When Alec Issigonis first designed the Mini, it was for transporting people from A to B as cheaply and easily as possible, little did he know, that his little economical shoe box of a car, would become the Icon it is today. In 1959 production of the little Austin 7 began, and though the MINI changed names several times this same car, with few changes, was produced for over 40 years! From the original 850cc, 36hp Mini 7 the Mini Cooper was born. Engine upgrades and better brakes set the Mini Coopers apart from their Mini 7 and Morris Mini Minor counter parts, and Mini Coopers went on to win every major Rally in the world (at least once but often for repeat performances) during the 1960's!

Celebrities and citizens alike fell in love with the little cars, and they were seen everywhere. Soon they were driving down stairways and through malls in Michael Canes "The Italian Job" and later became the car of choice for "Mr Bean". It seemed that everyone who came in contact with these little cars, fell in love with them. And why not? After all, how many cars are only 4 feet wide and 10 feet long, seat 4 adults and have the pep to out perform the much bigger cars of the day? Giant killers they were called, and giant killers they were, often turning faster lap times at Brans Hatch then the Big Fords, or out running Citreons during the Rally Monte Carlo

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By 1970, however, the Mini Cooper 'works' cars of British Leyland were simply 'out horse powered' by Porches and the like. The little shoebox had proven itself time and time again though, and the public loved them for it. Sales of the little car continued to grow until it surpassed the 5,000,000 sold mark. Quite an accomplishment for such a small car as no other has ever had the success, prestige, and unique engineering the Mini is famous for.

Though Mini Cooper production was later halted for several years, it was re-launched in June 1990 with a special run of 1000 cars (called RSP Coopers for Rover Special Products). This new Mini Cooper took its engine from the MG Metro another small and interesting car produced by Rover, which shared much of the Mini's technology to include the power plant. However the new engine was a more modern version of the aging 'A' series engine seen in the Mini previously. This led to some new possibilities to include: Fuel injection, turbo charging and even a five-speed gearbox

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Over the years the Mini has flourished throughout the world, accept here in the United States, where new car sales ended in 1968. The Mini could no longer meet various new laws enforced by the EPA and DOT, and even though the little cars went on selling around the world (Canadians could buy New Mini's as late as 1981 and in England, Japan, Switzerland and several other countries had New Mini's available until October of 2000), they could not be purchased here. It was just not cost effective for British Leyland and later Rover to meet US regulations. Then BMW came along!

BMW now owns the Mini name, and after several years of re-engineering the Classic Mini, MINI USA will offer both a base model new version of the Mini and a Mini Cooper here in the US. It's a new car, but looks to be just as exciting and innovative as its predecessor.

Reasons to buy a MINI

With a Mini in your garage you'll have 30-50 percent more storage space.

With a Mini you can turn a two-car garage into a three-car garage. You'll increase the value of your home without lifting a hammer.

With a Mini you are guaranteed at least 100 smiles per gallon.

With a Mini when someone says to you "my, you have a small one," you know they are referring to your car.

No one will ever ask to borrow your Mini to move furniture.

Parking tickets are half off (or should be).

When was the last time $10 filled your gas tank up?

If you keep a Mini in the back of your SUV, it makes for a great escape pod.

With a Mini, you're able to pick up really hot clowns.

With a Mini, who cares about resale value, you'll never want to sell it!

The best reason to own a Mini is... It's what you've always wanted.

                                                     

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