An A112 Abarth, preferably one used in hill climb events. They have some mental cars running in Europe in which the 1-liter engines are turned up to 11..
So cool to see these guys get featured! They also run a Mini workshop called Steveston Motor Co. and have a great CZcams channel of their own with resources and features on classic Minis. The Stellera (née Spectre) Type 10 is a beautiful piece of work, especially the interior (surfboard dash, stiletto door handles, tea-set storage pots). As someone who owns a Type-R and has a classic Mini in the garage awaiting recommissioning, this car is like my two worlds colliding, but higher-quality.
Rob, I've just been scanning through the CZcams car videos and guess who I found... this is a very nice surprise. The last time i saw one of your videos it was about this guy building a "Mazda RX 7" with as many rotors as he could possibly cram under the hood! It's really good to see you again, and in an exceptional little hot-rod. Great Job!!
Been driving a Vtec mini since 2004. Still a ton of fun. An extra benefit is that noone gives you the finger when you go full throttle, because of its "cuteness".
Not necessarily my bag BUT GD this thing is absolutely beautiful - the craftsmanship and dedication to the entire build and esp the interior just WoW - incredible vision and even better execution!
It’s a great concept that steps out from behind the original and refines what Z-Cars did. The design cues are mostly spot on and the technical modernity is underlined without completely subsuming the original spartan aesthetic. It’s an automotive cafe racer and that’s just fine because it’s actually well done. The minimalism just works. All it needs is a carbon fibre shell and no seams to underline its credentials in the 21st century.
As a boomer who grew up driving the original Mini -- they were far more prevalent in my native Canada than in the U.S. -- I am super-impressed by the vision of these young Canucks. First, they chose the right platform, the brilliant and affordable econo-car solution for working-class Brits as envisioned in 1959 by design genius Sir Alec Issigonis. As voted by the reputable Global Automotive Elections Foundation, the original Mini is second only to Ford's Model T as the most influential car design of the 20th century. While you get your head around that, be aware that the BMW commuter car currently sold under the Mini name has about one-tenth the charisma of the car we see here. For me, driving a current-generation Mini, with its bouncy suspension and noisy interior, was one of my long driving life's most disappointing experiences. It is a pretender to the throne of a car never intended to be performance oriented, but that drove so brilliantly it was hot-rodded by the likes of John Cooper and ended up outrunning much faster cars to win the Monte Carlo rally. The current "faux Mini," on the other hand, is a wannabe without the cojones to back it up. The Honda Civic Si's proven power plant, complete with sweet-shifting manual transmission, is the perfect choice for this car. Considering that Lotus has been quite successful with a boosted Camry V6 in their recent offerings, a Japanese drivetrain could be the Goldilocks solution that provides what many enthusiasts desire: a lightweight, tossable, reasonably affordable sports car. Right now only the Miata exists for this demographic, and as an average-sized guy (5' 10", 165 lb.), I fit fine in my current-generation Miata, which after watching this vid has a smaller interior than the car driven here. This new take on the original Mini incorporates the first version's most disruptive design element: a tiny platform made possible only by 10" wheels. But those little wheels are a two-edged sword. At normal driving speeds the car seems quite tractable, but at the speeds it's capable of -- and we're talking Porsche Cayman territory -- I'd be concerned about exiting a corner a little hot and having the rear end wanting to swap places with the front faster than I could react. (In earlier days I modified an original-generation Miata to make 270 hp, and even with race suspension and tires, the car's short wheelbase made it terrifying in high-speed transitions. I sold it within a month.) Those little wheels will not be kind to the road trip crowd, either, and combined with miniscule storage space, this car does not, to me, qualify as a grand tourer. But as a 21st century sports car alternative that is utterly unique, the builders' choice of this platform is inspired. I see it as the weekend car of a well off boomer, who is no longer into track days or sparring on twisty public roads with today's 300 hp sports coupes. Like the Miata, which continues to sell well, this car offers, more than anything else, not the fastest but the FUNNEST driving experience an enthusiast can hope for. That said, I have a couple of concerns. British cars from this generation were terrible rust-buckets, and on Canada's salt-strewn roads there will be very few surviving chassis to provide that all-important VIN. If the car takes off, will the builders be able to keep up with demand? And, the price. With all the custom configuration built into the car we see here, I suspect it's going to be priced above a present day Lotus Evora, which also provides a sublime driving experience powered by a Japanese engine. I’m sure the developers have carefully researched their market, but to me one of the original Mini's most desirable features was its lack of pretension. Were I making the decisions, I would have kept that design philosophy in place, while upgrading the car with elements that enhance its performance -- like race-level bucket seats, essential for a quick-handling sports car. But open-pore ash for the dash? I see that being smudged pretty darn soon by oily hands running over it. And custom door handles? Complicated ones at that? A bit of a design conceit, and out of character with the car's utilitarian origins. I’m sure these gifted guys will sort out the current car's split personality. I hope they grit their teeth and dispense with some of the more precious decor elements, leaving as an enticement to motorheads everywhere a feisty little sports car that is all business, and DOES deliver the goods.
