1990model Rover Mini 1000 — Radford “Mini de Ville” Specification, Paul McCartney Spec.

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Rover Mini 1000 — Radford “Mini de Ville” Specification, Paul McCartney Spec.

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A faithful recreation of the Radford Mini once beloved by Sir Paul McCartney…! Brimming with ultra-rare period-correct parts, this final-generation carbureted Mini Cooper has been transformed through a masterful, one-of-a-kind custom build. Every detail radiates the charm and elegance of the original Radford Mini de Ville, making it a car that truly sets the heart racing with excitement…!

A true legend reborn — the Radford Mini Cooper, once crafted by the prestigious British coachbuilder Harold Radford, has become an almost mythical presence today.
In the 1960s, Radford transformed the humble, everyday Mini into a luxurious, tailor-made creation, customizing each example to the personal tastes of elite clientele. Among these were none other than The Beatles, for whom Radford produced four uniquely commissioned Minis — each reflecting the personality of its famous owner.

The Beatles and the Radford Minis

It all began when Beatles manager Brian Epstein gifted each member of the band a Mini, believing that this modest yet stylish car was the perfect way for them to slip through London’s streets unnoticed — avoiding the eyes of paparazzi and devoted fans on their way to Abbey Road Studios.

Ringo Starr, the drummer, had his Mini modified with split rear doors to make space for his drum kit.
Meanwhile, Sir Paul McCartney chose a more understated approach — a Mini that looked ordinary at first glance, but upon closer inspection revealed exquisite luxury details. His car was a Radford-built Mini, refined with an elegant, aristocratic touch that stood worlds apart from the standard version.

The Distinctive Features of Paul McCartney’s Radford Mini

Sir Paul’s Mini carried a host of bespoke details that made it one of the most charming and sophisticated Radfords ever built:

Marshall position lamps mounted on the B-pillars
A Benelite front grille incorporating Lucas fog and spot lamps
A Rolls-Royce map lamp, with various switches and fittings sourced from Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce
A luxurious Aston Martin-style leather interior
A full set of Smiths gauges
A Moto-Lita wood steering wheel with the distinctive four-hole spokes
And finally, an elegant “Coach-built by Radford” badge proudly displayed on the dash panel

Every element conveyed refinement and exclusivity — turning the modest Mini into a bespoke grand tourer in miniature, unlike anything else on the road at the time.

A Priceless Original

The very car once owned by Sir Paul McCartney resurfaced at the Worldwide Auctioneers Auburn Auction in 2018, selling for approximately ¥27 million (around $240,000 USD at the time).
Today, it resides in a museum in Florida, revered as one of the most significant coachbuilt Minis ever made — a piece of music and automotive history combined.

The Recreated Masterpiece — Paul McCartney Spec

Of course, the original is priceless — and genuine Radford Minis are almost unobtainable today, rarely appearing even in international markets. When they do, prices easily soar into eight figures.

For that reason, one passionate collector decided:
“If I can’t buy it, I’ll build it — the Paul McCartney Radford Mini itself.”

Over many years, and at immense personal expense, this collector sourced ultra-rare period-correct parts from around the world — authentic components from the 1960s that mirrored those used by Radford.
The result is an extraordinary tribute build, based on a Mk-I homage, painstakingly crafted to reflect Sir Paul’s pale green Radford Mini down to the smallest detail.

The seats were modeled after the Aston Martin DB5, upholstered in genuine leather of the same specification. Every trim piece, switch, and accent has been authentically re-created to evoke the charm and atmosphere of the original.

Today’s featured car is that very special one-off masterpiece —
a 1990 Rover Mini 1000, transformed into a Radford Mini de Ville “Paul McCartney Spec”,
faithfully capturing the elegance, craftsmanship, and whimsy of Britain’s golden motoring era —
a time when the lines between music, art, and automotive design blurred into a single expression of creative freedom.

The “Mini de Ville” — a high-end custom creation by the acclaimed British coachbuilder Radford, celebrated throughout the 1960s for transforming the humble Mini into a symbol of luxury, individuality, and bespoke craftsmanship.

