Driver Magazine - Issue 2 of 3 2025 - Magazine - Page 37
DAVID GANDY’S NEW CAR
David Gandy worked directly with the CALLUM design team to personalise his car.
Starting at £75,000, each Wood and Pickett Mini by CALLUM is hand-built in the UK and individually customised. No two
will be alike, as each owner will collaborate with the design team to create their own vision of the Mini.
I recently got to ask the CALLUM team some questions about the very first Wood and Pickett Mini and here is what they
had to say:
How do you design a car like the Wood & Pickett Mini, that is based on such an iconic car, how do classic Mini
enthusiasts react?
Designing the Wood & Pickett by CALLUM meant respecting the original Mini’s iconic character while updating it with
modern craftsmanship and bespoke detail. We didn’t want to reinvent it, just enhance it.
So far, Mini enthusiasts have responded with real excitement. They’ve appreciated the balance between authenticity and
refinement, seeing it as a true celebration of the classic.
Is there a limit to how many can be built? Obviously, as every one is different, are there limitations to
customisation?
Each Wood & Pickett by CALLUM is built to an incredibly high standard with a strong focus on bespoke detail, so naturally,
there’s a limit to how many we can produce in a year, but we’re not defining a strict cap at this stage.
In terms of customisation, one of the most exciting parts of the project is how much creative freedom clients have. While
there are some practical boundaries, we’re committed to working closely with each customer to create something
genuinely personal and unique.
How much input did David Gandy have in the project?
David Gandy had a huge amount of input throughout the project. He was involved from day one and stayed hands-on
right through to the final car.
His passion for cars, especially British classics really helped shape the vision. From design choices to driving feel, his
influence is everywhere in the finished product.
"When we were approached by Wood & Pickett, it sparked a great opportunity to work on a car we all deeply
admire - the classic Mini. The project began from a shared passion for its timeless design and cultural significance.
We wanted to reimagine it with respect for the original, while introducing a new level of craftsmanship and
sophistication through CALLUM’s design and engineering expertise. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue
exploring how iconic designs can be refreshed with a modern sensibility and purpose, which could take us in some
exciting new directions."
— Ian Callum, Design Director, CALLUM
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