Wow, what a car. Very impressive, so few examples that suggest it’s an initial offering. These guys must be so stoked to get covered by Top Gear. You’re going places! Awesome episode.
What a great video highlighting some incredible work and unique craftsmanship. I have seen the build in person and was very impressed with their final product. I realize $200k seems like a lot but this car appears to be worth it. Good job guys!
Z-Cars desrved a shout out for developing the platform over 20+ years ago. This just has some bespoke decorations on it. With that said I'm glad to see another company keeping the original on the roads👍
"we wanted to improve the driving dynamics so we got rid of fwd and put the engine in the back" yeah the dynamics must be great in a car that has a wheelbase of a shoe. I can't help but imagine the snap oversteer upon correcting a slide would be insane. I think people are just too biased against fwd cars but the fact is it works quite great in a car this small and this light
To Phil and the gang. Sterling effort, this isn’t my cup of tea as I prefer a Smith’s 130mph in the centre. If you know you know. But I respect those that dare to think outside of the box and from the video the fit and finish looks second to none. John Cooper gets a lot of recognition and rightly so but let’s not forget Downton and minis do belong on 10’s, watch Nick Swift and tell me I’m wrong. Incoming…..
If the interior accents were darker brown distressed leather instead of that brightish drab green looking stuff, it would be absolutely sick....but that green is totally clashing with absolutely everything it kills it 😅
I love Minis and this is cool. The interior is taken a bit far for me but great work. Personally, I would like to see more attention to the exterior. Get rid of those seams and some better arches would make the world of difference.
I love this thing, but the statement he made about how the Mini "never really gets attention like this" is not quite true. There's been plenty of Mini's with Honda swaps, Boxer swaps, Busa swaps, AWD swaps and more. lol This one is rather unique though, I'll give them that.
It's refreshing to see a build where keeping the original wheel size is important. I think picking modern bigger wheels for an older car always looks off to me these days.
Weve been doing honda swaped minis for litteraly decades now ive loved a b16 mini back when i saw a rally car one in the early 2000s, Zcars sell a great kit for a rwd one and a few companies sell subframes to but a k20 or a b-seres in the front .
Have to agree with @151a32, the possibilities are endless even for two school boys to camp out a car with ideas that are now really dated, still you gotta start somewhere.
Which classic would you like to see get the Turn 10 treatment next?
Nissan 240Z :)
Hiring Rob for this series was one of the best decisions ever made! That being said, I’ve always been a fan of the Datsun 240sx!
@@jfighter004Datsun 240Z
1:59 Loads of people have built VTEC Mini's. A quite search of 'VTEC MINI' will prove me correct.
An A112 Abarth, preferably one used in hill climb events. They have some mental cars running in Europe in which the 1-liter engines are turned up to 11..
Thank you for having us and the Stellera Type 10 on the show! Hats off to everyone who worked on this project.
So cool to see these guys get featured! They also run a Mini workshop called Steveston Motor Co. and have a great CZcams channel of their own with resources and features on classic Minis. The Stellera (née Spectre) Type 10 is a beautiful piece of work, especially the interior (surfboard dash, stiletto door handles, tea-set storage pots). As someone who owns a Type-R and has a classic Mini in the garage awaiting recommissioning, this car is like my two worlds colliding, but higher-quality.
