Date Published: November 10, 2020
It’s easy to look at the general facts of a car and assume you know enough. However, there are a few interesting facts about the Mini Cooper that you didn’t know about.
1. The Mini Cooper did not change for 41 years
The design of the Mini Cooper was loved so much by the designer and the public, so much that the design of the Mini made no major changes for over 41 years. It is very uncommon for a car to stick to one design for so many years but, Alec Issigonis, the designer of the Mini Cooper insisted that this was the right move to make.
2. It was Originally owned by Rover group until BMW bought it
Rover Group, a British car manufacturer, was the original owner of the Mini. Mini Cooper was not always called Mini Cooper as the Rover group had originally named it ‘the Mini’.
3. It inspired the mini skirt
Mary Quant was one of the iconic women who paved the way for the mini skirt to become one of the biggest trends to exist in the fashion industry. She took the idea from the ‘Mini’. She might not have been the one to come up with the original idea for the mini skirt, but she used this concept to boost her brand image.
4. David Bowie created a mirror plated mini
In 1999 a celebration was held at the Design museum in London to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Mini. David Bowie was a participant in this celebration and he decided to have his Mini covered in reflective mirrors. David Bowie was one of the most influential musicians. His reason for choosing this design was based on the idea that cars are a part of their surroundings.
Anyone who laid eyes on the masterpiece would become a part of the vehicle itself as their own faces were reflected back at them in the mirrors.
5. The 2008 MINI Cooper Life Ball Is One-Of-A-Kind
This Mini Cooper was the only MINI Cooper of its kind. It was produced and created for a charity event. A company called Agent Provocateur assisted in the design before it was auctioned off online through eBay. The money that was made was used to help combat AIDs and HIV. The Mini Cooper was auctioned off at €45,000.
6. The largest official convoy ever formed involved 269 cars
The largest Mini Cooper convoy that was recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records was in 2007. This event was The event was created by Vancouver MINI Club and they had a turnout of 269 cars.
7. The Original Mini Had Sliding Windows
Alec Issigonis, the designer of the Mini Cooper, decided to add sliding doors into the Mini Cooper to create more space.
8. The Storage In The Doors Was Designed To Hold A Bottle Of Gordon's Gin
The extra space in the unique design of the sliding windows was created to hold a bottle of this specific gin. Alec Issigonis was clearly a big fan of Gordon’s Gin.
9. The World Record For How Many People Can Fit Inside Of It Is 28
The world record for the amount of people who can fit into a Mini Cooper is 28. This world record was achieved by a group of gymnasts from Sussex, England. Given how small a Mini Cooper is, it is no wonder why this world record is a big deal.
10. The First Generation Had an Ashtray, instead of a Radio
The designer of “The Mini” was not only a fan or Gin but he was also a big smoker. Issigonis had a large Ashtray installed instead of a radio. It is very clear where his priorities were at the time.
The interesting facts mentioned above might not be life changing, but I’m sure most of us have learnt something new about the Mini Cooper.
Author: Omega Fumba