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About the project
Pentagram partners Matt Willey and Piotr Woronkowicz teamed up with Deus Ex Machina and MINI to develop complete design concepts for two unique, one-off John Cooper Works vehicles.
The project grew out of a long-standing creative dialogue and friendship. Following his work on a custom livery for a historic Mini Cooper S in 2023, Willey reconnected with Deus creative director Carby Tuckwell and collaborated with MINI to design distinctive liveries for two functional prototypes: the 2025 J01 Electric and the 2025 F66 Petrol. As the brief expanded beyond graphics to encompass the cars’ physical form, Willey brought in his Pentagram partner Piotr Woronkowicz—an industrial designer and passionate automotive enthusiast. Together, alongside Tuckwell, they shaped every aspect of the vehicles, from materials and structure to graphics and overall form, resulting in two bespoke creations.
Collaboration was central to the process. Four studios—Designworks in Los Angeles and Munich, Deus in Sydney, and Pentagram in New York—worked across different time zones and disciplines to realize the vision. Willey and Woronkowicz developed the designs in parallel, making joint decisions about materials, structure, and visual expression. The entire effort was driven by a shared passion, reflecting the energy that comes from enthusiasts working together for a like-minded audience.
Research for the project drew heavily on the groundbreaking Formula One era of 1959–1960, when Jack Brabham’s Cooper T51 became the first rear-engined car to secure consecutive World Championships, redefining the sport’s engineering norms. This pivotal moment in motorsport history informed the graphic identity, including the creation of three custom typefaces inspired by sources ranging from hand-painted race numbers to functional mechanical elements like perforated metal used in lightweight vehicle construction.
The 2025 F66, known as The Machina, emphasizes mechanical honesty and racing heritage. Its exterior features a bold palette of red, white, and black, combining matte and gloss finishes with perforated aluminum panels referencing weight-saving techniques. Exposed seams highlight craftsmanship, while widened fenders with visible hardware and rally-style lighting reinforce its performance-driven character. Details such as custom-milled wheels, painted fasteners, and a perforated grille showcasing a bespoke Deus logo demonstrate meticulous attention. A prominent spoiler and working diffuser enhance its stance, while the interior includes traditional gauges, toggle switches, a hydraulic handbrake, racing seats, and a partial roll cage—prioritizing direct, tactile control.
In contrast, the J01 Electric—named The Skeg—draws inspiration from surfboard design and construction. Its translucent fiberglass panels reduce weight, improve aerodynamics, and allow light to enter the cabin. Integrated straps within the roof and interior create a built-in system for securing boards. The front is formed as a seamless fiberglass surface, incorporating a glowing LED halo that references MINI’s signature grille. At the rear, a flexible spoiler responds to airflow much like a surfboard fin, introducing a sense of motion and character while highlighting the vehicle’s electric nature.
Expanding the project further, Willey collaborated with Deus art director Stevie James to translate the visual language into a clothing collection. The apparel debuted at IAA Mobility in Munich and is available globally through Deus retail channels and online. Both the vehicles and the collection were unveiled together at the MINI Pavilion and remained on display throughout the event. Since then, the cars have appeared at a hill climb in Italy and are set to continue touring at MINI and Deus events around the world.
