Jaguar F-Type Designer Builds High-Powered Mini Restomod With Sky-High Price

Updating Alec Issigonis’s iconic Mini is no easy feat, but renowned designer Ian Callum has taken on the challenge—and delivered. The result is the Wood and Pickett Mini by Callum, a stunning restomod that blends timeless design with modern flair. This refreshed version features a thoroughly updated exterior, a redesigned interior, and a significant boost in power, breathing new life into the beloved British classic.

The visionary behind this bold reinterpretation is Ian Callum, the former Jaguar design chief known for shaping icons like the F-Type sports car, the futuristic C-X75 concept, and the original Aston Martin Vanquish. Now leading his own creative studio, Callum Designs, the celebrated British designer has turned his attention to the classic Mini. His UK-based firm is currently taking orders for this bespoke restomod, offering enthusiasts a unique blend of heritage and high-end craftsmanship.

The Revival of Mini Coachbuilding

Longtime Mini enthusiasts will instantly recognize the Wood & Pickett name. Established in 1947 by Bill Wood and Les Pickett, the coachbuilder earned a reputation in the 1960s and ’70s for crafting luxurious, bespoke Minis favored by celebrities such as The Beatles and actor Peter Sellers. Ian Callum is breathing new life into this heritage, continuing the tradition of exclusivity. The very first Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum was commissioned by none other than model and automotive journalist David Gandy, signaling a return to the brand’s elite clientele.

A UK-based company currently operating under the Wood & Pickett name specializes in restoring classic Minis and was commissioned by Ian Callum to craft this restomod. The project is built on one of the final original Minis—the Mk5 Mini Sportspack, produced between 1997 and 2001—and is instantly identifiable by its distinctive wide-arch styling.

Callum’s redesign features fresh front and rear fascias alongside redesigned rocker panels, giving the Mini a modern yet classic look. Both the headlights and taillights showcase unique new designs, while the traditional multi-spoke wheels have been replaced with a simpler style—retaining the original 13-inch diameter but featuring just four bold, chunky spokes. Inside, the transformation is equally striking, with a dashboard inspired by Wood & Pickett’s iconic Margrave design. The cabin is elevated with premium Bridge of Weir leather, updated switchgear, and a contemporary infotainment system, blending heritage with modern luxury.

More Power, More Excitement

Under the hood, the classic 1.3-liter engine has been extensively upgraded to produce 110 horsepower—nearly double the original 63 hp. This boost comes thanks to a combination of advanced engine mapping, a redesigned cylinder head, modern fuel injection, and an improved exhaust system with distinctive upswept tailpipes. To handle the extra power, the gearbox has been strengthened, ensuring the enhanced performance translates into a more thrilling driving experience.

The handling has been carefully tuned to strike the perfect balance between comfort and performance, featuring an upgraded suspension kit and a modern braking system equipped with 8.4-inch vented rotors. Callum also highlighted that enhancements were made to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, delivering a smoother and more refined driving experience.

A Premium Price for a Bespoke Mini Restomod

The Wood and Pickett Mini by Callum is set to make its official debut at the Heveningham Concours in the UK, taking place from June 27 to 29. Prices start at £75,000 (around $102,000), with limited build slots available. Given the highly customized nature of each car, Callum emphasizes that no two Minis will be exactly alike, making every restomod a truly unique masterpiece.

Ian Callum isn’t the first to explore restomodding the classic Mini. British automaker David Brown Automotive introduced its own Remastered Mini toward the end of the last decade. Additionally, Mini itself launched a factory-backed program called Mini Recharged a few years ago, offering electric conversions for the original Mini, blending heritage with modern technology.