Mini Cooper "pickup" on auction block today

And I can't bid on it. GRM want something unique? I believe this was a Redbull promo car.

http://auction.repocast.com/details.cfm?ID=1593451#photos

I remember those. Did they just have one or an entire fleet of them?

I've seen several running around (with the redbull can). Years ago contacted Redbull and was told they were to be destroyed when they where done with them.

In reply to David S. Wallens: I saw three of them on the highway a couple of years ago, so they had at least that many.

Yes, an ex-Red Bull car. This is a later, R56 version. The plus side there is it will have a true automatic instead of the more problematic CVT of the R50 based versions. The downside is it's not a pick-up - no tailgate or anything. It sounds like this particular car was especially beat on.

I wonder what the deal is with the holes hacked in the hood.

I don't know why anyone would want an automatic base mini that's had all its useable space removed. I passed on my friends similarly priced 5 speed in similar shape (not a pick up).

stuart in mn wrote: I wonder what the deal is with the holes hacked in the hood.

I wondered the same thing.

Before the MINIs came along, Red Bull was using those little Suzuki X-90s as promotional cars. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I ever saw an X-90 that didn't have a big Red Bull can on top.

To bad it doesn't come with the big can. They have a bunch of them riding around the city here. Usually a couple young girls show up and toss out some drinks and trinkets for a little while.

mndsm wrote:

stuart in mn wrote: I wonder what the deal is with the holes hacked in the hood.

I wondered the same thing.

I'm going to guess a busted bonnet release cable, or something preventing the bonnet from opening due to the front hit that killed the A/C condenser. Someone didn't care and took a cutoff wheel to the bonnet to get to the latches.

I missed the pictures the first time I looked at it. I'd say that car is about at the maximum value as a car to part out. It'd be almost impossible to rebuild for less than a better example.

I see one around sometimes, the can is removed and its just silver. My sister saw one on fire on the side of the freeway once too.