Sixty years of Mini; a birthday worth celebrating

In an age prior to The Beatles, before ‘flower power’ took hold and ‘Twiggy’ was tree remnant, recalls Iain Robertson, the original Mini set tongues wagging, with its front-wheel-drive, mega-efficient space and mere 10-feet footprint.

On 26 August 1959, British Motor Corporation (BMC) revealed a car proudly that captured the imagination of the world and created the compact car segment. No less than six decades later, BMW now marks the Mini’s 60th birthday and the extraordinary story of a one-time British innovation that went on to achieve iconic status that BMW is only too willing to share. 



Kick-starting its 60th anniversary year, BMW is introducing a limited run of 500 very special vehicles for its UK customers. Built at Mini Plant Oxford, the 60 Years Edition is the first of a number of celebrations planned for 2019, to champion the brand’s rich British heritage and BMW’s on-going dedication to innovate. Unlike Alex Issigonis’ original car in 1959, BMW has continued to stretch the boundaries of the Mini, while ensuring that use of space, driving fun, style and individualisation remains at its core.



The Mini 3-door Hatch Cooper S 60 Years Edition (combined fuel consumption: 39.8-43.5mpg; combined CO2 emissions: 129-127g/km) will be offered exclusively with an automatic transmission in the UK, with acceleration from 0-60mph possible in just 6.7s, considerably quicker than the original.


 


 The exterior design features a new British Racing Green IV paint finish, with piano black exterior trim, a black roof and exterior mirror caps, special anniversary design bonnet stripes and model-exclusive 17.0-inch diameter light alloy wheels, finished in 60 Years Spoke two-tone. The 60 Years emblem completes the vehicle, placed uniquely on the left-hand bonnet stripe, side scuttles of the turn indicators and LED logo projection from the driver’s door. Further enhancing the exterior design and sporty character, every model in the UK will be sold with an additional set of Mini spot lamps fitted to the front radiator grille.


 


 The limited-edition vehicle has a distinctive interior with model specific finishes that use the 60 Years emblem, including the steering wheel and front seats. The seats are finished with Mini Yours Leather Lounge in Dark Cacao with contrasting seat stitching and piping to match the exterior paintwork. It is an exclusive leather reserved for this model.


 


 Navigation Plus pack is included, providing a larger 8.8-inch touch display, complete with Satellite Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, concierge service and wireless charging. In addition, a rear view camera, folding exterior mirrors and front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC) can be found on the car as part of the Comfort Plus Pack. As with all Mini hatchback models, this 500-off version features a high level of standard equipment, including LED front and rear lights, intelligent emergency call, ambient lighting, automatic headlights with rain sensor and plenty more.


MSG Summary

The limited run of 500 Mini 60 Years Edition cars will be available in the UK from March 2019 at BMW Mini dealers, list priced at £29,990. Thanks to our status with BMW Group, we should be able to obtain discount levels to make the car even more affordable.

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