Mini

Year of foundation 1960

1. The Birth (1950s)
1956: The Suez Crisis causes a surge in oil prices, creating a pressing need for more economical and fuel-efficient cars.

1957: The British Motor Corporation (BMC) commissions Sir Alec Issigonis, a brilliant engineer of Greek origins, to design a small car that could comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, and feature an efficient engine in a compact space.

1959: On August 26, the first two models, the Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven, are launched. The Mini represents a true revolution: a car just 3.05 meters long, with wheels positioned at the corners to maximize interior space and a transverse engine layout with a gearbox under the crankshaft, an innovative solution for the time.

2. Success and Legend (1960s)
1961: Racing driver and designer John Cooper, fascinated by the Mini's sporting potential, persuaded Issigonis to produce a more powerful version. Thus, the Mini Cooper was born, with an engine uprated to 997 cc.

1963: The Mini Cooper S was introduced, an even more powerful version, with a 1071 cc engine and front disc brakes.

1964-1967: The Mini Cooper S dominated the rally world, winning the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally three times (in 1964, 1965, and 1967), a feat that cemented its status as a sporting icon.

1969: Its success was such that "Mini" ceased to be a model name and became a brand in its own right, separate from Austin and Morris. That same year, the Mini became an icon of popular culture, thanks in part to its appearance in the cult film "The Italian Job."

3. The Transition (1970s and 1980s)
1970s: Despite changes in ownership within the group (BMC merges with other companies to form British Leyland), the Mini continues to be produced with few changes. The Clubman and 1275 GT versions are introduced, alongside the classic model.

1980s: British Leyland (now Austin Rover Group) introduces the 1.0-liter engine to the Mini, which remains the only engine available for much of the decade. Production reaches a historic milestone in 1986, with the 5 millionth Mini produced.

4. The Return and Relaunch (1990s)
1990: The Mini Cooper returns to the market, thanks to strong fan demand. The new model features a 1.3-liter engine with electronic fuel injection to comply with new emissions regulations.

1994: The Rover Group, owner of the Mini brand, is acquired by the German BMW Group. This event marks a fundamental turning point in the brand's history.

1997: BMW begins development of a successor to the classic Mini. The goal is to create a new car that retains the spirit and iconic design of the original, but with modern technology, safety, and comfort.

5. The BMW Era: New MINI (2000s - Present)
2000: Production of the classic Mini ends after 41 years and over 5 million units sold. That same year, the new MINI is introduced (the name is capitalized to distinguish it from its predecessor).

2001: The first-generation MINI, designed by Frank Stephenson, arrives on the market. Despite being larger and heavier than the original, it retains its go-kart-like driving feel. It is offered in several versions: One, Cooper, and Cooper S.

2007: The second generation of the new MINI is launched, introducing a completely new platform and a broader model range, including the Clubman estate and the sporty John Cooper Works (JCW).

2010: The brand further expands its offering with the Countryman, the first SUV in MINI history, marking the brand's entry into the all-wheel drive segment.

2014: The third generation of the MINI debuts, based on a new platform. The model grows in size but retains its characteristic design and sporty performance. Three- and four-cylinder engines are introduced.

2020s: MINI embraces electrification. The MINI Cooper SE, the first fully electric production model, is launched. The range is also enriched with new models such as the MINI Aceman, a compact, fully electric crossover, confirming the brand's transition to the future of mobility.

Today, MINI is a successful brand under the leadership of BMW, which has successfully evolved the iconic small car into a family of modern vehicles, preserving the DNA of driving fun and unique design that made the original a legend.