Mini's Latest Special Edition Makes No Sense At All

Mini Malaysia recently launched the most confusing special edition model ever. On its website, Mini Malaysia specifically names the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally and the Mini Cooper's role in that victory. As a result, you can now buy The Coopers Edition. Thankfully, only in Malaysia.

John Cooper is responsible for some of Mini's most legendary racing wins. He built track racing machines for Graham Hill, Jack Brabham, and Jim Clark. These Cooper-tuned Minis were epic on track but even more successful in the rallying world. Pat Moss won the Tulip Rally and the Baden-Baden Rally in 1962, resulting in another special edition Mini with little more than styling changes.

But while this Malaysian Mini claims to pay tribute to the most famous racing Mini ever, it doesn't even carry a passing resemblance to that car.

In 1964, Paddy Hopkirk and co-driver Henry Liddon won the Monte Carlo Rally. As if that was not enough, Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen also won the famous rally for Mini in 1965 and 1967. As a car-related story, it's right up there with Ford against Ferrari. How is this not a car movie starring Brad Pitt yet?

The famous Monte Carlo Mini beat a V8-powered Ford Falcon and a Mercedes-Benz 300 SE. It did so wearing one of the most recognizable liveries in racing history, and therein lies the problem. Malaysia's idea of a special edition dedicated to this victory is all wrong. First, it's the wrong car. The original Mini was a two-door that used clever packaging techniques never seen before. It's why Sir Alec Issigonis is considered one of the most outstanding motoring engineers of all time.

For reference, the actual Monte Carlo Rally Mini can be seen below.