subject: Mini Cooper Engine: Historical Overview Of An Icon [print this page] Mini Cooper Engine: Historical Overview Of An Icon
The most iconic British car which established British Motor Corporation as a leading car manufacturer in Europe was initially marketed under Morris and Austin names. BMC started Minis production in 1959 but branded it as Mini only when it had established massive following; previously it was promoted in market as Morris mini Minor and Austin Seven. Among all the Minis, Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S garnered massive fan following and became most iconic Minis ever, mainly because of their impressive 4 year winning streak at Monte Carlo rally. These two variants of original Mini supported sportier looks and many options like radio, seat belts, side mirrors etc were offered as standard.
The Mark1 Mini was the first generation Mini produced from 1959 to 1967. Ironically this head turner, which crossed one million mark in sales, was considered a bad deal for BMC as Ford Motor Company analyzed that BMC must be selling it below cost. BMC on the other hand adopted clever financing tools to spread their overheads throughout their model line in such a way that they earned marginal profit on Minis. Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S, and Minis with extra options like radio, seat belts etc were considered more profitable. Mark1 was launched in varying engine capacities which ranged from 848 to1275 cc and it came equipped with 4 speed auto or manual transmission, some models also supported 5 speed manual gearboxes.
Mark 2 Mini was the second generation Mini, produced from 1967 to 1970. Although BMC launched Mark2 in only 2 door style, internal modifications were made hence saloon, estate, van and truck variants were introduced. Mark2 was launched with options of 850, 998 and 1275cc petrol engines From 1969 to 2000, world witnessed 5 generations of old school Minis. From Mark 3 to Mark7, Mini was launched in many variations and many special editions. This strategy tremendously improved general perception of Mini because of which BMW bought Mini.
Despite going under new administration BMW owned Rover group suffered massive losses so BMW sold most of Rover brands but kept Mini for it self. And hence BMW mini was born. BMW used Injection based 1.6 litre petrol engine from 2000 till 2011. The W10B engine remained non turbo charged as it packed more than enough punch for a small compact car. Now Mini is no longer viewed as a small economical car but it has become a retro, modern and hip up-scaled small vehicle with immersive handling and iconic looks.
