1971 Authi Mini 1000 'Art Car' Chassis no. MML 03515 Z

1971 Authi Mini 1000 'Art Car' Registration no. GAM 959J Chassis no. MML 03515 Z •A rare left-hand drive 1971 Authi Mini 1000 transformed by artist Jaime Gili •Inspired by Gili's 'The Lakes' series •A fully registered car that turns heads everywhere To many - its designer Alec Issigonis included - the notion that the Mini might have a future as anything other than basic transport was anathema. Yet in the years since its introduction in 1959, the humble Mini has become an icon of British popular culture, a star on the race track and the silver screen. Artist Jaime Gili often extends his practice beyond the canvas, working with architecture through murals and tapestries, and into another one of his interests, motorcars. The process begins with a careful selection of the vehicle, followed by studies on paper, flowing and evolving until the day when, with the shell of the car ready and prepared. Gili works for several days in the painting cabin, refining the colours and making the lines start and end with intent to ensure a harmonious relationship with the car's design and details, turning the vehicle into a work of art. In this case, the design for the Mini connects to 'The Lakes' series of paintings, begun in 2010, which explores modernist architecture and tropical vegetation. Right from the start in 1959, the Mini was being assembled abroad, though production at BMC's Spanish subsidiary AUTHI (Automoviles de Turismo Hispano Ingleses SA) did not commence until 1968. This Spanish-built Mini is a rare variant, chosen as a solid base by the artist. The vibrant artwork accentuates the iconic design of the Mini and turns heads like nothing else. The car was painted in conjunction with an automotive painter in Spain, allowing a high-quality finish true to Gili's design process. The theme continues to the interior with custom designed floor mats bringing the exterior design inside and reminding the driver they are in something very special. It is both an artwork and a fully UK road registered car, driven into Bond St for the auction, crossing the boundaries of the art and motoring worlds. Footnotes: Following the sale, the car will need to be collected from New Bond Street by 2pm on 17th April 2025. If not collected by this time, it will be taken to store in Hampshire at the Buyers' expense at a cost of £475 +VAT. Storage will subsequently be charged at £15 +VAT per day for the first 14 days, and £45 +VAT per week thereafter. The Buyer's Premium for this lot will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price, and 12% on the balance thereafter. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing