Latest
News
In early February I will be
in a position to supply a DVD of the
IMM & Mini 50 Event held in Cofton Park 2009
The price will be around £14 incl. P & P
If you would like to reserve a copy
Please send a request via the
Contact Form in the Menu
We will contact you when
they are available.
Please note:- Initial they will only be available in PAL
format
__________________________
Austin Se7en
Mini
The Austin Mini was actually
called the Austin Seven when it came out,
How was the Mini conceived
and what was the catalyst that made it
happen.
After WWII it took several
years for factories to resume making peacetime products. During
wartime Alex Issigonis worked at Morris Motors on many products to
help the war effort. Motor manufacturers after the war decided to
work on bringing out mainly medium/large range of cars. Issigonis
felt that the way to go was to produce small cars for the masses.
Morris management gave backing to his thinking and the end result
was the Morris Minor.
In 1952 when Austin took over Morris Motors and the British Motor
Corporation was formed, Alex Issigonis decided to leave and take up
a post with Alvis at Coventry, to design a new sports car from
scratch. In the end Alvis management decided to cancel the project
on the grounds of cost.
Having been at Alvis for nearly four years, Issigonis had an
invitation from Leonard Lord to come to Longbridge and join the BMC
design team. In September 1956 Colonel Nasser of Egypt decided to
nationalise the Suez Canal. This would have the effect of reducing
oil supplies to the UK. The government decided to send troops to
the area.
BMW Isetta 1961
version
(£314 to
£360)
It was not long before
petrol rationing took place and the issuing of petrol coupons. This
restricted the motorist to about four gallons a month, so more
economical cars soon became popular. The only cars that were very
economical at the time were Bubble cars that used motorcycle
engines, but could only seat two. These were noisy and did not give
a very good ride. So the brief to Issigonis was to produce a car
that would be compact, seat four people in comfort, be easy to
drive and economical.
Issi, as everybody called him, was convinced that the way to go,
was to produce a small car with front wheel drive (FWD), this
allowed the centre section of the floor pan to be reduced in height
as it would only have to accommodate the exhaust system. With the
engine rotated ninety degrees to give the famous East/West layout,
the length of the bonnet could be greatly reduced.
The next problem was where to locate the gearbox, after much
thought he decided to place the gearbox in the sump. This
arrangement would give the best possible package, but it meant that
the engine oil would have to also lubricate the gearbox. Now it
must be remembered that the oil in an engine and gearbox have to
cope with different conditions. In the engine it has to lubricate
as well as coping with the products of combustion, and the higher
temperatures. Gearbox lubrication has to cope with the extreme
loads when the gears are meshing, also in the FWD layout we have a
differential.
So changes had to be made to the design of the gearbox and
differential, so they could be lubricated with the engine oil.
Various oil companies spent a lot of time researching new blends of
oil that would satisfy BMC, and so would be approved when the car
was released to the buying public. One of the small innovations
that also came along was the sump plug incorporating a magnet, just
another first from Longbridge.
Issigonis gathered a small band of engineers and draughtsmen
including his old friend Jack Daniels (Morris Minor era), and
brought with him from Alvis Chris Kingham.
'A' Cell was
for the Mini. 'B' Cell was for the 1100. __ 'C' Cell was for the
1800
Alex Issigonis was well
known for being a visionary, but at times could be a difficult
person to work with. His initial sketches as was always the case
were just that, sketches. Often these were just on a scrap piece of
paper, or even a cigarette packet, he did however more engineering
based drawings on art card. The persons who made it all happen were
Charles Griffin, John Sheppard, Vic Everton and Dick Gallimore. All
of these people were based at Longbridge and supported by a team of
engineers, draughtsmen, skilled craftsmen and fitters.
The prototype and development work on the Mini was carried out in
‘A’ Cell which was housed in the building on the Lickey Road. ‘B’
Cell was for the 1100 and ‘C’ Cell for the 1800. Each cell had a
very small team comprising engineers and fitters. The prototypes
bodies were built in the same block.
