Mini Cooper: 1961-2000

The Mini Cooper was the world's first sports saloon, combining the glamour and racing heritage of 1959 and 1960 Formula 1 champions with the outstanding handling and practicality of the Austin Mini Seven and Morris Mini Minor. It was launched in 1961 and sold over 100,000 examples between 1961 and 1971. This book quotes the designers, developers, and professional race and rally drivers of the Mini Cooper and contemporary owners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The Mini Cooper, a car that made its debut on September 20, 1961, caused quite a stir. It was the world's first sports saloon, a diminutive marvel that combined the glamour and racing heritage of 1959 and 1960 Formula 1 champions, the Cooper Car Company, with the outstanding handling and downright practicality of the Austin Mini Seven and Morris Mini Minor. This remarkable creation was brought to life by the manufacturer, the British Motor Corporation (BMC), two years prior. Almost from the very beginning, the Mini Cooper emerged as a winner, dominating racetracks and rally stages throughout the early and mid-1960s. It wasn't just a performance powerhouse, but also a practical and enjoyable sporting family saloon car.

Over 100,000 examples of the Mini Cooper were sold between 1961 and 1971, and even sixty years after the introduction of the original model, it remains a practical and sporty saloon car in the form of the BMW-owned MINI Cooper. This remarkable product of the United Kingdom deserves a fresh examination as it approaches its sixtieth birthday.

This book is a testament to the Mini Cooper's enduring legacy, featuring over fifty face-to-face interviews conducted by the author over a decade. It quotes the designers, developers, and professional race and rally drivers who played a significant role in the Mini Cooper's creation, as well as a host of contemporary owners who have embraced this iconic car.

The Mini Cooper's story is a captivating one, filled with innovation, passion, and success. It has transcended its original purpose as a small car for the masses and has become a symbol of British engineering and design excellence. Its timeless appeal and enduring popularity continue to captivate car enthusiasts around the world, and it remains a testament to the power of creativity and innovation.

In conclusion, the Mini Cooper's journey from its launch in 1961 to its present-day status as a beloved classic is a remarkable tale. It has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide and has proven to be a testament to the enduring power of creativity and innovation. This book offers a fresh perspective on the Mini Cooper's legacy, providing a glimpse into the minds of those who shaped its creation and those who continue to cherish it today. As we celebrate the Mini Cooper's sixtieth birthday, let us take a moment to appreciate its significance and the impact it has had on the automotive industry.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 165 x 233 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398103405