Mini has revealed a new "Paddy Hopkirk Edition" variant based on the three-door Cooper S to pay tribute to the classic Mini’s first win at the Monte Carlo Rally.

In 1964, some 56 years ago, a classic Mini Cooper S wearing the number 37 claimed the first of three overall victories at the Monte Carlo Rally. Who was behind the wheel at the time? None other than Northern Irish rally driver Patrick “Paddy” Hopkirk (his Finnish teammates Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen added two more outright wins in 1965 and 1967).

Mini says this new special-edition model arrives “in his honour” with “exclusive design and equipment features”.

So, what exactly sets this variant apart? Well, the number 37 is featured in “stylised form” on the doors, while the body is finished in Chili Red with a white roof (a colour scheme “inspired by the historical model”, says Mini).

The new Paddy Hopkirk Edition rides on either 17-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels in Track Spoke Black or 18-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy forged wheels in Cross Spoke Jet Black matte design, depending on the market.

The grille frame is finished in high-gloss black, as are the inserts for the lower air intakes, the opening in the bonnet, the door handles, the fuel-filler flap, the tailgate handle, the Mini logos (fore and aft) and the surrounds for the head- and taillamps.

The number 37 is repeated on the side scuttles, while the single white bonnet stripe bears Hopkirk’s signature. In addition, “33 EJB” (the numberplate of the 1964 Monte Carlo-winning car) is shown on the bonnet strip using 3D-effect graphics. Inside, Hopkirk’s signature furthermore appears on the decorative trim strip on the passenger side, with his name repeated on the door sills.

Power comes from the standard Cooper S engine, a turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit sending 141 kW and 280 N.m to the front axle.

Original article from Car