Mini’s New Driver-Focused Special Pairs Heritage and Hot Hatch MannersGear PatrolgvandykeUpdatedMon, September 14, 2026 at 7:12 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleThe brand's latest Icon Drops release promises a unique mix of old-school cool and enthusiast-grade tweaks.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreEarlier this year, Mini kicked off a program called Icon Drops with a special 1965 Victory Edition model celebrating the brand's historic Monte Carlo win.As cool as the car seemed on paper, it did require a certain kind of appreciation for the brand. At more than $45,000, the rally looks and enthusiast manners invited quite a premium over other Minis.The new 1998 GT celebrates the Mini brand's 1275 GT that debuted in 1969. - Credit: MiniFor this reason, the latest installment in the Icon Drops program is bound to be a refreshing change of pace. It pairs Mini heritage with some true hot-hatch spirit while keeping the price tag (more) reasonable.A Goldilocks treatmentI'm talking about the new 1998 GT Edition. While the number may seem like a reference to a special year, it's actually the engine size; under the hood, you'll find the base Cooper's 161-horsepower 2.0-liter (1,998cc) turbo four.The orange accents and 1998 GT font make for smart old-school touches. - Credit: MiniHowever, that doesn't mean that this one is just a visual treatment. To complement the sharp black paint and orange accents, Mini has fitted it with a series of choice upgrades to make it more driver-friendly.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn practice, this means Mini has given it the same brake and suspension setup as the top-of-the-range John Cooper Works.The interior keeps things similarly restrained. - Credit: MiniWhat's more, Mini has given it a set of JCW 17-inch spoked alloys, and it also wears the JCW body kit complete with front, side and rear winglets.It promises a unique combination. The 1998 GT trails in output even compared to the 201-horsepower Cooper S, yet it boasts a more responsive, higher-spec platform.Mini treats the 1998 GT to some eye-catching JCW touches that really spice up the visuals. - Credit: MiniMini continues the GTMini's interior treatment is similarly restrained, though it does bring a few interesting touches. In addition to black knit accents in the seat upholstery, it gains some tasteful 1998 GT branding and unique floor mats and sills.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn combination with the balanced mechanicals and old-school badging, I think it makes for one of the more convincing retro homages. It doesn't try too hard, and it seems like just the kind of parts-bin special a brand would have put together back in the day.Mini's recently revisited the GT treatment with the 1499, and the 1998 keeps the lineage going. - Credit: MiniTo that end, Mini's chosen naming convention does have some historical brand precedents. The original (1,275cc) 1275 GT the car honors arrived in 1969 as a successor to the Mini Cooper S.Then, more recently in 2021, the brand revisited the concept with the 1499 GT. As before, it kept engine displacement less than 2.0 liters.Spoilers should be mandatory on hatchbacks, regardless of the power under the hood. - Credit: MiniThe newest 1998 GT Edition might bring a few more cubes, but it remains true to the spirit. Like its predecessors, it aims to prove that small, responsive platforms don't require absolute power to be engaging.Availability and pricingAccording to Mini's website, the 1998 GT Edition will be available this fall starting at $36,875. While that does make it costlier than the more powerful Cooper S, it does obviously come with a unique value proposition of its own.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you'd like to reserve one, you can head to the pre-order page.Mini 1998 GT Edition Starts at $36,875 About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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