Marque: Mini - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand

PAST: A motoring icon, instigated by F1 car constructor John Cooper and Daniel Richmond – although Cooper took the plaudits for slotting in a detuned 1-litre racing engine (rated at 997cc until late ‘63, then a shorter stroke bigger bore 998cc) with twin carbs, ’648’ cam, big valve head closer ratio gears, disc brakes and wider tyres in 1961. Entertaining. Revisions as per normal Mini but car killed off once 1275 GT was launched for two reasons; officially it meant cheaper insurance, but real reason was that BLMC didn’t like paying Cooper royalties!

PRESENT: A good Cooper still pack in more smiles per mile than any other classic thanks to its handling rather than outright pace, which is barely brisk these days. Rest of car is normal Mini.

FUTURE: Will always be worth more than a stock Mini but beware of fakes as they were rife when car was contemporary!

PAST: Successful relaunch of famous old name for a new type of buyer. Unlike original, new Cooper uses 1275GT tune but good for 63bhp once fuel injection arrives in 1991. Originally a special edition back in 1989 from John Cooper before became official model a year later. Played heavily on its past so lots of accessories and tuning gear marketed to make a Cooper S if required. Twin port EFi for ‘97 with even a five-speed gearbox option. Cooper S coaxes 90bhp in Works tune, 86bhp in ‘Touring’ guise plus lots of nostalgia as standard.

PRESENT: Worthy adaptation of Cooper spirit that’s hugely enjoyable in Cooper S tune. Wide tyres of last Coopers make already agile chassis Gti grippy. Special editions can be well equipped.

FUTURE: Can see good Coopers and special Cooper S models as moderns to mothball - so buy one and enjoy now!

A truly revolutionary car which changed the face of motoring, and a style icon of the 1960s. Prices of early examples are rising; buy now. Encouraged by huge success in motorsport, the Cooper/Cooper ‘S’ versions became legends in their own time - and remain highly sought-after today. Having inspired the Minor, (Sir) Alec Issigonis set about developing a small but practical and economical four-seater saloon. The Mini employed a smaller version of the proven A35 engine (848cc rather than the A35’s 948cc), but in the Mini the motor was mounted transversely on top of the transmission, and drove the tiny front wheels. This allowed a spacious passenger compartment, within minimal external dimensions; there was sufficient room inside to accommodate four adults in reasonable comfort. An icon and still so relevant today.

PAST: First major revamp of the car since launch sees Mini become stand alone brand and ranges split with standard and square cut Clubman, all
boasting tidied look with concealed door hinges and proper windy windows. Limited editions to spice up range commence in mid ‘70s with 1100cc on 10in wheels in ‘79. Basic City launched as Metro muscles in while disc brakes and 12 inch wheels signal 1984 MK5.

PRESENT: Although not the best period for Minis, arguably they are more refined than earlier ranges and still retain that early fun feel. 1098cc engine gives car fair pep while 12 in wheels could also have run flat Dunlop Denovo tyres.

FUTURE: More suited to daily driver stuff, people usually run these models on a shoestring,although special edition models may be worth keeping. Easy and cheap to run but restos outstrip values.

PAST: Designed as a cheap Jeep to woo the British Army in ‘64. Based upon van platform, ground clearance ruined its chances although BMC did make 600 with a special 4WD. Nevertheless the Moke (slang for Donkey) was a useful utility vehicle of which over 50,000 were built over the years and are still seen in regular service. Claim to fame was in cult TV programme The Prisoner. British production stopped in 1968, moving to Australia and Portugal in its latter days with BMW rumoured to be toying with the idea once again!

PRESENT: A good fun car although Mini purists shudder. More basic than even van its derived from and with minimal weather protection but they have of late gained real cult status. Army spec 4WD will hold appeal but are rare finds.

FUTURE: You have to pay Cooper S cash now but spares and club supply is good.

PAST: Upmarket suited and booted offshoots with saloon-style body and luxury kit, where even an MG version was mooted at the 1961 launch. Initially 848cc but 998 power, better brakes and Mini upgrades for MK2 in 1963. More expensive Riley version plusher but none use Cooper engines. Wind-up (Clubmanstyle) windows proper and fresh-air vents for ‘66 MK3 mutation but auto versions didn’t arrive until’68, a year before both were dropped from new Mini brand.

PRESENT: It really depends what you want from your Mini; Elf and Hornet have more luxury and an upmarket image but lose the cheeky nature of the original, although boot is more useable. 998Cc power best, autos are unreliable.

FUTURE: The jury’s out on whether these rare Minis (only 50,000 were made, mostly Elves) but a good one is certainly worth preserving and keeping.