British designer famous for his works with Aston Martin turns the classic Mini into a $100K masterpiece

The classic Mini has been reimagined as a bespoke Mini restomod by Ian Callum, combining heritage with modern performance and custom craftsmanship.

In partnership with coachbuilder Wood and Pickett, Callum has taken one of Britain’s most iconic cars and rebuilt it from the ground up.

The result is a six-figure reinterpretation designed for collectors who value detail and originality.

From its proportions to its drivetrain, this restomod is engineered with purpose.

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How they transformed the classic Mini into a $100K masterpiece

The build started with a Mk5 Sportspack Mini shell.

This final-generation chassis, produced shortly before the end of the classic Mini’s run in 2001, serves as a familiar base for Callum’s redesign.

The exterior receives new bodywork, including revised valances, custom sills, and a reshaped rear bumper.

The wide arches are a nod to earlier Wood and Pickett designs.

The car is painted in a bespoke Anthracite metallic developed by Callum’s team, giving it a more muted, deliberate finish than the brighter shades often seen in restomod builds.

Lighting has also been updated using LED internals set within housings that retain the original shapes.

The 13-inch wheels are Callum’s own design, sized to suit the proportions of the car rather than to exaggerate them.

There are no standout gimmicks here.

The body has been subtly reworked in ways that prioritise balance and structure over visual drama.

The interior follows a similar approach.

The dashboard is based on the layout of Wood and Pickett’s earlier “Margrave” cars, fitted with piano-style switches and machined bezels.

The cabin is trimmed in tan Bridge of Weir leather, chosen more for its tactile consistency than flash.

Modern features, such as infotainment and charging ports, are fitted but remain largely hidden.

It reflects an interest in long-term usability rather than short-term novelty.

The mechanical upgrades stay true to the car’s size and intent.

It uses a rebuilt 1.3-litre Stage 3 engine that now produces 110 horsepower, which is almost twice what the original Mini made.

The engine has been tuned for quicker response, and the gearbox has been upgraded to handle the extra power more smoothly.

Braking and suspension systems have also been improved to make the car feel sharper and more stable on the road, while still comfortable to drive every day.

Each car is hand-built in Warwick by Callum’s team. The project is not open to mass production.

Prices start at £75,000, or roughly $102,000, with final specifications decided by the customer.

The first example was delivered to British model David Gandy and it will be displayed at the Heveningham Concours.

The mini restomod joins other one-offs from Callum

The classic Mini is part of a broader effort by Ian Callum to reframe how legacy vehicles are approached.

His studio has previously worked on other design-led one-offs, including a road-legal Jaguar C-X75 concept.

Callum also produced a reimagined Jaguar E-Type and a wheelchair-accessible electric vehicle called the eVita concept.

And most notably, Ian Callum is also responsible for both the Aston Martin DB7 and the Vanquish.

In contrast to retro builds that rely on nostalgia or novelty, this approach treats the Mini restomod as a platform for design clarity.

The classic Mini remains intact in proportion and spirit, but it has been subtly updated in ways that align with Callum’s modern design standards.

Ian Callum has applied the same methodology here as he has in larger projects.

It is restrained, deliberate, and detailed, offering a new perspective on what these small cars can become.

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