BMC had still not streamlined the organisation completely, so at
this stage there was an Experimental Dept at Cowley and Longbridge,
although Cowley mainly worked on upgrades to Cowley built vehicles.
All engine and gearbox development was carried out in South
Experimental, Longbridge which was by 'N' Gate. along with all
future models. Most of the testing was done at a disused airfield
in Oxfordshire by testers from Cowley and Longbridge, but also at
MIRA.
To produce a small car that
was so radically different created many problems that had to be
overcome. One such problem was that they needed 10 inch wheels
along with new tyres to be developed, a task given to Dunlop. At
first a wheel 4.20 x 10 inches was required, but the final tyre
size ended up at 5.20. The rubber suspension was the brainchild of
Alex Moulton in Bradford on Avon. Although Alex Moulton company's
which had connections with the Avon Rubber Company and did all the
development work, including supplying the prototype rubber cones,
the contract for supplying the production units was awarded to
Dunlop. Therefore Dunlop was a major player in the development of
the Mini. Other tyre manufacturers also supplied Longbridge, but
Dunlop was the preferred supplier.
With engineering drawings produced from Issigonis' sketches, the
next stage was to make a full size wooden model to see how all the
various major items would package. In a very short period of only
four months the full size wooden buck was ready to be viewed by
higher management.
When everybody had approved the main concept, it was time to make
the full size metal bodies, in the prototype body shop next to the
cells. Here skilled sheet metal workers would produce the various
panels from sheet metal. Some of the larger panels would be
produced with the aid of wooden formers made by pattern
makers.
Note the fuel
filler in the centre of the rear panel
The early prototypes had an
A35 front end and engine of 950cc. This arrangement made it very
easy to service. Note that the power unit although East/West, has
the exhaust at the front. With this arrangement the engine could be
connected to the gearbox without an idler gear.
You will notice that the
battery is at the front, so why did they decide to change the
configuration, by putting the battery in the boot? This was done
for two reasons, one it would reduce the weight at the front and
also give extra room needed to install a fresh air heater. Also, by
having the battery in the boot the increased weight at the rear
would help to stop the back end from bouncing around. After initial
testing had been carried out, it was decided to reduce the engine
capacity down to 848 cc by reducing the stroke, as it was
considered that the larger engine was too powerful.
Various other changes were agreed, the main one that the power unit
would be turned round 180 degrees. Now the manifolds were at the
rear and a SU carburettor replaced the Zenith, the exhaust pipe was
now less likely to be damaged. The downside to this layout was that
an idler gear had to be introduced, causing a rattle on tick-over.
Various ideas were tried to overcome this problem, but were too
expensive to put into production.
They were now ready to move onto the next stage, with prototype
bodies now looking like the final design. In fact it was decided to
widen the original design by two inches, this would give more
interior space, along with a larger boot and more space under the
bonnet.
Early production vehicles had a four blade cooling fan which tended
to be noisy, so a sixteen blade fan was soon
introduced.
Prototypes on
test
Note they both have the van
grille
Press
launch
Early publicity
photo
West Works body
line
Body Trim
Line
Date when launched Aug 1959
Discontinued in 1999
Total produced 5,498,804
The best years production
was 1971 at 318,475
Longbridge produced the
most cars probable 70% of the total
1959 -1961
Engine
848 cc 34 bhp at 5,500 rpm
Max torque 44 lbs/ft at 2,900 rpm
Length 10ft 0.3ins Width
4ft 5ins Height 4ft 7ins
Wheelbase 6ft 8ins Track
front 3ft 11.8ins rear 3ft 9.9ins
Price ex Works (1959 Aug)
£497 Basic £537 De Luxe
(Nov 1961) Webasto Roof available at £66
1960 – 1961
Austin Se7en
Countryman and Austin Se7en Van Engine
848 cc 34 bhp at 5,500 rpm
Max torque 44 lbs/ft at 2,900 rpm
Length 10ft 10.3ins Width
4ft 5ins Height 4ft 7ins
Wheelbase 7ft 0ins Track
front 3ft 11.8ins rear 3ft 9.9ins
Price ex Works (1960) £623
Countryman wood version. £360 Van
Text and Pictures of the
main changes for the Classic Mini over the years, including the
various Limited Editions that came out.
