoir Dogs Run II with over 80 MINIs!
- June 2004: MINIs On Top #2 now with 160 MINIs!
- August 2004: Ice Cream by the Charles River
