David Brown Automotive’s Mini Remastered may be the idealization of the model; encapsulating the history of the iconic little English car, as well as providing it with a modern identity, the Mini Remastered manages to entwine the threads of historical relevance and contemporary design into one evocative speedster.

The Mini Remastered might look like an affectionate overhaul of existing examples, but it’s really a new, handcrafted vehicle, from the wheels up. The shell offers smoother lines, sound proofing, and greater reliability. The Mini Remastered also gets central exhaust pipes, an updated grille, and sculpted wheel-arch extensions. Lighting on the Mini Remastered is now LED; not as soft as incandescence, but more reliable, and brighter.

David Brown Automotive claims that over 1,000 man hours go into each example and, taking a close look at the car, there’s not much room for argument. The paint job alone takes a month to apply. Other details on the Mini Remastered include die-sunk enamel badges, chrome bullet sport mirrors, and vintage-style gauges, wheel and stick.

The Mini Remastered has a new engine, as well; the original has been rebuilt and tuned, and now produces about 30% more horsepower than the original. It’s an engine meant to be shown off, too, with a painted outer body, and finish accents that reprise the body color. Details, details.

As it’s entirely handmade, David Brown is offering the Mini Remastered as a bespoke project for the individual buyer, and they’re marketing it toward the well-heeled bohemian Brit with a taste for Harrod’s and a battered copy of Autumn Journal in the pocket of their raincoat. A touchscreen infotainment system sneaks discreetly in, and there’s plenty of connectivity. Leather upholstery and appointments, and a high-end speaker system are attractive. A choice of thirteen body colors, and half a dozen upholstery colors, opens up the potential for greater individuality. But it’s the combination of evocation and modernity that will most forcibly attract target consumers.