Coachbuilder David Brown Automotive, with the help of Oselli Engineering, are building 60 entirely overhauled classic Mini’s for both road and track.
93 kW and 153 N.m is the work of long time Mini engine tuner Oselli Engineering, while the leather trimmed roll cage and deep green paint job is that of coach builder David Brown Automotive. The initials DB you might know from the tail end of some rather good looking British sports cars. 60 years have gone by since the first Mini was built, and so UK based DB Automotive thought to celebrate. The aim is a car with great track credibility, yet composed road manners. Essentially another in the growing world of the resto-mod, the Mini Remastered is not just someones backyard project hatch.
Being a coach builder David Brown Automotive does not specialise in engines, and so Milton Keynes based Oselli Engineering were hired to head up the powertrain side of the project. Having many years of experience with the A series engine, they have been tuning them since the 1960’s, Oselli haven’t spared much. Hand-ported cylinder heads, strengthened crankshaft, a high-torque camshaft, twin-SU carburettors, limited slip differential and a free flowing exhaust system have all been strategically thrown at the little Mini. Some Bilstein dampers, and a set of AP Racing brakes take care of any handling problems. The result is 93 kW and 153 N.m at 6 200 rpm and 4,500 rpm respectively, which is fed to the larger 13 inch wheels through either a redesigned five-speed manual, or a four-speed automatic. The automatic does however come with a downsized 1 400 cc engine compared to the standard 1 500 cc unit. DB Automotive will even fit the car with twin fuel tanks, if there is any intention of long road trips, or lengthy track stints.
Covering all that is a wonderfully classic yet modern look for the Mini. New LED headlamps, and a replacement of chrome with black chrome, contrast the classic racing stripe livery. Available in Competition Red, Royal Blue and Heritage Green to go with either a Carbon Grey or Old English White David Brown Automotive has kept the Mini funky. On the grill there is a neat looking “60” in a contrasting hue, and those larger 13 inch wheels fit the description too.
On the inside lies either two or four seats, depending on the customers needs. In the case of only two seats being required, a half cage is fitted, and then promptly wrapped in leather, much like the rest of the interior. Alcantara is also an option if leather is not preferable.
The Mini Remastered, Oselli Edition is available to order right now, in both left and right and drive, and if you aren’t sure about ordering one, then surely the fact that up and coming Formula driver Jack Aitken is the brand ambassador should convince you.