“The MINI is perfect for city driving”

For the men in the paintshop it was the greatest challenge they had ever faced: giving the designer Mini by Paul Smith its stripey finish in 24 different colours. This was soon followed by a limited edition in blue with lime green interior touches. MINI and Paul Smith - they just go together... more

Category: Art & Design, Magazine, People

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Revival of an “illuminated” car

Millions are familiar with it from the Magical Mystery Tour film by the Beatles; today it resides in the garden as an unusual sculptural monument: the 1965 Mini Cooper S that George Harrison had decorated with sacred Indian motifs. Now the restored car, the favourite of the ex-Beatle who died in 2001, has returned to the limelight as the model for a new "illuminated" MINI which his widow Olivia is auctioning in June on behalf of the Harrison charity The Material World Foundation. more

Category: Urban Culture, Art & Design, Magazine

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A free spirit

The man who created the Mini was a fan of small cars: "I've always appreciated the convenience which a small car offers in everyday use," Alec Issigonis once said. The Greek-born car designer had a boss who granted him every freedom in this regard: Leonard Lord, head of the British Motor Corporation, gave him carte blanche in 1957 to design an affordable car for the masses. more

Category: Art & Design, Magazine

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“Tear down London’s train stations!”

In MINIInernational, the well-known journalist (Financial Times) and adoptive Londoner Tyler Brûlé demands that London's train stations be razed to the ground. Through measures like this, which include a new tunnel system for the London Underground, Brûlé wants to make the British metropolis fit for the future. more

Category: Art & Design, Magazine

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Paul Weller congratulates MINI on its 50th anniversary

MINI turns 50, and that calls for a celebration. The name of the birthday song by England's hot newcomer band Twisted Wheel is "That's Entertainment". Heard of it? Of course you have. The song hails from the legendary Paul Weller and The Jam. At the big MINI UNITED gathering on 22-24 May, Twisted Wheel will be presenting their cover version on stage. And as the highlight of the event, Paul Weller himself will be coming to Silverstone for the Special Night of Rock on 23 May. more

Category: Urban Culture, Art & Design, Magazine

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