Description
It was a revolutionary and characterful small car designed for the British Motor Corporation (BMC) by Alec Issigonis (1906-1988) and manufactured in Birmingham. This car incorporated cutting-edge technologies for its time, such as a transverse engine and front-wheel drive, a concept widely used today. The Mini was available with engines of 850, 1000, and 1275 cc. From 1964 to 1971, the Minis featured the hydraulic suspension system designed by Alex Moulton, known as "hydrolastic." After that, primarily for cost reasons, the original rubber suspension elements were reverted.
In July 1958, Alec Issigonis invited his client to test drive one of the two prototypes. Leonard Lord was impressed by the combination of speed and handling and immediately gave the green light to continue the project.
The next step was the delivery of a production version; They were given 12 months for this. Austin and Morris, the brands that had jointly founded BMC in 1952, each launched a model under their own name in August 1959: the Austin Seven 850 and the Morris Mini Minor, with 'Mini' used to distinguish it from the Morris Minor; later, 'Mini' became the designation for these models. Production facilities were established in Longbridge (Austin factory) and Cowley (Morris factory), where approximately 100 cars per week were rolling off the production line by June 1959.
In addition to the two-door base model, the Mini was released as an estate/ delivery van (Mini Van) and a pickup truck (Mini Countryman) with a longer wheelbase.
The Mini presented here is largely original, still featuring the same 848 cc engine that was originally installed. The interior is exactly the same as it was, so it's original.
The underside is completely rust-free and looks very good. Driving an original Mini is a unique sensation. The seams are incredibly precise. This is the Mini Van for those looking for a perfect original.
