Mini is considered to be the most well-liked British car and was manufactured by the British Motor Corporation from 1959 to 2000. Being a star of the 60s, the car was a benchmark for many other car manufacturers during its time. The Mini was also ranked second as the most significant car of the past century in an international poll. Sir Alec Issigonis is credited for the wonder design of this revolutionary car.

The Mini Seven had a water cooled engine that was placed transversely along with four cylinders. The car was different from its predecessors as it had a four speed transmission and a front wheel drive. It also came with lubricated engine oil. This paved the way for other cars that were produced since 1970 as they all used the same configuration.

The car retained the engine mounted fan by having the radiator placed on the left pat of the car. This helped a great deal in saving the vehicle length. The Suspension system of the Mini Seven had compact rubber cones and was designed at Moulton Development Limited by Alex Moulton. Although this made the car ride a little bumpier but it also gave it a go kart like handling which really increased the popularity of the car.

The hinged boot lid increased the luggage space of the car. The various technical modifications made to the car reduced the dimensions but helped in increasing the overall space for the driver and luggage. The 848cc engine gave the car a fair speed of 72mph. the registration of the design by Rover Group as trademark in 1990s explains the level of popularity which the car was able to manage.

With an incredible number of 748,904 cars sold by 2005 end, the MX-5 is among the best selling sports cars of the world. The MX-5 was designed on the similar lines of Triumph Spitfire, MG Midget, and Porsche 550 Spider and was meant to be small roadster with minimal weight and complexity. With roadsters sent into the oblivion because of the various regulations, the MX-5 with its modern technology would mark a return for them.

The MX-5 would have the traditional FR layout. With 4-wheel independent suspension and four cylinder engine, the sports car would have manual as well as automatic transmission as an alternative. The body of the MX-5 is very conventional and has the Powerplant Frame which creates a responsive feel. There are also antilock brakes and slip differentials available in some of the MX-5s. There are also some models which have the traction option in them. With a history spread over three generations, the car has more than 150 awards to its name.

It also has its name registered in the Guinness Book of Records for being the best selling sports car of the world. The car has undergone many changes in term of both interior and exterior and also in its mechanical components in its three generations. An internal Mazda competition between the Design Studios located in Japan and the USA led to the wonderful design of the MX-5. The car made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989 and had an optional hardtop available for the car lovers.

The automotive history of Opel which spans over 110 years makes it a brand known for its rich traditions. The developments which have taken place over the years have always come back to make their presence felt. The excellence achieved over the years makes us look back into the history of Opel to have a peep over the initial models.

The Opel Kadett, a car of the year 1930 was used as a basis to built two –seat convertible prototype in 1938. The striking roadster could never see the light of the day. The scarcity of steel and less units in this segment before World War II meant that the project was never pursued. However, records suggest that Opel was set for the market launch. Evidently a brochure had details of the car which confirmed that the car had 1.1 liter displacement and a three speed transmission. With 23hp the car could notch up a top speed of 98km/h.

The Strolch was eventually introduced by the classic experts at Opel 70 years after it was actually developed. The challenges faced by the specialists in the classic team were associated with the aerodynamic rear design and the work on those body parts that were not present in the Opel Kadett. Using old pictures as reference material, the team had to use a lot of imagination together with technical skills to build the fabric top. The grayscale analysis carried out on the old picture made it clear that the car’s actual color was bright red.

The Mini, which is considered to be the most accepted British made car, was an icon of the 1960s. Sir Alec Issigonis is credited for designing this wonderful two door car for the British Motor Corporation (BMC). It was manufactured by the BMC from 1959 to 2000. The car was replaced by the New Mini in the year 2001.

The Suez crisis which led to reduction in oil supplies in 1956 brought about the Mini to counter the oil crisis. The Mini had a four cylinder water cooled engine and a front wheel drive. The engine of the car was mounted diagonally which was a departure from the traditional way. To retain the engine mounted fan, the radiator of the car was fitted at the left side of the car. Although this meant that the radiator would receive the hot air, the location helped in saving precious vehicle length.

Alex Moulton designed the suspension system of the Mini at Moulton development Limited. Instead of using the usual springs, he used compact rubber cones which gave the car rigidity for better handling. Dunlop got the initial contract to develop the ten-inch wheels specified for the car. The car had sliding windows in the door and this design increased the storage capacity of the car. The number plates on the earlier cars were hinged and as a result they remained visible even when the car’s boot lid was open.

The Mini Cooper and the Cooper S were the sportier version of the Mini and were very successful as rally cars. They have the distinction of winning the Monte Carlo Rally on three occasions.

The Beetle was created in 1938, and it is one of the most classic cars in history. However the history is catching and interesting: the car is known as the VW Bug and idea of its creation came from Adolf Hitler. Initially, he wanted manufacturers to create an affordable “people car,” what is more Hitler wanted the car to be able transport at least 2 adults and 3 children, have a top speed of 62 mph (100 kmh), and low fuel consumption.

The biggest question was the engine. According to the designer it should be rear mounted and an air cooled one. Such a device was rather powerful and extremely cheap to build. Adolf Hitler told that the car must “look like a beetle.” Despite numerous contradictions both people and manufacturers seem to love this style, since it changed little over many decades.

The VW Beetle is not a bloody speed monster, it makes only 0 – 50 mph in 13 seconds, however, the car is attractive, easy to drive and reliable. To be an owner of a Beetle means to choose style and freedom!