Looking back at the history of Austin mini, covering the period of 1959 up to 2000, we can say that it has undergone a very exciting one. The original manufacturer of this car is the British Motor Corporation however BMW eventually take over the full ownership. Over the years of its production in Great Britain, this car model was recognized among the most well-liked cars in the auto market ever.

From the exterior the car may appear small. But its floor area actually is very much able to hold passengers and baggage comfortably. Also many have said that it is a look alike of the German Volkswagen design. It was able to attract so many clients and even acquired recognition in the national level.

Originally Austin minis were produced exclusively in England. Later on as well the vehicle was licensed for production to be produced in such divergent and various areas of the world as Sydney Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Venezuela, Uruguay, Italy, South Africa, Belgium and Portugal. These offshore products were badged and labeled as alternatively Austin and Morris – Morris being the is the two door sedan model.

You will note that although the vehicle sold well and gained a following in Canada and the US North American markets – where they grew and maintained a staunch following – that production was never started in North America. It seemed that North American wanted the home grown original U.K. version only, however during 1969; they have decided to call it just Mini. Then in 1980 again another change of name happened for this car model, this time to Austin.

What made the original Austin Mini or just the “Mini” so well adopted and successful around the globe? Long before fad following and user groups emerged in marketing -and long before social media ,Facebook and Twitter were around ,even before such cult fads as Saturn car owners groups holding joint picnics ,parties and parades to celebrate their ownership and ownership of a commercial product , Austin Mini owners were celebrities and enthusiasts in their own minds. If two Minis met on the road they honked at each other often stopping to admire and note each others possession.
Interestingly even if it was their first chance meeting – two Austin Mini drivers meeting on the road acted as if they had found a long lost friend whom they had much in common with. Not unlike some might say – Apple computer users in 2011.

Yet this little car laid the groundwork of much of what was to come later in modern front wheel drive space saving cars. At a point in time of low tech automobile technologies with little electronics, and almost all vehicles on the road being rear wheel drive the Austin Mini was side engine mounted, front wheel drive driven. As opposed to having a drive train to the rear wheels driving the car from the engine via stationary rigid rear wheels of the car or truck, the novel transmission drive train arrangement of the Mini pulled the vehicle via its front wheels. It’s a lot more mechanically complex and costly since the transmission not only drives the car but also steers the vehicle.

What were the inherent advantages in this drive train that it’s become the standard in our millennium? First of all less space used for mechanics and a lot more for passengers, fully 80 % of the auto’s floor plan can be utilized for passengers and their cargo. Fast forward to the post oil crisis auto industry and government fleet mpg standards and you can see that Austin Mini engineered front wheel drive style offered more passenger carrying capacity in less space , and with the removal of the need for the long , heavy metal drive train – less weight as well. It’s a win-win situation for all. Hence we all owe debt of gratitude to this tiny little car.

Several versions of this car model were produced. There were even other vehicle types that were manufactured under this name, Austin Mini. Over time though they opted to finally do away with Austin and named this model plainly Mini. It was in 2000 when the last of the Mini’s were manufactured.

The Mini became one of the hit in the racing contest. It even bagged several significant racing contest awards during that particular time. In turn this car model was renowned as one of the well known cars for racing in that period. These Mini cars are still seen in major and minor high ways in Great Britain as well as in other parts of the globe today.

Its interesting history has turned this car model into one of the most sought after car models among car collectors these days. Different collectors from around the world are most willing to cover the handsome cost of shipping from one country, like Great Britain, to their country just to have this prized car model in their possession. Because of that the market value of these cars nowadays are far more expensive than when they were bought brand new way back then, provided that they are still in good status though.

Austin Mini was a dependable, functional much more stunning small car. Its characteristics and achievements were not yet duplicated by any of the present day car models in the auto market. Collections of these cars can range from those that are still in their prime state to those that have only been refurbished but still exude the beauty they once have during their brand new days.

Author Bio: Frances T. Russell Winnipeg