Official: Mini's F1-Commemorative ‘World Championship 50’ edition

In May, we reported that Mini unveiled the Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) World Championship 50 special edition to mark the event as well as the achievements of John Cooper in the Formula 1 World Championships back in 1959 and 1960.

There will only be 250 copies of this car to be built, making it one of the most exclusive Minis ever. And they will be sold exclusively in British Racing Green, or Connaught Green, as it's known to Mini – just like the original race cars - and is based around the same core as the JCW edition currently on sale. Incidentally, it was Sir Jack Brabham that won back-to-back titles at the wheel of the JCW Coopers, taking eleven race wins during these two seasons.

Along with the World Championship 50 special edition, two other models were unveiled in Silverstone at the Mini United 2009 celebrations. The other cars were the Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour' Cooper S and the Mayfair and Camden editions.

As for the World Championship 50, no performance mods have been installed, which means the familiar 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder from the regular JCW model with 208hp (155kW) and 192lb-ft (260Nm) of torque remains nestled under the hood.

Standard features include Alcantara trim on the steering wheel, carbon fiber hood scoop, rear diffuser, mirror caps and tailgate handle, white racing stripes, leather trim with black and red piping, Bluetooth connectivity, a Harman Kardon stereo system, 17in alloy wheels, and bi-xenon headlights.

Mini working on special John Cooper F1 50th Anniversary edition

It’s reported that Mini MINI will be producing a very limited edition JCW just in time for the 50th anniversary of John Cooper’s first F1 car.. The limited-run vehicle will be sold exclusively in British Racing Green, and is expected to be based around the same core as the JCW edition currently on the market.
The car will also get the characteristic white mirrors and roof treatment, plus a custom set of aerodynamics to set it off visually from the pack, reports Mini ethusiast site MotoringFile. Custom badging with the car's 'F1' name will complete the unique look.

No performance mods are planned so expect to see the familiar 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder from the regular JCW model with 208hp (155kW) and 192lb-ft (260Nm) of torque.

Unveiling is expected to take place at a special event during the UK's Mini United festival at Silverstone, May 22-24. Production volume isn't expected to exceed 100 units, and it will likely be limited in distribution, so don't be surprised if all of us living outside the UK will have to make do with the standard Mini Cooper S, JCW and their Clubman variants - though none will be available in the vaunted British Racing Green.