I think the MC40 suffered for two reasons, first is that an edition based on a rally concept that was won so many years ago, does not resonate with Americans. Most Americans have never heard of any kind of Mini win back in the '60's. Even many automotive enthusiasts. Secondly, the car is overpriced and doesn't have the limited edition features American's have come to expect. This car would have sold much better in the UK. People in the US are not going to pay $7k for what essentially amounts to some badging. Nothing unique in the car at all. In fact, you can order the entire car for less sans the commemorative plate. If you can create the car, then it isn't that special. Also, the concept of limited edition must be taken with a new perspective by Mini. Every car is limited edition. There are less of my spec of car on the road than there are of the MC40. There aren't 1,000 of my spec in the world according to Mini, yet Mini decides to stamp out the same car and call it limited edition. Also, Americans tend to want more substance from limited edition cars. Something really unique. Some coloring, CF dash, some seat colors is not a $7K limited edition car in the states. It is a $2K limited package. They should have really gone out to make a limited edition that was 30% more in cost. Like Carbon fiber hoods, JCW sport seats, more power, limited slip.....
So in my opinion the MC40 will always be a dog, will not sell well, and the people who bought it at the MSRP lost a ton of money driving it off the showroom floor. My dealership still has 5 of them, and they have been there for at least 4 months or more. They don't have any regular MCS though, and haven't had any since the beginning.
