Auto Heaven

Mini Cooper officially announced that it is releasing an electric model!  I thought this would be a good time to reflect on how far the car has come from its British origins.

Automobiles are often attributed to fast paced technologies. Any new technology that is developed is incorporated in the vehicles without any delay factors. But at times, certain automobile manufacturers discard such changes and always stick to the original concept. Mini Cooper was one of such cars. Mini was brought forth into this world by BMC (British Motor Corporation). The need for a fuel-efficient car had triggered the realization of Mini Cooper. Oil crisis was on its peak in Britain at that time. Because of this most of the vehicles back then had engine capacities less than 700cc. Inspite of having a lower capacity engine, they failed to perform and deliver the necessary punch.

One of the unique features of Mini Cooper was that the engine was mounted sideways in between the front wheels. This helped in creating more space for passengers and the weight of the engine also ensured that car was stable when taking turns. The car was actually termed Mini, but later with the partnership with John Cooper it was termed Mini Cooper. John Cooper had modified the original engine and had added a turbo-charger. This modified version was primarily used as a racecar and had won many racing events. In fact this modified version was named Mini Cooper S. Initially they were sold in the UK only.

The 1960s saw the introduction of them in the United States. Within 7 years of it being released in here, an approximate of 10000 cars was sold. Strict emission standards had forced the BMC to stop importing and manufacturing Minis for the States. This was done partly due to the fact that it started costing them (BMC) more for engine alterations. The car production was stopped by 2000. It was even voted car-of-the-century. Later on BMW had bought and started manufacturing a modified version of Mini Cooper aptly named as New Mini Cooper. This new Cooper was bigger and wider than the original concept car. BMW made sure the handling was improved.

These modifications pleased the Mini fans and sales rocketed in the States as a result of this. One of the salient features of the Mini Cooper is its bulldog stance. The four wheels were placed on the four corners and hence the vehicle a bull dog stance. This feature was untouched in the new Mini Cooper developed by BMW also. The car has been customized in various levels by various fan and fan associations. The parent firm itself has supported some of them. Various fan organizations have also cropped up and occasional gatherings are made so as to discuss, tweak and race their Minis. Another feature of the Mini Cooper was the centrally mounted speedometer console, which remained untouched in the newer versions manufactured by the BMW.

The Mini Cooper quickly found its way into the hearts of millions.  Everyone loved it, both old and young.  Parents were scrambling to find car insurance for teenagers because they believed in the Mini’s reliability.  Firm handling and design, coupled together with powerful and compact engines, made this car a hit among the commoners and celebrities alike. Along the evolutionary line of the Mini Cooper, we find that occasional subtle changes had marked the growth from just another ride to one of the most successful vehicles ever created.