The Mini Convertible is now 30 years outdated, and Mini is introducing a special-edition mannequin within the U.S. to rejoice.

The unique fixed-roof Mini launched in 1959, however a convertible model did not arrive till the early Nineties. The primary manufacturing unit Mini convertible debuted on the 1992 British Motor Present in Birmingham, U.Okay., the place it was billed because the “world’s smallest four-seat convertible.”

Produced by German contract producer Karmann, the unique Mini convertible went on sale in 1993 and continued by means of 1996, with 1,081 examples constructed. BMW revived the convertible when it relaunched the Mini model on the flip of the century, and a drop-top has been part of the Mini lineup ever since.

To commemorate the launch of the primary drop-top Mini, the automaker is launching a special-edition mannequin referred to as the Seaside Version in February. It is going to be distinguished by obtainable Nanuq White or Caribbean Aqua paint colours, the latter with white graphics. All variations will get 18-inch wheels with thirtieth anniversary branding of their middle caps.

The inside will probably be upholstered in Carbon Black leather-based, with thirtieth anniversary badging on the steering wheel, dashboard, and doorways. The important thing fob may even be completed in a blue two-tone scheme.

The Seaside Version is on the market in Cooper and Cooper S grades. The bottom Cooper has a 134-hp 1.5-liter turbo-3, whereas the Cooper S has a 189-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine that allows 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds, in accordance with Mini. The ability soft-top roof on convertible fashions may also be opened or closed at speeds as much as 18 mph, Mini famous.

This particular version will probably be one of many final of the current-generation Mini fashions. Mini is getting ready the fourth era of its fashionable lineup, beginning with a redesigned Hardtop that is due later in 2023 as a 2024 mannequin. It is going to be primarily based on guardian BMW Group’s FAAR platform, an evolution of the UKL platform underpinning the present Mini vary. An electrical model may even debut alongside the redesigned internal-combustion Cooper Hardtop, utilizing a devoted EV platform.

Mini has locked in 2025 because the date its last internal-combustion mannequin will probably be launched. The automaker has proven an electrical convertible idea primarily based on the current-generation Cooper SE mechanicals, so it is doable the drop-top will dwell on in Mini’s deliberate all-electric lineup of the long run.