Yes the WC50 is coming to the US. No you can’t have one. According to sources within MINI USA the all 50 copies of the WC50 coming to the US have been spoken for by individual customers. That means if you want the rarest MINI ever you’ll have to hope that someone backs out of an order over the next few weeks. As we reported previously production should be arriving at dealers between now and the end of April.

What’s a WC50 you ask? Nothing less than the most equipped JCW money can buy. It is taken off the Oxford line and then assembled and painted by hand. MSRP will be $40,300 with shipping (a pretty good deal as it turns out). You can see the entire list of specifications after jump.

Full Specifications

Standard Equipment

• Anthracite Headlining
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Bluetooth Telephone Audio Connection
• Chrome Line Interior
• Color Line, Rooster Red
• Comfort Access
• Front Fog Lamps
• Full Bluetooth Preparation with USB Audio
• Harman Kardon Hi-Fi System
• Heated Front Seats
• Multi-function Controls for Steering Wheel
• Navigation System
• Park Distance Control (PDC), rear
• Voice Control
• White Indicators

Special Edition Content:

• Exterior color hand finished in Cannaught Green
• Interior exclusively trimmed with red piping
• 17″ Cross-Spoke Challenge Alloy Wheels in Jet Black
• Additional Driving Lights, Black
• Bi-Xenon Lights with Black Interior Reflectors
• Bonnet Stripes in Pepper White without Pin-Stripes, with John Cooper Signature on – - Driver’s Side
• John Cooper Works 3-Spoke Sport Alcantara/Leather Steering Wheel
• John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Front Door Grips
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Interior Trim with John Cooper Signature Plaque
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Mirror Caps
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Tailgate Handle
• John Cooper Works Floor Mats, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Gearshift Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Handbrake Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Side Scuttle Finisher Chrome Frame with Edition Number (0-250)

Update: the US bound WC50 does not have the navigation included as it is everywhere else in the world. To us this makes the car slightly less of the good deal it was before and not quite as desirable.

Last year MINI introduced the ultimate JCW at MINI United at Silverstone with the WC50. Short for World Championship 50, the limited edition model includes a unique Connaught green exterior paint job with loads of one-off trim both inside and out. It’s truly the most remarkable looking new MINI we’ve ever seen at MF.

Initially we were told that a US allotment wasn’t in the cars due to production being capped at 250. However when MINI doubled production MINI USA started to ask US dealers if they’re be interested in the car. Apparently the feedback was positive enough that MINI USA has decided to import 50 cars to dealers that specifically requested the WC50. That means this will be the most limited edition MINI model ever – much more rare than even the GP. However that also means that if you’re not on a list or haven’t expressed interest in the car through a dealer, it may be hard to get one.

Since the WC50 is essentially a hand built JCW taken off the line at Oxford and finished elsewhere, the entire allotment should arrive in stages throughout April.

Initially pricing was expected to be close to the unthinkable mark of $50,000. However MINI USA pricing these (can we say aggressively?) at $39,600. Combined with the $700 shipping fee each JCW WC50 comes with the total is $40,300. While we’re sure there will be debate over the merits of the car versus the price, it doesn’t seem to matter all that much. We believe these cars will sell-out without much drama over the course of the next few months. But if you want to look at pricing critically, you’ll quickly realize that, to order a MINI with all of these options (sans the one-off components and trim) the final cost would be at least a few thousand over the $40k mark. In our minds MINI has pricing the WC50 as fair as possible given option costs.

Full Specifications

Standard Equipment

• Anthracite Headlining
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Bluetooth Telephone Audio Connection
• Chrome Line Interior
• Color Line, Rooster Red
• Comfort Access
• Front Fog Lamps
• Full Bluetooth Preparation with USB Audio
• Harman Kardon Hi-Fi System
• Heated Front Seats
• Multi-function Controls for Steering Wheel
• Navigation System
• Park Distance Control (PDC), rear
• Voice Control
• White Indicators

Special Edition Content:

• 17″ Cross-Spoke Challenge Alloy Wheels in Jet Black
• Additional Driving Lights, Black
• Bi-Xenon Lights with Black Interior Reflectors
• Bonnet Stripes in Pepper White without Pin-Stripes, with John Cooper Signature on – - Driver’s Side
• John Cooper Works 3-Spoke Sport Alcantara/Leather Steering Wheel
• John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Front Door Grips
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Interior Trim with John Cooper Signature Plaque
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Mirror Caps
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Tailgate Handle
• John Cooper Works Floor Mats, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Gearshift Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Handbrake Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Side Scuttle Finisher Chrome Frame with Edition Number (0-250)

