It’s sometimes easy to forget that the idea of small companies adding a bespoke, luxurious twist to an established classic is not a new one. Wood & Pickett is a great example in the world of classic Minis – first coachbuilding special Minis in the 1960s following the success of Radford. Now the name has returned – this time working with CALLUM Designs to create a reimagined Mini, the first of which has been built for model and car enthusiast David Gandy.
Based on a restored mk5 Sportspack Mini, the car aims to reinterpreting the classic Mini with modern craftsmanship, engineering and materials. A limited run will be produced, with each car hand-built in the UK and tailored to the customer’s specification.
Externally the car features new front and rear valances, reshaped sills and revised rear-end styling, with Wood & Pickett arches. The reworked bodywork is finished in a bespoke Anthracite metallic developed by CALLUM, and paired with redesigned lights.
The interior includes a new dashboard, inspired by the Wood & Pickett Margrave conversions of the 1970s, is trimmed in tan Bridge of Weir leather and accented with milled metal bezels. CALLUM-designed seats, a bespoke ‘Piano’ switch pack and high-grade detailing throughout elevate the overall finish.
Performance has also been upgraded. Under the bonnet sits a 1310cc Stage 3 engine producing 110bhp, a reworked gearbox, retuned ECU and twin-point fuel injection. A new twin-exit upswept exhaust system and improved NVH refinement ensure the car feels suitably modern on the road. Handling is said to have been improved with uprated suspension, while vented and grooved 8.4in disc brakes take care of stopping. Bespoke 13in alloy wheels developed specifically for the project complete the transformation.
Design director Ian Callum said: ‘The Mini is one of the most important cars ever created – not just for its engineering, but for what it represents culturally… To reimagine it with Wood & Pickett’s craftsmanship has been deeply rewarding.’
The first car has been delivered to model and car enthusiast David Gandy, who worked with the CALLUM team to define its specification. His example made its public debut at this weekend’s Heveningham Concours. Production of the Wood & Pickett Mini by CALLUM will be limited, with prices starting at £75,000. Each car will be a one-off, developed in close consultation with CALLUM’s design team.
For more info, see woodandpickett.com
