This car was not only successful enough to stay in production for a staggering 41 years with pretty much the same design, it also revolutionised the design of small cars. It managed to fit all the requirements of a car into a small space, while maximising the space for the passengers inside the car. It achieved this by using a traversely mounted engine, front wheel drive and the transmission placed in the sump. This configuration revolutionised the small car, and is used in almost all small cars today.
The mini also saw much success as a rally car, winning the Monte Carlo rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967, and it is still used today by enthusiasts as a racing car due to its simplicity, light weight and handling.
Andrew de Morton
As a former mini owner I have to agree with you here Andrew, they surprisingly spacious for such a small car. Also great fun to drive with excellent handling in the corners. With a wheel at each corner of the chassis they're just like a go-kart.
ReplyDeleteIt is said that the mini influenced the design of every car to come after them.
The mini was also the last naturally aspirated 4cyl to win Bathurst back in 1966.
Nice one!
Samf
I think its amazing that they were able to make a car so small. With the advent of newer safety devices aimed at saving lives, its almost inconceivable that a car could be made this small again. It seems a shame as the mini is mechanically efficient and enjoyable to drive whilst at the same time pretty practical even if the crumple zone is your knees. It also seems to nail down a personality that some modern cars seem to miss out on. Its a very likeable product, wish i had one!
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Ed H