The MINI GP has sold out in the UK before a single customer has driventhe car and extra allocation of the exclusive 2000 models being built for the globe has been secured.

The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit was announced in October 2005, and only 444 UK customers were given the chance to own one from July 2006.

Such has been the demand for the fastest, most powerful production MINI yet, that MINI UK has been negotiating with other countries and has managed to snatch fifteen more of the prized models. Only ten of these extra models remain today. America, Germany and Switzerland have also been eager to increase their share of the elite 2000 cars.

MINI will present the first MINI GP – numbered 0001 on the roof – at the 2006 British International Motor Show in just over a month at London’s Docklands.
The two-seater MINI GP – available in exclusive Thunder Blue metallic paintwork with Pure Silver roof - gives a power output of around 218 bhp and weighs approximately 40 kilos less than a standard MINI Cooper S. The GP reaches 62mph in under 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 146mph.

With a specification that includes JCW 18” alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control, multi-function steering wheel, air-conditioning and Recaro sports seats - worth a total of £10,000 - the GP is priced at £22,000.

By selling out in advance of its official on-sale date, the MINI GP has joined an exclusive club of desirable product launches that have achieved a similar feat in the Noughties, including the Ferrari Enzo and Playstation 2.

In 2000, Sony had sold all of its initial UK allocation of 200,000 Playstation 2 units two months ahead of its November on-sale date and in 2002, all 399 Ferrari Enzos scheduled for production had been sold, six months in advance of the May 2003 delivery date.