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The MINIs classic but quirky styling soon found a fan base here in the US, as well as other markets. BMW introduced the new MINI in 2001, and since that time has produced a variety of special edition MINIs, prototype MINIs and has supported MINI-only racing leagues.
A Brief MINI Timeline
Few cars become icons overnight, and the MINI is no exception. The MINI started life as the Mini in 1959 as the Morris Mini-Minor. The first Mini was equipped with a 0.8-liter (848 cc) engine and devised as a small 2-door, front-wheel-drive economy car. Throughout Mini history, many variations would arise, such as a pickup truck, van and a jeep-like buggy called the Mini Moke. The Mini would also go on to become a successful rally car.
Historical Highlights
| Year
| Event
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| 1959
| The Morris Mini-Minor is sent to market with an 0.8-liter engine.
|
| 1961
| Introduction of the Cooper with a stronger 1.0-liter (997 cc) engine.
|
| 1963
| The Cooper S first appears with a 1.1-liter (1071 cc) engine.
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| 1964
| Engine sizes are increased to 970 cc for the standard model and 1.3-liters (1275 cc) for the Cooper S.
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| 1967
| The Mini MKII was launched.
|
| 1979
| The 1098 cc Mini Special is created to celebrate 20 years of Mini history and racing success.
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| 1988
| The ERA Turbo Mini is introduced, further earning the Mini a place in performance history.
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| 1999
| The Mini is voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, second only to the Ford Model T.
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| 2000
| Production of the original Mini ceases. Over 5,000,000 units have rolled out the factory doors since 1959.
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| 2001
| BMW picks up the Mini reigns and starts producing the modern MINI. The name is changed to MINI to distinguish the car from the original car.
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