The original Mini hit the scene way back in 1959, but it was initially marketed under the names Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor.
And now, in 2016, the current owners of the MINI badge (that’s you, BMW) have revived the Seven badge, slapping it onto a special edition model destined to arrive in South Africa in July 2016.
Available in both the three-door and five-door body-styles, the new MINI Seven features exclusive paint colours (such as the Lapisluxury Blue shown in the accompanying images), with the roof and side-mirror caps finished in Melting Silver.
The special edition model furthermore gains a swanky set of 17-inch alloys, MINI Seven door sill finishers, and side scuttles likewise featuring the MINI Seven logo. The bonnet stripes in Melting Silver and Malt Brown shown here are, however, optional.
Inside, the seats are trimmed in a fabric/leather combination, while a number of other interior surfaces are finished in Piano Black. The MINI Seven logo, of course, is featured on the central instrument surround.
As with the existing range, there will be a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines in the MINI Seven line-up when it launches: a 2,0-litre four-cylinder worth 141 kW and a 1,5-litre three-pot making 100 kW. No word yet on local pricing.
