Mini recognizes the creativity of its fan base.
Some cars lend themselves to customization a lot more than others. Be it solid, reliable underpinnings that beg for more power or a classic design that encourages owners to add their own personal touch, models like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Toyota GR Supra, and Ford Bronco all serve as superb blank canvases for your imagination. You can add Mini to that list, too. While the company is known for its special editions from the factory, some of which hit the nail on the head and some which don’t make much sense, it is now celebrating owners who took Mini customization into their own hands.
Mini USA recently ran a fun social media campaign with the accompanying hash tag, #MiniCustomized. Over a two-month period, Mini asked owners to submit pictures and details of their uniquely customized Minis to highlight their “creative spirit.” Mini USA then chose five of the strongest entries and shared these stories online.
The first one is a 2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman (owned by Andy Lee, an avid Top Gear fan. With a goal of greater performance, Lee added an air ride suspension, a rebuilt turbo, a remanufactured engine, third-gen headlights, and blue plaid interior accents to his Clubman.
Andy Lee
Andy Lee
A rarer member of the Mini family is the Paceman. Dave Skinner owns a 2014 Cooper S derivative but decided the quirky car could do with some upgrades. He then added a pink and black Union Jack graphic over the sides and aftermarket wheels. This Paceman, affectionately named “Lexi”, has its name printed on a sticker at the back in place of the usual Mini logo.
Dave Skinner
Dave Skinner
Dave Skinner
Dave Skinner
Next is Chuck Davis with his 2013 Mini Cooper S Coupe. This sporty number was enhanced with over $10,000 worth of extras like white stripes with red trim, Koni yellow adjustable struts, Eibach lowering springs, and a Willwood brake kit, among others.
Chuck Davis
Chuck Davis
Zreston Costello didn’t want to drive the same generic car as everyone else so opted for a Mini Cooper S F55. He didn’t stop there, adding modified OEM rims and red exterior decals to an already eye-catching look by virtue of the Volcanic Orange paint. This Mini also benefitted from Stage 1 and 2 tuning for more power.
Zreston Costello
Zreston Costello
David Schofield is a diehard Mini fan. In total, he has owned six Minis together with his wife, including a 2019 Cooper S Convertible. We’re big fans of the restrained aggression of Schofield’s modifications. This drop-top has a custom strip running over the Union Jack roof and 17-inch Neuspeed wheels. Checkered mirror caps, a solid stainless steel shift knob, and a Cravenspeed phone mount are some of the other mods.
“It’s always a joy to see Mini’s feisty and eccentric identity translate so fluidly to our owners, and these five members of the Mini community perfectly encapsulate our signature creative spirit,” said Rah Mahtani, Brand Communications Manager, Mini USA.
David Schofield
David Schofield