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Half a century is a long time but it is still within the lifetime of most people and events as well as products are still remembered, sometimes vividly because they have special significance. Where cars are concerned, many may remember the first car they drove or the first one they bought when they got their first job. Many will remember the Mini, one of the more popular and affordable cars of the 1960s equally loved by royalty and the subjects of royalty. It was an icon of that era and was the 'starter car’ for many before the Japanese wave swept in.
The original Mini never went through a model change at all and from the time it was introduced till the time it was retired in the 1990s, it was essentially the same design apart from powertrain changes to meet emission regulations and improved safety features that were necessary for it to continue to be sold. That it was 'classic’ model which could be bought new endeared it to many, especially the Japanese who were largely responsible for keeping it in production longer than it would have been.
The modern Mini from BMW and the original which was born 50 years ago
The Mini was redesigned completely but with the original concept closely followed in many ways. It looked the way a Mini should have looked had it evolved over 40 years and incorporated new technology that brought it right into the 21st century. At almost the same time, VW also brought out the New Beetle, another model which was based on a classic but it was widely agreed that BMW’s Mini was more true to the original than the New Beetle was to its predecessor; only in styling did the New Beetle remind people of the original 'Bug’ but underneath, its engine was moved to the front and it had water-cooling instead of air-cooling.
Though it does not sell in the same sort of numbers like the original Mini, the modern Mini developed by BMW has been a success in its own way and a second generation, with variants like the Clubman (and others to come), will ensure it remains a desirable little car for many.
The Mini 50 Mayfair takes its name from London’s most exclusive district, an area famous for its high-end retail stores (and those who play Monopoly will also know it is the most expensive district to buy!). In keeping with the Mayfair ambience, the Mini version has special Mayfair doorsills and side scuttles with Toffee lined mirror caps. Customers can choose from three exclusive body colours - Hot Chocolate, Midnight Black and Pepper White. Special 17-inch Infinite Stream Spoke Mayfair wheels are fitted as standard.
Inside, the exterior theme of Mini 50 Mayfair is mirrored with Lounge Toffee-coloured leather upholestry with Toffee Lining interior surfaces as well as white piping, turquoise green accents and a carbon black interior theme which offsets the brown/black dashboard.
Mini 50 Mayfair
Mini 50 Camden
Available in three body colours - White Silver, Midnight Black and Horizon Blue - the Mini 50 Camden aims for a more progressive look in its cabin theme. Exclusive 'Ray Tech White’ Cloth Leather with green and black stitching with Line Tech White armrest and knee rolls give more presence and feel to the car. Added for more attitude and a modern feel are Fluid Silver trim panels at the doors and Silver Lining interior surfaces at the dashboard area.
Exclusive to both these 50th Anniversary cars are a special Mini 50th Anniversary jubilee placard surrounded by chrome trim inserted in the radiator grille. The placard bears the number “50” in typical Mini design with the colours of the British Union Jack.
Mission Control underlines the status of the Mini as a genuine personality in the world of motoring and intensifies the driver’s feeling and impression of interacting directly with the car, the signals coming from the car itself being used to generate new, situation-based dialogues periodically. These dialogues are based, among other things, on information regarding safety and comfort settings, requesting the driver and passengers, say, to buckle up their seatbelts and use the air-conditioning, and incorporate current information on driving conditions such as the current status of the vehicle, with the focus on criteria such as outside temperatures or the level of fuel still in the tank. In addition to the entertainment aspect, the system also offers a functional aspect in supporting the driver over and above existing functions in properly interpreting all kinds of information and using data for appropriate action.
The third version, the Mini Earl Grey, comes with a Dark Silver metallic paintwork, Black Jack design side scuttles and a dynamic 2-colour design line. Inside, stylish piano black elliptical door rings at the front and rear, and door grips in carbon black exude premium exclusivity.
Mini 50 Earl Grey
Cooper S engine
The Mini Earl Grey has the engine from the Mini Cooper which features variable valve control and produces 88 kW/120 bhp. Still offering sporty performance, the engine’s consumption is almost 15 kms/litre and CO2 emissions are 14% lower than for the Cooper S engine.
Retail prices (on the road, without insurance but inclusive of the Mini tlc Package) for the 50th Anniversary editions Minis are as follow:Mini 50 Mayfair - RM259,888 | Mini 50 Camden - RM245,888 | Mini Earl Grey - RM199,888
Click here for more information
The MTM Forum has sections for owners of the Classic Mini and the Modern Mini
Looking for pre-owned Minis? Check the MTM Database for advertisements, updated weekly
Plan to buy one of these special Minis and need to sell off your vehicle quickly? Advertise in Motortrader and it could be taken fast! Click here for a form to advertise in the most widely-read auto classifieds magazine in Malaysia. Your ad will also appear on our website database which is viewed by thousands each day. Second week free if your vehicle is not sold off within the first week (terms and conditions apply).