Description

Model History

Originally designed as part of the ‘ Great Brits Minis’ along with David Bowie’s chromed Mini and Kate Moss’s ‘Spider Web’ Mini, the Paul Smith Mini was a limited production run of specially-designed Rover Mini Coopers available to the public. The Paul Smith Mini is one of the best equipped limited-edition Minis available in either Paul Smith Blue, Black, or Old English White. It is reputed these colours were the colours of the very shirt Paul Smith himself was wearing at the meeting with the Rover designers; when asked what colour he wanted the Mini to be in – he reportedly tore a section off his shirt to provide a sample for the Rover designers. Aesthetically, the Paul Smith Mini was designed to mimic the style of a typical Paul Smith suit. It had a conservative appearance, but with a bright twist. Several parts were given the ‘Paul Smith’ treatment and were coloured in bright Citrus Green. These parts were the engine rocker cover, the ignition leads, inside the glove box, the petrol tank and the boot board. In addition, several other features made a Paul Smith Mini stand out from a regular Mini Cooper, including:

– ‘Charcoal’ finished Mini Cooper light 12” alloy wheels (previously used on the Cooper 35 and Cooper Monte Carlo)
– Front-mounted fog lamps
– Body Colour-Matched wheel arches
– Citrus Green- finished hidden parts
– 24 Carat Gold Plated ‘Paul Smith’ bonnet badge
– Citrus Green British Isles Bonnet badge
– Body Colour-Matched dashboard
– Magnolia Dash clocks with special style numbers on the gauges and the Paul Smith signature on the centre clock
– ‘Paul Smith’ Mini plaque inside the glove box lid
– Black leather seats with matching door pockets – a style only available on the Paul Smith Mini
– ‘Paul Smith’ Mini rear window sticker
– Boot board
– Special ‘MINI’ badge above the registration plate light on the boot lid and GB badge on the boot lid
– Blue Denim jack bag with orange edging and orange ‘Mini’ stencilled on it.

Only 1,800 Paul Smith Minis were made – making these models highly desirable among fashionistas, collectors, and Mini fans worldwide.

History File

This is a 1998 Rover Mini Paul Smith, finished in a unique Paul Smith Stripe pattern with a Black interior. This was originally made for the Japanese market before being exported to Hong Kong – the current keeper has had this Mini in their possession for the last two years.

Originally finished in Paul Smith Blue, this example has been fully resprayed to resemble the famous one-off multi-coloured striped Paul Smith Mini – whose exterior consisted of 86 stripes made up of 24 different colours, just like the Paul Smith ‘Signature Stripe’ design seen on their various clothing and apparel. Every stripe of every colour on a Paul Smith-inspired green base has been replicated using original paint (not via vinyl wrap or graphics), applied via a Hong Kong paint shop and all of the body panels have also received PPF (paint protection film).

Modifications present on this Mini include a set of 13” Mini Mamba wheels, LED headlights, upgraded brake pads, an upgraded radiator and cooling system, a Nakamichi stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity and upgraded in-car speakers (front & rear).

The current keeper states no service record has been kept on hand, but reports the following maintenance has been performed on this car: the air-conditioning system has been replaced, both front and rear windows (left/right) have had their rubber trim replaced, and a new Varta battery has been installed. In addition, this Mini has received a full rustproof treatment (top to bottom), which included welding all of the rust-prone spots. The current keeper does note that the front suspension bushings are recommended for replacement soon, as observed from some vibrations that can be felt at slow speeds.

This Mini has had 6 previous owners, please note the Road Licence has expired as of 15th April, 2023

Exterior

On the outside, the multi-colour striped exterior is quick to draw the attention of any pair of eyes. The multi-colour paint finish was done professionally – the finish itself is in excellent condition on every corner; from the surface of the roof to the side door panels. All of the Paul Smith exclusive styling details, like the 24 Carat ‘Paul Smith’ front badge are all present in great condition with no visible wear. The bonnet, side doors, and rear hatch lid open without any squeaks and shut solidly – none of their hinges or latches have any visible corrosion either. All of the chrome details are intact and present. The badges, from the ‘Mini’ emblem to the ‘GB’ badge on the rear hatch still shine under light and none of their chrome trim is missing. All of the original Paul Smith rear window stickers are present with none having faded off. Both headlights and taillights work with no issues and none have any cloudy surfaces.

Interior and Trim

Inside, the interior remains clean, original and beautifully presented. Both leather front and rear seats are in their original factory form and in great overall condition, with only small signs of use and no tears in their upholstery. All of the Paul Smith exclusive details and features – from the glove box lining to the rear boot board and surface are all present with none of the finish having flaked off over the years. Both side door surfaces and handles are well preserved with no damage or evidence of hard use. The dashboard is free from any marks or blemishes. The instrument cluster is clear to read with no surface damage on any of the gauge faces and all of them function properly. None of the buttons or switchgear are missing and all still feel solid to use – as well as show no signs of wear or tear. Both driver and passenger side manual window winders and the mechanisms are smooth when the glass goes up and down. The air-conditioning blows cold as expected. The Nakamichi stereo system works normally – the upgraded in-car stereo speakers offer an enhanced car audio experience.

Engine and Running Gear 

Start up this 1275cc fuel-injected four-cylinder engine and it comes to life sprightly. The engine itself is lively to get up to speed –  power delivery is smooth and consistent at pickup. The automatic gearbox engages all of its gears with its upshifts and downshifts with no problems at all – as well as all four of the individual gear settings. The steering still feels like how a classic Mini should behave – go-kart-like and light to use with plenty of feedback through sharp turns or cornering. The brakes have plenty of life in all of them to bring this compact Mini to a halt. This is yet another opportunity to acquire one of the most stylish and desirable Mini Cooper models ever made – 1 of 1,800 examples in a kaleidoscope of colours paying tribute to one of the UK’s most stylish fashion brands, exclusively available at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)