When first introduced in 1959, the Mini Cooper was a revelation of automotive simplicity, economy, and delight. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, primarily called upon to respond to the 1958 fuel crisis plaguing the UK and much of Europe, the diminutive Mini instantly won hearts, charming a wide range of buyers with its purposeful and reliable performance. The Mini was small, very small, but it was larger than the cheaply built and somewhat questionable three-wheeled micro cars, offered far more durability and comfort, and delivered nearly as much value as higher priced cars, while still offering comfortable seating for four. By 1967, the Mini Mark II was being built all over the world, under a range of brands, brimming with different configurations. The lightweight construction and engine tuning options allowed for performance besting even competitive sports cars of the period. Coupling the near slot-car like handling with just a bit more horsepower, the little Mini could hold its own against far more expensive performance cars proving so in rallies and track competitions. And while entire books have been written on the merits of the innovative Mini design—unibody construction, cost effective and simple features—the focus of this article addresses the significant and recent increase in size.
