Mobile cult classics in mini format

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Mini replicas lined up side by side as if someone had downsized car classics of recent years. One is cuter than the other. We are talking about Junior cars of the British Little Car Company. The company specializes in faithful mini replicas of classic vintage cars of well-known car brands.

As of this year, they are being offered in Switzerland for the first time by Schmohl Exclusive Cars AG, in addition to the UK production site. The renowned supplier of luxury cars in Zurich-Glattpark, Kemptthal ZH and Weinfelden TG is holding a driving event at the Autobau Erlebniswelt in Romanshorn TG to mark its launch to the Swiss market. SonntagsBlick takes the opportunity to take a closer look at the little classics during test drives.

Limited and luxury

Duncan Gray, CEO of Little Car Company, explains that it all started in 2019 in Switzerland. For the 110th anniversary of the Bugatti brand, Gray was commissioned to create the small-format, mobile successor to the 1926 Type 35 Bugatti Baby. Then he meticulously built a Bugatti Baby II at roughly 1:2 scale. The new baby celebrated its premiere four years ago at the Geneva Motor Show just in time for Bugatti’s anniversary, and the public was enthusiastic. Many interested parties, including prominent automakers, contacted Gray.

Since then, officially licensed mini-copies have been produced in close cooperation with automakers. Each of the models has been made with great attention to detail. In the Bugatti Baby II, this is expressed by a Chiron-inspired high-speed switch. The electric Baby Bugatti, with 13.5 electric horsepower (10 kW) and a top speed of 68 km/h, is offered in a limited edition of 500 units.

No less special are the Mini-Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, limited to 299 units, and, by the way, the only Ferrari produced outside of Italy. For this, Ferrari asked Little Car Company for the red racer to be the fastest among the young cars. A replica of the legendary 250 Testa Rossa from 1957, the small car reaches an impressive top speed of 80 km/h thanks to its 16 hp/12 kW electric motor.

Since the small Aston Martin DB5 is more modest. With 6.8 hp/5 kW and a top speed of 45 km/h, it offers the lowest performance of all previous Mini models. By contrast, the “No Time To Die” version has a host of fun gadgets: from a working fog machine to an interchangeable license plate and little machine guns that shoot out of headlights at the push of a button. It is entirely based on James Bond’s 1963 Aston Martin and, like the original, the small replica is limited to 1059 units.

fast and fun

But how do small cars go? I’m only 6 feet tall, but I still wonder, are they also toys for adults, or do kids just feel comfortable behind the wheel of convertibles? For easier access, I can remove the steering wheel like in F1. After turning the key into forward gear, the little Testa Rossa is ready to drive – it’s easy. And if you don’t have a smile on your face by then, you’ll be glowing from ear to ear when you hit the accelerator at the latest. With the wind blowing my hair, I speed through the Autobau Erlebniswelt track in a mini Ferrari.

Interesting: Each of the mini cars drives differently. Ferrari’s acceleration seems to have no end. You really get the feeling of a sports car – and many young people can be impressed by the performance. The Bugatti’s slight jolt underlines the nostalgic driving experience and makes my steering work look more realistic. And with the typical James Bond sound, I’m escaping in a cloud of fog in the little Aston Martin. The different driving impressions of the little classics are unique, and the position on the steering wheel isn’t all that distracting, at least if you’re not a giant seater.

All junior cars are equipped with an electric motor and an advanced braking system, including recovery. They are quiet, environmentally friendly and have working headlights and taillights. Thanks to up to three batteries, ranges are between 30 and 90 kilometers. Enough to go through the private park at home. Because small electric cars are not officially legal on the streets and therefore can only be driven on private property.

small and expensive

The mini models are handmade using original materials at Bicester Heritage in the UK. Little Car Company’s goal is to honor classics in automotive history and combine new electrical technology with traditional design. “We want to bring electric driving pleasure closer to all generations,” says Duncan Gray. No wonder Small Cars aren’t cheap.

However, customers who already own an original should not be surprised by the selling prices of smaller copies in excess of 50,000 francs. Mini classics are just little toys for big money. And the business seems to be improving. Gray has already announced another model for this summer. However, he does not want to reveal which model it is for yet.

Source: Blick