Our friends at AUSmotive broken the news that MINI of Australia will indeed be getting the WC50. With production up to 500 units (from 250) it would seem that several markets will now be getting the 50th Anniversary MINI. Rumors suggest it’s not out of the question that the US might follow suit. Here’s the full press release:

• MINI Lands 500th John Cooper Works WC50
• 500th car destined for Australia
• Most exclusive MINI model ever produced
• Strictly limited production
• Ten secured for Australian market
• Public debut, MINI CHALLENGE race series – rounds 1 and 2

Official Release: This MINI special edition has a strictly limited production run of only 500 units worldwide – each are individually numbered – and will become one of the most exclusive MINI models ever produced.

Just ten of the limited John Cooper Works WC50’s, including the 500th, are destined for Australia. This comes as a significant milestone for the MINI brand in Australia and reaffirms the importance of the local market on a worldwide scale.

Embracing the brand’s racing pedigree, the MINI John Cooper Works WC50 will first capture the Australian public at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide and the Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix, during rounds of the 2010 MINI CHALLENGE race series.

“The MINI John Cooper Works WC50 pays homage to 50 years of motor sport for MINI. This is a major coup for the Australian subsidiary to secure these highly sought after special edition models, the number 1 car is destined for the BMW Group museum and the 500th will find an admiring home in Australia”, says Justin Hocevar, MINI National Manager.

“Obviously MINI has enjoyed a rich motor sport history all over the world, however there’s a particularly proud heritage of motor sport for MINI in Australia and the arrival of this special edition, including the 500th car, is yet another testament to that”, says Justin.

The car is based on the MINI John Cooper Works and driven by a 155 kW four-cylinder engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. The production version of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 features numerous exterior and interior details reflecting the racing history of the brand.

The bodywork of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 comes in a custom colour for MINI, namely Connaught Green – harking back to the famous colour of British race cars of the 1950s and 60s era. It is combined with the roof and bonnet stripes in Pepper White. The green with the white bonnet stripes mirror the colour concept of the Cooper F1 cars. John Cooper’s signature appears on one bonnet stripe and on a facia plaque.

Further accentuating the competitive character of the special edition are the John Cooper Works aerodynamics package and John Cooper Works Cross Spoke CHALLENGE light-alloy wheels in Jet Black.

This halo MINI is also equipped with bi-xenon headlights with special black interior surface and additional driving lights with black housings, a plethora of carbon fibre features and special numbering on the side scuttles finishers identifies each MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 as an individual entity of an exclusive limited series.

Regarding the interior colour and trim, the racing theme is maintained by Carbon Black overlaid by subtle sporty red touches. The full leather sports seats come in black with red piping and the red theme is perpetuated with coordinating red knee-rolls, armrests and red stitching on the floor mats, gearshift & handbrake gaiters. Facia, and door grip finishers continue the carbon fibre theme, as does the John Cooper Works insert on the Sports Steering Wheel, which has an Alcantara rim conceived for sporty driving fun.

Like the design features of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50, the power source under its bonnet is similarly defined by the racing competence of MINI John Cooper Works. This 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit is based on the engine of the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE race vehicles. It provides 155 kW and develops maximum torque of 260 Newton metres between 1 850 and 5 600 rpm, which can even be briefly increased to 280 Nm thanks to an overboost feature. Power transmission is via a six-speed manual gearbox. All this enables the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, going on to a top speed of 238 km/h. Average consumption in the EU test cycle is 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres, with a CO2 figure of 165 grams per kilometre

The other nine MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 are scheduled to arrive in the second quarter of 2010. Price and process of customer allocation will be announced closer to arrival.

Day 1 Part 1

Day 1 Part 2

Day 2 Part 1

Day 2 Part 2

Day 2 Part 3

Day 3 Final Shot

The limited edition World Championship 50 (or WC50 for short) is now in production and will be sold only in the UK and European markets. As we exclusively reported earlier this summer, US dealers showed little interest in a pricey ultra limited edition model so this latest JCW model will be skipping MINI’s largest market.

