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 1,800 units worldwide. The Paul Smith Mini is one of the best equipped limited edition minis available in either Paul Smith Blue, Black and in Old English White. It was reputed these colours was the colour of the shirt that Paul Smith was wearing at the meeting with the Rover designers, and when asked what colour he wanted the car, he tore a section off his shirt. The Paul Smith Mini was designed to mimic a Paul Smith Suit. It had a conservative appearance, but had 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. There were several other features that made the Paul Smith Mini so special. These were:

– Charcoal Mini light 12” alloy wheels (previously used on the Cooper 35 and Cooper Monte Carlo)
– Front fog lamps
– Body coloured wheel arches
– Citrus green hidden parts
– 24 Carat gold plated Paul Smith bonnet badge
– Citrus Green British Isles Bonnet badge
– Body coloured dash board
– 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, in 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.

History File

Presented to you at the Car Farm is a 1998 Rover Mini Paul Smith, finished in Old English White. It was originally birthed in Japan, and was officially imported into Hong Kong in 2019. Its current owner has carried out routine engine oil service, as well as a replacement of the battery and water pump. All of the locks have been changed as well as an aftermarket Hi-Fi audio system. To this date it has 1 previous owner, while the odometer reads 14,059km (there is no documentation to confirm, however in the previous owner’s and current owner’s opinion, the mileage is real – the current keeper received the car at approximately 10,000km mileage) its road license is valid until 19th August, 2022. To the current keeper’s knowledge, it is still wearing its original Old English White Paint, features a Paul Smith rear window shade and is equipped with the original Blue Denim jack bag and Paul Smith car cover.

Exterior

The Old English White paint on this Rover Mini Paul Smith is in immaculate condition, as observed from the amount of light that reflects off of its body – with no dull spot in sight. As expected from a car of this age, a few of its chrome components wear signs of oxidation, as observed from the front grille. The original Paul Smith emblems as noticed in the front are still vibrant in colour, with no patina. Towards the bottom of the rear section, there are slight signs of oxidation – the same is observed on the body-coloured wheel arches on the front left, rear left and rear right where the screws are located. There are also small amounts of chipped paint on the left bottom boot hinge, however none of these imperfections affect the functionality or durability. The headlights, tail lights and side indicators are operating as they should and all of the body panels are aligned and straight, with no panel gaps.

Interior and Trim

Open up the doors of this special edition Mini, we are greeted with a well cared for and preserved interior. There are no tears in the seats, no cracks on the dashboard, with the main matching body-colour piece housing the air vents, aftermarket stereo head unit, and Paul Smith exclusive dials in perfect harmony. The shifter has been upgraded to an extended-shifter, and the brake pedal bears the Union Jack flag. The black and white chequered carpets for both front and rear passengers remain in great condition, just as the steering wheel is, in the hands of the driver. The air-conditioning blows our cold breezy air, and the aluminium door handles, and manual window winder are free from any signs of oxidation. The exclusive Paul Smith door pockets remain functional and do not have any tears from within.

Engine and Running Gear

Turn the keys of this 1275cc fuel injected four-cylinder engine and it roars into life – with the custom single-exit exhaust allowing it to sound even more audible than in stock form. The engine itself is lively and power delivery is smooth and consistent at pickup. The engine bay has been kept clean and spotless; with only some small signs of naturally-occurring patina on the bolts as to be expected of a classic car. The automatic gearbox engages all of its gears with its upshifts and downshifts with no problems at all in ‘D’ mode – as well as all four of the individual gears. The steering still feels like how a classic Mini should behave – go-kart and peppy with plenty of feedback through sharp turns or cornering. The brakes remain responsive to use and have plenty of life left. Here is the rare opportunity to acquire one of the most stylish and fashionable Mini Cooper models ever made – 1 of 1,800 examples in Old English White that is has been well-kept over the years – exclusively available to you at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)