It’s been nearly 60 years since the introduction of the original Mini, which first hit the market back in September of 1959. To commemorate the nameplate being around in some form or another for so long, a new edition has been launched, and it happens to look quite good in British Racing Green with a Pepper White roof and mirrors as it appears in the press photos. The 60 Years Edition will be available on both three- and five-door variants, and in addition to a special limited color palette, brings with it some unique design elements and trim pieces, along with the availability of some option group packages that serve to enhance things even further.
The array of available colors includes the default choice of British Racing Green IV, in addition to Melting Silver, Moonwalk Grey and Midnight Black, all of which are metallics. MINI Yours, which typically allows for greater customization and individualization, offers Lapisluxury Blue as a non-metallic alternative. The roof and mirrors can be painted black or Pepper White, and we’d recommend the latter for any hotter climates.
Those killer Union Jack-inspired tail lights that first appeared back in 2017? They’re available on the anniversary MINI via the special 60 Years Chili equipment package which also includes LED lighting for the head and fog lamps, along with upgraded interior lighting and different driving modes.
The interior is a neat space as well, thanks to the nicely trimmed steering wheel and Dark Maroon leather courtesy of the MINI Yours Leather Lounge, which is exclusive to the 60 Years Edition. The aforementioned package also comes with the Excitement Package with ambient lighting, while an OBC (onboard computer), automatic air conditioning, rain sensing wipers and a storage package seem like they might come standard.
The new special edition will be available starting in March of 2019, but no official U.S. availability date has been announced. Will it revive flagging sales that many attribute to styling that hasn’t evolved with the rest of the automotive lineup over the past 15 years? Only time will tell, but the correct bundling of options and aesthetics, as executed here in the 60 Years Edition, seems like a step in the right direction.—Alex Tock
[Photos courtesy BMW AG.]
