MINI: 60 Years

Ask most millennials about the Mini, and they’ll point to modern versions. They’ve no clue as to the car’s remarkable history that began in 1959 when two separate car British car manufacturers, Austin and Morris, merged. The result was one of the most iconic cars in automotive history. The little car was built in response to fuel shortages arising from the Egyptian takeover of the Suez Canal, and Brits of all walks of life and financial means fell in love with the little guy thanks to its affordability ($800 US), deceptively large passenger and cargo space thanks to the new front-wheel-drive setup, fuel efficiency, and urban agility. The Mini went on to be voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, next to the Ford Model T. Now, in its 60th anniversary year, award-winning journalist Giles Chapman brings the Mini’s history together in a glorious book that covers the car’s inception, its many iterations, and its current ownership by BMW and the modernized models that echo the original’s popularity. The book’s 176 pages include original photos, in-depth coverage, and even the car’s racing history. It goes on sale on May 19th.