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New George Harrison MINI Goes Under the Hammer

After being handed over to Olivia Harrison at the MINI Unite event in May, the 2008 customized Mini Cooper S George Harrison edition will go on sale during Bonhams annual sale at Goodwood Revival on September 18, 2009.

All the proceeds from its sale will go directly to Harrison’s Material World Charitable Foundation, which he founded in 1973.

What makes this model special and what’s the story behind it, you may wonder. It’s a must know for any Beatles fan throughout the world that back in 1966, the band’s manager, Brian Epstein, gave each of the four members a MINI Cooper S as a gift.

Lead guitarist George was the one that made history with his, having it painted with psychedelic images such as yantras and Sanskrit mantras. The new George Harrison MINI keeps the original line, as it was designed according to the wishes of the famous artist’s wife.

Responsible for the car’s design was art director and Harrison’s family friend, David Costa, who has also worked on album covers for George Harrison, the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Phil Collins, Genesis, The Spice Girls, Girls Aloud, Destiny’s Child and Beyonce.

“George was a huge Mini fan and he would have enjoyed creating this new version. The fact that Mini’s anniversary celebrations will also benefit our Foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as a meaningful collaboration,”
said Olivia Harrison.

“We are delighted to offer our support to Olivia and the Material World Charitable Trust. The Mini will appeal to a broad spectrum of collectors from the classic car world to the music industry. George was known for his appreciation of motoring and his original example is firmly ensconced with the family and beyond reach. This Mini is the only opportunity to acquire such a car with Harrison credentials and the fact that proceeds are to benefit the charity he founded is great,”
added James Knight, Group Head of Bonhams Motoring Department.
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