Mini South Africa has confirmed that just 30 examples of the 1499 GT special edition will be offered locally from October 2018.
The news follows the unveiling of the 1499 GT in the United Kingdom in October 2017. As with that model, the local 1499 GT is finished in Midnight Black paint with gold “1499 GT” side stripes and pays homage to the classic 1275 GT of 1969.
The three-door 1499 GT is powered by the BMW-backed brand’s turbocharged 1,5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which churns out 100 kW and 220 N.m, and facilitates a 0-100 km/h dash in a claimed 7,8 seconds. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission comes standard.
This special edition also boasts the John Cooper Works styling pack (complete with its distinctive front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and door entry plates) as well as black 17-inch alloy wheels, gold Union Jack side-mirror caps, gold Union Jack side scuttles and a panoramic sunroof.
Inside, you’ll find JCW leather sports seats, a JCW steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather (with “Chilli Red” stitching) and a neat 3D-printed panel on the facia reflecting the car’s build number (for example, 1/30). The Visual Boost radio system and Piano Black interior trim, along with Carbon Black interior detailing and an Anthracite headlining, are also included, as is a sports suspension.
The price? Some R447 000, which represents a R55 700 premium over a base-spec self-shifting Cooper three-door hatchback.
