This Austin Mini Is Part Of A Coming Of Age Story That Honors The Past

Each week with every film we produce we’re going to aim to give you a bit of a gallery from behind the scenes. This week we take a ride in Maxime Delestre’s 1975 Austin Mini through the rural back roads just outside of Normandie.

The grandson of a Peugeot salesman and son of a rally co-driver, Maxime grew up within a passionate petrolhead family. After watching his father compete in rallies for years, at the age of 17 Maxime earned his own rally co-driver permit, following in his father’s flame suit and helmet-toting footsteps.

At 18, Maxime secured his driver’s license—a possession we so easily forget we petrolheads all once craved to attain. Immediately, he made way for the twisting-and-turning roads so ideal for the spirited driving he wished to explore. There was just one problem: Max felt modern cars weren’t delivering the experience he so desired.

“Something was missing. It lacked noise, it lacked vibration, and it didn't smell of anything.” Naturally, Maxime realized only an analog machine from the past could fulfill his driving needs. Being an 18-year-old student posed a financial limitation, but as we know a small car fund can buy small car fun—a classic Mini was the obvious choice.

After a short stint with a deteriorating 1992 Mini Sprite, Maxime was able to source a stunning bronze 1975 Austin Mini he’s still revving out-and-about today. Finally satisfied with the Mini, Max confesses there were some growing pains involved with the coming of age.

With cars and competition always on the mind, Maxime admits it was often a distraction. “In school, I spent more time drawing in my books than studying, the teachers hated me for it.” Instead of making his enthusiasm for machines and doodling a complication, Maxime decided to turn it into a career by studying automotive design.

“The nice thing is that I can use many different aspects—the past with vintage cars such as the Mini, the present with racing cars and fun fast driving, and try and incorporate all [of] this in the future,” Maxime explains.

With the right car, mentality, and career path underway, Maxime Delestre is hope there will continue to be fun motoring for generations to come.

Drive Tastefully®

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