The £98,000 resto-mod Mini 18 | 05 | 2021

    FANCY A ’RESTO-MOD’ MINI, capable of delivering 123bhp and 153Nm of torque from its 1450cc engine, with a new five-speed manual gearbox, and which will hit 62mph from standstill in a claimed 7.8 seconds? You do. Well, it’ll cost you an eye-watering £98,000. (Related: Sixties Mini classic remastered)

    David Brown Automotive has launched a new limited-run, hand-built high-performance version of its Mini Remastered resto-mod, and named it the Mini Remastered Oselli Edition. Available in right- or left-hand drive versions, first deliveries are scheduled for early next year. It’s also claimed to be over 70% more powerful than the standard model. (Related: Scots dealer named UK Mini No1)

    Not surprisingly, the new model has been built in conjunction with tuning specialist Oselli. The company has prepared classic Minis and MGs for competition use since the 1960s. Only 60 of the ‘Oselli Minis’ will be built, marking Mini’s recent 60th anniversary celebration. (Related: Mini gets a major facelift for 2021)

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    Power comes from an Oselli-tuned version of the BMC A-Series four-cylinder petrol engine, but this one has been bored out from 1275cc to 1450cc. It also includes competition-spec internals. Amongst them are new pistons and a “high torque” performance camshaft, plus a strengthened crankshaft.

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    The icing on the cake, so to speak, is a fact the engine has been  topped-off with a hand-ported and polished cylinder head, a pair of SU carburettors and a freer-flowing exhaust system. (Related: Eastern Western buys Grassicks BMW and Mini)

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    Given the fact the chassis now has to cope with a significantly more powerful engine, a number of crucial upgrades have been made to ensure the Mini’s “go-kart” handling remains. In addition to larger AP Racing brakes and a limited-slip differential, there’s new Bilstein dampers and larger 13-inch alloy wheels wrapped in grippy tyres.

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    There are noticeable styling tweaks to the outside of the car, including new LED headlamps to replace the original Mini’s halogen units, new black bumpers and some frenched-in spotlamps.  It also has the same deseamed body shell as the standard David Brown Automotive car. (Related: Mini Countryman Boardwalk Edition)

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    Buyers can choose from just two colours — dark grey or off-white — and you can have racing stripes come in either Racing Green, Royal Blue or Competition Red. The engine’s rocker cover is painted to match. And just because you can, there’s the option which allows to buy racing suits and helmets in colours to match the car.

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    Inside the cabin there’s an Alcantara steering wheel, aluminium pedals and a reshaped dashboard filled with Smiths gauges. But there’s also a modern infotainment system and leather upholstery. Quite why, I don’t understand, but the boot has also been trimmed in leather. And if you so choose, it can  optionally fitted with an extra fuel tank. (Related: Mini Countryman gets 2020 facelift)

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    Finally, if you really fancy maximising the performance of your 98 grand Mini on-track, ask nicely and David Brown Automotive will strip out the rear bench, then add a full roll-cage, four-point racing harness and Sabelt bucket seats. Oh, and that’ll set you back another £10,000! I know ... I don't understand either.

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    Related: Mini Electric has 124-mile range

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    Jim McGill

     

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