May 15, 2009 The [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini"]Mini[/ame], perhaps the most iconic automobile in history, is about to turn 50 years of age. Runner-up in the [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_of_the_Century"]Car of the Century[/ame] competition, the Mini was catalysed by the fuel rationing resultant from the 1956 Suez Crisis. Its price and frugality at the pump made the BMC Mini a symbol of freedom for baby boomers and its status as an emblem of the swinging sixties was reinforced in 1966 when The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein, gave each of the Fab Four a Mini Cooper S as a gift. George Harrison had his Mini painted with psychedelic images, yantras and Sanskrit mantras and it subsequently starred in The Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. BMW, which now owns both Mini and Rolls Royce, has come up with a fresh interpretation of the extravagant original Mini to coincide with the brand’s 50th birthday. Full article The Mini turns 50
It can be a fun little ride... [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHtgXi-B9dA"]YouTube - Mini Cooper Stunts[/ame]
I looked at the Mini before getting my Prius but because of the lack of space for 4 people AND cargo, it was a no no. That, and the fact that this car is going to take me until I'm married and have my own family.
An article about the Mini without acknowledging its designer Alec Issigonis? Shame The MINI Story - Worldcarfans Marking the 100th Birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis.
I know what you mean. I have a Mini conv. It's great in the summer but I need more room. In the Prius I'll have fun all year. PS- You had two?
Thanks Spectra- that article was interesting and informative. I also looked at minis but they are too small for my needs. I decided that the Prius is the best all around car for my needs.
I had a 1969 Mini Panel Van. It was originally owned by the post office. I modded the engine and fitted tiny mag wheels to it. I could fit 8 people in my Mini but if the 6 in the cargo area started to sway in time the car became almost uncontrollable. Oh and Bev drove my Mini too. My son Sean noticed the Mini in the video above has been shortened. I noticed it has 12 or 13 inch wheels on the front with low profile tyres rather than the standard 10 inch wheels. Who said Prius has small wheels?
