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Classic, Colourful, Fantastic: MINI Paul Smith Edition

When two Brits come to Japan ... no, we're not telling you a joke. But it's still humorous - because the new MINI Paul Smith Edition shows how cool continuity can be: British elegance with a wink, design with attitude and humour. Okay, here's the punchline: the special edition was unveiled at the Auto Salon in Tokyo.

  • Text
    Marko Knab
  • Photos
    MINI

Two legends, one common denominator: style. The legends: MINI and Paul Smith. Both British. Both charmingly eccentric. Both with the courage to turn the familiar inside out - and look good doing it. For the Motor Show in Tokyo, the two have taken their long-standing friendship to a new level: the MINI Paul Smith Edition.

Since 1998, MINI and Paul Smith have been united by more than design - an idea of joie de vivre.

First a classic MINI in Paul Smith blue, later an electric remake, now finally a joint series model that shows: style is not an optional extra, style is attitude. The MINI Paul Smith Edition is a statement on four wheels - for optimism, originality and the art of not taking serious things too seriously. Or, as Paul Smith himself says: "Classic with a twist."

The latest chapter in the liaison between fashion and motor is - as was to be expected - classic but also "colourful". The three available paint finishes sound like fashion collections: Statement Grey, Inspired White and Midnight Black Metallic. Nottingham Green shines in between - a tribute to Sir Paul Smith's homeland and proof that British restraint can also have character. Stripes dance on the roof, the aluminium wheels sparkle in dark paint and a fine Paul Smith signature greets you at the rear like an invitation to tea. Or for cultivated mischief and new thinking.

1/5

The interior continues in the same vein: knitted surfaces instead of plastic, fabrics that tell stories and colourful seams that make you smile. When you get in, the light projection whispers a handwritten Hello on the floor, while the door sill moulding in the door frame reminds you that "Every day is a new beginning."

In other words: you always have the choice. Above all, whether you want the MINI Paul Smith Edition as an electric vehicle, a combustion engine and as a Cooper, Cooper S or even as a convertible.

→mini.de

Marko Knab

Marko Knab

Journalist & Photographer
Life writes the best stories - and Marko Knab tells them in text and picture form. His focus: people & their very own stories and cars, motorsports and travel stories. He already worked for Motorsport-Total.com while completing his Bachelor's degree in German Language, followed by a brief stint at a local daily newspaper and a Master's degree in literature and cultural theory - and ramp.

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