The first Austin Mini was manufactured by the British Motor Corporation (BMC). The car’s design was conceptualized while thinking about ways to manage the 1956 Suez Crisis, where UK faced an oil shortage and forced them to introduce fuel rationing. During that period, the sales of large-bulky vehicles declined and the trend was shifted to the small fuel efficiency cars. BMC had perceived the demand the led them to produce small cars without delay. The Austin Mini was designed to be lightweight and although it is small, the huge portion of the floor space was utilized to have room for four adult passengers and luggage. The standard engine was only had 34 horsepower but the Mini was made compatible with the crowded and ever busy streets of Europe’s metro.

Originally, the car was sold under BMC’s Austin and Morris brands. The model branched out into several versions with the name Austin Mini at its side. Years passed and term Austin was dropped leaving name Mini as its known label. It becomes popular not only in Great Britain but also around the world.

The year 1961 marked the launch of the first Mini Cooper, which eventually become known and recognized in the racing sphere. From the standard 848cc engine with 34bhp it was enhanced into 997cc engine developing 55bhp and even equipped with front disc brakes, the first model to have one. This version of the Mini can still be found and use in UK as well as in other corners in the world today. Others are preserved and become collector’s items.

Unfortunately, every legacy has its end. New modern models were released diverting the attention from the Austin Mini. Eventually, the sales of the Mini collapsed and the production was finally stopped in 2000. But after a year, MINI, as its new brand label was resurrected with the help of BMW. Today, equipped with a modern style and up to date features, the MINI’s legacy continue to lives on.

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