Obsession continues: The Original Mini - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Cynthetiq · 11-24-2003, 02:58 PM

MINI ‑ From 1959 to Today
A Legendary Brand Continues

Sir Alec Issigonis' original Mini of 1959 set new standards in design and engineering. Issigonis produced his masterpiece as an answer to the European fuel crisis of the late 1950s. Issigonis was challenged to produce a car four feet wide by four feet high and 10 feet long that would seat four adults in comfort and take their luggage to boot.

An automotive icon, his design lasted decades in virtually original form. His revolutionary concept of a transverse engine with submounted transmission allowed compact external dimensions with maximum interior space. Combining economical transport, character and fun, Mini became a car for everyone, from celebrity to the everyday person in the street

The front‑wheel drive, wheel‑at-each‑corner design was not only space-efficient, but was soon to prove extremely roadworthy. In 1961, the Mini Cooper, engineered by race car constructor the late John Cooper, was launched. This car set new motor sport standards and took triple Monte Carlo rally wins between 1964 and 1967 amongst a host of competitive titles. The Cooper name has been closely associated with performance Minis ever since and appropriately the MINI Cooper, was the first car in the new MINI range to be unveiled.

As Mini gained its extra power it combined its inherent personality with a great driving experience for any motorist. The car became Britain’s best-ever selling vehicle with over 5.3 million produced. The first Morris Mini-Minor was made in Oxford, the home of the new MINI and Minis have been made in Europe, South America and Australia.

Mini, a household name in Europe, was sold in the U.S. between 1960 and 1967, and around 10,000 cars were sold in that time. Over thirty years later, some 12000 cars are on U.S. roads today. (maybe they breed). At the end of its production life in 2000, 5.3 million Minis had been produced and the car was voted ‘European Car of the Century’ by a panel of 130 international journalists.

The MINI Cooper is a modern development of this genuine classic. Building on the classic Mini styling cues, it offers the very latest technology, and is one of the most advanced cars of its size in the world. Designed for handling and performance, great looks and safety, the MINI Cooper, is a real motoring enthusiasts car. Like the original, the new MINI is designed to appeal to all drivers regardless of age or gender. Such is the interest in the new MINI that there were fan‑based U.S. websites for the car well before it hit the streets.

----------------------

These little cars rocked back in their time. I love seeing them around. It's a shame that they aren't so common in the NorthEast. I always love seeing them, they were the original econobox before the GTI and Civic.

wrongfullyaccuzd · 11-25-2003, 10:09 PM

I don't know if you consider DC the northeast...hmm I guess I don't either, so scratch that...but they're all over the place! They're so fun to watch when the people driving them know what they're doing. Rush hour is no match for those little speedy bastards! They just go in and out of traffic. I like!

jwoody · 11-26-2003, 05:25 AM

I've owned 3 original style minis through the years.

The ultimate was a black/rust 1275GT, bought for £200, capable of a bone shattering 110mph (downhill, with the wind).

BeatBox · 11-26-2003, 05:55 AM

A friend of mine owned a worn down red mini with a sport steering wheel...
Upon asking why he needed that sporting wheel he took me for a quick spin around town.

Boy, that was a one time heart stopping experience. He later (the bastard) told me he had a 1.3 MG Metro engine put in, it went like fireworks. The speed sensation with that thing is 10x larger as with a 'normal' sportscar.

I saw this friend two years ago, the mini didn't survive the strains and force of that souped up engine long but it was worth the fun!!

Scorps · 11-26-2003, 10:24 AM

I always liked Mini's but I like the new one better.

Neato · 11-26-2003, 10:58 AM

Man... I had no idea the original was cool! I totally want one of these instead of a new one... as long as it would run okay.

Ferrari · 11-26-2003, 12:17 PM

Mini rally car. Pictures were taken at the 2003 Tall Pines Rally in Bancroft, Ontario.

Scorps · 11-27-2003, 10:32 AM

Can the new one be used as a rally car?

Ferrari · 11-27-2003, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pain Train
Can the new one be used as a rally car?

Sure!

Cynthetiq · 11-29-2003, 12:41 AM

wow!!!! Love the pictures of the original Mini in rally mode.

