Kindred Spirits, Opposite Energies: The MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina Collaboration

In the world of bespoke machines, there are very few collaborations that feel as authentic and as purpose-built as the one between MINI John Cooper Works and Deus Ex Machina. This isn’t just about slapping logos on a pair of cars; it’s a shared manifesto, a coming together of two brands that hold a deep, abiding respect for craftsmanship, culture, and the communities that fuel them.

The result is a pair of exclusive, one-off John Cooper Works cars that are a rolling expression of a lifestyle where a love of speed meets creativity and considered design. They are built not just for performance, but for the people who live and breathe it, with a “raw, handcrafted approach” that celebrates the “beauty of imperfection.”

Both of these extraordinary vehicles are built on a solid MINI John Cooper Works foundation, but they diverge to embody distinct spirits. The unifying element is a large white ‘X’ on each roof, a subtle but significant signal of the co-creation process between two iconic brands.

As Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI, explains, the collaboration is united by a “passion for machines, innovation and creativity.” This shared philosophy is evident in every detail, from the visible seams and striking switches to the traditional levers that emphasise the raw, mechanical character of the cockpits.

The first of the pair, named “The Skeg,” is a sleek, electric, and coast-bound machine. It’s a clean, quiet rebellion, drawing on materials, technologies, and philosophies from the world of surfing. The vivid yellow and silver bodywork is an immediate eye-catcher, a nod to MINI’s progressive take on electric mobility.

The car’s silhouette is sharpened by wide fenders and an illuminated front grille, while semi-transparent fibreglass panels not only look incredible but also strip 15% of the car’s weight. The Flex Tip Surf Spoiler at the rear is a piece of inspired design, responding to airflow like a surfboard rides a wave and generating lift. Inside, the car is a mobile surf shop.

The analogue controls are stripped back to their bare essentials, and neoprene upholstery on the lightweight racing seats provides a tactile, water-repellent connection to the sea. The Flex Tip Surf Spoiler, which responds to airflow much like a surfboard rides the contours of a wave, draws its form from the concave underside of a surfboard, redirecting movement, generating lift, and turning design into function. Fibreglass trays for wetsuits and a dashboard inspired by surfboard construction complete the purposeful and highly-functional aesthetic.

On the other end of the spectrum is “The Machina,” a loud, low, and combustion-fed tribute to pure racing enthusiasm. This is a car forged on the track, built to be lean, fast, and fueled by a love of speed and precision. Its exterior design is a direct homage to MINI’s motorsport heritage, with a bold red, white, and black paint scheme, and classic widened fenders that blend form and function.

Four additional headlights on the bonnet pay tribute to the brand’s rally sport roots, each featuring subtle Deus branding. At the rear, a diffuser draws inspiration from MINI’s Nordschleife race car, designed to optimise airflow and stability, while a centrally integrated exhaust amplifies the engine’s sound and presence.

Inside, the red, white, and black palette holds strong. Raw aluminium floor plates echo the utilitarian aesthetic of Deus’ custom motorcycle workshops, while a striking exposed roll cage and 5-point racing harnesses leave no doubt about the car’s racing DNA.

The controls are a beautiful exercise in directness and mechanical connection—no complex menus, just clear, intuitive toggle switches and a hydraulic handbrake that puts the driver in complete control. The Machina is a driving manifesto, a tribute to the unadulterated motorsport bloodline of the MINI brand.

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