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Crevier MINI  The (short) Story of MINI Roughly 50 years of fun and motoring have added up to this: hundreds of innovations, thousands of checkered flags, millions sold, legions of devoted fans and one international Car of the Century award. Here's how it happened.
A Familiar Dilemma
The year was 1957, and in post-World War II England and the Suez Canal Crisis had sent fuel prices soaring, leading many to start wondering if the large, gas-guzzling vehicles of the day made much sense. So Sir Leonard Lord of the the Morris Company issued his top engineer, Alec Issigonis, a challenge: design and build a small, fuel-efficient car capable of carrying four adults, within economic reach of just about everyone. As fate would have it, the challenge of fitting so much function into such a small package inspired a couple of historic innovations.
Mini Ideas
The two most important innovations Issigonis came up with were to create more room in the cockpit: pushing the wheels all the way out to the corners and turning the engine sideways. The world had never seen a car quite like it. And when the Mini first launched in 1959, the public was a bit baffled. Soon enough, people began to recognize that the Mini was not merely a car. The unique combination of style at a low-cost, small size and nimble handling, came to symbolize independence and spontaneity. The very essence of the youthful 1960's. it was a whole way of life.
A Mini Cultural Phenomenon
 One of the most remarkable elements of the Mini's popularity was how its infectious spirit transcended traditional class barriers. From hipsters and mods to milkmen, rock stars and royalty to rally racers. Everyone could have fun and feel free motoring in a Mini.
A Joy Ride
It also soon became apparent that Issigonis's numerous layout innovations, intended to create more passenger room, also happened to help make the Mini incredibly fun to drive. Wheels at the corners meant a wide, go-kart stance and nimble handling. And the transverse engine kept weight over the front tires, helping provide great balance and grip.
European Car of the Century - Mini!
Fast forward to 1999. Over 5 million Classic Minis had found happy homes around the world leading a panel of 130 international automotive journalists to vote Mini "European Car of the Century." In fact, only Ford's Model T received more votes for the global title!
 Among the World's Best
Making its US debut in March 2002, the (newly designed and imported) MINI was bigger and stronger and faster than ever. Slalom tests prove that this surprisingly affordable head-turner hasn't lost a step, and it now ranks among the world's top performance vehicles. Taking the 2003 North American Car of the Year, the general public and auto enthusiasts alike find the new MINI hard to resist. Invoking smiles and curiosity everywhere they go, new owners quickly discover just how much fun a MINI can be. Owners personalize their MINIs to their hearts' content and form motoring clubs all across the country.
Your Turn!
Crevier MINI is as distinct as the story of the MINI Cooper. We treat everyone special, in fact - as one of the family! If you would like to test drive a MINI, learn more about this fantastic and fun car, or just stop by and talk about the wonderful Southern California weather we would love to have you in our doors.
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