A British Icon- The Mini

Ever since the first model of the Mini went into production in the late 1950's, the first ever space-saving, fuel sparing motor car captured the hearts of countless car lovers. The design, a result of rationed petrol due to problems with oil suppliers, meant that the car market was desperately in need of a car with a smaller engine, yet could be spacious as well. Queue the Mini. This car became a 1960's icon, and since then has been catapulted into being one of the most recognisable car designs of all time.

As mentioned, the Mini's design was based on the need that British cars needed to become more efficient- fuel was rationed and big cars simply weren't fitting the bill. The task of creating a car which would be fuel-efficient and would have enough room for passengers and luggage was challenged by three men, whose second-to-none design abilities and passion created a model which would change the car world forever. One of the main features of the car was its magical ability to create space out of such a small framework. The car only measures 10x4x4 feet, and amazingly, 80% of its space is for the use of its passengers and luggage. This was done by changing the suspension system, which created a lot more room and pushed the wheels further apart.

During the early sixties, the designer's of the Mini had a friend called John Cooper, who saw the opportunity to change the Mini into more of a performance car, and saw its potential to become a race car. The designer's were not initially interested in this idea, but were eventually persuaded. It was then when a new version of the original prototype was designed- The Mini Cooper. The Mini Cooper would then be (famously) a regular in the Monte Carlo Rally. The Mini was incredibly successful in these Rally's, and were placed 1st in 1964, 1965 and 1967. However, in 1966, Mini Coopers were placed in 1st, 2nd and 3rd position, much to the dismay of the French teams who wanted an all Citreon finish. Controversially, the Mini was disqualified for having seemingly different headlights which were illegal to the competition. This disqualification has arguably been said to be the reason for the cars popularity, and the reason why this car is now a cultural icon.

Throughout the sixties, seventies and eighties, the Mini continued to sell incredibly well, but towards the end of the eighties suffered because of the introduction of other small cars, such as the Metro. Mini eventually stopped its production, and it wasn't until 1994 that BMW took over the Mini Empire. The Mini was then fitted with an airbag, to comply with European legislation. During the coming years, the Mini had a re-vamp. Four new versions of the car were produced, and along with the new models came a re-vamped name- the MINI. British roads and motorways saw a surge of new MINI's, as well as the older models re-emerging. The Mini craze came back with a vengeance, and supported the Mini's place as a true British icon.

The popularity of the Mini has seen many Mini enthusiast sites and Mini fan clubs emerge. Fan's of the Mini unite all over the world to share their passion for the first miniature car, which proves just how much this car has changed the face of the British motor world. by R Miller