The Classic Mini Has Been Remastered With New Engines And Tech

David Brown Automotive has picked the classic Mini as its next project, offering super-rich buyers the chance to own a modernised version of one of history's most iconic cars
The Classic Mini Has Been Remastered With New Engines And Tech

Would you like to pay £50,000-£70,000 for a classic Mini reborn with modern technology? Well, apparently someone will, because the good old Mini has been given a new lease of life.

David Brown Automotive (DBA), the firm that recently built the Speedback GT as a sixties-style coupe based on a modern Jaguar XKR chassis, has launched its new project, taking the classic Mini and bringing it right up to date with more power, actual technology and a bespoke chassis.

The Classic Mini Has Been Remastered With New Engines And Tech

The Mini Remastered, as it’s being collectively called, will be built in small volumes no higher than 100 per year. According to DBA it will have the “style and feel of a classic with modern dynamics.” The bodies are new but almost identical to the original panels, aside from being tweaked so that they, err, actually fit properly – something the originals never really did.

Each car will be hand-built on a new custom-designed chassis with proper suspension (thank God) and four-piston brakes at each corner; a vast improvement over the original car, but maybe a tad excessive on the stoppers. The engines will be based on a 1275cc unit; essentially a heavily reconditioned version of the original one that powered later Cooper S models and the 1275 GT, although some reports also suggest that there will be a more powerful 1310cc unit for the Monte Carlo model.

The Classic Mini Has Been Remastered With New Engines And Tech

Power is expected to be 50 per cent higher than it was back in the swinging sixties, so we’re expecting figures in the region of 90-100bhp. The car itself shouldn’t weigh much more than 700kg, so it should be plenty quick enough to be fun.

Shock, horror, the ultra-basic Mini of old is long-forgotten inside the Remastered version thanks to a decent-sized colour touchscreen, plugged into software that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can see Google Maps in action on the photo below, behind a rather lovely wood-and-metal steering wheel.

The Classic Mini Has Been Remastered With New Engines And Tech

Obviously, the wealthy sort that will buy the Mini Remastered will want a better interior, and DBA has delivered with soft, hand-trimmed leather seats, luxury carpets and unique door trims. The front seats have apparently been ‘enhanced’ to improve the old cramped driving position. As an added nod to the modern, there are also puddle lamps in the door mirrors.

The entry model will cost £50,000 plus any extras, while Cafe Racer and Monte Carlo special editions will add around £20,000 to that. Expect a first public appearance in late April at the Top Marques Monaco show, where, to be fair, this sort of money is pocket change.

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Comments

Anonymous

Now the new mini can actually be true to its name.

04/07/2017 - 07:38 |
50 | 2
luc081100

A classic mini that costs 50000 pounds that’s crazy

04/07/2017 - 07:43 |
0 | 0

I quote myself: “You forgot one small detail.. They’re HAND BUILT.”

04/07/2017 - 13:49 |
2 | 2
Fantaribo

Good initiative, but nothing will beat trashing an original Mini on B roads.

04/07/2017 - 07:43 |
14 | 0

There is one thing: thrashing an oririgan Mini on a rally course.

04/07/2017 - 19:38 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

Does it come with a VTEC engine option?

04/07/2017 - 07:44 |
420 | 2
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

i would rather have AWD.

04/07/2017 - 09:09 |
116 | 4
Chris D.

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I want a mini with fender flares just like that one 😍

04/07/2017 - 17:49 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

MCM be like… b*tch please. :D

04/07/2017 - 22:25 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Does it fart fire to prevent tailgaters and de-ice the floor and also do a ski jump for the winter olympics?

04/08/2017 - 06:50 |
24 | 0
Freewie

LuukLugti(Peugeot 106) (lamb) LuukLugti(Peugeot 106) (lamb)LuukLugti(Peugeot 106) (lamb)LuukLugti(Peugeot 106) (lamb)

See this!😂

04/07/2017 - 07:52 |
4 | 0

Ifkr!!??

04/08/2017 - 18:26 |
0 | 0
DL🏁

To be honest, that doesn’t seem like an insane amount of money for something so unique, hand-built and bespoke, especially since this car is likely to hold its value

04/07/2017 - 07:54 |
18 | 0

lol
you can do better at home for 2/3 of the price

04/11/2017 - 00:55 |
0 | 0
The VW Beetle

It sounds like a good investment…

04/07/2017 - 08:06 |
0 | 0

HHHOOOOOOOOOOAAAA SSHIIIIIIIITTTRRRTTTTTTTTT WTAF

04/07/2017 - 09:22 |
0 | 0
James Reuter

It looks absolutely stunning, but you’d still die in a crash

04/07/2017 - 08:38 |
14 | 2
Mini Madness (Group B squad)(Furrysquad)

I like it however its not cheap, so its not like everyone could own one.
The essence of the mini was good cheap fun. relatively speaking.
Modern engines are good. still the engines from the 90’s are better

04/07/2017 - 09:17 |
0 | 0