MINI New car showroom

The 1956 Suez crisis led to petrol rationing in Britain, prompting the auto industry to build smaller, more economical cars. None would be more famous than the 1959 Morris Mini Minor/Austin Seven – a space-saving revelation courtesy of visionary engineer and designer Alec Issigonis’s transverse engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The ’60s saw it become an automotive fashion icon driven by models and rock stars, and world rally star thanks to British racing legend John Cooper (whose surname lives on with today’s car). It became a marque in its own right in 1969, and different body styles and various engines would be produced under British Motor Corporation, British Leyland and then the Rover Group on its way to becoming Britain’s biggest-selling car. Production ceased in 2000 but just a year later the latest owners, BMW, launched the ‘New’ Mini. It was noticeably larger than the original and notably more expensive, though did retain its fashion appeal and go-kart-style handling characteristics. The Mini brand was expanded into a range of various models.