gs

Iconic Auctioneers

sellertype

Trade

Posted

2 days ago

description

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 22nd of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. , Most people will have a Yuletide song that resonates in their hearts for years and is symbolic of Christmas for them personally, however there is one song that for many will be a clear trigger that the festivities are about to begin. Driving Home for Christmas was penned by Chris Rea on Christmas Eve 1978 during a memorable journey in a Mini, from Abbey Road Studios in London to their, then, home in Middlesbrough with his wife Joan at the wheel, a difficult five hour journey that was accompanied by heavy snow and ‘top to toe’ tailbacks but was to result in one of the most memorable Christmas hits ever to grace the airwaves and a staple on almost everyone’s festive playlist. With that thought in mind, BMW MINI instigated a winter advertising campaign in 2021 based around the song and its back story, encouraging Mini owners worldwide to produce their own Driving Home for Christmas videos, a concept that the Mini community seized upon and took to their hearts, resulting in a memorable and very successful marketing program. In recognition of Chris' contribution, BMW MINI commissioned Mini Sport & Recharged Heritage to locate a suitable ‘classic’ Mini and work their magic, converting and future-proofing the sourced 1989 Mini Thirty to full electric power courtesy of Fellten in Bristol. Lest ye forget this car's unique provenance, the words to Driving Home for Christmas are emblazoned, 45rpm vinyl disc-style, across the power unit and Chris' signature engraved on a plaque to underline the significance of the Mini’s part in this very familiar song.In terms of the donor car itself, the 1989 limited edition Mini 30 celebrated the car's 30th birthday and was based around the Mini Mayfair fitted with the 998cc engine. It was offered in Cherry Red or black and was fitted with chrome bumpers and grille, a dedicated decal set, a security-coded stereo and a set of Minilite-style alloy wheels. The black and red, half leather interior was common to both car colours. 3,000 cars were destined for the UK market, 2,000 in red and 1,000 in black. Offered directly from the Chris Rea Collection, this in many ways unique Mini, with a real story to tell, was unveiled and presented to Chris at the Abbey Road studios in February 2023, bringing the story full circle and underlining the profound connection between this car, its heritage and the pop culture that it celebrates.You can view the video about the cars conversion and unveiling to Chris, here: Rock Star Chris Rea - MINI Recharged! A delightful addition to any Mini or music collectors' stable that could provide the new custodian with ‘a thousand memories’.Our vendor, Chris Rea, has generously agreed that all proceeds from this sale will be donated to the Domestic Abuse Charity - Refuge.Refuge supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Through its network of emergency accommodation, community services and 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, it empowers survivors to rebuild their lives, free from violence and fear. For more information, [Website URL removed]

Central Locking; Alloy Wheels; Safety Belt Pretensioners; Previously Registered Overseas

Year

1989

Mileage

0 miles

Body Type

Other

Transmission

Manual

Colour

Black

Seats

4

Doors

2

location

Warwick, Warwickshire