This is a DIY blog dedicated to the second generation of the new MINI Cooper S known as the R56. This site will document my journey as I strive to build a dual purpose street and track car on a budget. The goal of this project is to create a fun, fast, and reliable track car that can still be driven comfortably on the street within a total budget of $7000 (more about that below.) But first some background.

I first started modifying MINIs a little over 20 years ago when I purchased my first Indi Blue R53 from MINI of the Hamptons. At the time, the (old) new MINI was selling at a premium over list price. I managed to find a car with Premium, Sport, and Winter packages selling at list on Long Island so I flew up and bought it sight-unseen. I loved that car and kept it until about 2012 when I found a 2006 slick top R53 which was a better platform for a dedicated track car. I kept that one until about 2020. For the past five years, I’ve been focused on building a dedicated track car (BMW E46 M3), but have missed having a MINI around. So when I had a chance to get a R56 at a great price, I jumped at it and that’s how you find yourself reading this.

The budget: My goal (hope?) is that I can build a fast and reliable car on a budget and sell the car in a few years for what I put into it. I’ll calculate the costs using retail pricing. The budget includes acquisition cost; upgrades; and repairs. It does not include wear items such as fluids, brake pads, rotors, or tires. If I manage to sell any parts off of the car when I upgrade, that money will be used to offset future purchases.

About me: I retired from my full time career a few years ago to work (almost full time) at my hobbies: building and fixing race cars and teaching high performance driving. If I’m not at the track, I’m usually correcting paint, applying ceramic coating, or tinkering on a car. I am not a professional mechanic, so if I can do it, you should be able to do it as well. Any advice or instruction presented here is for entertainment and education purposes. I’m not claiming that my way is the best o that you should do it my way, only that it worked for me and I hope my experience enlightens your journey. Use this resource at your own risk. No wagering.