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Mini

One of the few cars that are instantly recognized on the road, the British born Mini, with it's unique looks, and diminutive dimensions never fails to open eyes when it is seen both in the states and abroad. Although it was discontinued for many years, the Mini experience a revival in 2002 with the help of BMW. Keeping true to the original roots of the Mini Cooper of the 1960's, BMW improved the basic design, added a list of impressive standard features and redesigned the chassis to improve overall performance.

The Mini was first introduced in 1959. It was produced by the British Motor Corporation in response to the citizens of the United Kingdom clamoring for vehicles that could offer offered maximum fuel efficiency, could carry four passengers and took up as little space as possible. You have to remember, at this time the UK was subject to sever fuel rationing due to the crisis in the Suez canal. So needless to say, the vehicle was created almost out of necessity.

During the first few years of it's history, it was sold by BMC under the brand names Austin and Morris. It wasn't until 1961 that the true Mini made its public debut. At the time, even though it only boasted a meager 34 horsepower, it was considered the ideal urban car for the crowded European cities. During the same year, a Formula One race car builder, John Cooper, decided to take the Mini under his wings and the results were nothing short of incredible. The Mini was transformed into the now legendary Mini Cooper that boasted 76 horsepower and a dramatically improved suspension. Adding to its popularity and brand awareness was the incredible 4 year run of victories, 1964-1967, at the Monte Carlo Rally. Riding this wave of popularity, the vehicle, in 1962 finally landed on the shores of America.

It's no secret that the 1960's was truly a time time that the Mini motorcar flourished. The company gave consumers new variations on the Mini theme by introducing models like the Mini Moke, a quirky vehicle that looked like a Jeep and a Mini mated, and the Mini pickup. It was also during this time that many credit the Mini with inspiring a fashion trend that started to sweep the country. The miniskirt! With appearances in movies like the 1969 film The Italian Job, the Mini's polarity continued on an upward spiral. Before the decade came to a close, over 2 million Mini's had been manufactured. Then it all came crashing down in 1968 when the vehicle could no longer be sold in the US due to strict new emission regulations adopted by the US Federal government.

Even though the Mini disappeared from the auto scene in America, it continued production abroad. By the time the 80's rolled around, the number of Mini motorcars had exceeded 5 million. In 1994, the company was acquired by BMW. Although production was continued, it took a brief hiatus in the year 2000. It wasn't until 2002, with the ability to meet the strict emission standards of the US, that the Mini Cooper hatchback once again was launched into the US car market. With improvements in every aspect, including BMW engineered brakes, steering and suspension, the Mini Cooper has once again become one of Americas most desirable small cars with a hatchback, a sexy convertible or the ultra specialized Clubman version.