Yes, somewhat incredibly, it's exactly six decades this year since Sir Alec Issigonis' most iconic creation, the Mini, broke cover and so the modern company has cooked up a special edition of the current model to celebrate this fact. Thus, what you're looking at here is the MINI 60 Years Edition. Built in the UK at Plant Oxford, it's basically a MINI Cooper S with British Racing Green IV paint, Piano Black detailing for the roof, mirror caps and exterior trim, special anniversary bonnet stripes and 17-inch light alloys that are specific to the 60 Years. A '60 Years' emblem, seen on the left-hand bonnet stripe, is repeated on the side scuttle indicators and is broadcast as an LED projection from puddle lamps under the door mirrors. As well as spot lamps on the front radiator grille, the equipment list of the 60 Years is bolstered by the enhanced Navigation Plus infotainment package as standard, while the Comfort Plus Pack also chucks in a rear-view camera, folding exterior mirrors and Park Distance Control all round. The cabin is trimmed with the Dark Cacao MINI Yours Leather Lounge finish and there are more uses of the 60 Years emblem. Offered exclusively as an automatic in the UK, the MINI 60 Years Edition will run 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and only 500 will be sold here, at £29,990 apiece. They go on sale from March.

Matt Robinson - 16 Jan 2019