When David Brown Automotive recently revealed the Mini eMastered, not only was this the opportunity to own an iconic restomod, but the opportunity to customise and tailor it to your own bespoke tastes and preferences. Whilst the eMastered is only built to be a city car with a 110-mile range, you cannot deny that it is easy on the eye. For music mogul and petrolhead, Simon Cowell, who took delivery of the first customer eMastered, the car was the realisation of a dream.

Cowell commented: “This has always been my dream car. It was on my wish list; one day I wanted to have a classic Mini. Then I read about this company, and I thought, I've got to have one of those. 

“I have to say, of all the cars I’ve ever had in my life, this is my favourite, this is a keeper. When I went to the factory, you could tell that every single person had really given their heart and soul into this, there's so much passion behind it… you know this car has character.”

Cowell originally ordered a Mini Remastered from David Brown Automotive in 2019, but after taking delivery, realised he would like it modernised further. Taking hundreds of hours, Cowell’s bespoke Mini was hand-built from the ground up and then reworked to be fitted with a modern, simple to use EV powertrain. Despite being limited to a top speed of 95mph and fitted with a battery, the Mini still retains its go-kart like quality.

Its interior also features modern but essential technology like Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto, coming as part of an up to date integrated infotainment system.

However, the ability to customise was one of the main selling points of the eMastered and when it came to his design preferences, Cowell was able to let his imagination run wild: “The great thing about David Brown Automotive is, genuinely, whatever colour you want, inside, outside - whatever you want they can do it. That's the fun of it, you’re designing and creating the car you want.”

The Mini eMastered by David Brown Automotive starts at £125,000 and a build slot can be reserved with a £1,000 refundable fee.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: David Brown Automotive