MC2 Is at MINI United, Silverstone!
Once again MC2 has packed up its bags and headed off to MINI United. But instead of Italy or Holland, this year's event takes place very near the hallowed halls of the Oxford plant. Yes, MINI United is at the famed Silverstone Raceway and we're on hand to deliver a full report. There's lots to write about, too. The MINI Challenge race featuring R56 versions this year, plus the intro of the Camden and Mayfair models, a peak at the limited edition F-1, maybe a look at the Crossover (if we can sneak into the dealer meeting where it is being shown!) plus tons of other great MINI United happenings. Publisher Barry Brazier is on hand meeting readers and reporting upon events and our own Graham Robson is one of the voices of this year's MINI United. You can hear him provide color and background to the entire weekend. We'll report on the event in the pages of the next issue of MC2 AND on this homepage as events occur. Stay tuned!
MINI Introduces Two, 50th Anniversary Models
New Camden and Mayfair available this September
Silverstone, UK ~ (22 May, 2009) Today MINI introduced the two commemorative models for the 5oth 
Anniversary Year of the brand at the historic Silverstone Racetrack, during MINI United. The two anniversary models -- MINI 50 Camden and MINI 50 Mayfair -- will be available to the public starting in September and will only be offered for a one year period. Production of the commemorative cars will commence at the factory exactly 50 years after the official introduction of the original and classic Mini.
Both models will available with a choice between two gasoline-fueled and one diesel engine. The base engine is the normally aspirated 120 hp 4-cylinder unit with the supercharged, 175 hp motor being optionally available. A diesel powerplant producing 110 hp and delivering 72.4 mpg (imperial) will also be available in Europe. Additionally, buyers will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The naming of the two models continues the tradition of naming new MINI special edition anniversary models after boroughs or districts in the city of London, with Camden being known for its trendy and culturally diverse lifestyles and Mayfair known the world over for its exclusivity.
Making them stand apart from the regular MINI models, both special edition models offer unique features that will make them instantantly recognizable from other MINIS, including special paint schemes, unique alloy wheels, and interiors with special colour schemes and materials. Each model will also sport a special MINI 50 anniversary grille badge in Union Jack red, white and blue.
Standard features on the Camden and Mayfair model include electrically-heated height-adjustable front seats, on-board computer, rear seats with adjustable back, cargo area 12V socket, special lighting package and additional storage features not found in regular MINIs.
MINI 50 Camden
Featuring a white silver metallic paintscheme with white roof and black trim the Camden features light, alloy 17-inch wheels finished with silver inner surfaces and polished matt contour lines around the outer edge and center hub that are shod with ContiSport Contact 3 SSR tires. The car is also available in Midnight Black Metallic or Horizon Blue Metallic paint. A special side-indicator light grill features a black/white Union Jack with the Camden name emblazed horizontally across the middle.
Inside are white leather with black cloth insert seats featuring unique double cap seam stitching in white and green threads, black leather-wrapped steering wheel, white dash inserts with silver striping, special sound system and black leather shift boot. A full range of options is also available.
MINI 50 Mayfair
The special Hot Chocolate offered on Mayfair features light brown Toffy Metallic hood stripes and black trim with a pepper white roof scheme. It marks the first and only time this colour has been offered on the Mini hatchback model. It is also optionally available in Pepper White or Midnight Black Metalllic paint if desired. The light alloy wheels are 17-inches in diameter, finished in white and feature an Infinity Stream spoke design unique to Mayfair. As with the Camden, the Mayfair sports unique badging on the side indicator grills and a special MINI 50 grill badge.
The interior of the car features Toffy brown leather lounge seating with tuck and roll inserts and white beading, plus unique white/torquise double cap seam stitching, Toffy/black leather wrapped steering wheel and Toffy Metallic dash inserts with vertical Hot Chocolate striping.
To read MINI's press release on the two commorative models, click here.
