MINI 50th Birthday

Three new models launched in celebration

By Garlick / Tuesday, 26 May 2009 / Loading comments

Can the MINI ever be as cool as this?

This weekend saw the Mini/MINI celebrate its 50th Birthday in some style at a sun drenched Silverstone circuit attracting over 15,000 owners and enthusiasts for the three day party. Cars from all over Europe were on display whilst racing, MINI related activities and a host of DJs kept everyone entertained during the 80 degree heat.

Music was certainly the order of the day as Calvin Harris performed on the main stage on the Friday night and Saturday saw Paul Weller entertaining the noticeably larger crowd.

MINI also used the 50th celebrations to launch three new models starting with the MINI 50 Mayfair. I had hoped for a velour and fake wood interior to mimic that of Mayfair’s gone by, but sadly that wasn't the case. Instead the Mayfair comes with unique 17 inch wheels finished in white, 'Toffee coloured' bonnet stripes to compliment the 'Hot Chocolate' paintwork (yes, really), a white roof, a pair of spotlamps, toffee coloured leather seats and gearknob along with carbon black interior trim. A MINI 50 badge features on the grille and Mayfair badges are scattered throughout. Prices start at £18,415, with Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S formats all available, and if you fancy a less food orientated colour scheme, the Mayfair will also be available in black or white.

The next model, the Camden, isn't as cheap and less salubrious as the name might suggest, as it starts at just £300 less than the Mayfair. Available in Cooper, Cooper D or Cooper S formats the Camden is finished in 'White Silver Metallic' and has a solid white roof. Again, if that is not to your taste then you can order models in black or blue. Another exclusive set of 17 inch wheels are added, along with bonnet stripes, 50th anniversary badge, black surround xenon headlights and silver and white interior detailing.

Both cars will be produced from August 2009 for one year only.

For PHers the highlight of the new models is the (deep breath) MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50. This car will be strictly limited to 250 models which will have to cover all European markets and will be the highest specification MINI ever produced. Finished in John Cooper's signature colour of Connaught Green this car is based on the current MINI JCW with its 211bhp turbocharged engine.

Special features include black Challenge alloys, Xenon headlights, carbon fibre bonnet scoop, tailgate trim, rear apron, mirror caps and dashboard. In addition to this, the Championship 50 will have almost every option available fitted to it including exclusive leather trim, Harmon Kardon HiFi, heated seats and navigation. Each car will be individually numbered above the side repeaters and MINI say prices will 'reflect the car's highly impressive specification and it's array of special features'. In other words, expect to pay over £30K.