To celebrate one of the most significant chapters in motorsport history, MINI has unveiled the 1965 Victory Edition. This special series pays homage to Timo Mäkinen’s legendary win at the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally.
No city is as synonymous with the roots of motorsport as Monte Carlo, and few brands share as deep a connection with the principality as MINI. In 1965, the Mini Cooper S, driven by Timo Mäkinen and Paul Easter, conquered the Monte Carlo Rally under extreme conditions. Today, that spirit of agility and innovation is modernized in the MINI 1965 Victory Edition, a stylish statement of craftsmanship available across the brand’s most potent models.
Performance for Every Driver
The 1965 Victory Edition is offered in three distinct variants, ensuring that the legacy of the original Cooper S is felt across both internal combustion and electric platforms:
- MINI Cooper S: Powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine, this variant delivers 204 hp and 300 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.
- MINI John Cooper Works (JCW): For enhanced performance, the JCW model provides 231 hp and 380 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
- MINI John Cooper Works Electric: The most powerful of the trio, the all-electric version outputs 258 hp, achieving a remarkable 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds.
Exterior: Vintage Colors, Modern Detail
The exterior design is a direct nod to the 1960s. Every edition is finished in Chili Red paintwork, accented by a white trim stripe that runs from the bonnet over the roof to the rear. Highlighting the historical connection, a white “52” graphic adorns the doors—a reference to the starting number of the victorious 1965 car.
Additional heritage touches include a subtle “1965” sticker on the C-pillar and exclusive wheel designs. Drivers can choose between 18-inch JCW Lap Spoke 2-tone wheels or Mastery Spoke black wheels for the electric variant. The inclusion of floating hubs and specifically painted JCW valves adds a final, race-inspired flourish.
Interior: Craftsmanship and Heritage
The cockpit is designed to immerse the driver in MINI’s racing history. Upon entry, the door sills feature “1965” lettering on a red and black background, while the door interiors include a dedication detailing facts from the original rally.
The cabin follows a classic JCW color palette of anthracite and red. To ensure the edition feels truly special, the “1965” lettering is found on the storage box and the 6 o’clock spoke of the steering wheel. Even the key cap is customized with the racing number of the original winning car, serving as a daily reminder of the brand’s competitive soul.
