Remembering the (glorious) Mini Superlegerra Vision concept

Cars rarely look as beautiful and desirable as the Mini Superlegerra Vision concept from years gone by. Here’s a look at it again because, you know, why not?

If I’m being brutally honest, concept cars become rather dull after you’ve done this job a while. Why? Because they never quite live up to the hype. Come production time, a lot of the madness is usually lost and the spirit has been run over.

There are, however, exceptions and the Mini Superlegerra Vision Concept from 2014 is one of them. Maybe THE exception. It’s just so cool that I wish BMW would make it a reality. I’d buy it instantly and be happy eating baked beans for the rest of my adult life.

But everytime I ask BMW about when I can buy one, having stocked up on Heinz (other brands are available), I get the same answer. That it will never reach production. At this point I become inconsolable, tears fill my eyes and I run off screaming.

The simple fact is that the Superlegerra (Italian for superlight) should be a thing. Just look at it! But it’s not, so all we can do is enjoy the photos, which I converted into black and white for our benefit.

What was the Mini Superlegerra Vision Concept?

The Mini Superlegerra Vision Concept was an open-top, two-seater roadster built as a joint project between BMW and Milanese company Touring Superlegerra. Only one car exists and you’re looking at it.

As described by the press materials, it’s an “elaborately crafted, unique model which blends the tradition of classic coachwork construction with the MINI’s authentic British styling to create timeless aesthetic appeal”.

What was so special about this particular concept?

Come on now, you have eyes. It’s the looks. Hand-beaten panels formed the exterior, while the dashboard was yet another single piece of gloriously stylish aluminium. Expensive, lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, meanwhile, had been applied to the sills and diffuser for dieting purposes.

Up front were those trademark circular Mini headlights and a hexagonal grille. Unlike its spiritual successor, however, a stretched bonnet and long wheelbase gave it a more sporty stance. Squint a bit and you could call it a Jaguar F-Type. A prettier version.

Heading rearward, Union Jack-shaped headlights reminded you of the British input. Then there was a stylish mix of dark brown leather, bucket seats, aluminium surfaces and black chrome.

Not to be accused of being dated, technology came in the form of a digital gauge, centrally-located display and a camera for taking selfies. Whatever they are.

What was under the hood?

BMW kept the exact details under wraps apart from the fact it was to be all-electric. So it would’ve been gloriously nippy and near-silent to drive.

Let’s not be too fussy, but rear-wheel drive would have been the cherry on the Bakewell tart, to be all British. Whadya mean it’s a German car?

Why do I recognise the name Touring Superlegerra?

Some of you may be familiar with the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, which was another one-of-a-kind project between Alfa Romeo and Touring Superlegerra.

The Disco Volante did, of course, use the almost as stunning 8C Competizione as a basis. Like the Mini Superlegerra, it made love to your eyes.

So when can I buy the Mini Superlegerra Vision?

The only way you can own this car is if you prize it from BMW’s cold, dead fingers. It was a concept and that meant you couldn’t buy it for love nor money. Five years on, that’s still the case.

Maybe one day BMW will make it a reality. Maybe not. I hope so because there’s no other convertible that makes me forget about the complete lack of a roof quite like this thing.