MINI brought the open-top version of its modern hardtop into the range for the 2005 model year, expanding the relaunched MINI family beyond the hatchback body styles that had revived the brand in the early 2000s. The first-generation convertible was unveiled in 2004 and went on sale shortly afterward as a 2005 model, offering a compact four-seat layout with a fabric roof and the playful character that defined the new MINI. It was an important addition because it translated the car’s retro-inspired design and go-kart feel into a true open-air format.
The convertible has remained a continuous part of the MINI line ever since, evolving through multiple generations as the brand refreshed its platform, styling, and roof design while keeping the same core concept. Early cars established the template: a small premium convertible with strong visual identity, everyday usability, and a clear focus on style and driving enjoyment rather than outright practicality. Over time, MINI used the nameplate to anchor special editions and trim themes, reinforcing its role as the brand’s lifestyle-oriented open model.
For WhipPotion purposes, this nameplate should be treated as a single uninterrupted production run beginning with the 2005 model year. The model remains in production, so there is no final model year to record.