MILD TO WILD

During the 17 years that the Billing family have owned it, this 1989 Mini, which left Longbridge as a humble City E, has been the subject of a number of impeccably wrought transformations. Transformations that have seen it move ever further away from its rather unassuming beginnings. Even so, Luke, and his father have always ensured that this car remains loyal to its classic Mini roots, and that it retains a number of its period-important aesthetics and design cues.

PHASE ONE

“Dad bought this Mini back in 2003,” explains Luke. “It was a local car, and the first Mini he’d owned. It had been painted a Rover Pageant Blue... it had originally been a pastel blue, and the previous owner had also fitted Sports Pack arches. Prior to buying the Mini, Dad was a big fan of fast Fords and had owned a really nice Series 2 Escort RS Turbo.

“Initially, Dad did a few modifications