The Mini is an undeniably iconoclastic British invention. We’re not simply talking about its famous use in The Italian Job either. In fact, Mini is a brand with its roots back even further than the 1960s and it’s a brand that has continued to flourish as the years have ticked away. But what is it about the Mini name and Mini cars that have kept them at the forefront of our minds for so long? Let’s start at the beginning.
How it all began
The original iconic Mini Cooper began life as a racing car created by the famed racing legend John Cooper. The first designs were built in Cooper’s home garage, with the rear engine designs revolutionising the industry in the 1940s and 50s. By the early 60s, Cooper had seen how strong the concert of a small but powerful car could be and went about building the modest but speedy car we know today as the Mini Cooper.
In its first 41-year run the car sold a staggering 5.3 million units, making it the best-selling British-made car of all time. Its use in countless 60s films and its continuing winning streak on the racecourse helped it to maintain its pole position of the unofficial car of Great Britain. A mantle it still holds to this day thanks to a bold evolution, even though its owners are technically German. Speaking of which…
The BMW Years
When BMW brought back the Mini in 2001 people were dubious at first but it’s been almost 20 years now and the resurgence of the brand continues apace. They started with the new Cooper before introducing the more budget-friendly Mini One before taking the name even further as the century progressed.
The Clubman and Countryman models brought the Mini into completely fresh territory and were legitimate family cars with style. They have even dipped their toes into the electric waters in recent years, which is not exactly surprising given that the brand has always been at the forefront of technology. Just one look at the sleek electronic dashboards now featured as-standard in every brand new Mini should clue you into where the brand’s sights lie.
Bringing the Mini home
If buying a Mini seems a little daunting (they are still, after all, premium vehicles) but you just can’t stand not having one in your driveway (and we don’t blame you), then why not consider personal leasing options? By leasing your Mini, you’ll be able to upgrade when the time is right and you won’t feel beholden to it for years or even decades to come.
The brand is now over 60 years old and still going strong and with the rather crummy year we’ve all had in 2020, why not treat yourself to a brand spanking new Mini in 2021? With Brexit looming, there’s never been a better time to fly the flag for Britain, after all. Let’s just try to forget the BMW link, shall we?