Our History with Minis

Austin Costin

Affectionately known within the online Mini forums as Austin Costin, Paul’s ardent love of Minis began when he was knee high to a grasshopper. Released in 1959, the Mini was already 8 years old when Paul came along in ‘67 the summer of love. His families Mini was one of millions on the streets London where he grew up.

By the age of 16, Paul was working on his own Mini and passed his driving test in it. Through his mechanical apprenticeship, youth and year to date, he has never been without one.

In the 1990s, Paul began to specialize professionally in Minis, quickly making a name for himself with The Mini Car Co which he set up with partner Phil Burnett. Yes, that is Paul in one of his numerous Mini Magazine articles!

Paul lives and breathes Minis. Even when he is asleep. If there is any spare time after work and family, you can find him watching, reading or listening to the sound of Mini engines revving!

First date with wife Mel was a day out to Castle Comb Race Track, instantly, it was love at first lap.

In a career spanning almost 40 years, Minis have remained at the forefront of Paul’s work and leisure time.

Always adding something new to his wealth of experience and knowledge about this tiny but ever so important British Icon, Paul says ‘You can never know enough’.

His work today speaks for itself and his Minis are well known across the globe, inspiring colour choices and copies of his incredible eye for detail and art. It’s the tiny details that add up to set Paul’s work apart from others.

Paul’s cars will be his legacy. His dream is that his name and work will continue to be admired long after he is gone.