5 To Know: The Mini | The Bad Blonde Car History Isetta History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMHM4t_8uR4 Messerschmitt History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT3rzxUGRic 1. It all started out of spite! Leonard Lord loathed the post-WWII German bubbles cars that were popping up – The Messerschmitt, the beloved Isetta. Lord said he wanted a vehicle that measured 10×4×4 feet and would fit four passengers comfortably. So not entirely out of spite but also the Suez Crisis had been causing a gas prices to touch the clouds in which highly influencing the buy public to question if they wanted a gas guzzling car 2. Sir Alec Issigonis created the glove compartment the perfect size to hold his favorite gin 3. Voted 2nd Most influential car of the 20th century Following the Ford Model T With over 3.5 million sold, the Mini would turn out to be Britain’s bestselling car ever. Aside from the VW beetle and VW bus… What are some other cars could be considered a part of a cultural moment? With the release of the Mini in 1959, it quickly became the culture of youth for the 60s. Low cost, compact size, and nimble package allowed the youth of the 60s spontaneity and independence. Not just for the youth, the Mini’s utilitarianism crossed barriers in social classes, whether a milkman, rock singer (John Lennon), or a Rally Racer. 4. Design / Transverse engine placement Sir Leonard challenged Sir Alec Issigonis with the task to create a small, fuel efficient car that can fit four people AND keep it at a price that anyone and their grandma would be able to purchase. With such a request, naturally the Mini would package within in it a handful of historic innovations. TWO of the most impacting innovations? Turning the engine sideways (transverse) and pushing the wheels to the far corners of the vehicle. These two factors allowed more passenger space and more stability. Its space-saving transverse engine and front-wheel drive layout – allowing 80% of the area of the Car’s floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage – influenced a generation of car makers. When designing the engine, Issigonis decided in order to save space he would affix the engine transversely and make the car front wheel drive, which immediately gave the car immense handling and more passenger space. Issigonis would also improve space by putting the transmission below the engine. Mini’s also used a unique space saving rubber cones for suspension. In total, Issoginis and his team put the Mini together within two years. This helps me segue into our next, all these innovations also were a recipe for great handling and nimble performance. 5. Race and Rally Success A great surprise for all at BMC was the Mini’s abilities and many victories at international rally races. With the Mini Cooper taking first place in the 1964, 1965, 1967, Monte Carlo Rally races, and technically 1966, however they would be disqualified due to a controversial headlight decision by judges. The legendary John Cooper, friend of Sir Alec and co-owner of the Cooper Car Company and builder of F1 race cars. He would soon become a major figure within the Mini racing team. Which makes me note that we should do a radio show on John Cooper, the Cooper Car Company, and their Mini Cooper successes. Something to note, Sir Alec has hesitant at the Min taking the role of performance car BUT after many appeals from John Cooper to BMC execs the deal was sealed. Sir Alec and Cooper worked in cooperation to create the Mini Cooper that debuted September 1961. Success follows success, and the Mini Cooper “S” would be released shortly after in 1963.