Think of the "Mod 1960's" - Carnaby Street , Apple Records with the Beatles et al and most likely you will picture that cute little , or almost ugly "Austin Mini" motor-car vehicle. No doubt about it - the marvelous Mini set the stage for the worldwide acceptance of small front wheel drive , transversely laid out engines front wheel drive automotive car engine designs that we take for granted on our roads and highways today.
Yet the tiny and almost puny Austin Mini with its small in relation 4 banger engine won the famed Monte Carlo Rally three times running - in the years races of 1964, 1965 and lastly in 1967. Quite a feat for such a diminutive and scaled down automotive product of its time. On top of that the fourth victory was snatched from the mouth's of the Austin clan only by a small infraction on the roadway. Just try to find a professionally restored or even project car Mini Cooper or even 60-70's Mini in the classified sections on Craigslist , Kijiji or even international eBay. Its not easy. The years miles/km as well as Mini owner's reluctance to hand them over have all taken their toll of available inventory for sale on-line and on classic sports car dealer's lots.
Not only small but the Mini proved to be quite a fearsome competitor on the competitive rally circuit. Auto racing is the ultimate test of both a vehicle's mettle , endurance and overall reliability that auto owner's can expect during the lifetime of owning the product. Racing pushes the vehicle's engine, power-train and its basic reliability and performance to the max. Unbelievably the little Mini won 3 major Monte Carlo events in a row , only having the fourth true win denied to it on a technicality. It seemed that the driver Timo M Skinen's car was disqualified in the auto rally race after he took the "checkered flag".
The Austin Mini - as the product eventually came to be known as - entered full and single factory product name and one single solitary car "badge", at the end of the 1960's decade. Now it was the Austin "Mini" and nothing but. Yet the Mini has had not one form - unlike the Ford Model T - that came in any color you wanted as long as it was black. The mini itself has come in many differing and varied forms - from the standard 2 door Saloon , to "Club" station wagons. Many of the cars were painted with one color for the body, and then a white roof. Owner's of the vehicles , ever loyal , formed clubs and gave gentle honks of recognition to each other while driving on the roads and highways.
Yet the Mini suffered a host of problems - especially in the "export market". These were problems, errors and mistakes that the Japanese auto industry , could later use to good lesson , when it came time for them to enter the American auto market - ultimately very successfully. One was that the auto seemed to be designed for the British market, geography, driving conditions and climate. True the Mini was fun to drive , could pack in passengers , luggage and groceries in a small space. Yet it was underpowered when it came to the growing American highway system and daily commutes. In addition the cooling system seemed to be developed for more temperate climes. Austin car owners and their passengers often sweltered in a hot American summer , while freezing with an inadequate heating system come cold Canadian winters. The car seemed to have devised and developed for British temperate climate and small scale higher speeds. In addition parts availability for repairs , as well as trained mechanics, other than at higher priced British car dealerships seem to scare away more than one potential auto customer - or one looking to finance their new or used vehicle.
Yet the tiny and almost puny Austin Mini with its small in relation 4 banger engine won the famed Monte Carlo Rally three times running - in the years races of 1964, 1965 and lastly in 1967. Quite a feat for such a diminutive and scaled down automotive product of its time. On top of that the fourth victory was snatched from the mouth's of the Austin clan only by a small infraction on the roadway. Just try to find a professionally restored or even project car Mini Cooper or even 60-70's Mini in the classified sections on Craigslist , Kijiji or even international eBay. Its not easy. The years miles/km as well as Mini owner's reluctance to hand them over have all taken their toll of available inventory for sale on-line and on classic sports car dealer's lots.
Not only small but the Mini proved to be quite a fearsome competitor on the competitive rally circuit. Auto racing is the ultimate test of both a vehicle's mettle , endurance and overall reliability that auto owner's can expect during the lifetime of owning the product. Racing pushes the vehicle's engine, power-train and its basic reliability and performance to the max. Unbelievably the little Mini won 3 major Monte Carlo events in a row , only having the fourth true win denied to it on a technicality. It seemed that the driver Timo M Skinen's car was disqualified in the auto rally race after he took the "checkered flag".
The Austin Mini - as the product eventually came to be known as - entered full and single factory product name and one single solitary car "badge", at the end of the 1960's decade. Now it was the Austin "Mini" and nothing but. Yet the Mini has had not one form - unlike the Ford Model T - that came in any color you wanted as long as it was black. The mini itself has come in many differing and varied forms - from the standard 2 door Saloon , to "Club" station wagons. Many of the cars were painted with one color for the body, and then a white roof. Owner's of the vehicles , ever loyal , formed clubs and gave gentle honks of recognition to each other while driving on the roads and highways.
Yet the Mini suffered a host of problems - especially in the "export market". These were problems, errors and mistakes that the Japanese auto industry , could later use to good lesson , when it came time for them to enter the American auto market - ultimately very successfully. One was that the auto seemed to be designed for the British market, geography, driving conditions and climate. True the Mini was fun to drive , could pack in passengers , luggage and groceries in a small space. Yet it was underpowered when it came to the growing American highway system and daily commutes. In addition the cooling system seemed to be developed for more temperate climes. Austin car owners and their passengers often sweltered in a hot American summer , while freezing with an inadequate heating system come cold Canadian winters. The car seemed to have devised and developed for British temperate climate and small scale higher speeds. In addition parts availability for repairs , as well as trained mechanics, other than at higher priced British car dealerships seem to scare away more than one potential auto customer - or one looking to finance their new or used vehicle.
About the Author:
It was even more popular in Asia 0 South Korea & Japanese export markets, where it was seen as a retro-cool icon, and inspired many imitators. Thestill highly valued on eBay auctions - ERA Mini Turbowas particularly popular with Asia 0 South Korea & Japanese export marketsese buyers.
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