The fastest production Mini ever built is due to go on sale in November.

But anyone wanting to get their hands on a John Cooper Works GP which can reach a top speed of 150mph will have to move quickly as there are just 2,000 models being made at the Cowley plant with bosses reporting strong interest from enthusiasts.

Mini spokesman Sarah Heaney said: “We showed a concept version of the car in May and it prompted a massive social media discussion and that has continued even though most people have not seen the car.

“There is a big community of Mini enthusiasts who have been waiting for this car and we expect there to be a lot of interest.”

The John Cooper Works GP will be introduced at the Paris Motor Show on September 29 with production starting at Cowley in November.

The two-seater car can also sprint to 62mph in 6.3 seconds and will cost £28,790 with dealers taking orders now.

Meanwhile, UK sales of the Mini dropped by 15 per cent in August, latest figures have revealed.

Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show 1,189 cars sold during the month, compared to 1,399 for the same period last year.

A total of 28,717 cars have been sold so far this year, compared to 28,457 for the first eight months of 2011, meaning overall sales are 0.91 per cent ahead.

Ms Heaney said: “The Olympics have had an impact and August sales are lower with the new registration introduced in September.”

Nationally, new car registrations grew 0.1 per cent in August to 59,433 units.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: "The economic outlook remains challenging, but vehicle manufacturers and dealers are working hard to sustain demand and deliver great value products and services to customers."