Austin Mini
The Austin Mini is one of the most recognisable cars ever made. It’s a cult icon, a true motoring legend and definitely the best of British. What started out as a cheap car for the masses became an unquantifiable success, and is still sought after today. The Mini is small, cute and friendly, but is excellent to drive and has a lot of character. Whether you’re after something budget friendly, or want a powerhouse of a supermini, you’ll have no trouble finding something that suits.
In production from 1959 to 2000, it was known originally as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor, although both names merged to form the Mini proper in 1969; it was then marketed again as the Ausin Mini from 1980. A huge number of generations and models have been available over the years, but they have all kept the front wheel drive layout that proved so successful to start with. Notable models include the 1963 Mini Cooper S with sports performance, and the Clubman, an elongated ‘estate’ version.
The classic designs of the Mini have stood the test of time and haven’t ever gone out of fashion. Its tiny size, big personality and quirky front end are all hallmarks that are adored by many. Sports versions feature famous racing stripes and grille mounted headlights as seen in the Italian Job films, and are the most popular as such. The interior has always been rather basic, but it’s relatively spacious and comfortable. Any fancy kit would be a deviation from what made it great in the first place, so don’t expect sumptuousness. While newer versions are finished to a higher standard, with some modern equipment like stereos and sometimes air conditioning, overall it’s simplicity at its best.
The Mini really comes alive when you start it up go for a drive as it lives to be out on the road. It’s known for being perky, sprightly and quite punchy, and the handling is immense due to its front wheel drive setup, light weight and fine balance. While engines aren’t the biggest on regular models, they’ll still get you there. But for the most amount of fun, special edition Cooper S models are the ones to go for. Like rocket powered go-karts, they are agile, exceptional to drive and smile inducing.
Having been in production for over 40 years, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to find there’s no lack of selection out there. While the most modern and sporty versions are understandably more expensive, on the whole you won’t pay that much for one. Motors.co.uk has a remarkably large amount of second hand Austin Mini cars available for next to nothing, and the great thing is that quality is seriously high. Coming face to face with a really good deal is easier than you might think.
The clear fact is that the Austin Mini is a bone-fide motoring legend that is still as appealing today as it was back in the 1960s. Small and perfectly formed, it might not be as well equipped as some modern superminis, but what it offers in abundance is character and fun. From basic to super sporty Cooper S models, there’s nothing better to whiz around city streets and blast around back roads in. The Mini is royalty, and long may it stay that way!