MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina

MINI has again teamed up with Deus Ex Machina to create two one-off John Cooper Works builds – one electric, one petrol – both dripping with motorsport heritage and custom culture.

The pair are polar opposites in energy yet united in spirit. The Skeg, a 258hp JCW Electric, draws on surf culture with fibreglass bodywork, translucent panels, and even wetsuit trays inside. Bright yellow paint, semi-transparent panels and a surfboard-inspired spoiler make it feel like a mobile beach shack tuned for speed.

The Machina, on the other hand, is all noise and grit. Based on the 231hp JCW petrol, it channels MINI’s rally roots with flared arches, bonnet-mounted spotlights, and a Can-Am-style rear wing. Inside, it’s stripped for purpose: roll cage, 5-point harnesses, aluminium floor plates, waxed fabric trim and a hydraulic handbrake – a proper driver’s cockpit.

Both cars wear bold Deus graphics and the oversized white ‘X’ that ties the collaboration together. They’re not about polish – but about authenticity, imperfection, and a shared love of speed, design and culture.

A big part of that visual punch comes from Matt Willey, the British-born designer and Pentagram partner known for his bold, graphic style. Willey has worked with Deus since 2015, and here he brings his fascination with classic racing liveries into the mix. His influence connects these one-offs back to MINI’s rally glory days, while keeping the look fresh, graphic and unmistakably modern.

Photos © MINI / Deus Ex Machina