Mini Cooper Project

Introduction:

The Mini Cooper: the revolutionary car of the 1960s that stole first prize in the Monte Carlo Rally race, then again, then again and again. Faced against stronger and more well known rivalling sports cars, the Mini was the underdog and predicted to lose; however the tides turned and as Hopkirk (winning driver) said: "We were very lucky – the car was right, everything happened at the right time and came together at the right moment.”

The Birth Of The Mini:

Pre the invention of the first Mini in 1959, the British Motor Corporation (BMC) manufactured the car as a line of small British cars. The designers were tasked to create a car that was not only small and fuel efficient -to deal with the influx of rising fuel prices, but also economical and able to fit at least adult 4 people. And thus the Mini car was born.

One of the designers, Alec Issigonis, created the Mini with ergonomic factors in mind to make more room in the cockpit. The wheels were pushed all the way out to the corners and turning the engine sideways so that the car would have more passenger space inside and importantly: giving the car stability in tight turns.

This decision in his innovation created a

new aura for the Mini -a standout performance car.

Having the wheels in the corner gave it a wider stance and nimbler movement handling. The transverse engine kept the weight over front tires which helped it provide great balance and grip.

Mini (Cooper):

Advertised as the reliable and affordable automobile choice for families, the Mini was never considered to be an option when it came to sports car races.

However, car engineer and later auto-racing legend John Cooper created a different view on the Mini and saw the potential it had to become a winning icon.

In 1946, Charles Cooper and his son, John Cooper, founded the Cooper Car Company -building their first racing cars in a small garage in Surbiton, England. Famous for their innovative idea of putting the engine in the back for connivence.

Through the 1959 Florida, United State Grand Prix, John Cooper had the chance to become acquainted with American driver Rodger Ward who was a reigning USAC national champion and Indianapolis 500 winner. Ward was astounded by the cornering ability and after testing the Mini car out on the Indianapolis Speedway, the idea of a Mini racing car was born.

By 1961, the first Mini Cooper was created. It had a more powerful engine and bigger breaks, with better technical turning ability and agility with its smaller than regular size.

Monte Carlos:

21st January 1964, the Mini Cooper raced valiantly against competitors that were more powerful, louder and stereotypically the winning race cars. Very much looking to be at a disadvantaged position due to the 'MINI' size (pun intended), meagre people believed in the amicable car's victory.

However to everyone's surprise, including the drivers themselves -Paddy Hopkirk and co-driver Henry Liddon, the Mini Cooper car cut through the narrow corners and with its inventive design, achieved a successful satisfying victory against the bigger and at the time, clumsier race cars. Making history as the small British car that beat everyones expectations at the prestigious Monte Carlos track race. It then went on to win the follow years of 1965 and also 1967.

Culture:

The Mini car was 60s icon -it made cameos in many TV shows and films such as the famous releases of The Italian Job and Mr Bean. Many popular stars such as The Beatles, Steve McQueen and Mick Jagger owned the Mini Car and it was one of the most popular symbols of that time.

However, still in today's time, the MINI Cooper is widely celebrated by 'MINIacs' who often participate in events, races and rallies to bring together the community of camaraderie and belonging. The MINI marketing and brand brings together a strong sense of identity to owning the car and is a true representation of British culture; in fact, one of the most famous MINI cars seen around many souvenir shops is the Union Jack MINI.