Why David Gandy chose a restomod Mk5 Sportspack Mini

There’s something undeniably cool about a classic Mini that’s been reimagined with modern flair. But when someone like David Gandy, an international model, racing driver, and full-on car enthusiast, gets behind the wheel of a bespoke, rally-inspired Mini, the whole world starts paying attention. His new £75,000 restomod, designed by CALLUM and built by Wood & Pickett, is more than just a style statement. It’s a showcase of how the later Rover Minis, particularly Sportspacks, are becoming the go-to choice for collectors, custom builders, and enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds.

So why did Gandy choose a 1990s Sportspack as the starting point for this ultra-modern Mini build? And what makes it such a solid foundation for a restomod?

Let’s take a closer look.

The right shell for a reimagined icon

At the heart of Gandy’s Mini is a restored Mk5 bodyshell - originally from the early 1990s - but fitted with Sportspack-style arches and 13-inch wheels as part of the custom build. Now, to clarify: the factory Sportspack option didn’t arrive until the Mk7 Mini MPi in 1996. So Gandy’s car isn’t a Sportspack in the official Rover sense, it’s a reimagined take, created by blending Mk5 simplicity with the visual punch of the later Sportspack Minis.

It’s a clever approach. The Mk5 shell gives builders a solid foundation that’s still light, raw, and full of character, while the wider track and arches give the car more stance and road presence, without needing a full Mk7 donor car.

This kind of hybrid build reflects the way restomods are evolving. They’re not just about replication, they’re about creating something new, with respect for the old.

“Using a Sportspack-style body on a Mk5 shell shows you can upgrade reliability and style without losing the Mini’s soul - something we emphasise in every car we source or restore.”
 - Phil Mires -

A rally-bred powertrain wrapped in high fashion

Beneath the bonnet of Gandy’s Mini sits a 110 bhp 1,380cc A-Series engine with rally tuning. A world away from the 63 bhp you’d find in a standard 1990s Cooper. Paired with uprated suspension, performance brakes and a five-speed gearbox, this Mini isn’t just for show. It’s designed to be driven hard and enjoyed fully.

Inside, it’s a masterclass in detail. A warm brown leather interior, bespoke callipered gauges, and a clean, minimal dash strip everything back to what matters - driver and machine. There’s no touchscreen, no sat nav, no distractions. Just a tribute to driving in its purest form.

Why Sportspack Minis make the perfect restomod base

We see it often here at Phil Mires Classic Cars. Buyers who want a Mini with charm and heritage, but also one they can use, enjoy, and even personalise. The Sportspack Minis, from 1996-2000, make a brilliant base for exactly that.

Their flared arches and chunkier wheels already give them more presence than earlier models, and mechanically, they’re far more up to the task of handling increased performance. Add to that the improved rust protection and better build quality of the later Rover years, and you’ve got a Mini that can handle the upgrades without losing what makes it special.

And the beauty of working with Minis from this era? You’re starting with a car that still feels old-school. Manual steering, no ABS, and that famously direct driving feel. But you’re also benefiting from decades of refinement that make every journey a little more civilised.

What it means for Mini buyers now

David Gandy’s Mini might be a one-off commission with a six-figure build budget, but it signals something bigger happening in the world of classic cars. Enthusiasts are moving towards cars that blend authenticity with modern touches. They don’t want to park them under a dust sheet, they want to drive them.

We’re seeing increased interest in high-quality Mk5-Mk7 Minis, especially those with tasteful upgrades or low-mileage. Whether it’s a factory-spec Cooper Sport 500 or a sympathetically restored MPi model with subtle improvements, people are realising that these later Minis offer incredible value, usability, and collector appeal.

“You don’t need a celebrity budget to enjoy a great Mini. Some of the best examples we’ve sold have been late-’90s cars with just the right mix of originality and sensible upgrades.”
- Phil Mires -

Inspired by Gandy’s Mini?

If Gandy’s Mini has you daydreaming about your own restomod, or even just owning a really well-sorted Classic Mini, you’re not alone. The great thing about these cars is their versatility. You can go full bespoke, like David did, or find a factory-spec Cooper that ticks all the right boxes straight out of the garage.

And if you’re not sure what you’re after? That’s where we come in.

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