Festival Of Motoring: MINI 1499 GT makes local debut

The latest special edition to join the MINI South Africa line-up celebrated the brand’s rich heritage with a special debut at the Festival of Motoring and a nod to one of the best known sporty classic Minis of all time.

The 1275 GT paired distinctive design with inventive solutions; it was the world’s first vehicle fitted with run-flat tyres. The 1499 GT, which is available from October, recalls the entertaining drive and distinctive styling of the 1969 original.

One of the most affordable performance cars of its day, the 1275 GT badging reflected the increased engine capacity over the standard 998cc Mini. Today, the MINI brand remains deeply linked to its heritage and the special edition MINI 1499 GT treads a similar path for 2018. With 100kW on tap and 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds courtesy of its lively Twin Power Turbo three-cylinder engine, the 1499 GT is perfect for drivers seeking a unique vehicle and an entertaining drive.

The 1499 GT will be built in a limited production run of just 30 cars finished in Midnight Black with distinctive gold 1499 GT side stripes.

Additional exterior features include the MINI John Cooper Works styling pack with its distinctive John Cooper Works front and rear bumpers, side skirts, spoiler and door entry plates. The 1499 GT features 17-inch Track Spoke alloy wheels in Black, gold Union Jack mirror covers, gold Union Jack side scuttles and a panorama sunroof. In line with the recent updates to the MINI three-door hatchback in South Africa, the 1499 GT displays Union Jack taillights and LED headlights, as well.

Interior features include John Cooper Works Sports seats in Cross Punch leather, a JCW steering wheel in perforated leather with Chilli Red stitching and multi-function controls, seven-speed DCT, and innovative 3D printed cockpit fascia reflecting each car’s designation as one of 30.

Visual Boost radio with MINI Connected smartphone compatibility and Piano Black interior trim, along with Carbon Black interior details and an Anthracite headlining.

A sports suspension completes the MINI 1499 GT package, which also includes all the standard equipment found on the updated MINI Cooper.

The MINI 1499 GT costs R447 000 and can be ordered online at www.mini.co.za.

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.