Mini to Make Its Return to the U.S. After Absence of More Than Three Decades
11 January 2000
Mini to Make Its Return to the U.S. After Absence of More Than Three Decades DETROIT, Jan. 10 -- The BMW Group today announced that the
Mini would return to the United States after an absence of more than three
decades. A totally redesigned Mini, the first since the car's introduction in
1959, will launch worldwide in 2001. Much to the delight of its many fans in
this country this new Mini will subsequently go on sale in the US.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000110/NYM122 )
As seen at recent celebrations of its 40th anniversary, the Mini has
historically evoked strong emotions from a very loyal following found in all
four corners of the globe. The Mini's place in automotive history was
acknowledged at the recent "Car of the Century" awards in Las Vegas when 130
journalists from around the world voted it European "Car of the Century." So
significant were its ground breaking engineering and design that the Mini
placed second only to the Ford Model T in overall voting.
While the Mini's tenure in the US was a brief seven years it earned many
enthusiastic fans who have remained dedicated since its departure in 1967 and
eagerly await the arrival of the new car.
While complete details are not yet available one can expect the new Mini
to be a thoroughly modern interpretation of the original concept by Alec
Issigonis, father of the Mini, which forever altered the world's expectation
of what a small car could be.
History of the Mini
Originally conceived by innovator Alec Issigonis, the Mini was intended to
be the smallest possible car that would still accommodate four adults and
luggage -- measuring approximately 10 feet long, 4 feet high and 4 feet wide.
A chassis designer by background, Issigonis realized that he would need to use
very small, 10-inch wheels and all independent suspension, which was rare in
the UK at the time. However, the truly brilliant solution was to employ a
transverse engine, driving the front wheels via a gear box and final drive
built into the sump of the engine -- a concept that had never been tried
before.
The Mini is one of the world's best-selling cars with 5.3 million produced
to date. The Mini was launched on August 26, 1959 by the British Motor
Corporation (BMC) in response to fuel rationing introduced with the Suez
crisis. The Mini soon developed a style all its own and was the inspiration
behind the naming of the famed mini skirt by Sixties fashion designer Mary
Quant.
"When the Mini automobile made its debut in Great Britain, many didn't
know what to make of its small size and revolutionary features. However, the
British press soon fell in love with the Mini, as did the fashionable `Chelsea
set,' Sixties London's equivalent of today's younger, fashion-forward crowd,"
commented Tom Purves, chairman of the BMW Group in the US. "Famous people --
including Peter Sellers and Peter Ustinov -- began buying Minis and even
members of the Royal Family were seen around town in the cheeky autos. People
were beginning to realize that the Mini was more than just a car. It was a
fashion statement and a whole new way of life."
In addition to Sellers and Ustinov, other celebrities who have owned Minis
include Sir Paul McCartney, Natalie Imbruglia, Ringo Starr, David Bowie and
Kate Moss.
A Brief Foray Into The US Market
Less than a year from the first Mini rolling off the assembly line in
England, the first Mini set tires in the US. Initially introduced under the
Austin and Morris brands, the Mini offered thrilling performance yet everyday
practicality. At a list price of $1,295 in 1960, it was a serious competitor
to the $1,675 VW Beetle. With 35hp and a weight of 1,300 pounds, it was an
even run for a 1200cc VW in a straight line, but in corners there was no
comparison. Americans were fast tapping in to the Mini-mania that was
building in Europe. The US motoring press also greeted the Mini with an
enthusiastic response. Sports Car Graphic magazine enthused "It spells FUN
and ECONOMY in capitals and has more surprises than a visit to Disneyland."
Sadly, the Mini's time in the US would be shortened by safety and
emissions regulations. In all, slightly less than 10,000 Minis were sold in
America between 1960 and 1967.
