The Mini 1275 GT was a sporty little car that packed a punch ... choice for government officials and business executives in the UK, but Elton's eye for style likely drew him to its unique charm.

Unlike the original Mini GT, however, the new car also has stripes along the bonnet ... to capture the spirit of the old 1275GT – in the UK Mini released the 1499GT. Based on the Mini One ...

The new car is a limited edition model, but rather than curtailing production at an arbitrary number Mini has chosen to make 1499 of the GT to really ... being too firm on UK roads.

Relaunched in 2002 by new owner BMW, the iconic British Mini brand traces its roots to 1959. New Minis retain a family resemblance to the brand’s original, influential front-wheel-drive cars.