"The mini is actually my first car!"
Its certainly rare these days to see first cars executed in such a retrained and stylish way, usually they are victims of 'modifications' such as comedy stickers, a bad attempt at stance or slamming, and things that we see as 'personal touches' - which the rest of the world usually sees as trash. Rhiannas' mini is somewhat of an exception, and even recently won an award at Players Classic - read on for the story of this first-car wonder.
Its certainly rare these days to see first cars executed in such a retrained and stylish way, usually they are victims of 'modifications' such as comedy stickers, a bad attempt at stance or slamming, and things that we see as 'personal touches' - which the rest of the world usually sees as trash. Rhiannas' mini is somewhat of an exception, and even recently won an award at Players Classic - read on for the story of this first-car wonder.
"My first modification was some white bonnet stripes"
Remember what I was saying about first car modifications...? Thankfully after doing this Rhianna realised she wanted to take it up a notch; Spraying the roof and mirror covers white, and fitting a JCW Bumper in preparation for a wrap, she decided on Tiffany Blue as a full-car colour change, with the white details providing a nice bit of contrast.
Remember what I was saying about first car modifications...? Thankfully after doing this Rhianna realised she wanted to take it up a notch; Spraying the roof and mirror covers white, and fitting a JCW Bumper in preparation for a wrap, she decided on Tiffany Blue as a full-car colour change, with the white details providing a nice bit of contrast.
"I maxed out my coilovers"
Getting the stance Rhianna wanted wasn't easy. Fitting a set of 3DSM 0.05s after falling in love with them on another Mini, Rhianna opted to run a 195/45/16 tyre for some stretch, allowing her to wind the coilovers all the way down without too many rubbing issues - though she has had to repair her exhaust numerous times, as well as file down the bottom of the bumper!
Getting the stance Rhianna wanted wasn't easy. Fitting a set of 3DSM 0.05s after falling in love with them on another Mini, Rhianna opted to run a 195/45/16 tyre for some stretch, allowing her to wind the coilovers all the way down without too many rubbing issues - though she has had to repair her exhaust numerous times, as well as file down the bottom of the bumper!
"Originally I hated the wheels!"
3DSM 0.05s are often somewhat of a 'Marmite' wheel choice - you either love them or hate them, however I don't think anyone can deny how good they look here, filling the arches nicely and with white inserts to match the rest of the details on the car. Rhianna has now decided to keep them on for her winter wheels as well as running them during show season, after loving how the mini looks and sits on them.
3DSM 0.05s are often somewhat of a 'Marmite' wheel choice - you either love them or hate them, however I don't think anyone can deny how good they look here, filling the arches nicely and with white inserts to match the rest of the details on the car. Rhianna has now decided to keep them on for her winter wheels as well as running them during show season, after loving how the mini looks and sits on them.
"The interior is probably my favourite part of the car"
It's also probably the area that's had the most attention - which makes sense since that's (hopefully) where the most time is spent. Rhianna has gone to town on the interior, colour-matching the dash to the Tiffany Blue bodywork, with white accents to match. Alcantara is a big feature within the cockpit, with the handbrake, gear gaiter and downtubes being trimmed in the material. Seating is provided in the form of two Cobra Clubsport XLs, with a rear seat delete which Rhianna created. This is all complemented with a Cooper S 3-spoke wheel and a white rear strut brace.
It's also probably the area that's had the most attention - which makes sense since that's (hopefully) where the most time is spent. Rhianna has gone to town on the interior, colour-matching the dash to the Tiffany Blue bodywork, with white accents to match. Alcantara is a big feature within the cockpit, with the handbrake, gear gaiter and downtubes being trimmed in the material. Seating is provided in the form of two Cobra Clubsport XLs, with a rear seat delete which Rhianna created. This is all complemented with a Cooper S 3-spoke wheel and a white rear strut brace.
"I love the way it sounds"
A Ramair induction kit and a JCW exhaust are the only engine modifications for the time being, however Rhianna assures me that there are more plans in the works, despite loving the sound she's gained from just these two modifications. A JCW rear wing finishes off the rear of the car nicely, along with a set of Pressed Metal plates - a must-do modification to replace the nasty dealership plates.
A Ramair induction kit and a JCW exhaust are the only engine modifications for the time being, however Rhianna assures me that there are more plans in the works, despite loving the sound she's gained from just these two modifications. A JCW rear wing finishes off the rear of the car nicely, along with a set of Pressed Metal plates - a must-do modification to replace the nasty dealership plates.
"The Airlift Treatment is on the horizon"
Future plans for Rhiannas car are plentiful, with new wheels and even possibly bags on the cards. A remap from Lohen is also in the plans, along with the fitting of her Luke seat harnesses and potentially even another colour change. Keep an eye out on the 2017 show circuit for updates!
Future plans for Rhiannas car are plentiful, with new wheels and even possibly bags on the cards. A remap from Lohen is also in the plans, along with the fitting of her Luke seat harnesses and potentially even another colour change. Keep an eye out on the 2017 show circuit for updates!
Specification:
Exterior:
Full wrap in Tiffany Blue
Re-sprayed roof and mirror caps in white
3DSM 0.05s - 16x8 ET25 all round
AP Coilovers
JCW Rear Wing
JCW Front Bumper
JCW Grilles
Interior:
Alcantara/Carbon JCW Handbrake
JCW Gearknob
Cooper S 3-spoke wheel
Alcantara Gear Gaiter
Alcantara Downtubes
Cobra Clubsport Bucket Seats
Rear Seat Delete
Rear Strut Brace
Engine:
Ramair Induction Kit
JCW Exhaust
Full wrap in Tiffany Blue
Re-sprayed roof and mirror caps in white
3DSM 0.05s - 16x8 ET25 all round
AP Coilovers
JCW Rear Wing
JCW Front Bumper
JCW Grilles
Interior:
Alcantara/Carbon JCW Handbrake
JCW Gearknob
Cooper S 3-spoke wheel
Alcantara Gear Gaiter
Alcantara Downtubes
Cobra Clubsport Bucket Seats
Rear Seat Delete
Rear Strut Brace
Engine:
Ramair Induction Kit
JCW Exhaust