Yeah, kind of annoying that Top Gear didn't even mention the name of their company nor drop a link in the description for them.
got my oil drain plug from these guys when I had my mini. They got tons of goodies that are actually very useful for mini owners!
Great guys
@@TopGearthe Mini Cooper Restomod is 10/10.😊
The possibilities of the classic mini are endless 🤗
2xW12?
There’s definitely an end
Absolutely beautiful restomod
What if there is the restomod for the SRT4?
Love this build, but the Tillett seats stick out like a sore thumb. I'd exchange some classic Recaros for the weight penalty any day.
Rob, I've just been scanning through the CZcams car videos and guess who I found... this is a very nice surprise. The last time i saw one of your videos it was about this guy building a "Mazda RX 7" with as many rotors as he could possibly cram under the hood! It's really good to see you again, and in an exceptional little hot-rod. Great Job!!
What Singer is to Porsche, this company is to Mini. I absolutely adore it . ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I also love this classic Mini Cooper.
those green seats inside look so out of place it is disturbing
I think the colour actually works, just the actual seats are out of place
Agreed, the remainder of the car is spot on but those kermit green seats are throwing it off in my humble opinion
The colour works. Catching your eye!
Drove me mad...
probably super light tho
The mini is a legend and definitely deserves a high end “resto mod” focus. What a fun and impressive build.
Love what Stevenson Motor Company do, so many cool builds and loads of aftermarket bits of minis as well! Keep up the good work 👏 😎
Been driving a Vtec mini since 2004. Still a ton of fun. An extra benefit is that noone gives you the finger when you go full throttle, because of its "cuteness".
Not necessarily my bag BUT GD this thing is absolutely beautiful - the craftsmanship and dedication to the entire build and esp the interior just WoW - incredible vision and even better execution!
Nice! However two words, Project Binky
I had to scroll far too far through the comments to find a mention of binky 😂
Absolutely fantastic effort guys. One of the best Mini customs I’ve seen. Beautiful. Love those exit ports for the exhausts!
Wow the interior looks awesome
absolutley love the interiour look.
minimal with lots of lines and for the first time eaver door handles that you COULD rest your arm on.
well done.
You guys have been spying what I follow on Instagram and made a video-series of all of them. god bless you
👀 you clearly have great taste
That interior is amazing, along with the glass roof, makes it very "airy"
Horacio Pagani just found a challenger😊. It's a beautiful work of art.
From the UK. You killed that mini, nice job..
Absolute beast of a mini, love that dash board. It’s beautiful, big love from little old England 🏴
Thanks much
That Marco guy is an artist. Utterly beautiful...
Every Marco is an artist! ;P
Awesome work, such a beautiful car, I dream about doing the same interior design exercise on my E36. You inspired me, thank you
It’s a great concept that steps out from behind the original and refines what Z-Cars did. The design cues are mostly spot on and the technical modernity is underlined without completely subsuming the original spartan aesthetic. It’s an automotive cafe racer and that’s just fine because it’s actually well done. The minimalism just works. All it needs is a carbon fibre shell and no seams to underline its credentials in the 21st century.
Those interiors are pagani level gorgeous
As a boomer who grew up driving the original Mini -- they were far more prevalent in my native Canada than in the U.S. -- I am super-impressed by the vision of these young Canucks. First, they chose the right platform, the brilliant and affordable econo-car solution for working-class Brits as envisioned in 1959 by design genius Sir Alec Issigonis. As voted by the reputable Global Automotive Elections Foundation, the original Mini is second only to Ford's Model T as the most influential car design of the 20th century.
While you get your head around that, be aware that the BMW commuter car currently sold under the Mini name has about one-tenth the charisma of the car we see here. For me, driving a current-generation Mini, with its bouncy suspension and noisy interior, was one of my long driving life's most disappointing experiences. It is a pretender to the throne of a car never intended to be performance oriented, but that drove so brilliantly it was hot-rodded by the likes of John Cooper and ended up outrunning much faster cars to win the Monte Carlo rally. The current "faux Mini," on the other hand, is a wannabe without the cojones to back it up.
