It was originally in the face of rising oil prices that the Mini was imagined in what was then unheard of dimensions for such a powerful vehicle. The car is exemplary in its maximizing of space. Just barely 3.02 meters long, the Mini pulls off the impossible: retaining 80% of its passenger compartment volume for four people, with the remaining 20% being left for the engine. Minimal consumption and an adorable little car look have equalled worldwide success. The Mini appeared as a promising and charming alternative option at a time when sedans still dominated the market, and yet it wouldnât be until the 60s with its three victories at the Monte-Carlo Rally that the tiny Mini Austin would start gaining a commercial following. Soon, the carâs look and neo-retro feel would take care of just that. Ever since, the Mini has continued to stand the test of time.
Just when Mary Quant was imagining the miniskirt, when CourrĂšges was transfiguring it in vinyl, the car became an absolutely evident component in daily life. This tiny auto would ignite a trend in its native London. Its look had everything it took to get the actors of Swinging London on board: a bit of mischief, a dose of cheek, and a ton of charm. The car would soon be photographed alongside Twiggy or Lors Snowdon, Princess Margaretâs husband. Even her sister Queen Elizabeth would get behind the wheel, with photographs documenting her outings in the alleys of Buckingham Palace. In 1966, Brian Epstein, manager of the Beatles, offered a Cooper S to each of the four living icons. Icons attract; the Mini Cooper was then well on its way to becoming the coolest car around. The one event that turned the tides once and for all was the Magical Mystery Tour in 1967, when George Harrisonâs Cooper S was painted red with psychedelic motifs and sanskrit mantras. Fans went crazy; the Mini Cooper became the star of the tour. Indeed, in the late 60s, the Mini was at the height of its glory!
In the 80s, the Mini made its comeback before getting regrouped with the BMW label in 2001. This beautiful city dweller was able to recreate all of its successes of yesteryear with its top-of-the-line features, becoming the sectorâs chic and fashionable icon once more. Today, the Mini Cooper is making way for the Mini Clubman – to expand on its original urban territory, the vehicleâs width is augmented by 9 centimeters with a spacious passenger compartment, four lateral doors, and brand new rear split doors. On the inside, the unique environment Mini drivers have come to expect can be discovered with exclusive high end finishings. With the iconic Mini, every detail counts. The new Mini Clubman is ready for greatness, able to win over aficionados as well as lovers of modernity all while retaining its retro charm. This very same charm would bring a journalist to remark in 1959: âIf you already have a Mini, a Rolls would make an ideal second vehicle. As for any Rolls owner, he can now assertively state âmy other car is a Mini!ââ. A Mini Clubman that is!
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