Mini is no stranger to a special edition, having launched the Heritage Edition earlier this year. Now, the BMW-owned brand has announced the 1998 GT Edition, inspired by the legendary 1275 GT that first saw the light of day in 1969 and, more recently, the 1499 GT.
Using the Cooper C 2 Door as its foundation, the latest limited edition boasts a distinctive look, with Midnight Black Metallic paintwork enlivened by orange body graphics bearing the “1998 GT” legend, along with orange exterior accents dotted around the body. Completing the look are sporty 17-inch JCW Sprint Spoke wheels, finished in black, along with a John Cooper Works aero kit, lending the humble Cooper C a sportier look than its engine might suggest.
The changes extend beyond the exterior embellishments. Front occupants are treated to John Cooper Works Sports Seats, trimmed in Black Vescin and a Black Knit finish, while the driver grips a three-spoke JCW steering wheel, replete with model-specific GT logos. Aside from that, the interior is business as usual, with 1998 GT floor mats and door sills, along with a GT-exclusive key fob and centre console storage box rounding out the changes.
This is the sixth of eight planned special editions Mini has plans to reveal in the United States, with the GT Edition following the aforementioned Heritage Edition, along with the Paul Smith Editions, Rooftop Editions, and the 1965 Victory Edition, among others.
So what’s the significance of the 1998 GT Edition? As mentioned, it harks back to the iconic 1275 GT, which was the top-of-the-line Mini back in the late ’60s and early ’70s, with its 1.3-liter (1275 cc) motor delivering 60 horsepower, enough to propel it on to a top speed of 87 mph.
While the Cooper C is not the performance pinnacle of the Mini lineup, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 161 hp — nearly three times as much as its namesake — and 184 lb-ft of torque, channeled to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
So what do you pay for the privilege of 1998 GT Edition ownership? A not insignificant $36,875 (excl. destination), making it notably more expensive than the $29,500 Cooper C 2 Door on which it’s based. But for those seeking exclusivity and a story behind the livery, that price may well be worth it. Production is scheduled for October, with vehicles hitting dealerships in early November. As for how many will be produced, Mini USA is yet to reveal that detail.
Â
