Paul Smith stands as a global icon in the fashion world, starting his remarkable journey in a small shop in Nottingham, England. From these humble beginnings, his brand has expanded to 130 stores across more than 60 countries. Driven by his belief that "you can find inspiration in everything," Paul’s designs blend art, music, and daily life into unique and vibrant styles. His innovative vision has established him as a trailblazer in the fashion world, turning everyday inspirations into extraordinary creations.
Back in the 90s, in a perfect reflection of his visionary approach, Paul Smith teamed up with the Rover Group to create a limited-edition masterpiece. With only 1,800 units produced worldwide, this edition seamlessly blends iconic design elements, meticulous craftsmanship, and British automotive heritage. Among these, one unique Mini with striking hand painted stripes was also produced in 1998 to showcase Paul’s fashion vision. Although never for sale, this special car exemplified the designer’s flair and the innovative blend of fashion with automotive design. Prepare to explore the fascinating details of this automotive gem, where style and performance converge. From its bespoke aesthetics to its exhilarating driving experience, the Paul Smith Edition Classic Mini promises to fascinate car enthusiasts and fashion experts alike, showcasing a perfect fusion of artistry and engineering prowess.
Exterior
The exterior of the Classic Mini Paul Smith
edition is a true testament to its unique character and attention to detail.
Available in a range of appealing colours including blue, white and black, each
hue enhanced the car's sleek and timeless design, allowing owners to choose a
colour that best suited their personal style.
Starting at the front, a bonnet badge crafted in luxurious 9ct gold exuded elegance and opulence, immediately capturing attention and emphasizing the exclusivity of this edition. Enhancing the visual impact, a vibrant Green Great Britain emblem is proudly featured on the car's shell, symbolizing its British heritage. Moving to the rear, a chrome GB (Great Britain) badge positioned on the left side of the boot further emphasized the car's connection to its origins, invoking a strong sense of patriotism. Additionally, just above the boot handle, a prominent chrome badge prominently showcased the iconic "MINI" word, accentuating the renowned brand and its timeless appeal. Together, these carefully selected badges and emblems not only heightened the exterior's allure but also honoured the car's heritage, creating a collection of iconic design elements that defined the Paul Smith Edition.
On the rear windscreen, a sticker with the names of four iconic cities London, Paris, New York, and Tokyo alongside the Paul Smith signage showcased the global reach of this limited-edition release. It served as a subtle nod to the international appeal of both the Mini Cooper and the Paul Smith brand. The alloy wheels, finished in black with a silver edge, were a standout feature of the exterior. They not only added a touch of sophistication but also provided a unique look that complemented the overall styling of the car. As another great addition, this edition included two additional driving lamps as a standard option. These lamps not only provided enhanced visibility during night-time driving but also added a stylish and distinctive element to the car's exterior.
Interior
The interior of the Paul Smith edition was a
true testament to its exceptional design and attention to detail. A standout
feature is the body coloured dashboard, which integrates seamlessly with the
car’s exterior hue, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. The meter panel
boasts ivory dials with Paul Smith's branding, adding a unique element that
highlights the edition's exclusivity. The Citrus Green glove box with a special
silver colour limited-edition sticker, further enhances the interior’s vibrancy
and the car’s exclusive rarity.
The dash top and seats were finished in black leather, exuding a sense of luxury and comfort. The black leather seats added a touch of sophistication to the interior and complemented the overall aesthetics of the car. Additionally, the detailed stitching on the seats added a subtle yet elegant accent, further enhancing the overall premium feel. Completing the bespoke interior were the black floor carpets, which perfectly matched the black leather seats. The floor carpets not only added a sense of refinement but also provided a comfortable and plush surface for passengers.
In the boot, the iconic Citrus Green fuel tank adds a vibrant pop of colour, complemented by a Citrus Green velvet boot shelf. A standout feature of this edition is the denim jack cover, which highlights Paul Smith’s clothing legacy and further reinforces the edition’s distinctiveness.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the Paul Smith Edition
features a robust 1275cc engine known for its performance and reliability.
Japanese models come with air conditioning and a Single Point Injection (SPI)
engine, while British domestic versions feature a Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
engine to meet local market requirements. The engine's
impressive power output provided a thrilling driving experience, combining
agility and responsiveness. Whether navigating through city streets or
embarking on exhilarating journeys, the engine delivered ample power to match
the car's spirited nature.
One interesting aspect of the engine was the green coloured tappet cover, adding a touch of visual flair to the engine bay. Additionally, a Green radiator fan was utilised, further enhancing the distinctiveness of the engine compartment. To cater to different driving preferences, the Paul Smith Edition was offered with two transmission options, manual and automatic.
Personal Experience
As
a proud owner of one of the 1,800 Paul Smith Minis ever produced, I’ve had the
pleasure of experiencing its exceptional charm and performance first-hand. My
striking blue edition stands as a true symbol of style, and to this day, no
other car I’ve driven has matched its sheer driving pleasure. Cruising through
the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka in my Paul Smith was nothing short of
exhilarating. Its quick handling, responsive steering, and iconic design turned
heads at every turn.
The addition of the Paul Smith Mini to my collection intensified my admiration for the brand, complementing my ownership of three classic Minis from the Rover Group, including two limited editions. This experience helped me forge a deep connection with the Mini Cooper community. As a life member of the Mighty Mini Club in Sri Lanka and a former executive committee member, I immersed myself in the Mini fraternity and shared my passion with fellow enthusiasts.
One of the most memorable events organized by the Mighty Mini Club was the remarkable journey to the city of Jaffna by train. The trip was an opportunity to showcase our beloved Minis and celebrate the rich history and heritage of these iconic cars. Transporting my Blue Paul Smith by train added an extra layer of excitement and uniqueness to the experience. As the train passed through scenic landscapes, Paul Smith stood out among the crowd, eliciting admiration and sparking conversations wherever we went. The camaraderie among the Mini Cooper enthusiasts during the journey was unparalleled. We shared stories, exchanged tips and forged friendships that would last a lifetime. Being part of this passionate community further deepened my appreciation for the Minis and the Mini Cooper brand as a whole.
In conclusion, the Paul Smith Edition is a truly remarkable vehicle that blended style, performance, and exclusivity in perfect harmony. From its limited production numbers to its unique design elements, every aspect of the car exuded a sense of rarity and desirability. As an owner, I cherished the experience of driving this iconic car, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
