If you didn't think the new Mini could get more retro, think again. The marque have revealed the new 1499 GT — a love letter to one of their most popular models; the classic Mini 1275 GT.
Through the '70s and '80s, the 1275 GT was the cheapest way for buyers to get into a performance-orientated Mini. They came with a close-ratio gearbox, the disc brakes from the more expensive Cooper S model (early on), and were much cheaper to buy and run.
The 1499 GT might perhaps not embody the same 'cheap and cheerful laughs' aura of the car that it's paying homage to, but there are some similarities. Under the bonnet lives a Twin Power turbocharged 76kW three-pot, which will knock off 0–100km/h in a smidge over 10 seconds. No it's not about to threaten the established hot hatch firm (most of which will get to 100km/h in less than six seconds), but acceleration and speed was never the point of the original GT, either.
The adaption of sports suspension showcases this car's true intent. A fizzy three pot and flat cornering? This is a car for the quintessential rural back-road lark. Again, like the original.
Visual changes include front and rear bumpers from John Cooper Works, which give the 1499 a sporting stance. Sports seats, mass dumpings of piano black, an anthracite headliner, and JCW logos help brush up the interior too.
What completes the package is the striping. The 1499 GT comes painted in either Midnight Black or Pepper White. Opt for the former and your car will be decorated with gold stripes, while the latter will come with black stripes.
Where the 1499 GT doesn't quite get it right in emulating its original is production numbers. Forget these being a cheap and cheerful way into hot hatch tomfoolery, as only 1499 of them are going to be made — all for the UK market.
Great news for any Brits tuning in to this story. But something perhaps a little disappointing for us Kiwis.