With its wheels placed at each corner and compact dimensions allowing four adults to ride comfortably, the Mini, conceived by Sir Alec Issigonis, was born in 1959 in response to the fuel-conscious era following the Suez crisis.
It quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, a masterpiece of intelligent packaging and engineering efficiency that continued production for an astonishing 41 years, transitioning from BMC to Rover without losing its charm.

The Birth of Luxury Minis — The Spark that Ignited a Trend

However, to Britain’s elite — accustomed to the opulence of Rolls-Royce and Bentley grand tourers — the Mini’s simplicity felt too modest.
The turning point came when Peter Sellers, famous for his role as Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther, commissioned a 1963 Mini Cooper to be completely transformed — spending more than four times the cost of a standard car to create a luxurious, highly individualized version.
That project ignited a new trend in Britain: the high-end, bespoke Mini.

The Rise of Radford — From Rolls-Royce Retailer to Mini Coachbuilder

Sensing opportunity, the long-established Harold Radford & Co., a specialist retailer and coachbuilder associated with Rolls-Royce and Bentley, stepped in to meet the new demand.
Radford offered an astonishing 63 optional extras, sourcing premium components directly from Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and other British luxury marques.
Each car was built to the customer’s exact specifications, with craftsmanship so meticulous that the finest examples were said to have interiors rivaling Rolls-Royce itself.

Thus was born the Radford Mini de Ville — a refined, cosmopolitan expression of British automotive luxury — and it instantly captured the hearts of the nation’s celebrities, musicians, and aristocrats.

Detailing the “Mini de Ville” — Handcrafted Grandeur in Miniature

At the top of the range, the de Ville featured:

Smiths combination gauges and Rolls-Royce map lamps inside,
Exterior details such as Riley headlamp rims, Riley chrome side strips,
A Benelite front grille integrating Lucas 567 fog lamps,
And, in some cases, Aston Martin rear light units.

While most retained their standard Mini engines, some examples received Speedwell-tuned versions, adding performance to their bespoke elegance.

Every detail exuded sophistication — a balance between charm and prestige, turning the everyday Mini into a miniature Rolls-Royce for the stylish elite of Swinging London.

The Celebrity Connection — Icons Behind the Wheel

The Radford Mini’s legend grew as it became the status symbol of its time.
Among its owners were The Beatles, whose revolutionary sound reshaped music itself, as well as Hollywood icons like Steve McQueen and James Garner.
Demand for Radford Minis became so overwhelming that the company reportedly had a waiting list that never seemed to end.

A Vanishing Legend

Today, an original Radford Mini de Ville is virtually impossible to find in Japan — and even globally, surviving examples are exceedingly rare.
Its combination of cultural legacy, hand-built craftsmanship, and celebrity association has made it one of the most sought-after collectible Minis in the world, a small car that transcended its humble origins to become a timeless symbol of British creativity and luxury.

Thus was born the Sir Paul McCartney–Spec Radford Mini de Ville, a masterpiece refined over more than two decades, shaped by the overflowing passion and devotion of its successive owners…! Every detail, every element of craftsmanship, every carefully sourced period-correct part speaks of time, dedication, and love — the culmination of a journey that has turned this Mini into nothing less than a living tribute to British elegance and musical legend.

The license plate “GGJ 382C” — that of the 1965 Sage Green Radford Mini de Ville once owned by Sir Paul McCartney — marks one of four specially commissioned cars gifted by The Beatles’ legendary manager, Brian Epstein, to each member of the band.

The gates of Abbey Road Studios were famously narrow, making the Mini the perfect size for discreet arrivals.
Ringo Starr’s Mini de Ville was even converted into a hatchback to fit his drum kit, while all four Beatles would drive their personalized Radford Minis through those same gates to record the timeless masterpieces that still resonate today.

It’s said that their Radford Minis, appearing outwardly ordinary, allowed them to slip through the streets of London unseen — a charming anecdote of how the world’s most famous band used humble cars to preserve a bit of freedom in the height of “Beatlemania.”

The Journey of Paul McCartney’s Radford Mini de Ville

Sir Paul’s own Radford Mini de Ville later found its way to California, where it was serviced regularly by Hollywood Sports Cars, receiving a full engine rebuild.
In 2018, this historic vehicle was sold at the Worldwide Auctioneers Auburn Auction for approximately ¥27 million (about $240,000 USD) and now resides in a museum in Florida, admired as one of the most significant surviving Beatles-related automobiles.

