This special Mini was built for the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997. The theme for the Mini at the show was ‘Building Excitement’ and the car was designed to embrace the individuality and dynamism of the Mini brand whilst following the traditions of the customised Mini car.

The purpose of the Mini Hot Rod was to build the quickest ever road-going version of the Mini. The excitement is provided by a race-bred 16-valve twin-cam version of the trusty A-series engine, providing a heady 160 bhp. The engine is coupled to a five-speed gearbox with no synchromesh, straight cut gears and a quick-change assembly, enabling racing style gear changes. Power is distributed via competition driveshafts and stopping by vented brake discs and carbon metallic pads on the front and uprated drums on the rear.

Inside the car a roll cage is fitted, the rear seats removed and bucket seats, with four-point harness seatbelts, installed in the front. The interior is faced in alloy sheet, the pedals and footrests shaped from drilled alloy. A racing steering wheel is fitted with push buttons on the wheel replacing the stalk controls. A racing style toggle key and push button starter are also provided. The car is finished externally with the minimum of modifications and a paint scheme based on the 1970 BRM P153 Formula One racing car.