August 1959
Austin Se7en and Morris Mini-Minor launched.
Launch
price: £497 (Standard) £537 (De Luxe) £561
In 1962 a Super De luxe was introduced at £561
A automatic gearbox became available from 1965 at
£606 (De
Luxe)
January 1960
The Austin and Morris Mini Van announced.
Early prototype
(door pull is held at a
different point)
All the vans were produced at
Longbridge
Launch price £360
September 1960 - 1967
Austin Countryman and Morris Traveller estates
introduced with wood-framing.
The early version used the saloon fuel
tank as shown in the above picture, but late they were fitted with
the van version which was fitted under the floor pan. This
increased the interior space, so the fuel filler pipe was now on
the other side as shown on the picture below.
All the estates were produced at
Longbridge
Launch
price £623 (Woody)
In October 1962 the all metal version came out, which was priced at
£532
January 1961
Austin and Morris Mini Pick-up is launched
All the pick-ups were
produced at Longbridge
Launch price £360
September 1961-1962
Austin Super Seven and Morris Mini Super
All the Supers were
produced at Cowley
This model had the Mini Cooper (which
would be announced the following month) style interior trim and
paint colours. Depending on the body colour, you would have a Black
or White roof. The instrument pack was now oval which included the
oil pressure and water temperature gauges. The grille was a
standard Mini with nine wavy horizontal bars but with the addition
of 12 straight vertical bars. The over-riders now had tubes
connecting them with the bumper. The starter button on the floor
was now deleted, so you now had the normal key-start ignition
switch.
Launch price £592
October 1961-1964
Austin & Morris Cooper
Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Coopers
launched. Similar to Super saloons, but with 997cc twin carburetter
engine. It was fitted with 7-inch front discs, and for the first
time a remote gearshift coupled to a close ratio gearbox. Other
than the usual badge difference the Austin grille had eleven
horizontal bars and the Morris seven.
Launch price £679
All the Coopers were produced at
Longbridge
October 1961-1969
Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet
launched
All the Elf's and Hornet's were
produced at Longbridge
These were luxurious
versions of the Mini saloon. they were longer by 8.5 inches and had
a different front end with a proper boot having a top opening
lid.
1962 January
Austin Seven models renamed Austin Mini.
It was available in the following
versions, Standard, De-luxe and Super.In September the suspension
was changed to Hydrolastic. In October the De-luxe and Super were
dropped and replaced by the Super De-luxe. and later the Super
De-luxe name was changed to just De-luxe.
Launched price £561 (Super
De-luxe)
1962 October
Deluxe and Super Deluxe models replaced by
Super De Luxe. The Countryman and Traveller available at lower
price without the wood.
November 1962
Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet Mk
II
Riley Elf
Wolseley
Hornet
The
MkII had the 848 cc engine replaced with the 998 cc version
March 1963-1964
Mini Cooper 'S'
This had similar specification to the
Coopers, but with a new version of the 'A' series engine of 1071
cc. Fitted with 7.5 inch front disc brakes servo-assisted and
ventilated steel wheels to aid cooling. The body had different
badges and the speedometer now went up to 120 mph.
Launch price £695
January 1964 -1967
Mini Cooper (998 cc)
The
Austin and Morris Mini-Coopers were now fitted with a 998 cc
version of the 'A' series engine, this new engine gave improved
performance. The suspension was changed from the rubber cone to
Hydrolastic.
March 1964 - 1965
Cooper 'S'
Two new engines were announced for the
Cooper 'S' one of 970 cc which had a limited production run, and a
1275 cc version. They both had the same body specification as the
1071 cc model. The 1275 cc had a 130 mph speedometer and 4.5 inch
rims were standard. Hydrolastic suspension came in at the end of
1964, also all the 'S' were only available in single body
colours.
