Peter Lyon
June 25, 2025
You hear the name Ian Callum and many car nuts immediately think of Jaguar, where Callum was design director for two decades before leaving in 2018 to start his own design studio called simply CALLUM.
Now you hear the name David Gandy and what do you think? Those into fashion and style would know his name instantly as the face of Dolce & Gabbana for over a decade, or as the most successful male model of all time, having the distinction of featuring on the Forbes list of the highest-paid models more than once. He is now the creative director of his own eponymous brand.
In a stunning collaboration between legendary automotive design and engineering house CALLUM and renowned bespoke car specialists Wood and Pickett, the Wood and Pickett Mini by CALLUM has been unveiled as the very first car for international style icon and automotive enthusiast, David Gandy.
Known globally for his impeccable taste and passion for performance and heritage, Gandy’s decision to drive this bespoke creation marks a defining moment in the car’s journey, from concept to road-ready reality.
A Modern Classic, Reimagined
The Wood and Pickett Mini by CALLUM is a redefinition of the classic British icon. Built on a fully restored Mk5 Sportspack body shell, it incorporates an entirely bespoke design package, drawing on both Wood and Pickett’s coachbuilding legacy and CALLUM’s contemporary design expertise.
Externally, the car boasts unique front and rear valances, side sills and an updated rear design, not just visually distinctive, but engineered for improved aerodynamics and cooling. Lighting has been completely reimagined with new front and rear housings, while original Wood & Pickett arches lend authenticity.
Inside, the transformation is even more striking, with Gandy getting heavily involved. A newly designed dashboard, inspired by Wood and Pickett’s famed “Margrave” interiors, blends retro influence with modern precision. Sumptuous Tan Bridge of Weir leather upholstery adds a warm, luxurious tone to the cabin, honouring British craftmanship at its finest. A unique ‘Piano’ switch pack, finely finished metal bezels, and CALLUM-trimmed bespoke seats elevate the cabin’s aesthetic and tactile experience.
Beneath the bonnet, performance meets precision. A newly rebuilt 1310cc Stage 3 engine delivers a 110-HP, paired with a reengineered gearbox and re-tuned ECU for responsive power delivery. Highlights include a new performance cylinder head, twin-point injection, and a bespoke twin-exit exhaust system with a distinctive upswept tailpipe design.
Handling has been fine-tuned for modern comfort and control with a road tuned suspension kit, upgraded brakes featuring vented and grooved 8.4” discs, and CALLUM designed 13” alloy wheels developed specifically for the project. Improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) ensure that luxury meets performance in every mile.
A Designer’s Legacy
For Ian Callum CBE, the Mini has always held personal and professional meaning. “The Mini is one of the most important cars ever created not just for its innovative engineering, but for what it represents culturally as a symbol of British ingenuity and style,” said Callum. “It’s a car that broke the rules and became a global icon. To reimagine it through the lens of CALLUM, with Wood and Pickett’s craftsmanship, has been deeply rewarding.”
David Gandy worked directly with the design team to tailor every aspect of his Mini from paint selection to interior trims, making the car as distinctive as his own personal style.
“The Wood and Pickett Mini by CALLUM embodies everything I love about automotive craftsmanship, bespoke, attention to detail, and, of course, performance,” said Gandy. “I’m proud to be the first owner of such a remarkable vehicle.”
CARLIST THOUGHTS
At £75,000, this Wood and Pickett MINI is not cheap. And as with Gandy this time round, each client will be able to work closely with designers to create their own special car. No two builds will be alike, each customer will collaborate closely with CALLUM’s design team to create a Mini that reflects their individual vision.
