Fast Minis are nothing new at Goodwood and this year – the Mini’s 60th – there will be more than ever, including a new one that will be getting its debut at 2019 Revival.
David Brown Automotive is launching a hot, limited edition classic Mini
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It’s the latest from David Brown Automotive, the five-year-old company that specialises in reinventing British motoring icons using modern technology and bespoke craftsmanship. In 2014 it was the half-million-pound, Jaguar-based Speedback GT that grabbed the headlines. Then two years ago it was Mini Remastered. Now it’s the turn of: Mini Remastered, the hot one…
The high-performance version, which David Brown says will be available in a limited edition of 60 cars, is being developed with Oselli. That’s a name fans of the Mini from the 1960s will recognise – the firm has specialised in tuning A-series engines for the car since 1962.
David Brown says it will be the most powerful Mini Remastered so far but is not letting on how powerful or fast it will be. What we do know is that in standard 1,275cc form a tuned version of the A-series gives 94bhp while Oselli offers a range of hot one right up to a stage two “high output” unit with lightened and balanced parts, fast road cam and lightened flywheel and clutch.
However much power it gives, the engine will be a rebuilt and reconditioned unit. The Mini Remastered also uses a reconditioned gearbox and upgraded suspension and brakes, all with the emphasis on reliability and driving dynamics. The Silverstone-based company is promising the new car will also feature other performance upgrades along with exclusive colour combinations.
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It is also throwing out the prospect of some Mini Remastered racing by saying matching race suits and helmets will be available as optional extras.
CEO and company founder David Brown tells us: “The classic Mini has a rich racing heritage and our new car gives customers yet another reason to want to own a Mini Remastered now that we are also catering for the performance market.”
What else can we expect? Handbuilt British craftsmanship, luxury materials, hi-tech infotainment and connectivity, and of course the familiar Mini proportions and shape, but with the all-new body panels “de-seamed” for a smooth new looks with tight panel gaps that BMC and successors could only dream of.
There’s no word yet on what it will be called – you can bet it won’t be Cooper S though. Previously DB’s modern-day Minis have appeared in special edition forms called Monte Carlo and Café Racer.
We will find out more, including the price – standard versions cost around £90k plus taxes – ahead of the Revival, as well as full renderings of the car. David Brown Automotive will also be exhibiting 'Over The Road' at the Revival, although sadly not with the modern-classic Mini hot hatch. Regardless, it might look classic but, in terms of tech, this is one Mini that’s definitely post 1966!