The Honda Civic Si's proven power plant, complete with sweet-shifting manual transmission, is the perfect choice for this car. Considering that Lotus has been quite successful with a boosted Camry V6 in their recent offerings, a Japanese drivetrain could be the Goldilocks solution that provides what many enthusiasts desire: a lightweight, tossable, reasonably affordable sports car. Right now only the Miata exists for this demographic, and as an average-sized guy (5' 10", 165 lb.), I fit fine in my current-generation Miata, which after watching this vid has a smaller interior than the car driven here.
This new take on the original Mini incorporates the first version's most disruptive design element: a tiny platform made possible only by 10" wheels. But those little wheels are a two-edged sword. At normal driving speeds the car seems quite tractable, but at the speeds it's capable of -- and we're talking Porsche Cayman territory -- I'd be concerned about exiting a corner a little hot and having the rear end wanting to swap places with the front faster than I could react. (In earlier days I modified an original-generation Miata to make 270 hp, and even with race suspension and tires, the car's short wheelbase made it terrifying in high-speed transitions. I sold it within a month.)
Those little wheels will not be kind to the road trip crowd, either, and combined with miniscule storage space, this car does not, to me, qualify as a grand tourer.
But as a 21st century sports car alternative that is utterly unique, the builders' choice of this platform is inspired. I see it as the weekend car of a well off boomer, who is no longer into track days or sparring on twisty public roads with today's 300 hp sports coupes. Like the Miata, which continues to sell well, this car offers, more than anything else, not the fastest but the FUNNEST driving experience an enthusiast can hope for.
That said, I have a couple of concerns. British cars from this generation were terrible rust-buckets, and on Canada's salt-strewn roads there will be very few surviving chassis to provide that all-important VIN. If the car takes off, will the builders be able to keep up with demand?
And, the price. With all the custom configuration built into the car we see here, I suspect it's going to be priced above a present day Lotus Evora, which also provides a sublime driving experience powered by a Japanese engine.
I’m sure the developers have carefully researched their market, but to me one of the original Mini's most desirable features was its lack of pretension. Were I making the decisions, I would have kept that design philosophy in place, while upgrading the car with elements that enhance its performance -- like race-level bucket seats, essential for a quick-handling sports car. But open-pore ash for the dash? I see that being smudged pretty darn soon by oily hands running over it. And custom door handles? Complicated ones at that? A bit of a design conceit, and out of character with the car's utilitarian origins.
I’m sure these gifted guys will sort out the current car's split personality. I hope they grit their teeth and dispense with some of the more precious decor elements, leaving as an enticement to motorheads everywhere a feisty little sports car that is all business, and DOES deliver the goods.
Congrats to SMCO!
Wonderful! 20 years ago GTM (Mini derivative) were working on a Honda V6 and KV6 prototype & had one running outside the factory.
I love classic
Very unique and interesting! Love that retro-modern styling. They really went for something distinct.
Hit the LIKE button. These guys have done an amazing thing.
Rob is perfect for Top Gear.
Wow, what a car. Very impressive, so few examples that suggest it’s an initial offering. These guys must be so stoked to get covered by Top Gear. You’re going places! Awesome episode.
Rob Dahm and Steveston, the two ends of my car dreams coming together!
what a mini should be, SICK job!
The most beautiful car you've shown on your show.
1:59 Loads of people have built VTEC Mini's. A quite search of 'VTEC MINI' will prove me correct.
Agree, though they’re usually fwd. The mid-engine treatment sets this apart from most.
Amazing car, love the interior.
I love tasteful modifications like these
I just put a built K24/K20 in my MR2 Spyder. It's a fun ride.
What a great video highlighting some incredible work and unique craftsmanship. I have seen the build in person and was very impressed with their final product. I realize $200k seems like a lot but this car appears to be worth it. Good job guys!
The Mini Cooper Special Build of 230bhp reminded me a lot to the 245bhp Mini Cooper 1275S Mark I from Gran Turismo 2.
Awesome job guys.. Really stunning 👌👑💎🌟
this is a dream-come-true bluid!So nasty,so beautiful...but those seats are a kick in the face.
this is top gear, all this time I thought I was watching /Drive
Que bonito les quedo el mini amazing job quiero uno 👏🏼🔥😎
love projects like this, the legendary k20 is such a perfect engine for this car
Z-Cars desrved a shout out for developing the platform over 20+ years ago. This just has some bespoke decorations on it.
