﹒One of only 300 produced for the UK market

﹒Only 18k miles from new

﹒Comprehensive history file

﹒Only two owners from new, and in current ownership 21 years

This special edition model of the classic Mini came very late in the model’s production history and celebrates the British designer Paul Smith. The concept was part of a collection of ‘Great Brits’ Minis which also included a David Bowie chromed Mini and was based on the then-current Mini Sprite. When it was decided to put the Paul Smith edition into production, legend has it that the colour was matched to that of the shirt that Paul Smith wore to the meeting with Rover’s designers and that he tore off some of the material for paint matching. Furthermore, allegedly the citrus green accents which adorn various hidden parts of the car pay tribute to Mr Smith’s Hulk-like tendencies in ripping his clothes off. Although that may be a fabrication, as the explanation that they are designed to mimic the lining of one of Paul Smith’s suits is much more plausible.

The total production run for the Paul Smith Mini was supposed to be 1800, comprising 300 for the UK, solely in the Paul Smith blue hue and the rest for Japan, where it was also available in white or black. The most luxurious Mini ever produced up to that point wore a premium price tag and unsubstantiated rumours suggest that the full export allocation was not completed. That may have disappointed Rover at the time but makes it all the rarer now.

The generous specification included bespoke dials, full leather seats with matching door pockets, spot lights, chrome GB and Mini badges on the rear and the aforementioned citrus green highlights for the inside of the glovebox and boot, the rocker cover and the HT leads. Charcoal grey 12 inch wheels sit inside body-coloured wheel arches and the front of the car wears 2 unique badges: a 9 carat gold-plated Paul Smith bonnet badge and a citrus green British Isles badge.

Originally registered as a dealer demo, this car has been in the current owner’s possession for 21 years, however, as she is unfortunately no longer able to drive her, the decision has been made to sell her beloved Mini. As the mileage will attest, it’s mostly been used only for local journeys. In between, it has always been garaged and maintenance has been handled by a local garage which has attended to its every need.

As the car has obviously been used over the years, some age-related work has been required including some welding to the seat belt mounting points and the rear sub frame. The rear section of the exhaust has also been replaced in recent years.

Accompanying the car is a full set of invoices which shows annual servicing and that any MOT advisories have been immediately addressed. The original owner’s handbook is present, together with both sets of keys.

Inside, the car is immaculate. The seats show barely any signs of wear and the body-coloured dashboard with hand stitched leather top is unmarked. The original radio is present and genuine branded floor-mats are in place. Opening the glovebox reveals the lime green interior together with a plaque that demonstrates the authenticity of the car and that it is part of the 300-strong UK production run, rather than a Japanese import.

The front seats tilt forward smoothly and afford access to rear seats which look to be completely unused.

The boot has the original citrus green lining in place together with an unused jack inside a unique blue denim protective bag and a spare wheel, also unused. The rear window carries the original Paul Smith sticker.

Even on a slightly damp autumn day, upon first inspection, the vivid paintwork really makes an impression. It’s a real statement and truly makes the car stand out. The flawless brightwork demonstrates the pampered life that the car has obviously lived and the wheels, too, are unmarked. Closer inspection reveals a couple of minor blemishes, with some bubbling under the nearside headlight and on the base of the nearside door opening. Otherwise the bodywork appears to be in great condition. The tyres all have a good level of tread with Nankangs on the front and Pirellis to the rear. The Paul Smith badges are all in perfect condition and although the MOT and invoices point to some welding of the seatbelt mountings, there are no visual clues from ground level. Overall, it’s a real stunner.

The car starts first time every time and drives like a classic Mini should, with a lusty response from the 1.3 litre fuel-injected A series engine. The classic-spec brakes and bus-angle steering wheel take a little bit of getting used to if you’ve not driven a Mini of late but as you would expect from the low mileage, it drives pretty much as it would have done when new.

To some degree, this near-perfect, low mile example of a rare special edition presents a dilemma. With this level of originality, only a small amount of work would make this a concours example, ready to be shown and no doubt capable of winning prizes. But to do so would be to rule out the immense pleasure that could be derived from driving a match-fit example from the final years of production of one of the all-time classics.

That’s a decision for the next owner to make but there will need to be a financial consideration to be taken into account also: Mini’s with this level of originality and low mileage are increasingly hard to find and, with prices rising steadily, the best examples will surely make a great investment. Add to that the limited numbers of this special edition and this seems like a potential opportunity to significantly outperform the stock market.

To be in a position to make that decision definitely falls under the category of a ‘first world problem’. Whichever way it goes, this car is sure to bring a great deal of pleasure to its next owner in one way or another and there aren’t going to be many more chances to get your name on the log book of such a low mileage example. Bid now while you still can.