Warwick, UK, 25 June 2025 — When heritage meets innovation, the result is more than a car — it’s a statement. And that’s precisely what has emerged from the remarkable collaboration between automotive design house CALLUM and iconic bespoke car specialists Wood and Pickett. The result? A meticulously reimagined classic: the Wood and Pickett Mini by CALLUM. And the very first of these limited-production vehicles has found its home with none other than style icon and car connoisseur, David Gandy.
This isn’t just a nod to the past — it’s a full-bodied celebration of British design and craftsmanship, wrapped in a thoroughly modern package. A homage to the iconic Mini with a new vision for contemporary motoring, the Wood and Pickett Mini by CALLUM redefines what it means to drive a classic.
A New Chapter for a British Icon
Rooted in the revered Mk5 Sportspack Mini, each car is completely restored and then reborn through CALLUM’s contemporary design language. The result is a Mini that retains its classic soul but expresses it with fresh sophistication and purpose.
Externally, the Mini wears a custom Anthracite metal finish — a bespoke colour exclusive to CALLUM — that reflects both elegance and assertiveness. Subtly aggressive front and rear valances, reshaped side sills, and updated rear elements optimise both aerodynamics and aesthetics. Lighting, too, is transformed, with redesigned housings that complement the Mini’s silhouette while enhancing visibility.
The project respectfully references its roots, with original Wood & Pickett wheel arches nodding to the brand’s customisation legacy, while CALLUM’s expert touch ensures this isn’t merely a restoration — it’s a transformation.
Craftsmanship Inside and Out
Step inside and you’ll discover an interior that blends nostalgia with tailored luxury. Inspired by the legendary “Margrave” interiors crafted by Wood and Pickett in the 1970s, the dashboard has been reinterpreted through CALLUM’s modern design lens. The result is a space that feels both authentic and unmistakably refined.
Tan Bridge of Weir leather upholstery envelops the cabin, setting a tone of warm sophistication. From the precision-crafted metal bezels and bespoke ‘Piano’ switch pack to the CALLUM-designed seats, every detail has been purposefully selected to elevate the driver’s experience.
This is not merely retro — it’s an ode to British craftsmanship in its highest form.
Engineered to Perform
Beauty without performance is an incomplete equation. Under its elegant skin, the Mini packs a fully rebuilt 1310cc Stage 3 engine, producing 110 BHP — a significant upgrade over the original. Twin-point injection, a performance cylinder head, and a custom twin-exit exhaust system deliver thrilling driveability, complete with a distinctive upswept tailpipe that gives this Mini a signature sound.
The driving dynamics have also received a thorough refresh. A revised road-tuned suspension kit, vented and grooved 8.4” brake discs, and custom-designed 13” CALLUM alloy wheels combine to provide the perfect balance between period charm and modern-day composure. With refined NVH management and upgraded components throughout, this is a car as enjoyable to drive as it is to behold.
Gandy’s Touch of Elegance
For David Gandy, this Mini is far more than a stylish accessory — it’s a reflection of his personal taste, values, and long-standing love of British motoring heritage.
“I’ve always admired the Mini, not just as a design icon, but as a car that represents British spirit. What CALLUM and Wood and Pickett have created is nothing short of remarkable,” said Gandy. “It’s completely bespoke, every detail tailored — a perfect reflection of the values I look for in a vehicle: elegance, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of identity.”
Working directly with the design team, Gandy was hands-on in curating every element — from colour selection to material choice — resulting in a car as distinctive as the man himself.
A Vision from Ian Callum
For Ian Callum CBE, this project is deeply personal.
“The Mini has always held a special place in my heart — for its daring design, for what it represented in post-war Britain, and for the joy it brought to so many drivers,” said Callum. “To reimagine it today, with the level of craftsmanship and design integrity it deserves, has been an exceptional journey.”
Limited by Design, Infinite in Character
Offered in strictly limited numbers, the Wood and Pickett Mini by CALLUM is hand-built in the UK, with prices starting at £75,000. Each car is an individual commission — no two alike — crafted in close collaboration with CALLUM’s team to reflect the vision of each owner.
A Prestigious Debut
The car will make its public debut at the Heveningham Concours from 27 to 29 June 2025, sharing the stage with some of the world’s most celebrated vehicles. It’s a fitting venue for a car that seamlessly blends legacy with luxury — a bold statement of British ingenuity in motion.
The Wood and Pickett Mini by CALLUM isn’t simply a car. It’s a crafted experience — a celebration of everything that makes British motoring history so iconic, brought thrillingly into the present. And with David Gandy behind the wheel, its journey is just beginning.