Official UK Release: Both were revolutionary and triumphant: in the summer of 1959 Alec Issigonis presented his concept for a small car which, with its transverse-mounted front four-cylinder engine and space for four occupants plus luggage, was to become a byword for economy of space and driving fun. That same year, sports car constructor John Cooper won his first Formula One World Championship title with Jack Brabham at the wheel. 50 years on, the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 evokes both the start of the triumphal path of the classic Mini as well as victory in the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship for John Cooper’s racing team. This MINI special edition was inspired by John Cooper’s son, Mike. His signature appears on the facia and on one of the bonnet stripes. It will have a limited production run of 250 units and was unveiled to the public at the 2009 MINI United Festival in Silverstone. The car is based on the MINI John Cooper Works and driven by a 155 kW/211 hp four-cylinder engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. The production version of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 features numerous exterior and interior details reflecting the racing pedigree of the brand.

The bodywork of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 comes in a new colour for MINI, namely Connaught Green – harking back to the famous colour of British race cars of the 1950s and 60s era. It is combined with the roof and bonnet stripes in Pepper White. The green with the white bonnet stripes mirror the colour concept of the Cooper F1 cars. The specification of these colours was provided by Mike Cooper giving the car its authenticity. Mike was consulted throughout the development by the MINI Design department. Mike’s full name is “John” Michael Cooper and he signs himself John Cooper. His signature appears on one bonnet stripe and on a facia plaque. Further accentuating the competitive character of the special edition are the John Cooper Works aerodynamics package and John Cooper

Works Cross Spoke CHALLENGE light-alloy wheels in Jet Black.

Designed for extreme sporting fun outside and in.

Ensuring both an optimal view and a striking look are bi-xenon headlights with black interior surfaces and additional driving lights with black housings. The MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 also features a plethora of carbon fibre features, among them the bonnet scoop on the bonnet, rear diffuser, exterior mirror caps and tailgate handle. These provide the link to the modern racing era. Special numbering on the side scuttles finishers identifies each MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 as an individual entity of an exclusive limited series.

Regarding the interior colour and trim, the racing theme is maintained by Carbon Black overlaid by subtle sporty red touches. The full leather sports seats come in black with red piping and the red theme is perpetuated with co-ordinating red knee-rolls, armrests and red stitching on the floor mats, gearshift & handbrake gaiters. Facia, and door grip finishers continue the carbon fibre theme, as does the John Cooper Works insert on the Sports Steering Wheel, which has an Alcantara rim conceived for sporty driving fun.

Technology from the race track: four-cylinder engine with 155 kW/211 hp.

Like the design features of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50, the power source under its bonnet is similarly defined by the racing competence of MINI John Cooper Works. This 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit is based on the engine of the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE that was first fielded in the 2008 MINI CHALLENGE. It provides 155 kW/211 hp and develops maximum torque of 260 Newton metres between 1 850 and 5 600 rpm, which can even be briefly increased to 280 Nm thanks to an overboost feature. Power transmission is via a six-speed manual gearbox. All this enables the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, going on to a top speed of 238 km/h. Average consumption in the EU test cycle is 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres, with a CO2 figure of 165 grams per kilometre.

Also key to the superior performance of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 is its suspension technology, which is unique for this vehicle class. In addition to the McPherson struts on the front axle and a central-arm rear axle otherwise not found in the small car segment, electromechanical power steering (EPS) also helps guarantee safe and thrillingly precise handling. A Sport button (also standard) on the centre console activates a palpably more dynamic setting with sharper steering response and enhanced precision. In keeping with this, the Sport button also switches the accelerator pedal control map to an even sportier mode. The large sports brake system with red aluminium callipers guarantees short stopping distances. It responds with precision and brake power can be finely applied.

Standard equipment also features Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Hill Assist, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Brake Assist. With DTC switched off, furthermore, an Electronic Differential Lock Control system (also fitted as standard) is activated for the drive axle, supporting more dynamic driving when accelerating out of corners or switchbacks, for example.

50 years ago: revolutionary concepts lead to success.

The MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 is the youngest and at the same time the most intriguing result of a long motor sport tradition shared by the MINI and John Cooper Works brands. Even before the classic Mini was launched onto the market, sports car constructor John Cooper had been casting his eye on this revolutionary new small car. A boost in engine output and a few minor tweaks rapidly transformed what was above all a practical two-door car into a thoroughly competitive sports machine. In the 1960s the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S models made their mark as serial winners both in rally racing and on the race track. Absolute highlights in the racing career of the classic Mini are its three overall wins in the Monte Carlo Rally of 1964, 1965 and 1967.

As a close friend and business partner of Mini creator Alec Issigonis, John Cooper paved the way for – and gave his name to – these Mini variants that were to prove so successful in the sporting arena. The man who recognised the competitive potential of the Mini early on and then systematically capitalised on it had previously already created a revolution on the world’s race tracks. He was the first constructor, along with his father Charles Cooper, to field a mid-engined sports car in the Formula One World Championship. In doing so, the team set a trailblazing trend for the entire motor sport sector. In 1959 and 1960, Cooper race cars scooped up the Constructors’ and Drivers’ title in the Formula One World Championship – a first in racing history for mid-engined models. It was a concept that caught on: to this day, all Formula One cars are built according to this principle.

50 years on, the legendary British race track at Silverstone provided the perfect backdrop for the world premiere of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50. From 22 to 24 May 2009, MINI fans from around the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of the brand at the MINI United Festival. They gathered together to enjoy an exciting programme of live performances by top stars from the international music scene, lifestyle action in typical MINI style, and countless intriguing glimpses of the brand heritage. There was of course plenty of racing action as well: Silverstone hosted two rounds of the current German MINI CHALLENGE – reason enough to look back on a racing history as successful as it is diverse.

Full Specifications

Standard Equipment

• 6-Disc CD Changer
• Alarm System (Thatcham Cat1)
• Anthracite Headlining
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Bluetooth Telephone Audio Connection
• Car Jack
• Chrome Line Interior
• Colour Line, Rooster Red
• Comfort Access
• DAB Radio
• Darkened Rear Glass
• Exterior Mirror Pack
• Front Fog Lamps
• Front Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
• Full Bluetooth Preparation with USB Audio
• Harman Kardon Hi-Fi System
• Heated Front Seats
• Interior Lights Pack
• Multi-function Controls for Steering Wheel
• Navigation System
• Park Distance Control (PDC), rear
• Passenger Seat Height Adjustment
• Run-flat Tyres
• Storage Compartment Pack
• Universal Remote Control
• Visibility Pack
• Voice Control
• Warning Triangle and First Aid Kit
• White Indicators

Special Edition Content:

• 17″ Cross-Spoke Challenge Alloy Wheels in Jet Black
• Additional Driving Lights, Black
• Bi-Xenon Lights with Black Interior Reflectors
• Bonnet Stripes in Pepper White without Pin-Stripes, with John Cooper Signature on – - Driver’s Side
• John Cooper Works 3-Spoke Sport Alcantara/Leather Steering Wheel
• John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Front Door Grips
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Interior Trim with John Cooper Signature Plaque
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Mirror Caps
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Tailgate Handle
• John Cooper Works Floor Mats, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Gearshift Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Handbrake Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Side Scuttle Finisher Chrome Frame with Edition Number (0-250)

The ultra limited edition is set to get a 250 unit production bump bring the total made to 500. According to several sources MINI is doubling production due to more demand than originally expected from mainland Europe among other places.

It’s also been made clear to us that the US market is almost certainly not getting the car due to pricing issues.

For those who might have missed it, here’s the full spec of the John Cooper Works World Championship 50.

Standard Equipment

• 6-Disc CD Changer
• Alarm System (Thatcham Cat1)
• Anthracite Headlining
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Bluetooth Telephone Audio Connection
• Car Jack
• Chrome Line Interior
• Colour Line, Rooster Red
• Comfort Access
• DAB Radio
• Darkened Rear Glass
• Exterior Mirror Pack
• Front Fog Lamps
• Front Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
• Full Bluetooth Preparation with USB Audio
• Harman Kardon Hi-Fi System
• Heated Front Seats
• Interior Lights Pack
• Multi-function Controls for Steering Wheel
• Navigation System
• Park Distance Control (PDC), rear
• Passenger Seat Height Adjustment
• Run-flat Tyres
• Storage Compartment Pack
• Universal Remote Control
• Visibility Pack
• Voice Control
• Warning Triangle and First Aid Kit
• White Indicators

Special Edition Content:

