George Harrison's psychedelic Mini reinvented

Date: 20.05.2009

One-off Mini celebrates model's 50th birthday...

George Harrison's psychedelic Mini reinvented

George Harrison's psychedelic Mini

BMW Mini has come up with a fresh interpretation of George Harrison’s extravagant original Mini to coincide with the brand’s 50th birthday.

Back in 1966 The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein gave each of the Fab Four a Mini Cooper S as a gift. In keeping with the zeitgeist of the time, lead guitarist George had his car painted with psychedelic images such as yantras and Sanskrit mantras.

In 1967 this legendary Mini starred in The Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. And now, to coincide with its latest landmark anniversary, Mini is dedicating a modern interpretation of George’s car to the man himself. The Mini has been designed according to the wishes of Olivia Harrison and rekindles the look of George’s famous original.

"George was a huge Mini fan and he would have enjoyed creating this new version. The fact that MINI’s anniversary celebrations will also benefit our Foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration." said Olivia Harrison.

The one-off model will be handed over to Olivia Harrison at the Mini United event in the UK. Olivia will accept the Mini on behalf of the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity set up by George Harrison in 1973. The car will be auctioned in aid of the Foundation later in the year.

Mini United – the world’s biggest fan event – will take place at Silverstone in the UK on May 22-24 2009. The festival delivers three days of non-stop entertainment for the brand’s large fan community, and will include concerts, shows, and car races.

Closer to home, Mini AUnited 2009 is also set to take place on Sunday May 24 in Sydney, where hundreds of Mini fanatics of both the new and classic Mini will celebrate the 50th Anniversary.

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