This shoot was the culmination of a classic Mini restoration project that had been years in the making. The car belongs to my friend Scott, who, alongside his father Leigh, dedicated an incredible amount of time, skill and patience to bringing it back to life. Together they run Auto Mirage, a vehicle body repair and restoration business where this personal project gradually took shape alongside their day-to-day work. Having followed the build from the early stages, this was a particularly rewarding car to photograph. It wasn't simply a finished restoration—it was the result of countless evenings, weekends and hours spent perfecting every detail, sourcing parts and overcoming the challenges that come with restoring a classic Mini properly. I was fortunate enough to play a small part in the project myself, alongside my friend Andy, helping with much of the mechanical side of the restoration. Having spent plenty of time working on the car over the years, photographing the finished result felt far more personal than a typical automotive photography session. Seeing the completed Mini sitting exactly as it had been envisioned made all the hard work worthwhile. We spent time capturing both the overall presence of the car and the finer details that make it special. From the quality of the paintwork and body restoration to the carefully assembled mechanical components, every part of the build reflects the dedication and craftsmanship that went into it. The resulting images showcase a beautifully restored classic Mini and celebrate the journey behind it. For me, this is what classic car photography is all about—telling the story of the people, the passion and the countless hours that go into creating something special. This project is a fantastic example of the high-quality restoration work carried out at Auto Morage and the enduring appeal of the iconic classic Mini.