Mini delivers Paddy Hopkirk Edition car the man it was named after

Mini has provided rally racing legend Patrick “Paddy” Hopkirk one of the to start with exclusive edition Cooper S types impressed by his thrilling victory at the 1964 Rally Monte Carlo. The Paddy Hopkirk Confined Edition has a generation operate of just a hundred models in the U.K., with “a several hundred” far more coming to the U.S.

Fifty-six years ago, the unique Morris Mini Cooper S attained the unthinkable with Hopkirk and navigator Henry Liddon driving the wheel of a Mk I. It won the Rally Monte Carlo over-all. The race snaked through the French Alps and ended with laps all-around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, but the Mini’s nimbleness and little sizing and proved to be benefits in the snowy and narrow mountain streets. It was a incredible feat in opposition to far more powerful rivals from Mercedes-Benz, Saab, Volvo, Citroën and Ford’s V8 Falcon.

Hopkirk phone calls it a “David and Goliath” victory, particularly with the cash other automakers were being shelling out on the party. “We were being beaten by the massive American cars and trucks down the straights, but we would beat them on the twisty bits!” he reminisced upon having shipping and delivery.

The Paddy Hopkirk Confined Edition sees no overall performance updates, maintaining the turbocharged, 2.-liter 4-cylinder capable of 189 horsepower and 207 pound-toes of torque. Both of those six-velocity manuals and a seven-velocity automated are available, but the issue that sets it apart are the Chili Red and white roof colorway with the variety 37 on the doors, a tribute to the profitable rally car’s livery. An offset white hood stripe with the code “33 EJB” in it hearkens back to Hopkirk’s car’s registration variety.

“I’m so flattered to have a Mini named in my honor.” Hopkirk said upon receiving the vehicle. “Motorsport is prolonged driving me now and for my win at the Monte Carlo Rally to be remembered in this way is a wonderful thrill and honor.”