2009 MINI JCW World Championship 50

Press release

In the mid-1960s the classic Mini’s profile on the world stage was boosted by a trio of giant-killing Monte Carlo Rally wins. It was the sports car tuning expertise of the legendary John Cooper that set Mini on its course in motorsport. 50 years on, MINI will launch the most exquisitely finished, highly specified and desirable model to ever bear the Cooper name; the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50.

Finished in John Cooper’s signature color - Connaught Green - the flagship model is based on the Hatch version of the current MINI John Cooper Works.

The 1.6-litre, 211 hp turbocharged John Cooper Works-tuned engine sits beneath a body featuring numerous specification upgrades, both inside and out.

Signatures appear on the right bonnet stripe as well as on a plaque on the dash facia. The signature in fact belongs to John Michael Cooper, the son of John Cooper. Mike had the idea for the edition to celebrate his father’s Formula 1 World Championship victory in 1959. In that year his father’s racing team won both the F1 constructors championship and driver’s championship with Jack Brabham at the wheel. These victories were repeated again in 1960.

The car’s 17” CHALLENGE cross-spoke alloy wheels are finished in Jet Black, giving the car a menacing and dynamic appearance. The standard Xenon headlamps are encased in black internal reflectors, enhancing the car’s presence.

Lightweight and eye-catching Carbon parts are found in the shape of the bonnet scoop, tailgate trim, rear apron, mirror caps and interior dash.

The car will be produced in a limited run of 250 models, solely for distribution in Europe. Every car will display its unique production number, ranging from 001-250. This can be found next to the indicator lens on every MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 model.

Black Leather Lounge seats are edged in red piping, which is a combination unique to this edition. Nearly every option available to buyers of the existing MINI John Cooper Works Hatch is fitted as standard on the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50. The on-the-road price is expected to reflect the car’s highly impressive specification and its array of unique features. Desirable standard equipment includes a Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi system, DAB radio, Full Bluetooth with USB audio, MINI Navigation system, Park Distance Control, Heated Front Seats and a Multi-function Steering Wheel.

The exciting MINI 50 Camden and MINI 50 Mayfair editions unveiled at MINI United 2009 will be on sale in Great Britain from September 2009. UK MINI dealers are ready to take orders now. Pricing and an on-sale date for the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 edition will be announced in the near future.