The Mini Cooper Hardtop as we know it today is far removed from the original car that started the subcompact hatchback movement in 1959. For reasons relating to modern safety standards and general practicality, the current model has grown in size by quite some bit. BMW's repositioning of the badge as a premium offering also means that its days of being an accessible means of transportation are long gone.
With the upcoming generation of Mini models due to be electrified by 2025, we can expect the iconic hatch to stray even further from its ancestor. But there are those who pay homage to the original with epic restomods, such as David Brown Automotive - the British company that has developed all manner of cool bespoke Minis in recent times. Now, David Brown is back and is partnering with record label and recording equipment manufacturer Marshall Amplification to celebrate the latter's 60th anniversary.
David Brown Automotive is widely considered the Singer of the Mini world. The specially commissioned models were introduced in 2017 as luxurious renditions of the once low-cost family car. Everything from the lights to the engine and interior are completely retouched to evolve the car into a more enjoyable state, only to those who can foot the $140,000 bill.
This particular restomod has been commissioned by Marshall Amplification as part of the Mini Remastered series. Dubbed the Mini Remastered Marshall Edition, the focus in here will be on audio. To that end, Marshall has supplied a full sound system for the car and a slew of other upgrades. These include the HVAC controls, which are gold-colored rotary dials and switches that one would typically find on a classic Marshall amplifier. The teaser images also showcase pedals with play, pause, and seek insignias, and we can see a ton of gold stitching throughout. Even the grille has been finished to look like a classic guitar amp.
Mechanically, this is likely to employ the same suite of upgrades as previous Mini Remastered models. In the case of the Oselli Edition, that included a 1,450cc engine with tin SU carburetors that produced 125 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual was also available in that, but a four-speed auto could be specced too. The suspension and braking systems will also receive a thorough rework, with AP Racing brakes, Bilstein suspension, a limited-slip diff, and a sports exhaust.
As part of this new collaboration, for every Mini Remastered Marshall Edition sold, a donation will be made to the Music Trust Venue in a bid to restore the UK's independent music scene back to its former glory. The full reveal will take place next week, and since David Brown Automotive is now in the US, you'll likely soon be able to buy one.