Like its near relation BMW, Mini likes to dabble a bit with art cars. Often they team up with top fashion designers to produce a one-off model which are then auctioned off for the benefit of HIV/AIDS research and awareness. That said, the latest special Mini is something different entirely.
For this unique model, Mini got in touch with British musician Paul Weller. Often known as “The Modfather,” Weller was a member of successful bands The Jam and The Style Council before embarking on a solo career. This is the first time Weller has lent his hand to automotive art.
Weller’s inspiration for the design – which features bold pink and brown stripes across the car’s entire body and is finished with a single silver line running up the bonnet and over the roof – comes from the colours in a Ben Sherman shirt he designed for the clothing brand some years ago.
Mini UK’s Director, Jochen Goller says “Both Mini and Paul Weller are synonymous with the quintessential British mod scene. That’s why we were the ideal match to create this unique car.”
Paul Weller said “I’ve always loved and driven Minis so when I was given the opportunity to design a bespoke Mini Cooper I wanted to create something that reflected the mood and colours associated with the Mod era, which was also the classic Mini’s hey day. I’d already expressed these colours in a shirt I designed for Ben Sherman a few years ago, so it made sense to me to continue the theme using a Mini Cooper as a palate.
The special pink-striped Mini he designed is being auctioned online to benefit the War Child and Nordoff Robins charities.
Check out more images of the Modfather Mini in the gallery below.