Launch price 970 cc
£693
_________
1275 cc £778
August 1964
Moke announced
Using the Mini running gear
with a utility body and fabric roof.
For more information Click
Link
August 1964
The 1071 cc Cooper 'S' is discontinued
September 1964
Hydrolastic suspension is fitted to all
saloon models. Twin leading shoe front brakes on all non-Cooper
Minis. Cutaway front valance panel now fitted to all Minis. (this
was to aid brake cooling)
October 1965
Automatic gearbox option introduced.
A Mini Saloon De-luxe with the Automatic
transmission cost £606
October 1966
Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet Mk III
Wolseley
Hornet
Riley Elf
This version had
concealed door hinges, wind-up windows, fresh air vents and remote
gear change.
October 1967
Austin and Morris Mini Mk II
Launched with larger rear window for
saloons, larger front grille, new badging and interior trim. MkII
model range consists of 850 Standard and Super Deluxe saloons, 1000
Super Deluxe saloon and estates (with or without wood trim). 1000
models have remote gear change and Automatic transmission was an
option.
Austin and Morris Cooper S MK II
October 1968
Mini Moke discontinued.
August 1969
Riley Eff and Wolseley Hornet discontinued.
October 1969
Mini MkIII saloons launched.
Mini 850 & Mini 1000
This was when the Austin and Morris marque
names were dropped and the Mini was re-badged Mini 850 and Mini
1000. The doors now had concealed hinges, wind-up windows,
suspension was changed back to rubber cone. Fuel pump was now a
mechanical version and the electric's changed to
negative-earth.
Both the Morris Traveller and Austin Countryman were discontinued.
But the Van and Pick-up continued but were now badged as
Mini.
October 1969
Mini Clubman Saloon and Mini 1275GT
introduced.
Both with MKIII bodies having internal
hinges and wind up windows but having a new squarer front end. It
also included a new two instrument pack for the standard Clubman
and a three pack cluster (rev counter) for the 1275 GT. The
suspension was Hydrolastic for the saloons but in 1970 it went back
to the Rubber-Cone suspension. 1275 GT fitted with 1275 cc
single-carburettor engine and had Ro-style steel
wheels.
Launch price Standard Clubman £720
___________________1275GT
£834
October 1969
Mini Clubman Estate
Similar to the Saloon but had rubber cone
suspension from day one.
Launch price £763
1969 November
Austin-Morris Mini Cooper 998cc discontinued.
1970 March
Mini Cooper 'S' Mk III introduced.
Cooper 'S' gets MkIII bodyshell and
Hydrolastic suspension. This time two tone paint was not an option,
also it used a standard grille.
Launch price £942
July 1971
Mini Cooper S Mk III discontinued
January 1973
It was from this date that the Rod Change
was slowly implemented throughout the whole
range.
June 1974
1275 GT
This model was fitted with 12 inch wheels,
larger 8.4 inch disc brakes and a bigger 7.5 gallon fuel
tank.
August 1974
Dunlop Denovo run-flat tyres available as
an option on 1275 GT.
October 1975
Mini 1000 'Stripey' limited edition
released.
Reclining orange striped-clothseats,
Safari carpets, two chrome door mirrors with coachline along waist.
Available in Brooklands Green and Glacier
White.
May 1976
Mk IV Mini
This was when the last major changes took
place. The following were now standard, twin-stalk controls, heated
rear window and hazard warning. Rubber-mounted front subframe, plus
revised mountings to therear. Lower-rate rubber springs, new
ignition lock, moulded capets and larger Allegro-style pedals.
Face-level ventilation standard on Mini 1000. Clubman models have
new-style black grille with two polished horizontal
bars.
July 1979
Mini City
This new economy version arrives with
basic trim featuring single-dial centre binnacle, houndstooth check
seat facings, no heated rear window. Bumpers were now black and the
wheel arches in sand. Mini 850 Super Deluxe introduced which was
trimmed the same as the Mini 1000.
October 1979
Mini 1000 Super available.
Same as the Mini 1000 it replaced but with
a coachline.
