MINT IMPERIAL

There’s an age-old maxim that you’re no doubt familiar with: ‘speak softly, and carry a big stick’. It actually dates back to the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, but it’s perfectly represented by the Mk2 Estate you see here. This is a car which doesn’t need to shout about its performance credentials – it makes a statement on the showground by virtue of its gorgeous finish, serenely sunning itself as admirers swarm around like bees to a honeypot. But make no mistake, there’s robust firepower lurking within.

When you pick through the motoring history of its creator, Dan Dutch, the logic of it all starts to slot into place. “With a family into autograss and autotesting with classic Minis,