What happens when a legendary designer gets nostalgic? You get a pint-sized masterpiece. Ian Callum, the man behind the Aston Martin DB9 and Jaguar F-Type, has collaborated with Wood & Pickett their coach-built '70s custom Minis to modernize the British icon, and it’s on its way to the hearts (and garages) of American collectors.
Whether you appreciate classic cars or simply love well-crafted things, this Mini restomod is hard to like. It is well-thought-out, it has charm, it's a muscle car, and it has just enough tech to make it everyday-useable whilst remaining a car with an antiquated soul.
A Classic Mini with a Whole New Swagger
If you've ever been behind the wheel of a classic Mini, or even just seen one, you know how quirky, compact and full of character they are. Callum's version stays true to that — no doubt, but everything has been dialled up to eleven. Based on the Mk5 Sportspack Mini (1997-2001), this new build gets:
- Sleek LED lights that add modernity
- Aggressive fenders, and lowered bumpers
- There's some redesigned side sills and front intakes to better cool the car.
- Some cool paint jobs — my favourite was the Anthracite metallic gray on the show car.
Even with these updates, it is still a Mini through and through. Just… better dressed.
It Delivers a Lot for the Little Size
Don't let the size deceive you; the 1.3-liter A-Series engine is upgraded to 1.31 liters and is tuned to deliver about 110 horsepower - which for a car this small is a thrill.
- Performance tuned exhaust gives it an impressive growl
- Stiffened gearbox interface for a smoother engagement
- Improved springs and brakes for better cornering and stopping
So, it's not just pretty; this little piece can move. It is like putting a big heart in a little chest.
The Inside Feels Like a Boutique Hotel
Open the door and you discover a cabin that is both nostalgic and luxurious. It remains a Mini, but Callum's design studio has made some serious comfort upgrades.
- Bridge of Weir leather upholstery — same leather used in Bentleys
- Wood trimmed dash inspired by the designs from the 1960s
- Metal finish switch gear that feels tactile and satisfying to touch
- Discreet Apple CarPlay screen — you would not even know it was there if it was not needed
- Modern sound insulation — finally, a Mini where the ringing in your ears ends
It's minimal, tasteful and totally cozy. Like a British boutique hotel with wheels.
Designed for Collectors, Not for Everyone
You're not going to see this car in a dealership. Every unit will be built by hand to order through Wood & Pickett in the UK, with complete creative direction coming from Callum's design team. This means:
- You select the leather, the color, the wheels, the trim, and the engine tuning
- Pricing starts at about £75,000 ($95,000 – $100,000) – and goes up based on your spec
- British model David Gandy is already confirmed as the first customer
It launched at the Heveningham Concours in the UK but the U.S. collectors, are already interested - just be prepared to do all the work to go through the import process in the US.
2025 Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum Specifications
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
The Callum x Wood & Pickett Mini is not just another car, this is a car that pays tribute to one of the most cherished icons of automotive history. Its remarkably authentic interpretation of mid-century design married seamlessly with modern design and fabrication solutions demonstrate that small cars are still capable of tremendous presence. From the hand-stitched leather to the custom-tuned engine, every affixed part of the car feels deliberate, and truly heartfelt.
The Callum x Wood & Pickett Mini isn't for everyone, and that's what makes it uniquely special. The Callum x Wood & Pickett Mini is for those who see their cars as art pieces, memory makers, and something much deeper than a machine. And if you can afford the Callum x Wood & Pickett Mini you won't just be buying yourself a car. You will be becoming a part of its LEGACY.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): caranddriver & motor1.com
