Mini Turns 50
Mini Turns 50 - The ground-breaking small car that became a big legend entered production half a century ago this past week. Happy birthday, Mini! It seems astonishing to say it – you are 50 years old.
The first official production machine came off the assembly line at Cowley, Oxfordshire, England in May 8 1959. That car has been kept for posterity, and this summer will be making several star appearances, including the biggest jamboree of the lot, International Mini Meet 2009. The organisers are expecting half a million worshippers to come to Birmingham in homage. The Japanese are bringing their Minis on a special boat.
The Mini has become a cultural icon. From its launch, the Mini had a strong marketing campaign both in print and on film. For example, in 1969 it had a starring role alongside Michael Caine in the film entitled The Italian Job.
The Mini soon became a favourite in motor racing, including winning the Monte Carlo Rally. Still a favourite of club competition today, the Mini has proved as able on the circuit as on the public highway and propelled many a racing driver into the spotlight.
The Cooper, a souped up version of the Mini, turned the shopping car for housewives into a burning object of masculine desire. The legend was embellished through the Sixties, especially by three Monte Carlo rally wins. Swinging London purred to the sound of tuned engines.
