A small car icon of the 60s turned to be the recipient of the European Car of the Century Award. Who would ever think that an undersized car such as the Austin Mini would create such a huge and distinguished mark in the car world? Austin Mini has defied the several counterparts by its revolutionary engine design, astounding packaging and extraordinary handling features. Known for its diminutive size and energizing design, this British-born car has been one of the inspirations of the several aspects beyond the automotive field.
It took quite a while before Austin Mini had been recognized and patronized by the British people. At first, people are puzzled of the Mini's revolutionary features and size, but soon it had caught the attention of the press people, the rest is history. Austin Mini become a trend, in fact, important personalities even royalties had been seen driving their own Austin Mini. Moreover, the influence of this car icon even extended in the fashion world as it became the inspiration behind the creation and design of the mini skirt. While over 50 years later this little tiny vehicle may seem as a minor footnote or after thought in the annals of automotive history it laid the groundwork for our current front wheel drive fuel efficient motor-cars. Count into these the likes of Toyota Corolla, Hyundai economy cars & Chevrolet Sonics. Yet it was not only the vehicle itself that counted. For the British it seemed to be enough that once exported out of the British Isles that is all that mattered. Support of an efficient parts network or even factory training of auto service technicians was just not on their priority list. Yet when major automakers such as the Japanese - Toyota, Nissan , Mazda etc & later South Korean Hyundai entered the North American imports marketplace service , parts & even top paid highly experienced management and factory trained experienced auto service techs were top most on their list. In Canada & the States it was learned reliability of transportation as well as quick turnaround out the dealership garage door is vital. For it seems reputations of new car & truck brands in export markets are hard worn but easily tarnished.
The Mini had received three major updates ever since it was created; Mark 1 (original), Mark 2 Clubman and Mark 3. New variations and alternatives in terms of the exterior emerged such as the Mini pickup, van and moke which look like a combination of a Mini and jeep. A racing version of this small car was also created, known as Mini Cooper S. Due to its agile and lightweight features; it has been successful in the racing arena and had won several rally events.
The year 1961 marked the launch of the first Mini Cooper, which eventually become known and recognized in the racing sphere. From the standard 848cc engine with 34bhp it was enhanced into 997cc engine developing 55bhp and even equipped with front disc brakes, the first model to have one. This version of the Mini can still be found and use in UK as well as in other corners in the world today. Others are preserved and become collector's items.
Unfortunately, every legacy has its end. New modern models were released diverting the attention from the Austin Mini. Eventually, the sales of the Mini collapsed and the production was finally stopped in 2000. But after a year, MINI, as its new brand label was resurrected with the help of BMW. Today, equipped with a modern style and up to date features, the MINI's legacy continue to lives on. Serving as the prototype of all the roadworthy front wheel drive crop of vehicles on the road today the British Austin Mini soldiers on.
It took quite a while before Austin Mini had been recognized and patronized by the British people. At first, people are puzzled of the Mini's revolutionary features and size, but soon it had caught the attention of the press people, the rest is history. Austin Mini become a trend, in fact, important personalities even royalties had been seen driving their own Austin Mini. Moreover, the influence of this car icon even extended in the fashion world as it became the inspiration behind the creation and design of the mini skirt. While over 50 years later this little tiny vehicle may seem as a minor footnote or after thought in the annals of automotive history it laid the groundwork for our current front wheel drive fuel efficient motor-cars. Count into these the likes of Toyota Corolla, Hyundai economy cars & Chevrolet Sonics. Yet it was not only the vehicle itself that counted. For the British it seemed to be enough that once exported out of the British Isles that is all that mattered. Support of an efficient parts network or even factory training of auto service technicians was just not on their priority list. Yet when major automakers such as the Japanese - Toyota, Nissan , Mazda etc & later South Korean Hyundai entered the North American imports marketplace service , parts & even top paid highly experienced management and factory trained experienced auto service techs were top most on their list. In Canada & the States it was learned reliability of transportation as well as quick turnaround out the dealership garage door is vital. For it seems reputations of new car & truck brands in export markets are hard worn but easily tarnished.
The Mini had received three major updates ever since it was created; Mark 1 (original), Mark 2 Clubman and Mark 3. New variations and alternatives in terms of the exterior emerged such as the Mini pickup, van and moke which look like a combination of a Mini and jeep. A racing version of this small car was also created, known as Mini Cooper S. Due to its agile and lightweight features; it has been successful in the racing arena and had won several rally events.
The year 1961 marked the launch of the first Mini Cooper, which eventually become known and recognized in the racing sphere. From the standard 848cc engine with 34bhp it was enhanced into 997cc engine developing 55bhp and even equipped with front disc brakes, the first model to have one. This version of the Mini can still be found and use in UK as well as in other corners in the world today. Others are preserved and become collector's items.
Unfortunately, every legacy has its end. New modern models were released diverting the attention from the Austin Mini. Eventually, the sales of the Mini collapsed and the production was finally stopped in 2000. But after a year, MINI, as its new brand label was resurrected with the help of BMW. Today, equipped with a modern style and up to date features, the MINI's legacy continue to lives on. Serving as the prototype of all the roadworthy front wheel drive crop of vehicles on the road today the British Austin Mini soldiers on.
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Mini luxury models had decorative, non-structural wood inserts in the rear body which gave the car a similar appearance to the larger Morris Minor Traveller which had some of the look of an American-style 1950s Woodie. Approximately 108,000 Austin Mini Countrymen and 99,000 Morris Mini Travellers were built. Just try to find one on Kijiji or Fort McMurray Northern Alberta
