T
he original Mini is an egalitarian national treasure. Created by Alec Issigonis, it successfully combined being an economical daily driver and a beloved emblem of a confident Britain that was undergoing a seismic cultural change in the Sixties.
While over the years many Minis have been modified in the “Restomod” style, recently a new version has emerged that revives a brand once popular among the wealthy and famous for its bespoke Minis.
Wood & Pickett made its name in the Sixties customising Minis for rock stars and actors such as Twiggy, Mick Jagger and Elton John. At that time, its versions such as the Margrave, with walnut dash and leather interiors, a revised front end and nudge bars, often cost as much as a luxury car. In the Nineties, one was reputedly converted for the Crown Prince of Johor, equipped with a fridge, television and karaoke machine.
Today, under new ownership, the coachbuilder has teamed up with one of Britain’s most respected car designers, Ian Callum, to create the Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum. Callum has designed cars for Aston Martin and Jaguar, such as the Vanquish and the F-Type. While his eponymous company is now known for rather exotic, specialist cars, he didn’t hesitate to accept the challenge of converting the humble Mini. “It’s still a beautiful thing to work on,” he says, talking about the importance of respecting the original. Besides, he adds: “I love Minis. I’ve had six or seven of them in my time.”
