Life can take unexpected turns, and for Mirko, a dedicated car enthusiast, time ran out before he could bring his ultimate vision to life. More than four years ago, he lost his battle with cancer, leaving behind an unfulfilled dream of creating a show-stopping BMW Mini like no other. His passing deeply affected Italy’s car culture, but rather than letting his vision fade, his father made it his mission to complete the build in Mirko’s honour.

Honouring a Dream Through Passion & Creativity

Claudio and his wife Laura, alongside Mirko’s closest friends, came together to bring the dream to reality. The car community rallied around them, contributing funds, skills, and support to ensure that Mirko’s Mini would become the head-turning masterpiece he had always envisioned.

Adding to the retro styling, the team converted the doors to suicide-style openings, a nod to classic American hot rods. In the rear, a polished aluminium fuel tank and a showcased AccuAir air tank setup reinforce the Mini’s dual identity as both a hot rod and a highly detailed show car.

Mirko had a clear vision for the wheel arches, drawing inspiration from 1930s vintage cars. Claudio, with the expertise of Caporalco Carrozzeria in Aucano, Italy, reshaped the Mini’s exterior, closing off the wheel arch wells to achieve a classic hot rod stance. Once the AccuAir suspension was installed, the car sat beautifully low over its stunning 20-inch Daytona wire wheels, completing its unmistakable presence.

For the body kit, Mirko chose elements from the Orchary body kit, particularly the front and rear bumpers. These were customised to flow seamlessly with the modified arches, blending old-school hot rod charm with modern Mini styling.

Minimalist Interior with Maximum Style

Seeing the finished car in person at the Motoring Festival in Cap d’Agde, France, was an unforgettable moment. The craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication poured into the build were evident in every detail. This is more than just a custom Mini—it’s a tribute to a son’s dream, a father’s love, and the unwavering support of a passionate community.

When tragedy strikes, it can leave an unfillable void. But for one father, the loss of his son became the beginning of an extraordinary journey—a mission to honour his legacy and complete the dream he never got to fulfil. With the support of family and friends, that vision came to life in the form of Italy’s first hot rod-inspired BMW Mini, a stunning tribute to passion, craftsmanship, and community.

Hot Rod Influence with a Modern Twist

Inside, the Mini remains stripped back and purpose-driven. A Nardi Torino steering wheel, paired with a custom shifter featuring a knuckle duster gear knob, sits proudly up front. The dashboard, seats, and door cards are wrapped in cream leather, a luxurious contrast to the aggressive exterior.

Technical Specifications of Mirko's 2006 BMW Mini

• Base Model: 2006 MINI Cooper Mk II (R56)

• Engine: 1.6-litre inline-four, originally producing 88 kW (120 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at 4,250 rpm

• Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive

• Roof Chop: Lowered roofline for a classic hot rod aesthetic

• Custom Wheel Arches: Inspired by 1930s vintage cars, enclosing 20-inch Daytona wire wheels

• Suspension: AccuAir air suspension system for adjustable ride height

• Engine Enhancements: Installation of Weber twin carburettors, protruding through a custom hood opening

The first step in the transformation was stripping the car completely from its previous life as an audio competition vehicle. Every inch of the body, chassis, and engine bay received a deep red respray, ensuring that no area was left untouched. A crucial part of the process was the roof chop, a defining feature of hot rod styling. However, this wasn’t without its challenges—several attempts were made before the team successfully modified the windows without them breaking.

But the biggest surprise lies under the custom vented bonnet. Unlike any other BMW Mini, this one sports Weber twin carburettors, boldly peering through the hood. In a world of fuel injection, this unexpected detail adds a raw mechanical beauty that sets the build apart. Pop the bonnet, and the attention to detail is instantly evident—the engine bay is immaculately clean, allowing the carb setup to take centre stage.

A Legacy Built to Inspire

Italy is no stranger to breathtaking custom builds, but this one stands in a league of its own. Mirko, his father, and his friends have cemented their place in automotive history, proving that passion and legacy can live on through the machines we create.

A Father’s Promise & a Community’s Support

From Audio Champion to Showstopper

His goal was to see it on display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the team worked tirelessly to make it worthy of such a stage. His vision paid off when the car made it's appearance at SEMA in 2019 and it continues to impress all around Europe.

• Body Kit: Modified Orchary front and rear bumpers to complement the custom arches

• Doors: Converted to suicide-style (rear-hinged) doors

• Interior: Stripped-down design featuring a Nardi Torino steering wheel, custom shifter with knuckle duster gear knob, cream leather-covered dashboard, custom seats, and door cards

• Rear Compartment: Equipped with an aluminium fuel tank and AccuAir air tank setup

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