When the Rover Group needed someone to build the ultimate performance Mini the choice was, quite logically, Jack Knight Developments.Who better than the company who first became involved with the car when it started in motor sport over 30 years ago?

Nowadays equally well known for its specialist steering and transmission components supplied to major formula and sports racing car manufacturers worldwide, JKD has been at the forefront of Mini development almost since the car's debut.

Drawing on a lifetime of experience, the JKD engineering team at the company's Woking, Surrey, base have put together a package to give Rover the 'Hot Rod' Mini it requested.

Many of the parts used in the car are off-the-shelf JKD products that have been supplied to Mini enthusiasts for many years, while others represent the very latest thinking from the company.

The heart of this very special Mini is the twin camshaft, 16 valve, cylinder head mated to the production 'A' series Rover block. Power is 160 bhp at 7,000 rpm.

The power unit drives through one of JKD's most well known products - the close ratio five speed dog engagement gearbox.

JKD have in fact developed a six speed gearbox for the Mini, but this 'racing only' component was not deemed suitable for the project car.

Rover's brief was that it should be suitable for use on the highway!

Operation of the gearbox is via JKD's Quick-Shift gearchange kit.

With the increased output of the 16 valve engine, JKD's equal length drive shafts were selected to reduce torque steer and stress on the transmission.