There were four special editions released in Australia across the R50 generation – the Monte Carlo, Park Lane, Checkmate and Sidewalk.
Monte Carlo
May 2004
The Monte Carlo limited edition was released in May 2004 to commemorate the 1964 Rallye Monte Carlo win by Paddy Hopkirk in a classic Mini. There were just 40 examples released, in acknowledgement of the 40th anniversary.
Based on the Cooper S, the Monte Carlo could be had in two colours: Chilli Red with black leather, or British Racing Green with Cordoba Beige leather (both with a white roof). Wheels were 17” S-spokes.
On the outside, white bonnet stripes and special side stripes with a ‘37’ were included (37 representing the race number of Paddy Hopkirk’s Mini). Small Union Jack badges were also attached to the A panels beneath the side indicators.
The interior featured a three-spoke steering wheel that was individually numbered. Interestingly, this was before the R50 mid-life update when the three-spoke wheel became available across the MINI range.
An individually numbered key ring and a Rallye Monte Carlo sleeveless outdoor vest were also included with the car.
The Monte Carlo edition was available at $42,900 (with metallic British Racing Green attracting an extra $680).
The below images are from various sale listings of Monte Carlo editions. Images credit to respective sellers.
The Monte Carlo edition was unique to Australia, not to be confused with the ‘MC40’ edition released in the United States at a similar time (of which 1000 were made).
Park Lane
2006
The MINI Park Lane was a luxury addition to the range, released in partnership with the sportier Checkmate.
Unique to the Park Lane were English leather seats, two-tone leather steering wheel, a patterned dashboard piece, and 16” Bridge Spoke alloy wheels. Special decals and pillar stickers identified the Park Lane, with a silver bonnet stripe available as an option.
Range options that came standard on the Park Lane included chrome line interior and exterior, automatic climate control, Harman/Kardon sound system, and Xenon headlamps for the Cooper S.
The signature colour for the Park Lane was Royal Grey, partnered with a silver roof and chrome mirror caps. It could also be ordered in Astro Black, Pure Silver or British Racing Green.
The Park Lane was available as both Cooper and Cooper S.
Checkmate
2006
The MINI Checkmate was a sporty alternative, released with the Park Lane.
The special edition included unique Space Blue cloth/leather sports seats, a two-tone leather steering wheel, and 17” Flame Spoke alloy wheels. Special decals (including A panel checkers) and pillar stickers identified the Checkmate, with a silver bonnet stripe available as an option.
Range options that came standard on the Checkmate included the four-gauge Chrono pack, Sport Suspension Plus package, and Anthracite headlining.
The signature colour for the Checkmate was Space Blue, partnered with a silver roof and mirror caps. It could also be ordered in Astro Black, Pure Silver, or Hyper Blue.
The Checkmate was available as both Cooper and Cooper S.
Sidewalk
2007
The MINI Cabrio Sidewalk was the one and only special edition for the MINI Cabrio, providing a luxury option for both Cooper and Cooper S variants.
It included unique Malt Brown English leather seats (or optional black), a matching steering wheel and gear lever knob, and unique 17” Night Spoke alloy wheels. Special stickers joining the side indicators identified the Sidewalk.
Range options that came standard on the Sidewalk included chrome line interior, automatic climate control, and the four-gauge Chrono pack for the Cooper or navigation system and Xenon headlights for the Cooper S.
The signature colour for the Sidewalk was Sparkling Silver Metallic. It could also be ordered in Astro Black, British Racing Green, Pepper White or White Silver Metallic (an exclusive effect colour).
Content on this page has been compiled with information available at the time of writing. Should more detailed documentation become available, the content will be reviewed accordingly (such as colour availability and specifications).