Special edition Minis

Mini is 50, and evo is at Mini United, the event celebrating the small car’s landmark.

And predictably, there’s a number of special edition Minis to coincide with it all. Of chief interest is the John Cooper Works World Championship 50. It’s the car recently rumoured to be called the F1, and takes its inspiration from legendary tuner John Cooper.

It is finished in Cooper’s signature Connaught Green colour, and uses the same 208bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine and sharp chassis as the current JCW hot hatch that we’re running on the evo Fast Fleet.

The WC50 is much more unique, though. As well as the special paint it gets carbon detailing on the bonnet vent, rear apron and mirrors while there’s new 17in jet black Challenge alloys. The Xenon headlights are in darkened trim while the roof and bonnet stripes are white, the latter containing John Cooper’s signature.

Inside, all of the options boxes have been ticked, so there’s leather, a swanky Harmon Kardon stereo, sat nav and a host of other kit. Production is limited to 250 cars with the production number displayed on the exterior of the car by the side indicators.

No prices for the WC50 have been announced, but expect it to be upwards of £25K with cars on the road in the autumn.

Two other, more attainable special editions were also announced. The Camden gets a white/black/silver theme inside and out, with new 17in White Shield alloys, a leather interior and the Harmon Kardon stereo. The Mayfair gets a more unique appearance, with Hot Chocolate exterior colour, complete with Toffee stripes and a Toffee leather interior. There’s a white roof and new Infinity Stream alloys.

Both Camden and Mayfair are available across Mini Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S ranges, with prices ranging from £18,165 to £21,280. Order books are open now.