Over 60 years since the launch of Britain's favourite little car, it's as popular today as ever. But how much do you know about the Mini & it's origins?
We've compiled a list of '10 fun facts' about the Mini to put your knowledge to the test!
Check them out below:
1. The Mk1 didn't have a radio... This was because Alec Issigonis thought that radio was an unnecessary extravagance!
2. The World Record of the most people crammed in to a Classic Mini is 27 (achieved 18th May 2014 in Brighton)!
4. Michael Caine couldn't drive & didn't have a driving licence when he was filming 'The Italian Job'! As a result, the first car he ever drove was a Mini!
5. There were 3016 nuts, bolts & screws in a standard Mini, taking about 30 hours to assemble!
6. BMC’s decision to build such a small & economical car was inspired by the Suez fuel crisis of 1956
7. The CV joints on the drive shafts were reputedly adapted from a Czech design used in submarine periscopes
8. Racing driver, Stirling Moss, was banned for a year back in 1961. As a result of speeding in a Mini while testing it for a Sunday paper.
9. If all the Classic Minis ever built were parked bumper to bumper, it would stretch twice around the UK’s coastline!
10. Issigonis initially wanted the Mini to run on 8 inch wheels. However, this was rejected by Dunlop who settled for 10 inch ones – still tiny by general standards
These are just a small selection of the facts & tidbits surrounding the Classic Mini & it's production - why not impress your friends, use them as ice breakers at shows or just enjoy learning a little bit more about your favourite little car!
For help or advice on your Classic Mini, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the helpful Mini Sport team on 01282 778731 or alternatively send an e-mail to sales@minisport.com.
Italian Job photo courtesy of Drivetribe.
Stirling Moss Mini photo courtesy of Pinterest.