11-24-2003, 02:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	The Origin of my Mini Obsession MINI ‑ From 1959 to Today A Legendary Brand Continues Sir Alec Issigonis' original Mini of 1959 set new standards in design and engineering. Issigonis produced his masterpiece as an answer to the European fuel crisis of the late 1950s. Issigonis was challenged to produce a car four feet wide by four feet high and 10 feet long that would seat four adults in comfort and take their luggage to boot. An automotive icon, his design lasted decades in virtually original form. His revolutionary concept of a transverse engine with submounted transmission allowed compact external dimensions with maximum interior space. Combining economical transport, character and fun, Mini became a car for everyone, from celebrity to the everyday person in the street The front‑wheel drive, wheel‑at-each‑corner design was not only space-efficient, but was soon to prove extremely roadworthy. In 1961, the Mini Cooper, engineered by race car constructor the late John Cooper, was launched. This car set new motor sport standards and took triple Monte Carlo rally wins between 1964 and 1967 amongst a host of competitive titles. The Cooper name has been closely associated with performance Minis ever since and appropriately the MINI Cooper, was the first car in the new MINI range to be unveiled. As Mini gained its extra power it combined its inherent personality with a great driving experience for any motorist. The car became Britain’s best-ever selling vehicle with over 5.3 million produced. The first Morris Mini-Minor was made in Oxford, the home of the new MINI and Minis have been made in Europe, South America and Australia. Mini, a household name in Europe, was sold in the U.S. between 1960 and 1967, and around 10,000 cars were sold in that time. Over thirty years later, some 12000 cars are on U.S. roads today. (maybe they breed). At the end of its production life in 2000, 5.3 million Minis had been produced and the car was voted ‘European Car of the Century’ by a panel of 130 international journalists. The MINI Cooper is a modern development of this genuine classic. Building on the classic Mini styling cues, it offers the very latest technology, and is one of the most advanced cars of its size in the world. Designed for handling and performance, great looks and safety, the MINI Cooper, is a real motoring enthusiasts car. Like the original, the new MINI is designed to appeal to all drivers regardless of age or gender. Such is the interest in the new MINI that there were fan‑based U.S. websites for the car well before it hit the streets. ---------------------- These little cars rocked back in their time. I love seeing them around. It's a shame that they aren't so common in the NorthEast. I always love seeing them, they were the original econobox before the GTI and Civic. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

11-26-2003, 05:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
jwoody Shackle Me Not Location: Newcastle - England.	I've owned 3 original style minis through the years. The ultimate was a black/rust 1275GT, bought for £200, capable of a bone shattering 110mph (downhill, with the wind). __________________ .

11-26-2003, 05:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
BeatBox Upright Location: Western Europe	A friend of mine owned a worn down red mini with a sport steering wheel... Upon asking why he needed that sporting wheel he took me for a quick spin around town. Boy, that was a one time heart stopping experience. He later (the bastard) told me he had a 1.3 MG Metro engine put in, it went like fireworks. The speed sensation with that thing is 10x larger as with a 'normal' sportscar. I saw this friend two years ago, the mini didn't survive the strains and force of that souped up engine long but it was worth the fun!! __________________ Buggrit

11-26-2003, 10:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	I always liked Mini's but I like the new one better. __________________ A.K.A. PainTrain

11-27-2003, 10:32 AM	#8 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	Can the new one be used as a rally car? __________________ A.K.A. PainTrain

11-25-2003, 10:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
wrongfullyaccuzd Addict Location: NoVA	I don't know if you consider DC the northeast...hmm I guess I don't either, so scratch that...but they're all over the place! They're so fun to watch when the people driving them know what they're doing. Rush hour is no match for those little speedy bastards! They just go in and out of traffic. I like!

11-26-2003, 10:58 AM	#6 (permalink)
Neato Insane Location: The Oposite, Inverse of Hell (Wisconsin)	Man... I had no idea the original was cool! I totally want one of these instead of a new one... as long as it would run okay.

11-26-2003, 12:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
Ferrari Tilted	Mini rally car. Pictures were taken at the 2003 Tall Pines Rally in Bancroft, Ontario.

11-29-2003, 12:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	wow!!!! Love the pictures of the original Mini in rally mode. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!