Mini Cooper S: Design Perfection

Behind each 39.5mm Farer watchface, there is no small amount of wonder at work. Inside each watch lives a miniature world of precision engineering and skilled craftsmanship. 

There is a great deal of expertise assembled in such a small package. It's perhaps little wonder, then, that we are such great fans of that most famous of small cars, the Mini Cooper S. 

Beautifully-built both outside and in, and created with adventure and freedom in mind too, the parallels between this famous Mini and our own watches are there in plain view. 

We took the two like-minded machines (we took the matte black Carter along for the ride) to meet one another.

Worked on by British Leylands' famous racing division - including the people responsible for winning the Monte Carlo rally - this is certainly a very special Mini.

Of course, every Mini is noteworthy, but the one awaiting us a few hours drive from the capital can lay claim to being just that little bit more so.

Resplendent in sunset orange and navy interior, the car in question is one of the very last - if not the last - Mini Cooper S 1275cc still in circulation.

A miracle of engineering and a living lesson in harnessing space. It is small, of course, but still roomy enough to carry four adventure-seeking adults. 

They might have to pack a little lightly, but true travellers always do. And the Mini - this one especially - is a car for the wild-at-heart; the natural explorer.

Delivering just over 90bhp, the engine will not roar with power, but the twin SU carbs which suck air into the compact engine ensure it is still potent. Pound-for-pound, it packs a punch.

As we sat inside and revved the engine, we noticed the original Webasto sunroof above our heads. Not very far above, admittedly, but that wasn't what struck us most. 

As we listened to the low rumble of the sports exhaust and admired the built-to-last detailing inside the car, we felt a strange sort of pride: Minis are a special achievement in the world of motoring; proof that bells and whistles do not necessarily make a car important. 

In the long run, what survives and thrives is the quality of design, of engineering, of thought. Attention to detail matters. 

How else can you explain the fact, at Goodwood's historic racing meets, this little car frequently puts bigger and more exotic machinery in the shade? 

Bigger is not always better. Just ask any of the very glamorous owners of this brilliant motor: from Peter Sellers and Steve McQueen, to James Hunt, Marc Bolan and Brigitte Bardot.

We zipped about for a short while in this beautiful thing, and as we did, we thought about what we at Farer are trying to achieve.

Like the Mini, we aspire for our watches to stand the test of time; to endure as timelessly stylish and perfectly-engineered watches, passing from generation to generation.

It's a lofty aim but the Mini, in all it's glory, is the perfect inspiration.