New USA 2005 Special Editions

[J3T]

Having read the news article on the new USA special editions out next year - I had one thought - how come we haven't had any funky special editions in the UK?? The US had the MCS40 and now these three news one for next year.

Are MINI UK taking us for granted, or is interest in the US dropping and they're trying to ignite a bit of new interest?? The historical connnections are very british and I doubt that a lot of people in the US will know of the classic mini special editions that they hark back to (and before anyone moans, I know there are a lot of classic mini enthusiasts in the US but they weren't officially sold over there thats all).

Any thoughts?? Am I just being a saturday morning grouch cos I'm stuck in work or does anyone think I have a point??

Jonathan

[Paul]

Article: 20th August 2004: Exclusive: Se7en, Check Mate and Park Lane Special Editions for USA in 2005
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I think it's about attitude. In the UK, a special edition like that can often be seen as an attempt to give sales a kick in the back side, or sell off the last cars of a specific build type/mark. In the USA, it doesn't seem quite so much like that, and Special Editions seem more easily accepted.

[J3T]

Paul,

I see your point, it just seems a shame that it can't be worked out that it doesn't appear like that here, it would be cool to see a few special editions running around.

I mean they could make sure it doesn't coincide with a model year change and do a limited run of say 1000 like they did with the MCS40 in the US!

Jonathan

[gokartride]

Quote: Originally Posted by J3T

The historical connnections are very british and I doubt that a lot of people in the US will know of the classic mini special editions that they hark back to.

I think you are absolutely right! The MC40 did only fair...barely. Few, if any over here, have clue one about the new variants or their history.

Too bad we went Mini-less for so long...

[htrout13]

Just to toss my 2 cents in...

In the US every manufacturer has a special limited edition something... It's a way to get people in the door. The MCS40 was big on the web, and was sitting in showrooms, however I have yet to see a single one on the road. The announced special editions seem to continue along these same lines - each dealership may get one - then hope to place orders for more.

Heck - in this country the MINI is so unique to begin with - that they are a special edition in and of themselves (which is another reason I don't think the MCS40 was successful). I know that in the UK there are additional accessories, paint choices and random fun things that aren't available in the US.

Those that are truly Motorers will know the history, and know the $$ amount of every extra being added on, and will know (like with the MCS40) that although it's cool to have the special edition - sometimes paying a ton extra for options makes it very unattractive.

[irmiger]

To be honest, I see most US "limited editions" as just so much marketing hype. They tend, as is the case with the MC40, to be very overpriced for what you actually get. I won't go into some of the more historically relevant US limiteds, but suffice it to say, they only really see their true worth some 20-30 years in the future to the collector crowd. To make my point clear to those of you across the pond, your venerable "Cooper" is as mainstream as pie here...no history, no awe as one drives by, just another model name without significance! For shame.

[BartMack]

I agree, the special editions have no historic context here.

What I think would appeal to most people is getting a better price on a package of options- which is the opposite of what the MC40 does. Speccing all the MC40 items on a regular MINI would save you some money.

Performance items and increased hp would make a special edition attractive, as I think the "aftermarket" performance market for the MINI is huge in the US. For instance, if the MC40 had come with the Works package standard at a good price, you wouldn't be able to get your hands on one.

[justbob]

All good points on the special editions--I think there is a very different market dynamic in the US then in the UK.

And I think that the MINI is unique enough here--I meet people at red lights and in parking lots all of the time, especially in the South and Midwest, who just want to look at, ask me about, and ride in, my MCS. (no one gets to drive it)

And I think that most Americans have little or no clue about rally driving in general or the history of Mini in particular. As a matter of fact, I've always had a fantasy about plopping down a bunch of NASCAR cars and drivers in Minsk or somewhere, and saying "Race you to Monte Carlo!" Hah!

And I bought an MC40. And I love it, even though my wife has an MCS with every option made for MINIs, and paid the same price for her car as for mine. Why? For several tangible and intangible reasons:

I could walk into a dealership and say, "I want that one," as I pointed with my finger, and then drive it away.

Because it is basic--it's got all the good bits for driving and none of the fluff.

It's got cool leather seats.

It has a lineage that goes back to wild men screaming through mountains in the snow and kicking some V-8 butt.

All the toggle switches are full.

I can take the decals off.

I can put stripes and a roof rack on.

It's RED.

And I've never seen another one on the road, and I drive a lot. I've seen a lot of MINI's that look like my wife's, but nary an MC40.

Gimmicky? A bit.

Would 200 hp really make it unique? Yep--would have been good.

Will I trade it in for a 250 hp Cooper Works All Wheel Drive MCS that is all black and has maximum bling? Probably.

But if I can, I'll hold on to it and drive the B/B CW AWD to work everyday, and keep the MC40 in the garage--and I might get the bonnet stripes and roof rack, and some BIG fog lamps, too.