Mini has introduced the 1998 GT Edition in the United States, a special series derived from the Cooper C 2 Door model and conceived in tribute to the 1275 GT, which was the manufacturer's top-of-the-line model in the late 1960s.
The suggested price for this special edition is US$ 36,875, equivalent to approximately R$ 188 thousand. This value represents an increase of about R$ 38 thousand compared to the standard Cooper C, which costs US$ 29,500 (R$ 150 thousand).
Aesthetically, the vehicle features Midnight Black Metallic paint and includes orange graphics displaying the inscription '1998 GT', along with other details in the same tone spread throughout the car. The package includes 17-inch black JCW Sprint Spoke wheels and an aerodynamic kit developed by John Cooper Works, the brand's sports division.
The original model that gave its name to the edition had a 1.3L engine producing 61 hp and achieving a top speed of 140 km/h. In contrast, the special series uses a much more powerful setup: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine generating 163 hp and 25.4 kgfm, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive, resulting in about 2.7 times the power of the honored model.
The nomenclature follows an old tradition of Mini: the 1275 GT indicated the exact engine displacement in cubic centimeters on the badge (1,275 cm³), a practice also replicated in the 2021 1499 GT special series. The 2.0-liter turbo engine in the Cooper C has a displacement of 1,998 cm³.
Despite its visual characteristics, the 1998 GT is not the most powerful option in the lineup. In the American market, the Cooper C serves as the base of the range, falling below the Cooper S, which offers 204 hp, and the John Cooper Works, with 231 hp. In practice, the visual appeal of the edition may outweigh the performance offered by the engine.
Inside, the front seats are John Cooper Works sport seats, upholstered in black Vescin—a non-leather synthetic material made from recycled components—and combined with mesh trim. The three-spoke sport steering wheel features exclusive GT version badges. The rest of the interior follows the Cooper C standard but adds floor mats and sills with the edition inscription, a distinctive design key, and a storage compartment in the center console.
The 1998 GT Edition is the sixth special edition out of a total of eight that Mini plans to launch in the North American market. Among those already presented are the Heritage Edition, the Paul Smith Editions, the Rooftop Editions, and the 1965 Victory Edition.
Production is scheduled to begin in October, with the first units arriving at dealerships in early November. The automaker has not yet disclosed the total number of vehicles that will be manufactured.