How Deus Ex Machina and MINI Reimagined the Mini Cooper

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MINI x Dues Ex Machina have succeeded in creating the most talked about MINI concepts in over a decade. But how did they come together? We have an inside look at the process and how these incredible concepts were born. 

Over 18 months Dues’ Carby Tuckwell and long-time collaborator Matt Willey came to MINI with an idea for two cars that both mapped to the brand’s past while introducing new concepts for the future. 

The partnership is built around a simple idea: MINI has always been more than just a car company. It’s a culture, an attitude, and in this case, a design canvas. Deus Ex Machina, known globally for its motorcycles, surfboards, and free-spirited approach to design, was the perfect partner to push JCW into uncharted territory.

The Skeg

The first concept is a fully electric MINI John Cooper Works, sculpted through the lens of surf culture. It’s a beach-ready machine with clean surfboard-inspired lines, pared-back materials, and a functional, almost playful aesthetic. There’s a handmade quality to the way the metal has been finished and the fiberglass remains unpainted. It nods to the whimsy of the MINI brand while hinting at JCW performance.

The Machina

The second is a track-inspired JCW with combustion at its core. It strips away polish in favor of raw motorsport grit, featuring exposed welds, purposeful details, and a focus on mechanical honesty. Where the surf-inspired EV feels breezy and playful, this one is pure intent—an homage to the competition heritage that made JCW a household name among enthusiasts.

Head of MINI Design, Holger Hampf

A Design Approach That’s Refreshingly Honest

What makes these two builds stand out isn’t just their hardware or drivetrain choice, but their design philosophy. MINI and Deus avoided the temptation to over-style, instead embracing simplicity and imperfection. Exposed fasteners, raw textures, and chunky, analog-feeling details give both cars a deliberate sense of honesty. They look like tools meant to be used, not polished showpieces.

Like any concept, started with an idea and some sketches. The raw aesthetic was brought to life in new materials and a layered approach to design. Collaborating with MINI designers, Carby Tuckwell and Matt Willey brought these ideas to life in rapid form by first stripping F66 and J01 donor cars and then building components by hand in the studio. 

The results speak for themselves. Two cars, worlds apart in purpose, yet united by the same spirit that has defined MINI for 65 years: small, clever, and relentlessly fun. The Skeg and The Machina aren’t production cars, but we can’t help but notice more than a few elements that look like they could easily slot into production models. 

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