Paul Smith Buyers Guide

The Paul Smith Mini is best known for its signature blue hue paintwork and lime green accents in the boot, glove box, and grill. Built in 1998, only 1,800 Limited Edition cars were produced to celebrate the collaboration between renowned designer Paul Smith and Rover Mini. Just 300 cars were made for the UK market, with the remaining 1,500 sent to Japan, making the Paul Smith Mini one of the most sought-after editions available.

If you are looking to buy a Paul Smith LE Mini, this Buyer’s Guide gives you a detailed tour of what to look for and what makes this special edition truly exceptional.   

Exterior

Check the seams that they are even and no signs of correction, particularly in the corners where water can rest.

The bodywork, and wheel arches. Lovely and straight, look for signs of knocks and bumps.

Look underneath for the sills to be present and tidy, and a clean exhaust.

Look at the wheels for plenty of tread left on them.

Check the level of rubber trim, for missing sections/wear and tear.

May see the Paul Smith sticker in the back window and badging on the back.

Check any chrome on the Mini for rust, such as the handles, headlight surrounds and fuel cap.

Check that the doors open and close with no dropping, and are smooth to close.

On the grill, the Paul Smith lime green England map should be present, and no bumps or damage to the chrome.

The gold plated Paul Smith bonnet badge should be present on the front and the MINI badge on the rear.

Interior

Check the black leather seats, headlining and carpet for tears, rips, fading and blemishes.

Sit on the seats and check that the bolsters are supportive and comfortable.

Check the leather dash for signs of wear and tear.

Switch on the cabin heater and check for warm and cool airflow.

Check for the Paul Smith badge in the glove box.

Check the boot for the Paul Smith lime green petrol tank and boot lining. Lift up the lining and check underneath for signs of rust.

Test Drive

Check the ignition starts promptly, and the car idles at 1,000rpm.

Clear, crisp gear changes with no sound of clunking or knocking as you drive.

Check that the brakes are responsive.

Check for any shaking, and pulling to the right or left on the steering wheel.

Paul Smith Mini For Sale

We have a fast turnaround of Classic Mini’s for sale, including the Paul Smith edition. View our current Minis for sale, or contact us directly if you have a Mini model, edition and colour in mind. 

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