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By Admin at 2007-09-12 22:19
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Launched at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1959, it revolutionised small car design overnight! It was Britain's first effort at Front Wheel Drive, maximising the interior space in a car with minimal proportions and minimalist design! In 1957 Leonard Lord (British Motor Corporation Chairman) was fed-up with the bubble cars clogging Britain's roads in the 50s as a result of the Suez Fuel Crisis, and instructed Alec Issigonis to come up with a proper car capable of seating 4 adults with luggage that would return good fuel economy. Despite the nigh-on impossible time frame, the car was launched, and its shape remained in production for a little over 40yrs with over 5 million being sold worldwide. Although originally with the A Series engine fitted with carbs and exhaust at the front, the final car packaged the gearbox in the sump, with the engine turned 180° to prevent carb icing problems. Initial trials resulted in the car having to be de-tuned as it was considered too powerful!
Initially sold under the Austin Se7en and Morris Mini Minor names in separate dealerships, they became generically known as Minis! At first, sales were not good, the public afraid of such a radical concept, but during the 60s, the cars became trendy, no doubt helped by the 3 successive wins on the Monte Carlo rally, and it was soon fashionable to own a Mini, indeed, a car that transcended all previous class barriers!
During the 60s engine size increased to include a 1000cc and 1275cc, as well as variations on the theme of body and badging. The Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf were launched with luxury interiors and more upright trademark grilles, with extended boots, whilst the Austin and Morris gained the Cooper and later Cooper S. The Cooper was a result of working with the late great John Cooper, and as a result the sporting/fun image of the car was created. Companies like Wood & Pickett produced bespoke versions for clients like Ringo Starr with opening tailgate to take his drums. the aftermarket business surged on the back of the Mini, a fact that did not go unnoticed at BMC with the motorsport division (Later Leyland ST). In the early 70s, a styling revison resulted in what was the Clubman with a squarer front, and as a result of dropping the Cooper name, the Clubman GT was born. The original style Mini continued with the 850cc engine, however. Estates, vans and pick-ups were also offered up to the 1980s, although the wood frames on the original Countryman/Travellers were, unlike the Morris Minor Traveller, ornamental rather than structural.
By the late 70s the competition had caughtup and passed the Mini, so with the launch of the new Metro that was to save the ailing BL giant, the Mini was expected to be dropped in 1981. Most of the overseas markets had stopped taking the Mini, the US/Canada in the early 70s, and places like Australia and South Africa in the early 80s. The Clubman went, but the Mini continued. 1984 saw the fitment of front disc brakes and 12" wheels along with various other small improvements. A few special editions found their way onto the market, the Mini 25 being one, along with the Mayfair, Piccadilly and Chelsea. But the longer term picture was starting to look bleak with dropping sales.
But, by a quirk of fate, the Japanese took to the Mini in a big way! John Cooper was supplying kits to the Japanese market, and as a result Rover Special Projects (RSP) launched the Mini Cooper as a limited edition in the early 90s. It was again a resounding success. Despite the modern competition the Mini enjoyed a resurgence in sales, and a raft of limited edition models were launched. The best until this point had been the Mini 30, with its new on the market pearlescent paint, alloy wheels and half leather interior. Then followed models like the Mini Open, complete with full length electric sunroof, and even a cabriolet, initially built by Karmann.
With the arrival of the catalytic convertor as compulsory from 1993, the Mini then got the 1275cc engine, with single point fuel injection. By 1996, the Mini was dragged screaming into the 21st Century. The radiator was moved to the front, at last! It got side-impact beams in the doors, airbag on the steering, and twin point fuel injection, no mean feat considering the twin siamesed inlet ports.
Prices shot up, and it was definitely not a practical buy, more an emotional purchase. The bodies still rusted as quickly as they did in the 60s! You had to be a fanatic to want one! However, within five minutes behind the wheelyou were guaranteed a huge grin that few, if any, of the competitors could offer! It still drove like the original, in other words, FUN in a big way, reminding you why they enjoyed such sporting success and found a place in many people's hearts! However, legislation finally got the better of the Mini, and production ended in 2000.
Once again the aftermarket industry has been instrumental in the ongoing Mini love-affair with several dedicated magazines, as well numerous tuning and styling options, and more importantly the continued production of the Mini bodyshell at British Motor Heritage.
Today, the replacement MINI builds on the history of the original, and modern legislation will mean we will probably never see the like of the Mini again.
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