theSwitchback - MINI news and reviews from the UK

Following on from our all too brief and teasing mention of a limited edition MINI being on the cards to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Cooper Car Company winning the F1 constructors championship in 1959. We can now reveal more details of what could, and with any luck will be featured on the strictly limited edition MINI.

We understand that specification is not at this stage set in stone, however there are a number of details that appear agreed upon and a certain number of things on a wish list presented to BMW bossed for consideration.

Plans are still in place for a special unveiling of the MINI John Cooper F1 at MINI United in Silverstone this May, and we believe Mike Cooper is lending his hand to both the development of the limited edition MINI and the unveiling. Rumours suggest that orders could be taken at the MINI 50th celebrations at MINI United, as well as at MINI dealers, and cars could be with customers for late summer or early autumn delivery.

The limited edition cars will be at least John Cooper Works specification (perhaps with a slightly more powerful engine spec), including the John Cooper Works aero kit. The MINI will feature unique John Cooper F1 badging both inside and outside of the car, and carry a numbered plaque. As previously reported on theSwitchback, production numbers will be extremely limited, suggestions range from 50 to 100 examples, although it would appear that 100 is the more likely figure.

The colour of the car will be no surprise any F1 or Cooper historians. A shade of British Racing Green (non-metallic) with off-white (Pepper White) roof and bonnet stripes, to echo the livery of the Cooper Works Formula 1 cars. The interior will be a mixture of retro and racing flavour, featuring a range of John Cooper Works accessories as standard. The full range of MINI and John Cooper Works options should also be available for those wishing to further customise their vehicle.

For those a little unfamiliar with the significance and history of the Cooper name, it was in 1959 that the Cooper Car Company and their T51 Cooper-Climax won their first constructor’s championship, with drivers Jack Brabham (AUS) and Stirling Moss (GB) claiming first and third place overall in the driver’s championship.

The Cooper Car Company are widely credited with changing the face of F1 with their radical rear engine race cars, they were innovators and game changers of their time, with many techniques and technologies laying down the foundation for the F1 cars of today. Their contribution to rally and Mini history is far better known to MINI fans today, with Works Minis changing Alec Issigonis’ car for the people into a racing phenomenon.

The new MINI F1 will not be as radical or feature as many unique engineering features as the last limited edition MINI to be unveiled at a MINI United event, the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Tuning Kit, but it will be very limited in number as is sure to appeal to MINI and racing fans alike.