The History of Mini

Originally designed in 1955 by Sir Alec Issigonis the Mini was in continuous production from its introduction in 1959 until the last one rolled of the line in Oct. 2000. With over 5.5 million sold in its 41 year run the Mini was voted the European "Car of the Century" by an international panel. It represents the first use of a transverse mounted front wheel drive configuration in a production car. Over the years the engine size has increased from the original 848 cc engine to 1310 cc and the body has been upgraded to improve creature comfort and safety. However, the basic appearance is unchanged, in fact many body panels are interchangeable between the Mark I and the Mark V models. Minis have also been produced as pick up truck, a "woody" wagon, and panel van models as well as a jeep like vehicle called the Moke. Specially prepared Mini's have won innumerable races and road rallies, including 3 consecutive overall wins at the Monte Carlo rally.

In the 60’s British fashion designer Mary Quant named her newly introduced skirt after her car, as "neither was any longer than absolutely necessary". Mini's owners include: Peter Sellers, Tim Allen, Princes Diana, and of course Mr. Bean. Minis can be spotted in numerous TV shows and movies such as the recent feature "Borne Identity" with Matt Damon. Three Minis starred alongside Michael Caine and Noal Coward in the 1969 movie "The Italian Job"

The Mini, voted European Car of the Century and second only to the Model T as Car of the Century, is not very common in the U.S.A but enjoys a nation wide following of enthusiastic owners.

In the fall of 1983 some Illinois Mini owners started working to organize Minis In Northern Illinois (M.I.N.I.). In February 1984 the first meeting was held on a snowy Sunday afternoon at Russell's Barbeque in Rolling Meadows.

In the following years M.I.N.I. has provided fellowship for the Mini enthusiasts at monthly meetings and activities. The club holds an annual dinner in February and a picnic in August. Other activities have included technical sessions and scenic tours. We have attended Mini Meets, vintage car races at Road America, Mid-Ohio, Blackhawk and other tracks as well as the annual British Car Festival and local car shows and cruise nights. In 2004 M.I.N.I. and the St Louis Mini club M.A.D.M.E.N. co-hosted MiniMeet2004-West Meets East in Rockford IL . With over 500 attendees and 250 + Classic Minis and New MINIS, this event proved to be one of the biggest Mini get togethers ever held North America.

For more info about a complete history on the Mini check out this site. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini.