ROVER is marking the Mini's 40th birthday with a new Mini 40 Limited Edition.

Just 250 models of the car will be sold in the UK.

Sitting on 13in sports alloy wheels with body-colour wheelarch extensions, the Mini 40 LE sports twin spot lamps and a large bore tailpipe which pay homage to Mini's competition history.

Even the badging is special, with a chrome 'GB' badge on the rear, an anniversary decal on the bodyside and a gold-plated Mini 40 badge on the bonnet.

The interior boasts colour-keyed leather seats with contrasting piping, the same leather treatment extends to the facia header, handbrake and gearknob and a striking alloy facia.

The Mini which will come in a choice of colours - Island Blue, Mulberry Red or Old English White - even gets a CD player.

The car goes on sale on April 5, but the price has not yet been released.

Rover Cars UK marketing director, John Sanders said: "This highly desirable limited edition celebrates Mini's long-standing position as a design icon. It is safe to say that no other car packs so much style into such a small space."

Autocar's 'Car of the Century', the Mini will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a two day party at Silverstone on August 21 and 22. The anniversary year will be supported by the Mini's first television advertising campaign for ten years, since Twiggy's 'Mini 30' ad in 1989.

Story date: Wednesday 17 March

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