• Connaught Green
• 17″ Cross-Spoke Challenge Alloy Wheels in Jet Black
• Additional Driving Lights, Black
• Bi-Xenon Lights with Black Interior Reflectors
• Bonnet Stripes in Pepper White without Pin-Stripes, with John Cooper Signature on – - Driver’s Side
• John Cooper Works 3-Spoke Sport Alcantara/Leather Steering Wheel
• John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Front Door Grips
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Interior Trim with John Cooper Signature Plaque
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Mirror Caps
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Tailgate Handle
• John Cooper Works Floor Mats, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Gearshift Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Handbrake Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Side Scuttle Finisher Chrome Frame with Edition Number (0-250)

Special thanks to many sources including Liam.

Dare we say it Autoexpress has created a pretty interesting article. They’ve taken 12 of the best MINIs ever and tested them all. Worth a read for sure but there’s no definitive conclusion unfortunately.

+ Greatest Mini Ever / Autoexpress

MINI UK has released some details around the WC50 while at MINI United that bring the details of this car into greater focus. As we’ve reported MINI will be building 250 of these special JCWs worldwide with 100 going to the UK. US availability is still up in the air.

The options list is strictly set as each car will be identical when leaving the factory. Once out of the confines of the Oxford plant MINI will fit the aero kit and other accessories before shipping them out to dealers.

Technically this is identical to the stock JCW (even down to the stock suspension) which is sure to dissapoint hardcore JCW fans. However this is a very special car that will likely be the most limited MINI produced to date.

As we reported earlier this spring the color is named Connaught Green (an old color found on many British cars of the 60′s) and will be matched with a pepper white roof and pepper white bonnet stripes.

Inside the car is finished in bespoke black lounge leather seating with red piping.

Here’s the full specification list straight from MINI.

Standard Equipment

• 6-Disc CD Changer
• Alarm System (Thatcham Cat1)
• Anthracite Headlining
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Bluetooth Telephone Audio Connection
• Car Jack
• Chrome Line Interior
• Colour Line, Rooster Red
• Comfort Access
• DAB Radio
• Darkened Rear Glass
• Exterior Mirror Pack
• Front Fog Lamps
• Front Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
• Full Bluetooth Preparation with USB Audio
• Harman Kardon Hi-Fi System
• Heated Front Seats
• Interior Lights Pack
• Multi-function Controls for Steering Wheel
• Navigation System
• Park Distance Control (PDC), rear
• Passenger Seat Height Adjustment
• Run-flat Tyres
• Storage Compartment Pack
• Universal Remote Control
• Visibility Pack
• Voice Control
• Warning Triangle and First Aid Kit
• White Indicators

Special Edition Content:

• 17″ Cross-Spoke Challenge Alloy Wheels in Jet Black
• Additional Driving Lights, Black
• Bi-Xenon Lights with Black Interior Reflectors
• Bonnet Stripes in Pepper White without Pin-Stripes, with John Cooper Signature on – - Driver’s Side
• John Cooper Works 3-Spoke Sport Alcantara/Leather Steering Wheel
• John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Front Door Grips
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Interior Trim with John Cooper Signature Plaque
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Mirror Caps
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser
• John Cooper Works Carbon Fibre Tailgate Handle
• John Cooper Works Floor Mats, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Gearshift Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Leather Handbrake Gaiter, Carbon Black with Red Stitching
• Side Scuttle Finisher Chrome Frame with Edition Number (0-250)

Pricing will be confirmed on June 22nd but we’ve been told to look for this car to cost in the mid £30 range in the UK and €40,000 in Europe. If the car makes it to the US (we give it a 10% chance at this point) look for the cost to run upwards of $50,000. However at this time the official line is that there will be no WC50s produced for markets outside of Europe.

It hasn’t been announced officially but our sources are telling us that the ultra rare (250 worldwide) World Championship 50 will be priced at 40,000 Euros. If (and it’s a huge if) this car comes to the US it’ll be likely upwards of $50,000 most likely.

