Today, Mini Coopers are considered among the most influential cars in automotive history − a true legend. Originally British, the vehicles have proven the solidity of their design and gained worldwide recognition. There were various models of the Mini Cooper, in line with different driver needs, including a two-door van, two-door pickup, and a convertible coupe.
Few people realize that the Mini in its authentic form is no longer produced. The brand went through a chain of three ownerships, was used in racing, and even starred in feature file The Italian Job.
In this article, we will recall the long history of this famous car and pay it the respect it deserves. We’ll also discuss exactly who owns the Mini Cooper brand today.
The history of the Mini began in 1959 when it was launched as a two-door sedan. Back in the day, fuel prices were soaring in England due to the Suez Crisis, so there was a need for vehicles with lower consumption of gas.
This was when the head of the British Motor Corporation (BMC), Leonard Lord set out to create a “proper miniature car.” With that in mind, he hired the innovative English-Greek designer Alec Issigonis, who took the BMC engine and mounted it transversely to ensure it took less space at the front. Then his friend Alex Moulton designed a compact, effective, inexpensive suspension system based on rubber cones rather than traditional steel springs.
The car’s great balance and grip made it perfect for racing. The Mini came to the attention of а friend of Issigonis, John Cooper, who recognized its performance potential and whose name the famous vehicle bears. In 1961, he gave the car a more powerful engine, twin SU carburetors and added a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes. This signified the birth of the Classic Mini Cooper 997.
Minis were successful as race and rally cars, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965, and 1967. Legendary racers opting for the standout performance car included Graham Hill, Niki Lauda, Jackie Stewart, Jochen Rindt, John Surtees, and James Hunt.
BMW’s Mini has participated in the World Rally Championship since 2011 through the Prodrive WRC Team.
Its first manufacturer was the British Motor Corporation (BMC). Other producers from the United Kingdom include British Leyland, which manufactured the Leyland Mini from 1968 to 1986, and Rover Group with its Rover Mini (1986–2000).
BMC produced different types of models to suit any taste. The more luxurious versions released in 1961 included Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf. Then there were two-door estate cars with double “barn-style” rear doors, Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Mini Countryman, and a commercial panel Mini Van, to name a few.
In 1966, BMC became part of British Motor Holdings, which merged with Leyland Motors to form British Leyland. Its notable Mini creations are, among others, the models Mark II, Mark III, Mark IV, and the Mini 1100 Special.
In the 1980s, British Leyland was broken up and became the Rover Group. It is responsible for developing the 1994 Rover Mini 1300i Cabriolet, Mini City, and Rover Mini Cooper Sport, the last original Mini to roll off the line.
When BMW purchased the Rover Group in 1994, it also bought the Mini, so the company remains its owner until today.
In the 1960s, due to its unique combination of classic British style in a low-cost and small size, the Mini symbolized the very essence of the youthful 1960s culture. Everyone − from hipsters and mods to milkmen, rock stars, and royalty to rally racers − appreciated its affordability and efficient performance.
The Mini appeared in the classic movie The Italian Job, directed by Peter Collinson and starring Michael Caine. There is a famous car-chase episode with several Mini Coopers in it, filmed in Turin, Italy's traffic-jammed streets.
Moreover, all four Beatles members had their own Mini – Paul McCartney’s was a Morris Mini Cooper S De Ville. In 1967, his car appeared in The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour movie. In September 2018, it was sold at auction for £182,000.
British model Twiggy’s first car was a Mini, custom-made by the company. In the 1990s, a 1977 British Leyland Mini appeared in the show Mr. Bean, adored by families across Britain. British comic Rowan Atkinson played the main character.
The history of the original Mini ended in 2000 when German automotive company BMW bought the car and introduced an entirely new Mini model in 2001, the development of which had begun back in 1995.
The current Mini range includes the hardtop/hatch/convertible (three-door hatchback), clubman (estate), countryman (five-door crossover), coupe/roadster, and paceman (three-door crossover based on the countryman). They are assembled in England, Netherlands, and Austria.
There is yet another refresh of the car to look forward to − the 2021 Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop. According to BMW, it has already received about 45,000 reservations for the upcoming all-electric car.
Mini is a storied brand with a long history that’s changed hands several times. We hope you’ve learned more about where the Mini Cooper comes from and who currently manufactures it.
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