[IMGL]http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/members/nathan-albums-site-stuff-picture214-rrmini1.jpg[/IMGL]BMW is actively considering introducing a new super high-end Mini that will be re-trimmed by Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood operation. Autocar understands from well-placed sources that the project is close to getting the green light. See all the latest Mini reviews, news and video The Rolls-trimmed Mini caught in these scoop pictures is not a one-off, according to the source but is a late prototype for what’s intended to be an established premium custom version of the Mini. Buyers of the high-end Mini will be able to visit the Rolls Royce factory to select the various interior trim and dashboard finishes and will also be able to collect the finished vehicle. The project is more evidence that BMW’s expansion of Mini brand continues to draw inspiration directly from the history of the original Mini. Mini Coopers with re-worked interiors and extremely high standards of trim became popular in the early 1960s, and were often owned by the highest profile celebrities of the era, including all four Beatles. It’s popularly believed that the first high-end coachbuilt Mini was commissioned by actor Peter Sellers in 1963. It is said to have cost £2600 when a standard Cooper cost £679. The Sellers’ Mini was quickly followed by a similar offering from Harold Radford called the Mini de Ville. This came in three specification levels, but all versions included new instrument packs, wooden dashboards, Rolls-Royce-style seats and even new headlamps. In 1965 the de Ville was also available with a hatchback and folding rear seats, an example of which was famously owned by Ringo Starr. Coachbuilders Wood and Pickett also produced a high-specification Mini along the same lines. Some Mini bosses believe that a Mini with the interior luxury of a much larger car has again become relevant thanks to the current trend of downsizing, especially for affluent city drivers. Hilton Holloway AutoCar.co.uk
It's pretty... but then again we "DIY-ers" have been doing that stuff for years! Mine just doesn't smell like Connolly hides. Kind of interesting though. Can't really cost BMW much, considering their system is underutilized, I'd imagine. For people with the $jing to do it, the idea gets my
Wasn't this dispelled by Rolls Royce? I believe they came out and made a statement about not having anything to do with it:confused5: I'd like to see more pics if anyone has any. Looks like a beautiful interior. It's good to see a quality, classier interior rather than the tacky checker interiors that you see too often.
When I was in Garching last month (north of Munich), there was a massive M Gmbh design enter with a dealer next door (MINI and BMW). I asked about M Gmbh and they said it's where BMW and MINI owners can take their cars to get custom things done...leather interiors, etc. So...doesn't BMW already do this? And this new service would be dealer side then? As in, order a new car and get it outfitted?
link about M Gmbh BMW M GmbH Individual Program - Features - European Car Magazine http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/corporation/mgmbh/individual.html
Well, if you don't order the Phantom-optional 4" thick carpet, you don't know what you are missing. One look at that stuff and you take your shoes off before getting inside.
Actually it does... Those with the means have cut back on conspicuous consumption. This allows them some of the comfort of a Rolls with the look of a MINI. What a way to please yourself and put a good face towards the plebeian masses.
No doubt sales would be brisk in a place like the UAE, and of course there would have to be a JCW version complete with suicide doors...
From the Shanghai Auto Show [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzkKty5EeTA]YouTube - Rolls Royce Mini Cooper: Shanghai Auto Show[/ame]
Some jackwads on another forum I am a member of, hate the interior of any MINI. Hates this one even more. They say the only reason they won't own one is because of the dashboard layout. I told them that if they didn't like the dashboard layout, buy a Civic or Hyundai. The car wasn't designed for them.
There's a pretty long history of tarting up original/classic Minis, starting with the Radford DeVille - this is Peter Sellers' example as seen in one of his Pink Panther films: The basket weave sides look crap in this photo, but I used to see one of these in London as a young man and they looked simply stunning. Time to invent basket weave vinyl, methinks....