Carmakers often pay tribute to people who create legends to their cause. For instance, McLaren honored Ayrton Senna by naming a supercar after him. Now, it's MINI's turn to pay tribute to its rally driver who won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally. This new classic car tribute, named MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition, will be available in the United States starting November 2020.
Honoring The Monte Carlo Legend
MINI achieved three overall wins at the Monte Carlo Rally – 1964, 1965, and 1967. The first of these was won by the then 30-year-old Hopkirk, who hails from Northern Ireland. He shared the win with his English co-pilot Henry Liddon in the number 37 Mini Cooper S racer.
To celebrate this legacy, MINI created the Paddy Hopkirk Edition from a Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door model. This special edition is wrapped in a finish and livery similar to the 1964 Monte Carlo rally car -- Chili Red with white roof and number 37 graphics.
Similar Looks As The Icon
A white stripe runs on the hood (driver's side) and features Hopkirk's signature. In addition, the number 37 and the "33 EJB" number plate of the rally car appears on the white stripe via 3D effect graphics. The start number 37 can also be found on side scuttles.
Union Jack Headlights And Rear Lamps
Further details of the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition includes LED headlights and rear lights in Union Jack design, 17-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels (Track Spoke Black design), and a number of gloss black elements.
Source: BMW