The now-iconic Mini Cooper S that gained the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally is being honored with a brand new launch: the MINI 1965 Victory Version.
As automotive manufacturers typically do, MINI is paying homage to its motorsport historical past with this fashionable but limited-edition throwback. Globally, the MINI 1965 Victory Version is out there for the John Cooper Works (JCW), John Cooper Works Electrical, and Cooper S fashions. In america, nonetheless, it’ll solely be offered as a John Cooper Works 2-Door.
The enormous killer
Brutal winter dashed the hopes of many drivers
The 1965 Monte Carlo Rally stays one of the crucial storied moments in motorsport, cementing the Mini Cooper S as an surprising “Large Killer” throughout a brutal winter in January of that yr. Solely 35 of the 237 starters reached the end line, Finnish driver Timo Mäkinen and British co-driver Paul Easter being the primary.
The feat appeared not possible on paper because it appeared Mäkinen and Easter have been outclassed by highly effective V8s from the likes of Ford and Mercedes-Benz. But the blizzard situations did no favors for V8 rear-wheel drive configurations, that means Mäkinen, Easter, and their 90-horsepower, front-wheel drive Mini thrived on the treacherous, ice-covered mountain passes of the French Alps.
Mäkinen’s legendary “Drive of the Century” occurred with out a single penalty level, a feat unmatched by some other driver in 1965. Mäkinen completed a number of minutes forward of the second-place finisher, Eugen Böhringer, who was driving a Porsche 904 GTS. Pat Moss-Carlsson, sister of Stirling Moss, took third in a Saab 96.
For MINI fanatics and followers, it represents a second when what may need solely been seen as a “quirky” automobile was elevated to the standing of racing icon, because of its intelligent engineering and the skills of Mäkinen and Easter.
The overlooked hatch offering luxurious features at an affordable price
Small, enjoyable, and fairly priced.
Distinctive design cues
Little touches pay tribute to the unique automobile
The MINI 1965 Victory Version is a becoming tribute with its Chili Purple paint and white stripe that runs the size of the automobile. The white “52” facet physique graphic and “1965” C-pillar sticker reference the unique rally automobile, with “52” a nod to the unique automobile’s quantity and “1965” the yr. Different exterior highlights embody the panoramic roof, 18-inch alloy wheels (JCW Lap Spoke two-tone design), and distinctive JCW valve stem caps.
The inside relies on the normal JCW colour palette and trim. MINI describes it as a “racy anthracite and pink” that gives a sporty distinction to the outside paintwork. Key inside options embody door sills with white “1965” lettering, a motorsport-inspired steering wheel, and different refined touches and markings that denote the distinctive nature of the 1965 Victory Version.
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Powertrain and availability
Joins different MINI particular editions
The MINI 1965 Victory Version for the U.S. market has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. It’s related to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, permitting a zero-to-60 dash in 6.1 seconds. The Victory Version is barely slower to 60 mph than the usual JCW (5.9 seconds), probably because of the weight of the panoramic roof.
In america, the 1965 Victory Version shall be provided as a John Cooper Works 2-Door in restricted numbers. The discharge of the 1965 Victory Version joins different MINI particular editions, together with the Paul Smith and Oxford editions, in addition to MINI’s increasing lineup of way of life attire and equipment.
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