A custom Mini JCW x Deus Ex Machina creation: a divine intervention? 

Whether you love them or loathe them, you can’t deny the Mini has style. For even more style, Mini has collaborated with Deus Ex Machina to deliver two bespoke JCWs: The Skeg and the Machina.  

Iconic silhouette, playful driving, and an eye for detail. Plus, an uncanny ability to fit in and stand out at the same time. Now, Mini has doubled down on the creativity, teaming up with the lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina to unveil two rather special, one-off John Cooper Works creations. These aren't your average motors; they’re a real nod to Mini’s racing heritage, infused with a hefty dose of customisation, and a shared love for all things mechanical and artistic. 

Two worlds, one authentic drive 

Stefan Richmann, Head of Mini, notes that Mini has always been about blending design with motorsport flair. This collaboration, he says, takes that to a whole new level: both Mini and Deus Ex Machina are united by a "passion for machines, innovation and creativity," and an authentic connection with their communities. Sounds like a good starting point for a partnership to us.  

Both of these special machines are based on a Mini John Cooper Works model. One —  named the Skeg — is a JCW Electric, packing a punch with up to 254 bhp. The other — the Machina — is a good old-fashioned combustion engine JCW, with 228 bhp.  

“Every detail has been crafted with artisanal precision,” shares Holger Hampf, Head of Mini Design, “resulting in unique characters that still clearly belong together”. And this is delivered through the ‘raw, handcrafted approach’ that celebrates the ‘beauty of imperfection’, moving away from high gloss for something more authentic. Expect to see visible seams, tactile switches, and traditional levers, all designed to highlight the mechanical heart of these cars. While, on the outside, expressive graphics, numbers, geometric elements, and bold colours are a direct homage to Mini’s racing past. 

The Skeg: where the surf meets the street 

First up, we have "The Skeg." This electric-powered show car sounds like a clean, quiet rebel, drawing inspiration from surfing. Think fibreglass, acceleration, and minimalism. It sports a striking yellow and silver finish, while the wide fenders, an illuminated grille, and a roof spoiler give it a sharper silhouette. What’s really interesting are the semi-transparent fibreglass panels that apparently shave off about 15% of the car’s weight and improve its aerodynamics – that’s a clever bit of design. 

At the back, the "Flex Tip Surf Spoiler" is designed to react to airflow, much like a surfboard navigating a wave. Its shape, inspired by the concave underside of a board, helps redirect movement and generate lift, turning a design feature into a functional element. Even the tension straps across the roof echo the familiar ritual of securing a surfboard, while also appearing as a design accent inside on the dashboard and steering wheel. The fibreglass dashboard itself is apparently inspired by surfboard construction, bringing that lightweight, resilient, and visually distinct feel into the car. Inside, analogue controls are stripped back, with fibreglass trays for wetsuits and neoprene upholstery on the lightweight racing seats – a clear nod to surf culture and its practicality. 

The Machina: track-ready and roaring 

Then there’s "The Machina," a John Cooper Works that’s all about raw mechanics and motorsport DNA. It’s inspired by the aesthetics of the racing scene, focusing on pure enthusiasm and functionality. The exterior boasts a bold red, white, and black paint scheme with prominent Deus lettering. Widened fenders, a nod to racing heritage, and four extra headlights on the bonnet pay tribute to rally sport roots. The rear diffuser, inspired from the Mini JCW racer that sped through Nordschleife, is designed to improve airflow and stability, with a centrally integrated exhaust adding to its presence. 

Inside, the red, white, and black theme continues. You'll find five-point racing harnesses for a secure fit, and raw aluminium floor plates that apparently echo the utilitarian look of Deus’ custom motorcycle workshops. Weight-saving is key, with stripped-back door panels featuring bold white ‘X’ motifs and a waxed fabric dash. An exposed roll cage adds structure and a visual link to the car's racing DNA. The controls are a refreshing addition for directness and functionality. With classic toggle switches and a hydraulic handbrake with a large lever, there’s no complicated menus, just a direct connection between driver and machine. 

Available at a price? 

It's clear that a lot of thought, creativity, and passion has gone into these two projects. And, anyone who’s sat behind the wheel of a Mini might be thirsting for this interesting collector’s piece. So, what’s the catch? Well , these vehicles aren’t available for sale, as far we can tell. But if they were? Well, as in the collaborators tag line, ‘you can be first after me’ when it comes to taking a ride. In the meantime, we’ll all have to make do with the capsule MINI x Deus Ex Machina apparel collection. 

So, for now, only one question remains: If you could, would you pick The Skeg or The Machine? 

Hero image credit:  Mini.com