The David Brown Mini Remastered has become a hot hatch

Remember the Mini Remastered we tested a couple of years ago? It’s latterly transformed into a James Bond-inspired edition, and now this: the performance-focused Oselli Edition. And that’s very exciting news indeed.

Hand-built from the ground up by the people who brought you the bizarre David Brown Speedback GT, it’s the most powerful Mini Remastered yet thanks to performance enhancements from British engine tuning specialists Oselli Engineering.

Powered by a 1,450cc A-series engine with twin SU carburettors, a hand-ported and polished cylinder head, strengthened crankshaft and performance-focused camshaft, the result is 123bhp and 113lb ft of torque for a 0-62mph time of 7.8secs.

But the tweaks aren’t just limited to under the bonnet. It also comes with Bilstein sports-tuned suspension, meatier AP Racing brakes, a limited-slip differential, and larger 13-inch alloys wheels with “high-speed-approved” tyres for maximum attack.

There’s a choice of two body and three stripe colours, while the track special features the number ‘60’ on the grille – in honour of Mini’s 60th anniversary – plus full LED headlights and additional spotlights perfect for the rally stage.

Inside, buyers have the choice of either a two- or four-seat layout, with the two-seater featuring bucket seats, four-point seatbelt harness and roll cage for peak go-faster mode. More of an endurance racer? Spec the optional second fuel tank.

It’s not without its luxuries, either: there’s plenty of Alcantara plus keyless start/stop, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a four-speaker surround system as standard. Better get your driving playlist ready.

Production is limited to just 60 examples but don’t expect it to come cheap, with Remastered Minis starting at around £75,000 – double the price of the madcap Mini John Cooper Works GP. Still, we know which we’d rather have.