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.
