The Mini, which was developed in the late 50’s by British Motor Corporation (BMC) due to an oil shortage caused by the Suez Crisis, has been heralded as one of the iconic motor vehicles of our times.
Since the production of the first Mini in 1959 by Austin and Morris, many variants have arisen and most memorable is probably the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S. So named after builder of Formula 1 and rally cars, John Cooper. The first Mini Cooper debuted in 1961 and featured increased engine capacity, twin SU carburettors, a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes.
Other variants of the Mini include the Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Mini Countryman (a two door estate car), the Mini Van (a commercial panel van rated at ¼-ton load capacity), Mini Moke (a utility vehicle designed for the British Army) and the Mini Pick-up (modeled on the Mini Van platform with an open loading area at the back).