Mini Is Still Celebrating Its 1965 Monte Carlo Triumph

A Colorful Motorsports Career

With its diminutive size and go-kart-like handling, it was inevitable that the Mini would eventually enter motorsports. In the ’60s, not only did it find success on the race tracks, but it also bagged several wins in the world of rallying.

The Mini’s biggest wins came from the Monte Carlo Rally. It took the top step of the podium in 1964, 1965, and 1967. Paddy Hopkirk won it in ’64, Timo Mäkinen in ’65, and Rauno Aaltonen in ’67. Mini could have won in ’66 to make it four in a row, but was disqualified due to, get this, non-factory headlight bulbs. Ironically, it just made people root for the plucky little car more the following year.

Banking on Heritage

Mini isn’t exactly shy about flaunting its heritage. If anything, it keeps playing that card, along with countless other pop culture references. Call it playful marketing, but it keeps interest strong and the brand relevant.

So, unsurprisingly, Mini has yet another special edition model this year. Dubbed the 1965 Victory Edition, it’s a design package that celebrates, you guessed it, the brand’s win in the Monte Carlo Rally that same year. Oddly enough, this edition comes out a year after the milestone event. Perhaps it’s Mini’s way of also commemorating the win that got away in ’66. Well, we’d be incredibly bitter too if we were disqualified over headlight bulbs.

The Package

This special commemorative model is available for the John Cooper Works, John Cooper Works Electric, and Cooper S models, but only for those outside the U.S. For the American market, it’s only available in the John Cooper Works. As for the car, the body is draped in Chili Red paintwork and complemented by a white roof and a single white stripe on the hood and tailgate.

It also gets a subtle 1965 sticker on the C-pillar to discreetly remind onlookers that this is a limited edition model. Then again, the number 52 decal (which looks more like a 53 if you ask us) puts away any doubt that this is a special model. Those digits are significant as those were the numbers of the winning car.

Other Details and Pricing

Of course, you’re greeted by the usual red and white theme seen in most JCW Minis. But what this edition gets is more reminders of the Monte Carlo winner. There’s no shortage of 1965 decals and badges inside, from the door sill kick plates to the center console.

Another thoughtful touch is the special plaque on the inside edge of the door to commemorate the historic rally. It bears the names of Timo Mäkinen and his co-driver, Paul Easter, as well as the license plate of the car they drove, AJB 44B. A special key cap exclusive to this model then bears the number 52.

There are no upgrades to the chassis or engine; it’s still powered by a 2.0-liter turbo with 228 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. As for pricing, it’s $46,220 plus $1,175 destination and handling.