August 1979
Mini 1100 Special limited edition
This was launched to celebrate 20 years of
the Mini. In Silver or Rose metallic paint, shaded vinyl body
stripes, 5 x 10inch Exacton alloy wheels with 165-70 x 10 tyres.
Innocenti wheel arch extensions, Clubman-style bumpers, twin door
mirrors, tinted glass and vinyl roof. Inside: 1275GT instruments,
centre console. clock and tartan check trim.
November 1979
L Pack introduced for 850 Van.
Comprising carpet, cloth seats, passenger
sun visor and improved sound insulation. Standard on 998 Van, but
not available on Pick-up.
February 1980
All of the saloons were now fitted with
7.5 gallon fuel tank.
August 1980
Mini 850 production ended.
Mini Clubman Saloon and Clubman 1100
Estate discontinued. Mini 1275GT
discontinued.
October 1980
Mini 1000 Super discontinued.
Mini1000HL launched, fitted with Clubman
instruments
tinted glass, larger door pockets, four-spoke steering wheel. Metro
door furniture and gear lever knob Mini 1000 HL Estate launched to
replace 1100 Clubman Estate.
November 1980
850 Pick-up
discontinued.
April 1982
Mini City E replaces Mini City.
The City E had a higher engine compression
ratio, higher final-drive ratio. City decals on doors and boot,
strips deleted. 1000 HL and Estate has same mechanical
modifications, and re-designated 1000 HIE and 1000 HLE Estate. All
models now fitted with matt black bumpers.
September 1982
Mini 1000 HLE Saloon and Estate discontinued.
Mini Mayfair Saloon
This model was based on the Mini City but
improved carpets and cloth trim. head restraints, tinted glass,
radio and locking fuel cap. The engine was the 998cc but in May
1992 it had the 1275cc version.
Launch price £3,363
December 1982
Mini Van and Pick-up production
discontinued.
October 1983
Mini Sprite limited edition
introduced
This version a total of 2,500 were made in
Cinnabar Red or Primula with black side stripes. Sprite logo, twin
door mirrors, Mini Special alloys, 165/70 x 10 tyres, arch
extensions, 1275 GT instruments, head restraints and black vinyl
and herringbone cloth trim.
July 1984
Mini 25 anniversary
model.
This was a limited edition of which 5,000
were made, 1,500 been exported. The body colour was Silver with a
Grey and Red coach-line, tinted glass, twin door minors, The
interior trim was Flint velvet interior trim with rev counter,
stereo and twin speakers.
Launch price £3,865
October 1984
Mini MkV
Now with 12-wheels, 8.4-inch disc brakes,
mini special wheel arches, Upholstery upgraded on both Mayfair and
City.
January 1985
Mini Ritz Limited edition
Silver leaf metallic paint, Ritz decals,
Nimbus Grey bumpers and grille. alloy wheels, multi-colored
velvet-panelled interior trim- 2,000 made for UK, 1,725 for
export.
Launch price £3,799
February 1985
Mini Chelsea limited edition
Targa Red with alloys, Osprey Grey
interior trim with red piping. 1,500 made.
Launch price £3,898
May 1986
Mini Piccadilly limited
edition
Cashmere Gold with chrome bumpers, steel
wheels with trims. Interior trim in Bitter chocolate, Coffee and
Claret. 2,500 made.
Launch price £3,928
January 1987
Mini Park Lane limited edition
This model had black paint, chrome bumpers
and grille surround, full-wheel trims. Interior trimmed in
beige/dark velvet. 4,000 built of which 2,500 exported Japan taking
700.
Launch price £4,194
June 1987
Mini Advantage limited edition.
In Diamond White, White wheel trims,
Advantage decals and side flashes. Flint grey and Jade Green
upholstery. 4,675 produced, 2,175 exported.
Launch price £4,286
January 1988
Mini Jet Black and Red Hot limited editions:
Finished in Black or Red according to
model, chrome bumpers and full wheel trims. Black velour interiors
with red piping. 3,000 made of each version with 2,000 exported of
each version.
