The first ever Mini was launched in August 1959 by BMC. The first launched model was Austin Se7en Mini MK1. There are 2 versions of this model available during the time which is the Basic Mini and the De Luxe in Farina Grey, Tartan Red, or Speedwell Blue. Both of these versions were essentially the same model powered by A series engine which is 848cc form mounted transversely at the front, and driving the front wheels through an integral gearbox housed in the sump casting of the engine. The Mini De Luxe version featured opening front hinged rear quarter windows and an adjustable front passenger seat.

1959 – 1961
Production of Austin Se7en
Details: 2 models available – The Basic and the De Luxe in Farina Grey, Tartan Red or Speedwell Blue.
Engine size: 848cc
Original price: £497 (Basic) £537 (De Luxe)

Mini MK1 model was from 1959 – 1967. Another version of Mini was produced which was Morris Mini-Minor MK1. Just like Austin Seven MK1, 2 versions of this model are available which is the Standard Morris Mini-Minor and the De Luxe in either Clipper Blue, Cherry Red or Old English White. There was a Morris Mini Super model launched in 1961 but replaced in 1962 with Super De luxe model. Mini Hydrolastic suspension was available from September 1964, and automatic gearbox available from 1965.

1959 – 1967
Production of Morris Mini-Minor
Details: 2 models available: Standard or De Luxe in either Clipper Blue, Cherry Red or Old English White.
Engine size: 848cc
Original price: £497 (Standard) £537 (De Luxe) £561 (Super De luxe) £606 (De Luxe Automatic)

“Wizardry on Wheels” With a publication date of August 1959, this was the brochure that heralded a whole new style of motoring for the British public, who could have seen where it would end. This fantastic brochure opens up as a poster almost 24 x 36″.

1961 – 1962
Production of Austin Super Se7en
Details: Improved interior and sound deadening over existing Austin Se7en models. Two tone paint incorporating a black or white roof. Different slatted grille with 9 wavy horizontal bars and 12 straight vertical bars.
Original Price: £592

Mini MK1 or Mini MKI

Morris Mini Minor and Mini Austin seven both cars were essentially the same model but each of them featured their own badging and individual front grilles.

During 1960 to 1967, some estate version of Mini were introduced which is Austin Seven Countryman, Austin Seven Van (More Details and Photos: 1966 Crazily modified Austin Se7en Van), and Morris Mini Traveller MK1. During 1961, a Mini pick-up version joined the range, this version of Mini utilised the same floor pan as the Austin Se7en / Morris Minivan but had a flat loading bay and self-contained cabin.

1960 – 1961
Production of Austin Se7en Countryman and Austin Se7en Van
Details: Countryman featured wood framing. Both the Countryman and the Van had an increased wheelbase over the saloon and double swinging doors at the rear. Wheelbase increased by 4”, overall length increased by 10”.
Engine size: 848cc
Original price: £623 (Countryman) £360 (Van)

1960 – 1967
Production of Morris Mini-Traveller Mk1
Details: Morris version of the Austin Se7en Countryman. All metal version produced from October 1962.
Engine size: 848cc
Original Price: £623 (Woody) £532 (All metal body)

1960 – 1969
Production of Morris Minivan
Details: Specification as with Austin Se7en Van. Austin Minivan produced from 1962 to 1969 with different badges to Morris Minivan. Larger engine option available from 1967.
Engine size: 848cc / 998cc (from 1967)
Original price: £360

1961
Production of Austin Se7en Pick-Up
Details: Utilised the same floor pan as the Austin Se7en / Morris Minivan but had a flat loading bay and self-contained cabin. A drop down tailgate was fitted to the rear of the load bay.
Engine size: 848cc
Original price: £360

1961 – 1967
Production of Austin Se7en Cooper, Austin and Morris Mini-Cooper 997cc
Details: Introduction of front disc brakes. Fitted with a close ratio gearbox. Austin version had 11 grille slats whereas the Morris Cooper had 7 although both included a contrasting roof colour.
Engine size: 997cc
Original price: £679

1961 – 1969
Production of Austin Mini Pick-up and Morris Mini Pick-up
Details: Name and badges changed to reflect availability of both Morris and Austin versions. Larger engine available from 1967. 850 model discontinued in late 1980.
Engine size: 848cc / 998cc (From 1967)

1961-1969
Production of Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet.
Details: Two more luxurious versions of the mini saloon produced to cater for a slightly different market. Body length was extended by 8½ inches. The front and rear appear different to the standard saloon with upright grille and rear fins with a top-opening boot-lid. The Mk2 brought with it a larger engine in January 1963. Loss of external hinges in 1966. Mk3 released in 1969. Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet similar in specification although quality of trim slightly higher with the Elf.
Engine size: 848cc / 998cc (From 1963)

1962-1967
Production of Austin Mini
Details: Austin Se7en models renamed as Austin Mini. Standard, De-luxe and Super models available. De-luxe and Super models superseded by Super Deluxe model in October 1962. Hydrolastic suspension from September 1964. Super Deluxe name changed to Deluxe in late 1964. Automatic gearbox available from 1965.
Original price: £561 (Super Deluxe) £606 (Deluxe Automatic)

1962 – 1967
Production of Austin Mini Countryman Mk1
Details: Renamed version of Austin Se7en Countryman. Produced with all metal body from October 1962.
Engine size: 848cc
Original price: £623 (Woody) £532 (All Metal Body)

1963 – 1964
Production of Austin and Morris Mini-Cooper ‘S’ 1,071cc
Details: Similar specification to the existing Austin / Morris Cooper but with larger, more powerful engine, different badges and 120mph central speedometer.
Engine size: 1071cc
Original Price: £695

1964 – 1967
Production of Austin and Morris Mini-Cooper 998cc Mk1
Details: Engine specification changed to improve performance over 997cc Coopers. Hydrolastic suspension from 1964.
Engine size: 998cc

1964 – 1965
Production of Austin and Morris Mini-Cooper ‘S’ 970cc
Details: Limited production number of 963. Similar specification to the Cooper ‘S’ 1071cc accept for the engine. Often referred to as the Mini-Cooper 1000.
Engine size: 970cc
Original Price: £693

1964 – 1967
Production of Austin and Morris Mini-Cooper ‘S’ 1275 Mk1
Details: Similar specification to existing Mini Cooper ‘S’ models but with 130mph central speedometer and single colour later in production. 4 ½ rims as standard. Hydrolastic suspension from 1964. Twin fuel tanks as standard from 1966.
Engine size: 1275cc
Original cost: £778
More Details: Morris Mini Cooper S 1275

1964 – 1968
Production of Austin and Morris Mini Moke
Details: Very basic commercial version of the mini intended for light off road usage. Produced until the early 1990s abroad where it was more popular than in Britain.
Engine size: 848cc
Original price: £405

Minor changes continued to be made throughout Mini production for MK1 since 1959, these changes included the fitting of a three gauge instrument panel to the deluxe versions, where basic version has only 1 speedometer in the center box. For deluxe version, cooling fans has also been improved, and most notably in 1964 the rubber cone suspension was replaced by a hydrolastic system as used on the BMC 1100 range of cars. An automatic version of the Mini arrived in 1965. The Mk 1 Mini was replaced by the Mk II in 1967.

Other related Mini Generation:
Mini Mark 1 – MK1/MKI
Mini Mark 2 – MK2/MKII
Mini Mark 3 – MK3/MKIII
Mini Mark 4 – MK4/MKIV
Mini Mark 5 – MK5/MKV
Mini Mark 6 – MK6/MKVI
Mini Mark 7 – MK7/MKVII