Monte Carlo is an unparalleled stage for motorsport. Especially for MINI. Among the events that have marked the Principality, that of the Cooper S at the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally remains one of the most famous. Driven by Timo Makinen with Paul Easter as co-driver, the MINI Cooper S prevailed thanks to a combination of cutting-edge technology for the time, refined performance, and extraordinary agility even in the most adverse weather conditions. That triumph etched the British brand’s name into the racing hall of fame. And it has now inspired the creation of the MINI 1965 Victory Edition.
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Both thermal and electric
Offered in both the thermal John Cooper Works version and the All‑Electric John Cooper Works, the new special series offers significant performance in both variants. The combustion version develops 231 CV (170 kW) and 380 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Conversely, the electric version pushes up to 258 CV (190 kW) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
MINI 1965 Victory Edition
As for the design, the Victory Edition blends vintage and contemporary elements. The Chili Red bodywork with a white stripe runs from the hood to the roof and to the rear, recalling the colors of 1960s motorsport, while the number “52” applied to both sides refers directly to the winning car of 1965. The contrasting Glazed White roof with panoramic glass, the “1965” sticker on the C-pillar and the JCW wheels specific to each variant complete the aesthetic overview.
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Design and interior
Internally, the cabin recalls the JCW tradition with anthracite finishes and red details. Elsewhere we also find door sills and details with the “1965” lettering, a steering wheel with a 6 o’clock spoke and a key cover decorated with the race number of the victorious Cooper S, accents that pay homage to the brand’s rallying history. In Europe, the MINI 1965 Victory Edition will be available starting from May.
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