Sixties Mini classic remastered 07 | 04 | 2017

    REMEMBER WHEN THE Mini used to be exactly that, mini, rather than the modern-day BMW version which is now larger than many other cars on Scotland’s roads? Well if you still hanker after the real Sixties Mini icon — complete with a tweaked 1275cc engine, Apple CarPlay functionality, and a bespoke interior and paint — then David Brown Automotive probably has the car for you. (Related: Top Mini award for Scots dealer)

    The 'Mini Remastered' is a 21st century reworking of the classic city car. But you’ll need to be quick, and have rather deep pockets if you want one: only 100 models will be built, and the entry-level price for each will set you back around £50,000.

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    Why so expensive? The Mini Remastered is hand-built in the UK, with a bespoke chassis, body and interior taking around 1000 hours to produce. another 400 hours are spent on the paint. And if you opt to go for the two higher-specced limited edition models, well they’ll set you back £70,000. First deliveries are expected by the end of 2017.

    Described — not surprisingly — as the "ultimate classic Mini", each car is almost identical in size to the original; it does though come with brand new, hand-crafted body panels.

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    And while new structural beams add extra rigidity, it’s clear the iconic styling has been updated with a new aluminium grille, LED exterior lights and bespoke headlight bezels. look carefully and you’ll spot the unique badging and puddle lights on the wing mirror which signify this is no ordinary old Mini.

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    "This is the ultimate in modern and classic town and city driving," the company said, "built by hand with unique coachbuilding construction and incorporating modern technology."

    The DBA Mini is powered by a 1275cc unit, the capacity which powered later Cooper S models and the 1970s 1275 GT, and mated to an original four-speed manual gearbox, which has also been re-conditioned. In base spec, the 1275cc engine produces 60bhp, and climbs to 75bhp for the Cafe Racer. There’s also a 90bhp 1310cc which has been fitted in the Monte Carlo.

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    According to DBA, “the car will have all the style and feel of a classic with modern dynamics.”

    The company has tuned the 1275cc engine to produce ‘up to 50% more power’; that should mean around 90-100bhp, which will be more than enough to ensure the Mini Remastered can dart about the city streets in a fashion resembling the best images of The Italian Job.

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    And while the Coventry-based carmaker — which is set to move to a new 18,000sq/ft design and sales HQ at Silverstone in the summer — has also upgraded the suspension, fitted four-piston disc brakes and increased soundproofing, it’s in the cabin where the biggest improvements have been made.

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    In addition to a built-in sat-nav and infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Mini Remastered also gets bespoke seats with hand-trimmed upholstery, a dash with high-end leather covering, keyless push-button start and milled aluminium switches.

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    There’s also iconic retro Smiths dials, plus DBA says it has even enhanced the driving position to make it more comfortable.

    Understandable then that company founder David Brown claims the car will have "all the style and feel of a classic but with modern dynamics".

    Related: Mini Countryman hybrid sales date

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    Jim McGill

     

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