Autocar Reports the Rolls Royce MINI is a Go

Sections: R56 (Coupe) | Rolls Royce Special Edition Jun 17th, 2009 14 Comments

After our exclusive scoop last month Autocar went back to its sources to see if they could shed any further light on if the car was actually destined for production. There were some who were saying it was nothing more than a dealer exercise and it was very unlikely it would ever be released. Then you had our multiple sources who were adamant that this was a forthcoming special edition due soon. They found that MINI was indeed planning to work with Rolls Royce on the new car and the model was very close to a green light for production.

The Rolls-trimmed Mini caught in these scoop pictures is not a one-off, according to the source but is a late prototype for what’s intended to be an established premium custom version of the Mini.

Buyers of the high-end Mini will be able to visit the Rolls Royce factory to select the various interior trim and dashboard finishes and will also be able to collect the finished vehicle.

The project is more evidence that BMW’s expansion of Mini brand continues to draw inspiration directly from the history of the original Mini.

Mini Coopers with re-worked interiors and extremely high standards of trim became popular in the early 1960s, and were often owned by the highest profile celebrities of the era, including all four Beatles.

+ MINI by Rolls Royce / Autocar

You can read our previous reports on the car (including the exclusive worldwide scoop back in May) below:

+ MF Exclusive: Rolls to Create Special Edition MINI / MotoringFile

+ MF Exclusive: Rolls Royce MINI Confirmed as Limited Edition Model / MotoringFile

Written By: Gabe

14 Comments

scotteast Jun 17th, 2009 Link

I know they can’t for lots of reasons, but I really wish they would call this thing the MINI de Ville.

Not that I would buy one, but it would be very funny.

Gabe Jun 17th, 2009 Link

@scotteast: but not Cooper de Ville.

bee1000 Jun 17th, 2009 Link

I just don’t get it. I understand wanting to make your own car unique, but if you want a luxury car (or you want a sports car for that matter), why buy a Mini in the first place?

DUDE! Jun 17th, 2009 Link

Cooper De Ville … That’s so funny, but Gabe it would would need a Landau vinyl roof. While looking at this thing I threw up in my mouth, a little! What no flying bonnet ornamentation? I think the MINI logo could be a real nice one.

Bee… for me it’s a sports car that I can afford and I think quite a good one at that. A friend/neighbor has a 911 special edition and he also owns a MINI S… which car do you think he drives the most?

Phil Jun 17th, 2009 Link

It’s the same reason while BMW offers and Individual package for $10k+ on the 6 series and 7 series, and why Mercedes-Benz used to offer similarly priced Designo models in special colors. Some people that have alot of money want to get something special and unique. It’s no surprise that while it is a compact car, many MINI owners are wealthy luxury car owners and that they buy a MINI because they like something small, unique, fun to compliment their other cars… they are the people that would not mind paying for this stuff. If you don’t want it on your Cooper or Cooper S, what’s the big deal? I’m all for them offering this kind of stuff as an available option as long as it does not effect the base price of the car itself. More options is always better… if you don’t want it, just don’t check that box when you order your car.

greg Jun 17th, 2009 Link

Oh heck why not? Will be interesting.

DUDE! Jun 17th, 2009 Link

Phil.. that’s why this is labeled “COMMENTS” so you and I can spew out some inane crap from behind our computer screens. And.. this “Royce” MINI is so far out of place it’s like putting racing stripes on a 1969 Coup De Crude Caddy… do it if you want but it’s kinda lame, IMHO.

Bruce Nelson Jun 17th, 2009 Link

What no comments about “will also be able to collect the finished vehicle.” could this be a doorway to European delivery?

bee1000 Jun 18th, 2009 Link

@Phil: All I said was that I don’t understand why people buy Minis and then spend $10,000-20,0000 on options and/or mods to try to turn them into something sportier or, gads, luxurious. I didn’t say people shouldn’t do it, or that Mini shouldn’t offer the options, or that it affects me in any way. I find it difficult to comprehend that someone would have $40,000 to spend on a car and then choose to spend it all on a Mini. As with DUDE!, I own a Mini because it’s the best car I can afford (2004 MCS, $21,700). If I had $40,000 to spend on a car, it wouldn’t go toward a Mini with $15,000 worth of options and mods. I still may well buy a Mini because I love mine, but it would cost maybe $25,000 and the rest of the money could be spent elsewhere.

Ramón Jun 18th, 2009 Link

They should equip this edition with suicide doors, just in case the interior finish isn’t enough bling, and fold-down trays in the back so that passengers can balance their Baccarat flutes of champagne.

Evan Jun 18th, 2009 Link

I want the facelifted 2010 MINI to have that all black center stack. SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE CURRENT GREY!!

Hopefully MINI will do that an make the knobs/dials all black again, much cleaner. Even if it’s the same lay out, the improvement in aestetics would be incredible.

Scott Purvis Jun 19th, 2009 Link

I bet even though Rolls-Royce will “intall” luxury upgrades, the interior will still creak and rattle like most MINIs do now. In time, they all do. I do wish to see the center stack and such return to the black look as well. If you want real luxury, then get a BMW or Rolls-Royce.

c4 Jun 20th, 2009 Link

I can’t help but think that MINI is running out of ideas lately.

Peter Jun 20th, 2009 Link

I was at the dealer to pick up the car when during our conversation this came up. He told me that during MU there was a private viewing for dealers where a RR MINI was shown. It was an S without the air scoop. He was not keen on the iterior how it was setup but this remains personal taste. Asked if he meant the Mayfair or Camden he replied that it was the RR MINI and not these 2 models.

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