David Brown Automotive revealed its second model to
date, the simply gorgeous Mini Remastered. This
isn’t technically a new model but rather a top-end re-imagined version of the
original Mini, blending modern technology and luxury hand-finished materials in
one very attractive package.
David Brown Automotive says that this is the
ultimate classic Mini, with each car to be built by hand from the ground up
using brand new body panels. In fact the familiar exterior shape has been
visually softened by de-seaming the bodywork while the chassis has been
strengthened with bespoke structural beams for improved rigidity.
It
says that the 1,275 cc engine is completely rebuilt with its power increased by
up to 50 percent of the original, which means that it makes somewhere in the
area of 90 to 100 hp. The four-speed manual gearbox is also ‘reconditioned’
while the suspension and brakes are upgraded.
And because this is the ultimate Mini, each car
receives an extensive sound-proofing process to make sure that the passengers
remain comfortable. Other differences include features like custom aluminum
grilles and full LED rear light clusters that get the same detailing and bezels
with the Speedback GT.
The cabin is bathed in hand-trimmed upholstery
featuring British hides, painted metal and fabric finishes. A set of bespoke
seats, retro Smith dials, a Moto-Lita steering wheel and a beautifully-finished
cup holder in the center console are some of the many details. Modern features
include an in-built infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto, keyless go, USB ports, a push-to-start button and remote central
locking.
The luggage space is lined in leather, the fuel tank is painted in the
same finish with the car’s contrasting roof, the paint process takes four whole
weeks for each car, the list goes on. David Brown Automotive says that
customers can truly spec their cars however they like and even develop their
unique exterior paint color, just like the Speedback GT.
It takes 1,000 man hours for each Mini Remastered to
be completed and David Brown Automotive says that their latest model will be “highly-exclusive
and built in strictly limited numbers”. There’s no information yet about the
pricing, but don’t expect a hand-built car like this to be anything less than
stunningly expensive.
