JCW 1to6 is the last ever manual Mini

Limited to 999 units worldwide, the 1to6 will likely tie up manual Mini production with a bow – given the next-generation car is expected to launch next year with a greater emphasis on electrification and no manual option.

Specs wise, the 1to6 is familiar JCW: 231PS (170kW) from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, a 6.3-second 0-62mph time and a 150mph+ top speed. Looks-wise, it’s JCW standard fare – bigger vents, bigger wheels, a prominent spoiler – along with a smattering of special and not too in-your-face ‘1to6’ badges and graphics.

Debuting at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the 1to6 joins the Bulldog Racing Team’s Mini JCW which will be battling on the Nordschleife this coming weekend. Mini is keen to emphasise the motorsport links.

“The Mini John Cooper Works models have their roots in motorsport,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini.

“With the Mini John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition, we are celebrating Mini’s legendary motorsport history and maximising the brand-typical driving experience."

In spite of being ‘one of 999’, it’ll be even rarer in the UK, with just 150 bound for our shores. That perhaps goes some way to justifying the c/£40,000 price, given the potential for it to retain value compared to a ‘normal’, albeit cheaper, manual JCW. Whichever way you cut it, next year the Mini lineup will look very different. It’s nice then, that we’re getting a nod to the analogue.