About Us.
Born from passion and a love of the Mini, we specialise in Classic Mini interiors. Discover who we are, what we do and what makes us tick.
We are Optimise Automotive, a world-renowned Classic Mini interior specialist.
Since 2008 we have worked alongside the Mini Community, continually developing our products and services, to satisfy the requirements of Mini enthusiasts all over the World.
Today, offering everything from OEM MK1 Cooper replicas to MPi modified show stoppers, we lovingly handcraft interiors, from our artisan workshop located in the Staffordshire countryside, in the heart of England.
Our Story
My name is Andy Roberts, a passionate petrol head with a love of the Classic Mini and the inspiration behind Optimise Automotive.
From an very early age I was always fascinated by design and in particular, working out how things work. This progressed throughout my teenage years and when combined with my love for everything automotive, by the time I was 16, I had set my sights on becoming a car designer.
After leaving school, with this dream in mind, I completed a national diploma in art and design at Newcastle-under-Lyme college, gaining a distinction. It was whilst at college that I passed my driving test and bought my first car, a 1996 Rover Mini, a car that I still own today.
I soon became a regular at Stoke-on-Trent's Festival Park, the local 'boy racer' hang out and it was during this stage of my life that I fell in love with modified cars. I quickly discovered that by modifying my own Mini, I could practice my passion for functional design in the real world.
In September 2004 I left home for Coventry University's famous Automotive Design course. And, it was actually the summer of 2005, when I was home from University after my first year, that the Optimise Automotive journey began.
After posting photos on The Mini Forum (where I have been a member since April 2004) of a new boot lining kit that I had made a fellow club member said "that looks great, can you make me one?" to which I kindly obliged. Over the next few weeks I sold a hand full of boot lining kits to other TMF members and that got me thinking "If a few on TMF want one, I wonder if others will?”.
It’s fair to say I haven’t looked back since and after graduating from University in June 2008, I couldn’t wait to get stuck into transforming my part time summer venture into a full time business.
The rest (as they say), is history.
This incredible journey has taken me to many new places, introduced me to amazing new people and pushed me to create quality interiors all day, everyday. My hard-work & dedication has ensured that we are a World renowned name in Classic Mini interiors and my desire to push boundaries with the Mini community has allowed us to create countless stunning interiors, long may this continue.
My passion for design is what makes Optimise Automotive stand out from the crowd and my enthusiasm for everything automotive is reflected in what we do - as a petrol head myself, I ensure that each and every project is completed as if it was for my own vehicle.
Why Buy Optimise?
If you haven't ordered from Optimise Automotive before, you may be wondering why you should. Here are some reasons why we are the best at what we do and how we create our Classic Mini interiors.
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Made in the UK
We make interiors for a British icon, using locally sourced materials, in the heart of England, from our artisan workshop in the Staffordshire countryside.
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Interior design
As an automotive designer by trade, Andy has a keen eye for design and is well qualified to help guide you through the design process.
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Classic Mini experts
With over 15 years of Classic Mini upholstery experience, we are known all over the World for quality interiors, made to your unique specifications.
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CNC cutting
Many of our boards and panels are CNC machine cut, all to better than original specifications, enhancing your interior and ensuring it fits perfectly.
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Hand sewing
Lovingly handcrafted sewn interiors. Everything we create is sewn to perfection, to exactly how you request it, just as it should be.
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An eye for detail
We believe that it is the tiny little things that make the difference and you can customise your Optimise interior, to your own individual specifications.