With that said I'm glad to see another company keeping the original on the roads👍
This just fueled my desires even more.
Love it! I'll take two
A truly amazing build. I love the Mini. I'm so glad you've created this outstanding machine... I need this in my life...
Happy to discuss our ownership program with you to satisfy that need Cheers
Sweet little ride
An incredible concept vehicle from the Steveston guys.
Well done, Rob. Nice piece on a very desirable car.
"we wanted to improve the driving dynamics so we got rid of fwd and put the engine in the back" yeah the dynamics must be great in a car that has a wheelbase of a shoe. I can't help but imagine the snap oversteer upon correcting a slide would be insane. I think people are just too biased against fwd cars but the fact is it works quite great in a car this small and this light
Awesome and amazing!
BEAUTIFUL build but that K20 thats a lotta motor for a little Mini i love it more powaaaaaaaaa babyyyyyy
Love it I want one
Beautiful car. Would love to drive around with pride! ❤
To Phil and the gang. Sterling effort, this isn’t my cup of tea as I prefer a Smith’s 130mph in the centre. If you know you know. But I respect those that dare to think outside of the box and from the video the fit and finish looks second to none. John Cooper gets a lot of recognition and rightly so but let’s not forget Downton and minis do belong on 10’s, watch Nick Swift and tell me I’m wrong. Incoming…..
If the interior accents were darker brown distressed leather instead of that brightish drab green looking stuff, it would be absolutely sick....but that green is totally clashing with absolutely everything it kills it 😅
I really want one
Impressive build by the Steveston Motor Co (SMCO). I'm curious on how it handles at the limit vs a standard FWD Mini with the same engine.
As Clarkson once said, oversteer is better because you don't see the tree that's about to kill you😂
I love Minis and this is cool. The interior is taken a bit far for me but great work.
Personally, I would like to see more attention to the exterior. Get rid of those seams and some better arches would make the world of difference.
No, this is as sleeper as it gets
thats a beautiful car
How much does it cost ? And can you order one ?
In August 2021 price was quoted as $180,000. 😳
It needs a full roll cage instead of just a roll bar.
Beer cans are stronger than a Mini.
i like it, its elegant.....if i win the lotto, ill buy one ;)
what a car
What about the cost?
Attention to detail is phenomenal 👏🏻👏🏻 but what’s under the bonnet??😅
Handiest car for a single traveller ❤❤❤❤❤
And its beautiful 😍
Great Mini!!
Which wheel / disc combination do you have?
No mention of that roof? Such a good idea!
Gracias por compartir la información
That interior is sick 🔥🔥
bravo ❤
I love this thing, but the statement he made about how the Mini "never really gets attention like this" is not quite true.
There's been plenty of Mini's with Honda swaps, Boxer swaps, Busa swaps, AWD swaps and more. lol
This one is rather unique though, I'll give them that.
1:13 is has almost 7 times the horsepower than the original mini which was released in 1959 with 34hp.
Does look great.
It's refreshing to see a build where keeping the original wheel size is important. I think picking modern bigger wheels for an older car always looks off to me these days.
Weve been doing honda swaped minis for litteraly decades now ive loved a b16 mini back when i saw a rally car one in the early 2000s, Zcars sell a great kit for a rwd one and a few companies sell subframes to but a k20 or a b-seres in the front .
I feel Moogs Mini is a better veraion of this. Nothing against it but its not an obvious standout.
Sooooo beautiful
Tres cool.
Look so amazing! Wow So cute
The green seats look terrible on brown
Oh my World! How much for it?
Ive got a Honda b18 in my classic mini. Think leaving the engine up front keeps the feel of the mini more, just with more power :)
I'd love to see Mr.Bean take it for a spin great looking little mean machine 🇦🇺
Project Binky😒
If we ever see it completed, could be one of the best mini builds of 2055.
@@foundnotlostI love the optimism 😂
Wish it was light green with a black hood ^^
the Stellera Vehicle Design team looks forward building those specs Cheers
This thing is rad
Stellera Type 10 amazing builds
Have to agree with @151a32, the possibilities are endless even for two school boys to camp out a car with ideas that are now really dated, still you gotta start somewhere.
Music interferes with the interviews a bit! Turn it down please
Stunning
Beautiful !