2004 MINI Cooper S MC40
Explore MINI Cooper S MC40: its history, design, verified rarity scope and identity, with sourced specifications and credited photography.
The 2004 MINI Cooper S MC40 translates the 1964 Monte Carlo victory into a modern, numbered commemorative road car. It is a specific MINI USA edition, rather than a description for any red Cooper S with rally lamps. The combination of a defined announcement, a numbered identity and a deliberate historical theme gives it a clear place in the modern MINI story.
History and place in the MINI story
MINI USA presented the MC40 in Chicago in February 2004, with 1,000 cars planned. The factory release describes Chili Red paint, a white roof, commemorative graphics and removable number-37 door plaques. The cabin received distinctive trim and a numbered commemorative plate. Those elements create an edition identity that can be checked against the launch description.
Verified identity and specification reference
| Base model | R53 MINI Cooper S |
|---|---|
| Market | United States |
| Announced quantity | 1,000 planned |
| Theme | 40 years since the 1964 Monte Carlo win |
Understanding the design
Its strongest idea is translation rather than imitation. The MC40 uses a contemporary Cooper S as a carrier for visual references to Hopkirk and Liddon’s victory. The result should be read as a historical tribute with its own period equipment, not as a continuation-built works rally car. That distinction also helps explain why its identity survives even when removable graphics are no longer fitted.
Rarity and production scope
MINI USA announced 1,000 planned MC40 cars. This is the announced edition quantity, not an independently audited completion or survivor count.
The production reference applies to the source-defined model or edition. It is not a count of cars still surviving, and should not be multiplied across overlapping market allocations or badge variants.
Identification and documentation
Check an individual car’s build and sale documents, edition plate and original equipment history. A missing decal is a different issue from an unsubstantiated edition identity. Conversely, adding number 37 and chrome lamps to another R53 does not establish MC40 provenance. Preserve documentation of replaced trim and any performance modifications separately from the edition record.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this a road-production edition?
This profile covers limited edition. Its rarity reference is stated above; the overall MINI model family is not assigned the same limit.
Does the image establish factory originality?
The photograph illustrates the source-identified subject. Individual originality, replacement components and restoration history require their own documentation.
Which date is used in the title?
2004 is the reference year for this edition, design presentation or historic event. A photographed car may have been built earlier.
Sources and further reading
Research checked 15 October 2026. Manufacturer specifications describe the period source and market identified above.
Built in limited numbers
MINI USA announced 1,000 planned MC40 cars. This is the announced edition quantity, not an independently audited completion or survivor count.
Gallery
Specifications
Factory specifications may vary by model year, market and configuration.
Identity & production
- Official model
- MINI Cooper S MC40
Sources and verification
Source citations are being prepared for this profile.
