Car group tests

The greatest ever MINI?

We rank and rate the best and worst in exclusive 12-car shoot-out.

By:Auto Express team

10 Jul 2009

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 10 Jul 2009

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Introduction - currently reading
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Ex-Works Monte Carlo Rally Mini
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Original Mini Minor (1959)
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MINI Cooper MkI (2001)
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MINI JCW World Championship 50
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Clubman Mini 1275 GT
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Mini Clubman
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Mini Traveller
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MINI GP Works
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Mini MkII (1967)
11
Mini Miglia
12
Rover Mini Cooper
13
ERA Mini Turbo

It's 50 not out for Mini! The famous British brand celebrates its golden anniversary this year, and what better way to commemorate the occasion than with a slice of Mini mayhem?

To mark the firm’s big year, we’ve gathered a glittering collection of cars from the past and present. From the incredible rally cars of the Sixties to the latest Clubman and John Cooper Works World Championship 50, they’re all here, but which of these golden wonders is our favourite?

Our countdown from 12 to one, reveals all…

Continue ReadingEx-Works Monte Carlo Rally Mini

In This Review

Introduction
currently reading
We rank and rate the best and worst in exclusive 12-car shoot-out.
Ex-Works Monte Carlo Rally Mini
Monte Carlo Cooper was specially kitted out for endurance rallying, and boasts additional dials and controls. It still wears competition stickers with pride.
Original Mini Minor (1959)
Superb packaging gives space for four adults, although seats are tiny. Practical touches have become design classics, while on-road experience is sheer fun.
MINI Cooper MkI (2001)
With comfortable, well equipped cabin, 2001 car is a world away from original, although its retro styling both inside and out remains faithful to forebear.
MINI JCW World Championship 50
Special-edition JCW 50 pays tribute to F1 title-winning team of 1959 and bears the signature of racing legend John Cooper. It also features raft of racy upgrades.
Clubman Mini 1275 GT
Reworked Mini GT clubman has boxy nose, 1,275cc powerplant, a more luxurious cabin and fresh instruments.
Mini Clubman
Funky Clubman builds on Sixties’ rear barn-door set-up With a unique side arrangement to allow easy access for those in the back. Attention to design and engineering detail is true to original car’s revolutionary concept.
Mini Traveller
Minimalist, Colour-coded interior and dependable if diminutive engine give estate all the charm of the standard mini, but Traveller’s larger boot and barn-style rear doors ensure added practicality and versatility.
MINI GP Works
High-performance Works gp ensured the first-generation new MINI went out in style, thanks to sporty body mods, stripped-out cabin and potent powerplant.
Mini MkII (1967)
It may have been touted as all-new, but 1967 MkII still features spartan principles of its predecessor, including sliding windows, simple door handles and a basic dash
Mini Miglia
Eye-catching Miglia racer’s low ride height and super stiff suspension give it incredible cornering ability. Inside, carbon fibre dash and modern race instruments provide a touring car feel.
Rover Mini Cooper
Model shares the same cramped driving position as the original, and familiar Cooper badging ensures it looks the part.
ERA Mini Turbo
With potent engine and sporty modifications, ERA MINI Turbo had all the ingredients for success, but appeal of fastest classic variant was hit by recession and sold in small numbers.

Cars

The greatest ever MINI?

We rank and rate the best and worst in exclusive 12-car shoot-out.

In This Review

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