Launch price £4,382
June 1988
Mini Designer limited edition.
The
Mini Designeer was often called the "Quant" in reference to the
Mary Quant-designed interior and Quant Daisy motifs on the steering
wheel and bonnet badge. It was available in White or Black with the
interior trim seats in Black and White stripes. Production run was
2,000.
Launch
price £4,654
August 1988
Mini City E renamed Mini City.
Fitted with different instruments,
three-spoke steering wheel and front restraints. Mini Mayfair
fitted with radio cassette as standard, new interior trim, new
wheel trims and badging.
January 1989
Mini Rose
The Mini Rose was based on
the 'City' with only 500 built, it had Diamond White bodywork with
a Rose pink roof. It had grey Crayons fabric seats with a general
grey interior, a radio/cassette player was standard.
Launch price £4,695
January 1989
Mini Sky
The Mini Sky was based on
the 'City' with only 500 built, it had Diamond White bodywork with
a Sky blue roof. It had grey Crayons fabric seats with a general
grey interior, a radio/cassette player was standard.
Launch price £4,695
May 1989
998 cc John Cooper Conversion,
Available from John Cooper Garages and
Rover dealers.
June 1989
Mini Thirty limited edition Anniversary model
Pearlescent Cherry Red or Black paint with
chrome fittings. Minilite-style alloy wheels. Black leather and
Lightning trim. 3,000 built for UK, including 200 automatic.
Catalytic converter available as option.
Launch price
£4,795
ERA Mini 1275 Turbo
February 1990
Mini Racing Green limited edition.
This version was based on the Mini City,
painted in British Racing Green Metallic and a White roof. Chrome
bumpers and grille, coach-line with 'Racing' logo with Black
Crayons interior trim along with the three dial instrument
pack.
Launch price
£5,455
February 1990
Flame Red limited edition.
Same as the Racing Green but in Flame Red
with White roof and Flame Red decals.
Launch price £5,455
February 1990
Check Mate limited edition.
Check Mate was same specification as the
Racing Green and Flame Red but Black with a White roof and Check
Mate decals.
Launch price £5,455
A combine total of 2,500 were made for the UK, Mini Racing
Green-Flame Red & Checkmate, also some were produced for the
export market.
June 1990
Mini Studio 2 limited edition
Available in Black, Nordic Blue or Storm
Grey with Chrome grille & Black bumpers. Studio 2 decals,
Doeskin fabric trim with a green/blue diagonal line. The
three-spoked steering wheel had a unique Mini badge, a total of
2,000 built.
Launch price
£5,375
September 1990
Mini Cooper limited edition (RSP)
This model which was based on the Mini 30
was also known as the Commemorative Cooper. Available in Flame Red,
British Radng Green or Black with white roof. 1275 cc carburettor
engine with oil cooler, half-leather trim, Minilite-style alloys,
sunroof, body-coloured mirrors and arches, plus white bonnet
stripes with John Cooper signature. Chrome grille and bumpers.
1,000 produced for UK market and 650 for Japan.
Launch price £6,995
February 1991
Neon limited edition.
Another model based on the Mini City,
available in Nordic Blue, having Chrome bumpers door handles,
grille surround and exhaust tailpipe. Chevron trim with a Neon
badge in the steering wheel, total production of 1,500.
Launch price £5,570
March 1991
Mainstream Cooper.
Fabric trim, 1275cc engine, no oil cooler.
Paint as RSP plus White, Quicksilver, Storm Grey, with black roofs.
‘S’ conversion available from Cooper
Garages.
June 1991
LAMM Cabriolet.
This model was based on the Mini Cooper
with the 1275 cc engine. It was only available in Pearlescent
Cherry Red and produced for Rover by Lamm Autohaus. Initially the
order was for 75, but this was increased to 100 when orders were
been received. The interior trim was based on the Mini Mayfair
along with a wood grain dash, housing three instruments, and wooden
door cappings and gear knob. Fitted with Revolite alloy
wheels.
