Minis have evolved since their creation, big time. Since their birth in 1959 the number of Minis has grown, now it is rare to go out driving and not see one (I speak for myself in the south of England that it). I'm sure that this is something that the creator never envisaged.
The man himself Sir Alec Issigonis
BEST-SELLING BRITISH CAR IN HISTORY, WITH A PRODUCTION RUN OF 5.3 MILLION UNITS
The original Mini was in production until 2000, during this time many changes were made and the evolution of the car was starting to become visible. Different body styles were created and different models made. Despite the branching out that Mini saw, the most successful model was the “standard” two-door model. This 'standard' model was seen as timeless and when the last one rolled off the assembly line in 2000, it didn't look that different to its original parent from 1959.
SOME DIFFERENT MINIS 1960-89
IN 1997 THE WINDS OF CHANGE WERE BLOWING
At the Geneva Motor Show in 1997, Mini revealed a couple concept cars which showed the possibility of change. The Mini Spiritual and Spiritual Too were three- and five-door models respectively, which aimed to re-interpret the original Mini’s brief in for the 21st century.
These futuristic-looking designs were something of a red herring, but with its white roof and round headlights the retro-styled ACV30 concept car (based on an MGF and designed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mini's win at the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally) was a glimpse of things to come.
2001 AND BMW
In 2001 we see BMW bring back the MINI but, different...
This cheesy review pretty much some it up.
OH HOW HAMMOND HAS CHANGED...
The 2001 relaunch gave the world, not only this new Cooper, it also gave us the Mini One and the Cooper S. The Mini one being the slightly less powerful little brother of the cooper. Meanwhile, the Cooper S, was his faster big bro.
WOW WHAT A SHIRT THERE RICHARD
So, since the 2001 BMW Mini, the growth, development, and change of Minis has been massive. This leads us to today where Minis are everywhere in all shapes and forms.
NEW ISN'T ALWAYS BEST
The classic Minis are a long way from being forgotten, they are still a very much valued car. It is only when you zoom past the little things that you realise how much Minis have changed over time. And although I love my R56 Mini, I can't help but yearn for a little classic mini every time I see one.
Sources:
Http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/car-manufacturers/mini/10456893/Mini-a-brief-history.html
