Mini Australia will release a special edition Cooper JCW to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the brand’s historic victory at the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. Only 30 units will be available in Australia, split between 20 petrol and 10 electric models, beginning in April-June 2026.
A Modern Tribute to a Racing Legend
The new 1965 Victory Edition honors the original Mini Cooper S that triumphed in the grueling rally, despite being significantly underpowered compared to competitors. This edition is a tribute to a car that proved agility and handling could overcome brute force. The original Mini Cooper S’s success wasn’t just about speed; it was about how well it cornered and how quickly it could navigate tight rally stages, something that set it apart in an era of larger, less nimble vehicles.
The special edition features a distinctive Chili Red exterior with a contrasting white roof and stripe, mirroring the 1965 winning car’s livery. Subtle details pay homage to the original: a white ’52’ graphic references the car’s racing number, while ‘1965’ badges and the original registration number ‘AJB446’ are discreetly placed.
Powertrains and Styling Options
Buyers can choose between a petrol or electric powertrain. The petrol variant uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170kW and 380Nm, achieving 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds. The electric Cooper JCW E delivers up to 190kW and 350Nm, accelerating to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds. Both models are front-wheel drive.
The exterior is customizable with a panoramic sunroof and choice of 18-inch alloy wheel designs: ‘JCW Lap Spoke’ for petrol models and ‘JCW Mastery Spoke’ for electric. Floating wheel hubs with the ‘MINI’ wordmark and edition-specific valve caps complete the exterior look.
Inside, the anthracite/red interior colorway remains unchanged, with ‘1965’ graphics on door sills, the steering wheel, and centre console storage box. A plaque inside the doors recognizes the original car and its drivers, Timo Mäkinen and Paul Easter.
Pricing and Historical Context
Mini has not yet announced pricing, but it is expected to be slightly higher than the standard JCW models. The current petrol JCW Favoured starts at $60,990, while the electric JCW E Favoured costs $63,990.
The original Mini Cooper’s success was pivotal, proving a small, lightweight car could compete with larger rivals on the world stage. The 1965 Monte Carlo Rally win cemented its legacy, and BMW’s acquisition of the Mini brand in 1994 ensured this heritage would live on through modern iterations. The fourth-generation Mini Cooper continues to embody the spirit of the original, blending iconic design with contemporary performance.
The 1965 Victory Edition is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a nod to the underdog story of a small car that defied expectations and left an indelible mark on motorsport history.