Launch price £12,250
October 1991
Mini Cooper 1.3i (TBi)
This was introduced to replace the carburettor model: 1275cc
single-point fuel-injected, closed-loop catalyst. Driving lamps,
plain bonnet stripes, matching roof colour. Winged Cooper badges.
New front subframe to move engine forwards. Known as 'Mk VI'
Mini.
November 1991
City gets full wheel trims, chrome
bumpers, and Harlequin cloth trim. Mayfair gets chrome grille,
body-coloured door mirrors, new stereo, new chrome boot badge and
reg plate lamp housing. Steering wheel and interior fitments in
black on both models.
March 1992
Cooper Si conversion available from John Cooper.
998cc Mayfair discontinued. Mini Sprite 1.3 and Mini Mayfair 1.3
introduced. Both powered by 1.3 carburetter engine.
June 1992
British Open Classic limited edition.
Metallic British Racing Green with full length electric sunroof,
chrome fittings, Minilite-style wheels, 1.3 carburetter engine.
Stone Beige leather and Countryman Tweed upholstery. 1,000
made.
October 1992
Mini Italian job limited edition
This model was based on the Mini Mayfair
using the 1275 cc engine. It was available in the following
colours, flame Red, British Racing Green (Metallic) Diamond White
and Electric Blue. It has body coloured wing mirrors, with White
grille and alloy wheels, the bumpers were Black.
Total made 1,750. 1,000 for UK, 750 for
Italy.
Launch price £5,995
June 1993
Rio limited edition
This model was based on the Mini Sprite,
and was available in the following colours, Black, Caribbean Blue
(Pearlescent) and Polnesian Turquoise (Metallic). Chrome bumpers
with interior trim in Black with green/blue Spira panels on doors
and seats. A total of 750 were produced.
Launch price £5,495
July 1993
Mini Cabriolet.
This version of the Mini Cabriolet had the
Cooper engine and bodykit, alloy wheels, but a different hood to
the LAMM version which came out in 1991.
October 1993
Mini Tahiti limited
edition.
Yet another model based on the Mini Sprite. with a 1275 engine and
a body colour of Tahiti Blue. It had Chrome bumpers and the
interior was Black trim with Blue/Black door and seat inserts.
Minilite style alloy wheels, it was also available with automatic
transmission, and 500 were produced.
Launch price £5,795 (manual) £6.715 (automatic)
January & July 1994
Mini Cooper Monte Carlo anniversary
This model was based on the Mini Cooper
1.3i it was available in Flame Red and Black. It was produced in
Jan 1994 and also in July. It had 'John Cooper' signature on the
bonnet and a coach-line with Monte Carlo decals. Minilite-style
alloy wheels in Gunmetal. The main interior colour was Red for the
seats, carpets and leather steering wheel. A total of 200 were
made.
Launch price Jan £7,195 and in July
£7,995
May 1994
Mini 35 anniversary limited edition.
Pearlescent Nevada Red, Metallic Arizona
Blue, or White Diamond paint. Chrome grille, basic Jamboree
interior trim. Automatic transmission and alloy wheels optional.
1,000 made.
May 1995
Mini Sidewalk limited edition.
Again based on the Mini Sprite with the
1275 cc engine. Available in Charcoal (Metallic), Kingfisher Blue
and Diamond White with 'Sidewalk' decals. Interior trim was Blue
with tartan Red stripes on the seats and door, along with Red seat
belts. Production for the UK was 1,000, but it was also made for
Japan, but then called Mini Tartan.
Launch price £5,895
April 1996
Mini Equinox limited edition.
This model was based on the Mini Sprite
and had the 1275 cc engine. Available in the following body
colours, Ameranth, Charcoal Grey and Platinum Silver, with Chrome
bumpers and grille. The interior was Purple and Black with a sun
moon and stars theme. Total produced was 750.
Launched price £6,195
May 1996
Mini Cooper 35 anniversary limited.
Almond Green paint with White roof.
Gunmetal alloys,and two extra fog lamps. Interior trimmed in
Porcelain Green leather. 200 made.
