Exclusive: MINI Cooper 2000 GT Special Edition Coming Later This Year

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MINI will introduce its first special edition of the new MINI generation later this year with the MINI Cooper 2000 GT—a tribute to the iconic Mini 1275 GT. But what will the 2000 GT look like, and what will it offer? To find clues, let’s start with its name.

What’s in a Name

Both the 1275 GT and 1499 GT were named after their engine sizes. The Mini 1275 GT was named for its 1,275cc engine, while the 1499 GT was named after its 1,499cc (1.5-liter) turbocharged 3-cylinder engine.

With the F66-generation Cooper C and Cooper S both using the 2.0L B48 engine in North America and other select markets, it appears MINI is once again using engine displacement to dictate the name. Almost. The 2.0L B48 is technically 1,998cc, not 2,000cc, but MINI may have rounded up for simplicity.

This raises an interesting questions: Will the 2000 GT be based on the Cooper S, or is it a North American-exclusive Cooper C special edition? Or could this even signal the end of MINI’s 3-cylinder engine globally, as some sources suggested last year?

But just as important—what will the 2000 GT offer that’s unique? To get answers, let’s look back at the original 1969 Mini 1275 GT and the 2020 1499 GT Special Edition that it inspired.

The original Mini 1275 GT

Mini 1275 GT: The Unsung Hero of Mini Performance

When people think of classic fast Minis, they often go straight to the legendary Cooper S—and with good reason. But there’s another performance Mini that deserves more attention: the Mini 1275 GT. Often misunderstood and sometimes overlooked, the 1275 GT carved out its own place in Mini history as a spirited, practical, and more affordable alternative to the Cooper S.

Design: The Clubman Look

One of the biggest visual departures from the classic Mini was the 1275 GT’s squared-off Clubman nose, designed by Roy Haynes (previously of Ford). While controversial among purists, this gave the car a more contemporary look and set it apart from traditional Minis.

The original Mini 1275 GT

A Cooper S Alternative

Powered by a 1275cc A-Series engine producing 59 hp, it wasn’t as quick as the Cooper S (0-60 mph in 12.9 sec, 87 mph top speed), but it retained the Mini’s legendary handling. Key upgrades included front disc brakes and a tachometer as standard—a first for a Mini.

Once overlooked, the 1275 GT is now a sought-after classic, recognized for its blend of style, performance, and affordability.

The 2020 MINI Cooper 1499 GT

2020 MINI Cooper 1499 GT: Inspired by the Past

Always eager to draw from its history, MINI introduced the 1499 GT Special Edition in late 2017, with the model finally reaching North America in 2020. This limited-run edition was a tribute to the 1275 GT, blending retro styling with modern performance.

For the North American market, production was limited to just 150 units, with only 30 offered with a manual transmission. The 1499 GT featured a Midnight Black Metallic exterior accented by gold 1499 GT side stripes, evoking its historic predecessor. It also came with a John Cooper Works (JCW) body kit, including sporty front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a split-level spoiler, giving it a more aggressive stance.

The 2020 MINI Cooper 1499 GT

Under the hood, the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine produced 134 horsepower and 162 ft-lbs of torque—the same as a standard Cooper at the time. Much like the original 1275 GT, the 1499 GT borrowed elements from higher-performance models and applied them to a more budget-friendly package. The 1499 GT was priced at $27,040, plus an $850 destination and handling fee.

2026 MINI Cooper 2000 GT – What to Expect & When We’ll See It

While details remain scarce, we’ve been told to expect a throwback aesthetic and possibly exclusive options and styling cues aimed at MINI enthusiasts.

The 2026 MINI Cooper 2000 GT is set to debut later this year, with sales expected to begin in the fall. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge.

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