BMW Mini Superleggera Vision unveiled

The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este has been celebrating beauty and elegance in classic and vintage makes, ever since it was revived in 1995 in Italy. BMW's Mini would have looked out of place with the classics built between the 20s and the 70s, so it was given a period-makeover by the Italian marque, Touring Superleggera. With clientele like Alfa, Aston, Maserati and Lamborghini under their belt, Superleggera were clearly the right guys for the job.

With clientele like Alfa, Aston, Maserati and Lamborghini under their belt, Superleggera were clearly the right guys for the job

The Mini Superleggera Vision has classic roadster proportions and coachwork construction. The sheet metal is all hand-crafted. The front is an Italian interpretation of the traditional Mini elements: the circular headlights and the hexagonal grille, though the grille is closed off, giving away the electric motor. There is no word on the engine specs but we guess they're the same as the Mini E. Some of the design elements such as the fin in the rear, embossed bonnet stripes and the split Union Jack tail lights are spectacular.

The instrument panel has been borrowed from the Mini but is now touch sensitive

The innovative styling of the Mini Superleggera Vision continues on the inside as well. The dashboard is composed of a single aluminum sheet and is left unpainted to mirror an automobile body without paint. The steering wheel is a traditional three spoke and overlooks a small retro speedometer. The bucket seats are covered in black leather (untreated). Touches like the leather seat belt hooks look special and echo the minimalist theme at the same time. The instrument panel has been borrowed from the Mini but is now touch sensitive. An interesting feature is a camera between the passenger and driver seat to record videos while driving. The idea has probably been inspired by Russian dash-cams.

The proportions are classic Mini; long wheelbase and short overhangs

The proportions are classic Mini; long wheelbase and short overhangs, though the passenger cell has been shifted back for that classic long bonnet and a better driving experience. We expect it to retain all the Mini fun-to-drive characteristics but with a newfound Italian sense of occasion.

The Mini Superleggera Vision has classic roadster proportions and coachwork construction

Currently it's just a concept and the chances of it seeing production are thin. However, if the unconventional Mini Coupe could see the light of day, we can always aspire for this marvelous piece of metal on the road. Hope is all we can.