Mini celebrates 60 years of Cooper with Anniversary Edition model

Mini is celebrating a 60-year collaboration with the Cooper family by releasing a limited-run edition of its John Cooper Works hatchback, known as the Anniversary Edition.

Ignited in 1961, when two-time Formula One Constructors Champion John Cooper got his hands on one of Alec Issigonis's BMW Minis, the Mini Cooper became synonymous with performance in a small package, bumping power up from 25kW to 41kW in a car which weighed just 600kg.

Success on the race track came immediately, winning its first ever race at Snetterton with the number 74, a link to the 740 units of the Anniversary Edition model which will be released worldwide.

7

Based on the three-door John Cooper Works Hatch, which recently underwent a mid-life update, the Anniversary Edition is available in British racing green, midnight black and rebel green with a contrasting white roof, door handles, mirror caps, headlight rings and bonnet stripes with a red accent line.

Other visual differences to the standard JCW include the classic Cooper logo on the door trim sills, side scuttles, C-pillars and the lower part of the steering wheel, as well as Anniversary Edition touches in the cabin such as a numbered plaque with "60 Years of Mini Cooper – The Unexpected Underdog".

Carrying over from the JCW is its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine – developing 170kW/320Nm – JCW Course Spoke 18-inch wheels as well as a range of interior tech including the Navigation Plus Pack and Comfort Plus Pack.

7

Prices in the UK start at £33,800 (AU$62,990) for the six-speed manual, while the eight-speed automatic begins at a drive-away price of £35,500 (AU$66,160), a premium of £6685 (AU$12,460) over the base JCW.

Sadly, Mini Australia has confirmed the Anniversary Edition will not be available in Australia.