Callum and Wood & Pickett Partner to Create Modernized Mini Hot Hatch
Renowned car designer Ian Callum has teamed up with Mini coachbuilder Wood & Pickett to give the classic city car a modern twist. The result is a reimagined hot hatch version of the Mini, featuring upgraded technology and performance enhancements.
This unique vehicle is based on the Mk5 Mini Sportspack, a wide-arched model produced from 1997-2001. However, it has been completely overhauled with a rally-spec engine, improved suspension, and enhanced brakes.
The A-Series engine has been upgraded from 1275cc to 1310cc, now boasting a new cylinder head, two-point fuel injection, and a custom twin-pipe exhaust. This boosts the power output from 63bhp to an impressive 110bhp. The gearbox has also been reinforced to handle the increased performance.
The suspension has been specifically tuned for road use and is complemented by grooved and ventilated 8.4-inch disc brakes. The iconic Minilite wheels of the original Mini have been replaced with a new four-spoke design by Callum, maintaining the 13-inch diameter.
Visually, the Callum and Wood & Pickett Mini features wide arches, sportier bumpers, and LED lights. These styling tweaks give the classic Mini a more aggressive and modern look.
Inside the cabin, the Mini boasts a wooden dashboard fascia inspired by Wood & Pickett’s Margrave Mini from the 1960s. Metal foglight and heater switches add a touch of retro charm, while a small touchscreen with Apple CarPlay integration provides modern convenience.
Each Callum and Wood & Pickett Mini is hand-built to the owner’s specifications, ensuring a personalized driving experience. Prices for this bespoke vehicle start at £75,000.
This collaboration marks the resurgence of Wood & Pickett in the realm of Mini customization. Founded in 1947 by Bill Wood and Les Pickett, the company gained recognition for its Mini conversions in the 1960s.