Launch price £5,695
October 1996
Mini Cooper 1.3i
Having a 1.3i twin-point injection engine
MkVII Mini. Redesigned block with the distrbutor housing now
deleted, front-mouned rad, larger 65 amp alternator, 2.76:1 final
drive. Improved safety with drivers’s airbag, side-impact bars and
seatbelt pre-tensioners. Improved sound deadening, one-piece
carpet, range of accessories to personalise the car. Sports Option
Pack including 13-inch wheels, large arches, Koni dampers, and
extra driving lamps.
April 1998
Paul Smith limited edition in Paul Smith
Blue
Based on the Mini Sprite with the 1275 cc
engine. Body colour Paul Smith Blue also the facia which had Paul
Smith-scripted instrument graphics. It had Chrome grille, door
handles and bumpers, with Charcoal Grey Minilite alloy wheels. It
had Citrus green bonnet, glove box, fuel tank and spare wheel
cover. Interior trim was Black leather with blue piping on the
seats. Production was just 300 for the UK but 1,500 for
Japan.
Launch price £10,225
April 1999
Mini 40 limited edition.
Available in Mulberry Red Pealescent, Old English White, and Island
Blue. Sports Pack style 13-inch wheels and arch extensions, special
badges, two driving lamps and chrome GB badge at rear. Interior
fitted with turned-alloy dashboard, leather-trimmed seats and CD
player.
Launch price £10,995
August 1999
Mini John Cooper LE.
Based on the Mini Cooper it was available
in Brookland Green with Old English White roof. Interior trim was
Grenadine Red leather with black piping on the seats and Red
carpets. The bumpers, grille and door handles were all chrome. John
Cooper signature was in steel grey, alloy wheels were the 13"
Sport-pack, two spotlamps. Total produced 300.
Launch price £10,995
April 1999
Mini Cooper 'S' Works
This was fitted with a 90
bhp tuned engine, making it the most powerful production Mini ever.
'S Works' badges and decals. Sportspack was an optional add-on also
it could be ordered with a Jack Knight five speed gearbox. 250
produced.
Launch price £12,495 - £14,595 depending on options
April 2000
Mini Classic Sev7en
Final limited editions: Mini Classic
Se7en, available in Solar Red, Old English White and Black. Chrome
bumpers and grille, premium alloy wheels, superior sound systemwith
ICT speakers and optional CD player, Tartan Red leather with cream
cloth centrepanels, body-colour facia.
September 2000
Mini Classic Cooper
Available in Solar Red, British Racing
Green, Black or Tahiti Blue, chrome bumpers and grille,
Minilite-style alloys, radio-cassette stereo, black half-leather
interior, body-colour facia, drilled accelerator pedal.
2000
Mini Classic Sport
Showing the Electric Powered
Sunroof
Available in Solar Red, British Racing Green, Anthracite, Tahiti
Blue, Chrome bumpers and grille, Sports Pack, two driving lamps,
two fog lamps, largechrome tail pipe finisher, Nickel Silver and
Black leather interior, black leather steering wheel, optional
electric canvas sunroof and CD player. Alloy interior door
furniture, and alloy facia.
2000 September
Mini Cooper Sport 500
This was the final production run of the
Classic Mini. It was available in the following colours, Solar Red,
British Racing Green, Anthracite, Tahiti Blue all with a Silver
roof. It had chrome bumpers and grille, with the full Sports Pack,
two driving lamps and two fog lamps and large chrome tail pipe
finisher. Nickel Silver and Black leather interior with
Black-leather steering wheel, optional electric canvas sunroof and
CD player. Alloy interior door furniture, and alloy facia. A signed
certificate by John Cooper came with every car. This all cost
£10.995
Inside the glove-box was a
plaque with the following text:
THIS MINI IS ONE OF THE
LAST 500 MADE TO THE ORIGINAL
SIR ALEX ISSIGONIS DESIGN
______________
Longbridge 4th
October 2000
Classic Mini Last of the line
______________