A fashion accessory to some is the latest ‘it’ bag or the ‘gadget’ phone; to me my favorite accessory is my gorgeous iconic car, the Mini. The mini first came into form in 1959, by British Motoring Corporation that was headed by Sir Alec Issigionis. The Mini was known as the Austin until 1969, the year of The Italian Job, when it became known as the Mini in an over night success. The adapted smaller suspension, the go-kart handling and simplicity all became classis traits to be proud of.
However even after selling thousands of different style Mini’s and even collaborating with the founder of Formula One, John Cooper; the Mini’s financial success was a different story.
The British Motoring Corporation never made enough, only enough to break even, this was later to be disclosed as an admin error. This however led to 1989, when BMC ran into further financial difficulty and BMW took over the Mini brand; although arguably not for the best.
So far since having my Mini Rover Austin, it’s already tested my patience and financial purse strings. I’ve already had to have a new radiator, new tyres, suspension, tracking oh and did I mention my petrol gage doesn’t work?; I discovered this at one of the busiest cross roads when I was in the middle with my poor boyfriend pushing the car.
Despite the many problems that Mini’s come with, I don’t mind waiting an extra ten minuets waiting for the car to warm up, or when the spark plugs get too wet due to the naivety of mechanics back then
I’ve had previous cars before my Mini that started first time and never let me down, but the colour, charm, history and speakers in the back, not to mention pride I get walking to it, all make it worth while.
I love how many people know choose to give the old Mini’s a new lease of life, by re-spraying, adding new wheels, and all types of mod cons on the inside. There’s even a magazine dedicated to the old mini.
A mini is a British Iconic figure of history along with a red bus and the queen, I’m not overly patriotic but what other car out there is small enough to fit into tiny spaces big cars can’t? what other car has been featured in a film, that’s had a remake? Not to mention had a limited edition designed by Mary Quant.
Shortly after writing this article my mini failed it’s MOT on rust, apparently something quite common, and I had to sell it
© Words - Abigail Stephenson/ZANI
