Fancy driving home for Christmas 2025 in Chris Rea's 1989 Mini?
A Mini owned by Teesside singing legend Chris Rea is set to go under the hammer.
Chris famously penned festive classic Driving Home for Christmas during a difficult journey home to Middlesbrough in a different Mini in 1978. His wife, Joan, drove for the five-hour journey from London which saw them caught in ‘top-to-toe’ tailbacks.
As a result, BMW-MINI launched a winter advertising campaign in 2021 based around the song and its back story, encouraging Mini owners worldwide to produce their own videos to it. In recognition of Chris' contribution, the company commissioned a classic Mini which was presented to the singer in February 2023 and is now being auctioned for charity.
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The 1989 Rover Mini Thirty was converted to electric power and features a plaque engraved with Chris’ signature and a power unit containing lyrics from his hit Christmas tune, displayed in a 45rpm vinyl disc-style design. Funds raised through the auction will help domestic violence charity Refuge.
Chris said: "I’m incredibly proud to see this Mini, which holds such personal significance, being auctioned for such a vital cause. Driving Home for Christmas has always been a special song for me, and to know that the proceeds from this car will go towards supporting those affected by domestic abuse gives it even more meaning.
"It’s a privilege to be part of this collaboration with Refuge, and I hope it helps raise both awareness and much-needed funds for the charity’s life-changing work."
Iconic Auctioneers, which will also donate all of its associated fees to Refuge, will sell the special Mini in a dedicated collections and competition car sale at Race Retro in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on February 22. Entries are welcome until Friday, January 24.
Abigail Ampofo, Interim Chief Executive of Refuge, the country’s largest specialist provider of domestic abuse services, said: "Chris Rea’s generous donation, alongside the support of Iconic Auctioneers, is a truly heartwarming gesture that will make a significant impact in helping us continue our vital work to provide life-saving support to those experiencing domestic abuse.
"The lucky buyer will not only be purchasing a beautiful and unique car, but they will also be offering hope to the thousands of women and children we support every day, through our emergency accommodation, community services and National Domestic Abuse Helpline. We’re incredibly excited to see how well the auction goes and hope that people are encouraged to dig deep for this important cause."
In-person viewing of the vehicle, which carries a guide price of £30,000-£35,000, will be available at the auction venue on February 21. For more information, email enquiries@iconicauctioneers.com or call 01926 691141.
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