MR08 · The Mice ·

Design

Dressed in a sophisticated French Blue, The Mice’s silhouette is minimal and refined. Inside, the rear bench has been replaced by two hand-crafted seats, trimmed in a tartan fabric perfectly matched to the body color. A custom dashboard in perforated aluminum adds a distinct visual identity. This Mini Restomod is an exercise in style, merging vintage cues with artisanal detail. It’s both a design object and a city car—part haute couture, part industrial craft.

PerformanceS & driving experience

Weighing just 650 kg and powered by a lively 1.3L, 90 hp engine paired with a manual transmission, MR08 The Mice delivers a nimble and spirited drive through any urban setting. It’s quick off the mark, incredibly agile, and always engaging. This one-of-a-kind Mini Restomod proves that even the smallest classics can be reimagined to meet modern expectations while preserving the essence that made them iconic. A celebration of lightness, charm, and playful driving sensations.

The original Mini, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and launched by the British Motor Corporation in 1959, was celebrated for its compact design and efficiency. Until the late 1990s, the Mini continued to evolve, though its appearance and core concept remained largely unchanged. By 1998, the Mini had reached the peak of its development under the Rover Group, with editions that blended nostalgia and modernity — models highly sought after today for Backdating projects.

The 1998 Mini 90 hp was equipped with a more powerful four-cylinder engine compared to earlier generations. This 1.3-liter engine produced 90 horsepower — a significant improvement over the first models. It offered better acceleration and a higher top speed, making the Mini more competitive in the small urban car category. The car also featured improved sound insulation and a refined suspension system that greatly enhanced driving comfort.

Visually, the 1998 Mini retained the characteristic square silhouette and iconic design of the classic Mini. However, it benefited from updates such as sturdier bumpers, modernized lights, and exterior finishes reflecting the design trends of its time. The model was available in several colors, with personalization options including racing stripes and contrasting roofs.

Inside, the 1998 Mini offered a surprisingly spacious cabin despite its compact size. The dashboard and center console were redesigned with higher-quality materials than in previous versions. The seats came in fabric or leather, and the overall interior design combined retro charm with contemporary touches such as an upgraded stereo system and more ergonomic controls.

The 1998 Mini 90 hp remains a beloved model among enthusiasts for its vintage charm and improved performance — and has naturally become an icon for Backdating builds. It represents a transitional era for the Mini, serving as a bridge between its illustrious past and its reinvention under BMW.