Bespoke at its Very Best: Mini Remastered

Mastering the charm of the original Mini

I’ve come to the conclusion that the British have a certain skill when it comes to remastering classics and making them modern enough to exist in today’s world while still maintaining that old-world charm. From fascinators to successfully integrating modern architecture into the historical background that is their entire country, the Brits had a knack for making old traditions seem just as relevant today.

And they’ve done it again.

Based in Coventry , England (hallowed ground for British automobiles), David Brown Automotive is the UK equivalent of Singer or ICON, and while their previous project was an Aston Martin-esque Speedback GT, this time around they’ve tackled one of Britain’s real icons: the Mini.

There’s something delightful about taking an almost bare-bones version of something and turning it into a high-end, almost luxurious item, while somehow maintaining its simplicity throughout. David Brown has done just that with the Mini Remastered.

Based on the iconic British Motor Corporation Mini, these restored classics might look exactly like the originals from the ‘60s, but take a closer look and you’ll see that David Brown has managed to bring them right into today’s automotive era with everything from a 7” LCD touchscreen to Apple CarPlay and even an uber fancy key fob with a push-button start.

Of course, the original Minis were known for their simplicity and affordability. They were meant to be an appliance, so to speak, while also being enjoyable to drive. These Mini Remastered models have turned that adage on its head a bit by making them not only a blast to drive, but also enjoyable to sit in and spend time in.

Modern amenities such as AC and leather everywhere bring these models into a realm the BMC Mini was never really part of, and the craftsmanship looks absolutely stunning, from brushed chrome dials on the dash to woodgrain finish on the steering wheel to an exterior paint job that looks so smooth it almost looks liquid in nature.

It warms my hear to know that David Brown Automoible has left so much of the original Mini intact in this resto-mod project. The body is unchanged, and only the rear taillights and front grille have been slightly tweaked to look different from the original.

Under the cheeky little bonnet you’ll find, again, an ever so slightly tweaked version of the original 1275cc powerplant that produces 78bhp and 91lb-ft of torque, which may not seem like a lot but with a curb weight of just 740kg, it’s more than enough and guaranteed to be a good time.

The Mini Remastered is a truly bespoke vehicle that takes over 1,000 man hours to create (once you’ve chosen all your paint and interior colours, wheels, accessories, etc.). The first vehicles will emerge on the mean streets of the UK in the winter of 2017 and start around $90,000 CDN (roughly). There are also going to be 50 special edition models: 25 Inspired by Café Racers, and 25 Inspired by Monte Carlo Mini Remastered editions. These special editions feature signature paint colours and designs, as well as interior colours and amenities specific to the special edition chosen. The engine is also upped in the Café Racers and Monte Carlo editions to a 1300cc unit that pushes out 98hp. Each model is numbered, as well, to add to its uniqueness.

While $90k might seem like a hefty amount of coin for such a teeny-tiny vehicle, I’m already considering how many part-time jobs I can hold, what items I no longer need in my house and can sell (possibly body parts, too… I mean, I have two kidneys after all), and also how I’d pay to have my Bad Moon Rising (with a white roof and 12” Mania alloys) shipped across the pond…

Source:
http://www.davidbrownautomotive.com/mini-remastered/