The original Mini was small on the outside, big on the inside and decades ahead of its time. Its clever engineering became the template for almost every small family car built since.
Quick facts
| Launched | August 1959 |
|---|---|
| Maker | British Motor Corporation (BMC), UK |
| Designer | Sir Alec Issigonis |
| Length | About 3.05 metres |
| Production | About 5.3 million, 1959 to 2000 |
The story
The Mini was born out of the 1956 Suez Crisis, which led to fuel shortages and rationing in Britain. BMC asked designer Alec Issigonis to create a small, economical car that could still carry four adults and their luggage.
The clever bit
- Transverse engine: the engine was mounted sideways, saving a huge amount of length.
- Front-wheel drive: drive went to the front wheels, removing the need for a long transmission tunnel.
- Gearbox in the sump: the gearbox sat beneath the engine, sharing its oil, to save even more space.
- Wheels at the corners: tiny 10-inch wheels pushed to each corner gave more cabin space and sharp, go-kart-like handling.
The result: about 80% of the car's floor area was available for passengers and luggage.
From city car to rally legend
Tuned versions developed with racing car builder John Cooper, the Mini Cooper and Cooper S, proved the little car was also a giant-killer. Minis won the famous Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967, and finished first in 1966 before a controversial disqualification over headlamp rules.
Pop culture icon
The Mini became a symbol of 1960s "Swinging London", driven by celebrities and later starring in the 1969 film The Italian Job.
Legacy
Production of the classic Mini ended in 2000. Since 2001, BMW has produced the modern MINI, a larger car inspired by the original. But the original's true legacy is everywhere: the transverse engine, front-wheel-drive layout is used by most small and mid-size cars on the road today.
Cars That Changed the World: the full series
- Part 1: Ford Model T
- Part 2: Volkswagen Beetle
- Part 3: The Original Mini (you are here)
- Part 4: Porsche 911
- Part 5: Toyota Corolla
- Part 6: Land Rover and Defender
- Part 7: Ford Mustang
- Part 8: Toyota Prius
- Part 9: Tesla Model S
- Part 10: Ferrari F40
Figures such as production numbers, prices and specifications are commonly cited historical values and may vary slightly between sources.