The Birth of the “Paul McCartney Spec” — A Faithful Homage

The story of the 1990 Rover Mini 1000 Final Carbureted Cooper, lovingly recreated in Mk-I homage form, begins over twenty years ago.
Originally finished in Navy Blue, the car was repainted in this enchanting Mosquito Green, inspired directly by Sir Paul’s 1965 Sage Green Radford Mini de Ville.

The concept behind the build was deeply poetic — to recreate the very atmosphere in which McCartney once hummed and composed classics like “Hey Jude” and “Yesterday” inside his Radford Mini.
It was not merely a restoration — it was an act of reverence.

The Collector’s Dedication — A Global Quest for Authenticity

Because authentic information and photographs of McCartney’s Radford Mini are so scarce, the collector painstakingly studied every available paparazzi snapshot, analyzing minute background details to identify the car’s specific fittings.
Over many years, and at great personal cost, he sourced genuine 1960s parts from around the world — many of them identical to those used in Radford’s original builds — and slowly, piece by piece, brought this tribute Mini to life.

The list of period-correct treasures assembled for this project is truly remarkable:

Marshall position lamps mounted on the upper B-pillars, the iconic hallmark of Radford Minis
The ultra-rare “Coach-built by RADFORD” emblem on the dashboard — an authentic original
A genuine Radford Mini de Ville meter panel from the 1960s
Moto-Lita wood steering wheel with the correct four-hole design (1960s original)
A complete set of Smiths instruments from the era
Authentic choke and fog pull switches
A genuine Rolls-Royce map lamp from the 1960s
A Benelite front grille with cutouts for fog lamps — the quintessential Radford feature
Original Lucas fog and spot lamps from the 1960s
Rare STAX fender mirrors (period-correct items)
A classic Lucas 608 rearview mirror, as fitted to Radford Minis
A 1960s badge bar, another Radford signature accessory
10-inch Minilite wheels
Headrestless leather seats from the 1970s
A beautifully styled 1970s Motorola AM radio (unwired, for display authenticity)

And the crowning detail — the authentic 1968 Aston Martin DB6 emblem, identical to the one found on McCartney’s own DB6.
Incredibly, the collector purchased an entire rear section of a real DB6 just to obtain this emblem, transferring it lovingly to the Mini — a symbolic gesture connecting the two McCartney machines.

Built with Passion, Down to the Finest Detail

Each time a part was acquired, the owner brought it to a specialist workshop, showing reference photos and insisting, “I want it exactly like this.”
The result is a Mini transformed both inside and out, into a Radford Mini de Ville tribute so captivating that even non–Beatles fans cannot help but be charmed.

The Marshall position lamps, wired to illuminate with the headlights, create a nostalgic and emotional glow at night — one of the most distinctive and mesmerizing touches of the car.

Continued Refinement — A Living Work of Art

Under the current owner’s care, the evolution of this Mini reached its final stage of perfection.
Authentic Aston Martin leather upholstery was imported from the UK, and the seats were re-created to match the curved shoulder design of the DB5, bringing the craftsmanship to a level rarely seen outside of true coachbuilt icons.

Mechanically, the car has been expertly tuned for smooth, elegant performance.
The rubber-cone suspension has been replaced with telescopic dampers, resulting in supple, luxurious handling.
Maintenance has been meticulously performed by a renowned classic car specialist in Osaka, ensuring the drivetrain, suspension, and 1/2-inch SU twin carburetors are all perfectly synchronized — delivering refined yet spirited performance on both city streets and highways.

This Radford Mini de Ville “Paul McCartney Spec.” stands as more than a car — it is a rolling piece of musical and cultural history,
a tribute to one of Britain’s greatest creative spirits, reborn through craftsmanship, imagination, and enduring passion.

Be sure to watch the accompanying video, filmed and edited by the author, to experience the sound, presence, and spirit of this extraordinary Mini in motion…

Postscript — Reflections After Covering the 1990 Rover Mini 1000 Radford Mini de Ville “Sir Paul McCartney Spec.”

Through the kind generosity of the owner, I was given the privilege of experiencing this Mini firsthand during our driving video shoot — and for a brief, unforgettable moment, I was utterly enchanted by it.

