What do Queen Elizabeth II, Mary Quant, and Austin Powers have in common? Which car scored multiple wins in the Monte Carlo Rally during the 1960s? What was voted the European Car of the Century in 1999?
Why, the Mini, of course.
When Britain faced an energy crisis in 1957, Sir Leonard Lord of the Morris Company charged Alec Issigonis with the task of designing fuel-efficient wheels.
Issigonis had two revolutionary ideas: move the wheels to the outermost corners, and turn the engine sideways. The Mini was born.
Brits took to this baby wonder with wild abandon, viewing it as a symbol of the swinging 60s.
Meanwhile, British racer John Cooper increased the engine output, putting together a fine racing vehicle.
The Mini Cooper went on to win three Monte Carlo rallies and many hearts.
With the end of production in 1999, the spirit of the Mini was breathed into a new BMW: The MINI was introduced in 2002, and the rest is a story of a small car making it in the big world.
“It?s a driver?s car,” said Brad Bornman, sales manager of MINI of Towson, noting the car?s enduring popularity. “It?s on the cutting edge. It can be customized, and people like to make their car an extension of themselves.”
He said he believes that the reputation and reliability of BMW has added to its desirability.
For purists, it?s still possible to own and drive a vintage model, although “there is a finite number scattered across the country these days,” according to Doug Scribner of Mini City Ltd.
The Rochester, N.Y., parts and accessories supplier maintains that enthusiasts in the Baltimore metropolitan area are particularly fortunate: The Capital Mini Register is an active local club which promotes the enjoyment of the little cars.
“If you network with a club, you can find one of the good older cars and have fun with it,” he said.
Describing Minis as “user-friendly,” Scribner summed up the spirit of the little car. “Fun is the operative word here. People give you the thumbs-up when they see you on the road.
“Owning a Mini is really like having an operating hobby.”
On the web
» Visit the Capital Mini Register on-line at www.geocities.com/capitalmini.
