Half a century ago, a motoring legend was born. Over the years, the Mini has become one of the most successful and loved cars of all time, with both old and new versions capturing the hearts of drivers from all walks of life.
At 50th birthday anniversary of Mini, this unique event at Silverstone truly captures the Mini spirit. We’ll be talking to some of the people who shaped the Mini into a motoring icon; as well as meeting enthusiastic owners and looking at some of the wide variety of cars on show. In May 2009, there was just one destination for Mini fans: 25,000 hit the roads and headed to the famous Northamptonshire track for Mini United.
Organized by BMW, it was staged to celebrate fifty years of the iconic Mini. The majority of those attending were driving modern versions, but all were well aware of the Mini’s heritage. Both classic and modern sat side-by-side on display at the entrance to Silverstone to welcome the queues and queues of party-goers. Never before had so many Minis turned up in the same place, and, as we’ll see later, cars and drivers were drawn to this massive event from all corners of the world.
Mini owners are generally an outgoing breed, and if you’ve got it, you might as well flaunt it! There were certainly some weird and wonderful adaptations of the famous motoring milestone. The atmosphere at Silverstone for the Mini’s half century was pretty laid back. There were so many things organized for visitors to enjoy at the event, it was hard to know where to begin. Many chose just to chill out in the summer heat wave. While others just had to rise to the challenge. Not recommended if you’ve got a bad back, Mini-pulling proved very popular.
For Mini-owners old and new, the exhibition area at Mini United gave some valuable background history on the little car; with all the important models on display. Probably the most famous Mini in the world had pride of place: 621 AOK was the very first Mini to roll off the Oxford production line on the 8th of May 1959.If you’re a Mini fan, you’ll already know that this sketch is from the hand of Sir Alec Issigonis. The great designer truly revolutionized motoring when the car was launched. Initially known as the Austin 850 or the Morris 850, the name Mini was first officially used in 1961. For the first time, the engine was installed transversely with a gearbox in the sump. The layout; with front-wheel drive, small wheels, and fully independent suspension, gave plenty of space for passengers.The 848cc engine delivered a modest top speed of 72 miles per hour. But, despite extensive testing, it was rushed into production with many un-rectified faults. It was a brave decision by the British motor company; to put such a revolutionary car into production, and certainly didn’t make them money in the beginning. The Mini soon became popular; not just in the UK, but all around the world.