UK-based David Brown Automotive builds some of the most enchanting classic Mini models we’ve ever seen. His latest creation is no exception: commissioned by a customer in Japan, he leaves the econobox roots of the Mini behind and proudly emphasizes the luxury side of the car.
In a way, David Brown is to the Mini what Singer is to the Porsche 911. It keeps the basic design and proportions of the original car, but modifies almost everything else. For this chic, British-inspired build, it applied a coat of paint called Fade to Black and installed 13-inch wire wheels, which were never available from the factory. There is also a hand-painted Union Jack flag on the roof. If you look closely, you can see several other subtle changes, such as LED exterior lights, bullet-shaped door mirrors, wheel arches and smooth fenders (the originals have a seam).
The resto-mod treatment continues inside with red leather upholstery, black seat inserts, wood-rimmed Mona-Lita steering wheel, Smiths gauges and a push-button ignition. David Brown also replaced the vents and most of the switchgear and added a modern sound system. The finishing touch is a pair of leather straps designed to carry an umbrella and attached to the passenger side door panel.
While the company has dabbled in performance, it doesn’t sound like the customer who ordered this Remastered was asking for rally-ready speed. The standard engine that David Brown Automotive puts in its cars is a 1,275cc four-cylinder that develops 71 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque in its stock condition. It is fuel injected and in this application it spins the front wheels through an automatic transmission.
David Brown Automotive did not reveal how much this particular build cost. However, it previously noted that each Remastered takes around 1,000 hours of work to complete, so it’s fair to assume it’s priced accordingly — and probably way above anything Mini makes.
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