David Brown Automotive has put together some very fine looking versions of the classic Mini over the past few years.

Just one look at the company website tells you everything you need to know about the company ethos – classic design that draws from the past to create modern classics.

Simon Cowell’s James Bond Lotus Esprit Inspired Mini (1)

The company’s latest is the Mini Remastered. A bespoke model created for TV music mogul Simon Cowell that features an interesting base for the design – the Lotus Esprit Turbo from the 1981 James Bond movie, For Your Eyes Only. Not a combination that you would necessarily think to put together in one package, but with David Brown’s usual tasteful design, the final result is as pleasing on the eye as any of the company’s other classic Mini creations.

Simon Cowell’s James Bond Lotus Esprit Inspired Mini

The most striking thing about this Mini Remastered is the colour, a beautiful Copper Glow with a complimenting ‘Fade to Black’ panoramic sunroof and wheel arches. In a lighter shade of copper, called Sahara Gold, 1980s style Esprit go-faster stripes and the word ‘Turbo’ feature on the car’s sides. The desert themed colour is carried over to the Esprit BBS-themed 13-inch alloy wheels, while black brake callipers accent the roof colour. You can see how David Brown Automotive work here; as ever, there’s just nothing that stands out as being the ‘wrong colour’. LED headlights hint at the age we are now in and improve night vision, while three Cibié lamps sit on the front bumper in a classic Mini rally-style.

Simon Cowell’s James Bond Lotus Esprit Inspired Mini

The inside is as classy as you would expect for a James Bond themed car. A glossy wood veneer dash in Dark American Burr Walnut compliments the Copper Glow better than any alternative you could think of, while Arctic White leather adds an clean and airy feel to the inside. The dials are illuminated Smiths dials as used on various other David Brown vehicles. Frankly, it looks as beautiful as any Mini I’ve ever seen. 

Simon Cowell’s James Bond Lotus Esprit Inspired Mini

The LED lighting is not the only nod to the present of course, and a full Bluetooth equipped infotainment 7-inch touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay sits neatly inside, while a six-speaker sound system will allow Mr Cowell to work while travelling. The engine is a bored-out to the tune of 83bhp standard 1330cc unit connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Simon Cowell’s James Bond Lotus Esprit Inspired Mini

While the company are not revealing the price of Simon Cowell’s unique David Brown Automotive Mini Remastered creation, you could find out by ordering your own. You can spec a similar model for yourself by visiting the company’s website.

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