Originally conceived by innovator Alec Issigonis, the Mini was intended to be the smallest possible car that could accommodate four adults and luggage. It measured approximately 10 feet long, 4 feet high and 4 feet wide in an era when most cars were the size of Hummers.

How did it survive?

The engineers used a concept that had never been tried before; a transverse engine, driving the front wheels with a gear box, and a final drive built into the sump of the engine. Front wheel drive was born.

The Mini was launched on August 26, 1959, during an era of fuel rationing from the oil producing nations. Consumers wanted smaller cars with smaller appetites.

People soon became aware of the character of the Mini; a joyful, spirited, emotional car for a modern, urban lifestyle. In recent voting for the Car of the Century, the Mini placed second, ahead of the Citroën DS, VW Beetle, and Porsche 911.

Among its many distinctions, the Mini was the inspiration behind the naming of the famed Mini skirt by 60's fashion designer Mary Quant, from her Chelsea boutique, Bazaar.

A number of celebrities have owned Mini's including the Beatles (who had one each), Peter Sellers, Peter Ustinov, David Bowie, Britt Ekland, Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Brigitte Bardot, Dudley Moore, Cliff Richard, Lord Snowdon, Princess Alexandra, Prince Michael of Kent, Twiggy, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Niki Lauda and the venerable Enzo Ferrari.

The character of Minis past is retained in the new MINI, along with the safety, high technology, driving dynamics, flexibility and individual style drivers demand today.