The more one learns about Radford’s craftsmanship, the more fascinating this particular car becomes. The ambience it exudes is simply extraordinary. Sitting inside its boldly designed, one-of-a-kind cabin and grasping the authentic 1960s Moto-Lita steering wheel, I felt an almost electric sensation — as though I had transcended half a century in an instant, enveloped by a special atmosphere that stirred deeply within me.

Before my eyes stretched the Mosquito Green bonnet, glowing softly in the daylight; the classical Smiths gauges glimmered on the dashboard; and, at dusk, the Marshall lamps on the B-pillars illuminated with a seductive glow. The entire presence radiated a refined aura — something far beyond a mere “Mini.”
It was, unmistakably, a Radford Mini — a Mini elevated to an art form.

The drive itself was pure delight. True to the Mini’s reputation, it was lively and responsive, but with an added layer of refinement. Even turning casually through a city intersection revealed an unexpected suppleness from the upgraded suspension — and the robust rhythm of the twin SU carburetors sent my pulse racing.
It was light yet substantial, classic yet sensual — a driving experience that clearly carried the weight of a story, something far richer than mere mechanics.

And then there were the Aston Martin–spec leather seats — truly magnificent in craftsmanship and feel.
The moment I sank into their thick, luxurious hide, I felt transported back to that era — the 1960s — when Sir Paul McCartney himself might have been humming a new melody while driving his own Radford Mini.
I caught myself imagining, “So this must be what it felt like to pass through the gates of Abbey Road…” — a thought that lent a poetic charm to the entire experience.

As seen in the accompanying video, this is a car that moves the heart simply by moving.
With authentic period parts collected from across the globe, painstaking craftsmanship, and the devotion of its successive owners, this Radford Mini de Ville “Sir Paul McCartney Spec.” stands today as a singular masterpiece — a machine that not only runs beautifully, but tells a story that continues to inspire those fortunate enough to encounter it.

A faithful recreation of the Radford Mini once beloved by Paul McCartney…! Brimming with ultra-rare period-correct components, this final-generation carbureted Mini Cooper has been transformed through an extraordinary one-of-a-kind custom build. Every detail radiates craftsmanship and soul — a stunning Radford Mini de Ville specification that stirs the heart and captures the true spirit of 1960s British elegance!

“A lifelong Mini — the kind you can search for endlessly, yet only encounter by fate…”
The next person to take hold of this steering wheel will, without question, become the successor to its story — the one who carries its legacy forward.

We warmly invite you to come and see this truly one-of-a-kind Mini, a car that any enthusiast will find utterly irresistible…

This extraordinary 1990 Rover Mini 1000 — Radford Mini de Ville “Paul McCartney Spec.” is currently located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

As this is a private sale, no consumption tax or dealer fees apply.
Upon purchase, the buyer will be responsible for pro-rated automobile tax (annual amount: ¥33,900) and recycling deposit settlement (¥10,130).
Transportation or delivery should be arranged by the purchaser, although the author’s company also offers classic car transport services using its own carrier truck — please feel free to inquire if you wish to use this service.

About Estate Sale Supremacy®

This vehicle is featured on the cross-border EC platform “Estate Sale Supremacy®”, a Japanese interpretation of the North American estate sale culture, focusing on classic and collectible cars.

“Estate Sale Supremacy®” introduces each vehicle through interviews, detailed articles, and video features, expressing the genuine feelings of the current owner.
The concept is to preserve cherished memories while ensuring that these treasured vehicles are faithfully passed on to the next generation — with both emotional integrity and professionalism.

Notes on the Article

This article was written based on an interview conducted on September 24, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM under clear skies, during approximately three hours of on-site coverage with the current owner.
While every effort has been made to accurately describe the car, please note that certain details may not be 100% precise, as the inspection was conducted within limited time.
Descriptions and impressions are based on the conditions at the time of the interview and the author’s personal observations, and are not guaranteed factual representations of every mechanical aspect.

Contact

For inquiries or viewing requests, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
As this is a private transaction, vehicle viewings are limited to serious buyers who are considering purchase — thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

We sincerely hope this remarkable car finds its next custodian — someone ready to become the new storyteller in the history of this very special Mini.