The Mini…ok, the original Mini…is so iconic, so groundbreaking, that it’s often spoken in the same sentences as the Ford Model T and the Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle). There is no way that Sir Alec Issigonis could have predicted just how far his design would go. Produced for forty-one years solid with roughly the same body shape, dimensions and engine design, the Mini was originally only supposed to be a small car, a way for Britain to fight back the invasion of German microcars that had started to appear following the 1956 Suez crisis. For forty-one years, the original Morris design outlasted manufacturers, newer models, and even the end of Rover Group and the acquisition of BMW before finally moving on in 2000. Anywhere you go, you’ll find fans of the little Micro Machine, and for good reason: besides it’s unique shape and small-but-purposeful layout, the Mini was also what the Brits like to call “plucky”…the transverse-mounted engine could make the car do things it probably shouldn’t have done. From rally to the Bonneville beast sitting before you, if there’s a race, chances are good that somehow, someway a Mini has ran it. Jay Leno recently invited Graham Reid from Heritage Garage to bring these cars in and show them off. You want to know Mini? This guy knows Mini! Click play below to learn about both of these little wonders!