We’ve also received a full list of options and accessories included on the car:

• Exclusive non-metallic British Racing Green (will not be offered on any other MINI)
• Pepper White Roof
• Signed Pepper White Bonnet Stripes
• John Cooper Works Aero Kit
• Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser
• Additional Driving Lights w/Black Housing
• Bi-Xenon Lights w/Black Interior
• Numbered Edition Side Scuttle Finishers
• Carbon Fibre Mirror Caps
• Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop
• Carbon Fibre Tailgate Lift Handle
• Cross-Spoke Challenge Alloy Wheels in Jet Black
• Full Leather Piped Seat in Carbon Black w/Red Piping
• Alcantara John Cooper Works Steering Wheel
• Carbon Fibre Facia Finishers
• Signed Facia Plaque
• Carbon Fibre Door Grip
• Gear Shift & Handbrake Gaiters w/Red Stitching
• Floor Mats w/Red Edging
• Blacked out Headlamps
• Sport suspension

BTW we’re officially calling this car the WC50 because the name…. it’s too long.

Directly across from the White Roof Radio/MF tent is the only MINI available in flat BRG, the MINI F1.

We have found out that only 250 will be produced world-wide. We have heard that MINIUSA is working on getting an allotment of these MINIs in the states, but nothing definite is planned at this time.

For now, enjoy the photos, specs after the jump.

MINI JCW World Championship 50

• Flat British Racing Green paint with Pepper White roof and bonnet stripes.
• JCW Badging, Aero kits and misc. JCW exterior bits.
• Blacked out headlamps
• 211HP, 260NM torque

See the photos for full accessory list.

We’re just hours away from MINI United 2009 and the official kick-off of MINI’s 50th birthday party. So what will this weekend bring? From what we’ve heard we’ll be seeing the ultra limited edition MINI JCW F1 (reported on several times over the last month), and the more widely available Camden and Mayfair editions. In case you forgot or missed the news, here’s what each of these special editions will bring:

• F1: Unique non-metallic British racing green, dark JCW wheels, JCW aerokit, interior badges, etc and rumored to only be available in the UK
• Mayfair: Hot Chocolate body color with unique wheels, interior trim and badges – available in most markets
• Camden: Silver White (R52 Sidewalk color) with unique wheels, interior trim and badges – available in most markets

So our question to you; what else will we see? Or to put it another way, what would you like to see as a surprise debut at MINI United this weekend?

Look for our coverage to commence Friday when Todd and DB interview the likes of Mike Cooper, Gert Hildebrand and Rauno Aaltonen along with some other surprises.

Earlier this week we broke the news of the first F1 being produced at the plant. Today we can go into details on the actual car. The non-metallic green everyone is talking about will be based off of Connaught Green and is a very dark non-metallic first seen on the Mini in 1964. Likely using the John Cooper name in its official title, it’s true to the non-metallic British racing green seen throughout the 50′s and 60′s on everything from Jaguars to Morgans.

Inside look for a standard Piano black dash with the usual JCW chequer flag detailing. Each car will come with a plaque (similar to the MC40 edition sold in the US for 2004) indicating it’s place within the production. Like other UK based JCW cars, the F1 will come standard with the JCW aero-kit and the JCW leather steering wheel. Otherwise things are relatively stock inside with the normal options still on the table for customers to order.

That brings us to availability. Rumors currently out there have the F1 as being very limited and possibly only being available in the UK market. For those outside the UK take a deep breath… this is not 100% confirmed yet. But with numbers so low and looking historically at previous BMW single market special edition models, this seems plausable. However it’s worth noting that developing a new color for production at the Oxford plant costs as much as $250,000 so it’s unlikely that this new shade of green would be use solely for this special edition (unless the painting was sub-contracted out and the cars placed back on the production line).

We’ll have more on the F1 and the other new special editions (which are being sold worldwide) over the next few days.

MINI will be producing a very limited edition JCW just in time for the 50th anniversary of John Cooper’s first F1 car. It’s taken a few weeks but we’ve now verified the rumor (first reported by theswitchback) from several sources across the globe. Expect the car to feature the JCW drivetrain, aerokit and some exclusive F1 badging throughout the car. But the most obvious exclusive feature of the car will be non-metallic British Racing Green exterior paint paired with the pepper white roof and mirrors.

We can also exclusively report that the first pre-production F1 was completed earlier this week at the Oxford Plant and was quickly spotted due to it’s exclusive paint color. We expect this very car to appear at MINI United but in a very special exclusive unveiling not tied to the Camden and Mayfair special editions.

It’s unclear in what markets we should expect the F1 but with quanities as low as 50-100 units don’t be surprised if some major markets miss out.

Look for more information in the coming days.