A SPECIAL edition of the MINI is being produced to mark the achievements of rally driver Paddy Hopkirk who drove the original Mini to victory in the Monte Carlo Rally.

Limited to a run of just 100 examples the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition is based on the MINI Cooper S three-door hatch and comes in a red paint finish with a white roof and bears the number 37 - just like Hopkirk's winning car.

Driving with co-pilot Henry Liddon, Hopkirk overcame the odds against competitors with significantly greater engine power in the 1964 event.

The surprise win in Monte Carlo made Paddy Hopkirk the UK's most famous rally driver overnight and the classic Mini advanced from outsider and crowd pleaser to becoming a motor racing legend.

Hopkirk's Finnish team mates Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen added two more outright victories to the title collection in the Mini Cooper S 37 in 1965 and 1967.

The winning streak at the Monte Carlo Rally continues to inspire MINI fans all over the world to this day.

The special edition is priced from £27,405 and first deliveries are expected to start in November.

As well as the number 37 on the doors it also appears on the car's side scuttles and other features on the exterior are stickers with the inscription "Paddy Hopkirk Monte Carlo" and a single white bonnet stripe on the driver's side which bears the signature of the 1964 "Monte" winner.

In addition, the famous number and letter combination 33 EJB of the number plate of the 1964 Monte Carlo winning car is shown on the bonnet strip using 3D effect graphics.

Hopkirk's signature also appears on the decorative trim strip on the passenger side, which forms part of the black high-gloss interior surfaces. Another exclusive design feature is LED "Paddy Hopkirk" entry sills.

The MINI Navigation Pack and Comfort Pack are included in the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition as well as auxiliary headlights, a key cap with the start number 37 and a black waistline finisher between the body and the windows.