A carmaker collaborating with an iconic brand from the motorcycle world? Yes, please.
British automaker Mini has just partnered up with popular lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina to build two one-off John Cooper Works cars. The former is best known for, well, the iconic Mini, while the latter specializes in motorcycle and surfing apparel, among other things. Deus Ex Machina also builds custom motorcycles, and the brand itself has amassed a cult following in the riding community over the years.
For the bespoke cars, there’s ‘The Skeg,’ which is a Mini JCW Electric, and ‘The Machina,’ which is a petrol-powered Mini JCW.
“In this extraordinary collaboration, we showcase two vehicles that remind us of the motorsport history and successes of Mini,” head of Mini Design Holger Hampf. “Every single detail has been crafted with artisanal precision and expertise. This has resulted in unique characters that are clearly perceived as belonging together through their distinctive design language and use of graphics.”
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Mini says The Skeg draws on “materials, technologies, and philosophies from the world of surfing.” The yellow and silver finish is a nod to Mini’s electric future, while the semi-transparent fiberglass cuts the weight by 15%. There’s a Flex Tip Surf Spoiler at the rear for aerodynamics, its design derived from the concave underside of a surfboard.
There are also tension straps across the roof to reference tying down a board after a surf session. Plenty of other custom fiberglass trim are used around the vehicle to let more light enter the cabin. Speaking of which, the interior remains minimalist, colorful, and practical. The fiberglass dashboard remains functional and stylish while further reducing weight. Deus Collection badges can also be found inside the vehicle. Oversized ‘X’ elements are also present, including on the roof of both bespoke JCWs.
The Machina, meanwhile, is inspired by motorsport aesthetics and “stands for pure racing enthusiasm and authentic functionality.” The outside features a red, white, and black finish with Deus lettering at the rear. Like The Skeg, this one gets widened fenders, but it also has additional headlights on the hood to harken back to Mini’s rally roots. Behind the vehicle, diffusers not only improve airflow and aesthetics but also pay homage to Mini’s JCW race car.
On the inside, The Machina echos “the utlitarian aesthetic” of Deus’ custom motorcycle workshops in Australia, the US, and Indonesia. It features raw aluminum floor plates that add to the aesthetic while offering more grip. The back door panels have also been stripped and marked with an ‘X.’ There are also toggle switches—each with a clear function—and a hydraulic handbrake lever that adds further to the car’s raw and performance-oriented vibe.
These two masterpieces were designed by Mini’s creative team and Deus’ creative director Carby Tuckwell with the help of Matt Wiley. They also worked with BMW Group’s Designworks for the cars’ striking exterior graphics.
The two show cars were recently unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, of which Top Gear Philippines was also able to attend. We have actual photos from the show floor, which you can browse through the images below. The two brands have also launched the exclusive Mini x Deus Ex Machina apparel collection—you can check out the merch via Deus’ online channels.
More photos of the Mini x Deus Ex Machina John Cooper Works cars
Photos of ‘The Machina’
Photos of ’The Skeg’
