The BMC (British Motor Corporation) deserves a big hand when they came out with the “Mini,” one of the most popular and functional cars in Britain. Its popularity in Britain just never ceases and it just keeps getting more unique and more sophisticated as the years go by.
The designer (Sir Alec Isogonics) should be mentioned for his vision was a compact vehicle that offered plenty of passenger room, along with it’s front-wheel drive layout allowing the lower (floor pan) area to be used for luggage and this vision became a reality.
There were several reasons that this small 4-wheel wonder was designed and engineered. In 1956, during the Suez problems petrol was being rationed and large vehicles hit a critical slump – so along came the “Mini,” a little box-shaped auto that surfaced during hard times throughout the World. Due to the slump in economy, the first “Mini” had a few minor glitches that were corrected along the way as new models appeared on the horizon quickly.
The classic mini car concept caught on immediately and in April of 1959 the first wee car came made it’s debut. Although, the name “Mini” didn’t appear until sometime later, BMC manufactured two models, the Austin 7 or SE7EN and the Morris Mini- Minor.
The “Mini” had a good life lasting from 1959 to the year 2,000 and as so often happens, some little ole geniuses created what is now called the “New Mini.” Don’t think the little classic mini was just for those who were watching their pocketbook! Bridgette Bardot, Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, all of the Beetles and many other reknown people throughout the world have been or are the proud owners of the “Mini.”
If you’re itching to try a Classic Mini, just get online and you’ll find some awesome cars with low mileage just waiting for a new owner to nab them or get in line and purchase a new 2008 MINI. |
