The History of MINI
MINI was originally developed due to the need for a more fuel-efficient car in Great Britain. In 1957, Sir Leonard Lord, head of the British Motor Company issued his top engineer, Alec Issigonis, to head up a team of designers and start creating a small, economical car capable of carrying four adults. After several prototypes, the Mark I Mini was built and marketed as both the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor. Production started with a two-door saloon in 1959 and a three-door estate in 1960. The sporty Mini Cooper debuted in 1961.
Sixty years after the launch of the MINI Cooper, the iconic car is still going strong.
Where did the MINI Cooper name come from?
John Cooper was a designer of Formula 1 cars, who created the sporty version of the Mini in 1961.
MINI and BMW
Mini did not originate as its own brand; it was a model name sold underneath the British automaker Leyland. The Mini brand began in 1959 and was purchased by BMW in 1996, when the Mini name was changed to all capital letters.
MINI Models
Today's MINI line-up includes the 3-door Hatch, 5-door Hatch, Clubman, Countryman, Convertible, Electric and the John Cooper Works models.
MINI and Listers
In 2007 Listers opened its first MINI retailer in King’s Lynn, followed by Boston in 2008.