Classic Mini gets a high-tech makeover by an ex-Jaguar designer and I want one right now

Ian Callum has turned his design experience to the Mini with this stunning restomod

Wood & Picket Mini by Callum
(Image credit: Callum Designs)
Quick Summary

Former Jaguar designer Ian Callum has turned his hand to the classic Mini, creating a bespoke design for the British icon.

The hand-built models will be made to order from £75,000.

The Mini was launched in 1959 and over the 40 years of its production, became a true British classic. A star in its own right, it shot to fame as an icon of the swinging sixties, appearing alongside Michael Caine in The Italian Job and later becoming Mr Bean's car of choice on the small screen.

One thing that didn't change much from the original Morris Mini-Minor through to the Rover Mini was the design. That's something that's now been honoured by Ian Cullum's design studio, producing the Wood & Picket Mini by Callum.

Ian Callum is best known as for his designs at Jaguar, including the F-Type, the F-Pace and the I-Pace. However, this is something quite different.

Wood & Picket Mini by Callum

(Image credit: Callum Designs)

This restomod is built on a fully restored Mini Mk5 Sportspack by coach builders Wood & Pickett, with a sporty stance thanks to the wide wheel arches and added sills. It's instantly recognisable as a Mini, but with new lighting all round for much more modern looks.

The interior gets a modern makeover too with a brand new dash, with integrated display for a modern touch to ensure you can get Apple CarPlay. The dials are set in a wonderfully-70s design, with sporty checked seats.

Wood & Picket Mini by Callum

(Image credit: Callum Designs)

There's a 1.3-litre engine under the bonnet, newly rebuilt and boosted with Stage 3 tuning to give 110bhp output. It's kitted out with a range of performance parts, including a reengineered gearbox and new exhaust.

Specially tuned suspension and 8.4-inch brake discs are paired with the bespoke wheels for a modern look.

The first model is heading to car fan David Gandy, with each model hand-built in the UK. There will be a limited production run of the Wood & Picket Mini by Callum, with a starting price of £75,000.

When the Mini first launched in 1959 it would set you back £496.

Wood & Pickett found fame in 1960s London, modifying Minis before moving on to Range Rover and other models. Now the company is owned by Motaclan and sells a range of parts for Mini repairs and upgrades.

Chris Hall

Chris has been writing about consumer tech for over 15 years. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Pocket-lint, he's covered just about every product launched, witnessed the birth of Android, the evolution of 5G, and the drive towards electric cars. You name it and Chris has written about it, driven it or reviewed it. Now working as a freelance technology expert, Chris' experience sees him covering all aspects of smartphones, smart homes and anything else connected. Chris has been published in titles as diverse as Computer Active and Autocar, and regularly appears on BBC News, BBC Radio, Sky, Monocle and Times Radio. He was once even on The Apprentice... but we don't talk about that. 

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