From Mini to MINI, MINI cars have a long story to tell because this car has been living on earth for more than half century.

It was all started because of fuel shortage caused by the 1956 Suez Crisis. Sir Alec Issigonis received a task to design an economy small car that able to fit four adults comfortably.

History

In 1959, Sir Alec Issigonis introduced the first Mini with the measurement of 10 x 4 x 4 ft, a car that change the world and save many family from economy crisis. It was launched under BMC at that time and we saw the birth of Austin Seven Mini MK1 and Morris Mini.

Mini MK2 generation starts in 1967 where the front grille design has changed to squarer look. In 1969, Mini MK3 was introduced and BMW announced that the names of Austin and Morris were dropped, since then, all these cute little cars were known as just “Mini”.

Generation 4 started in 1976 until 1984, performances were upgraded during this time but the cut icon outlook remains the same. In 1985, Mini enters the fifth generation where many limited editions were introduced. In 1992, Mini MK6 debuted to the market, the limited editions era continues and 17 Mini models were introduced until 1997, the last generation was introduced. The MK7 generation is where all the last few model born.

Mini – Small cute little car from 1959 to 2000, a total of seventh generations were built.

1. Classic Mini First Generation MK1 (1959 – 1967)
2. Classic Mini MK2 Generation (1967 – 1969)
3. Classic Mini MK3/MKIII (1969 – 1976)
4. Classic Mini MK4/MKIV (1976-1984)
5. Mini MK5/MKV (1985-1991)
6. Mini MK6-MKVI (1992-1997)
7. Classic Mini Cooper last generation MK7 (1997 – 2000)

MINI – New generation MINI built and sold by BMW since 2000.

1. BMW MINI One R50 (2001 – 2006)
2. Mini Cooper R50 (2002 – 2006)
3. Mini Convertible R52 (2005 – 2008)
4. Mini Cooper S R53 (2004 – 2006)
5. Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP kit (2006)
6. MINI Cooper R56 (2006 – present)
7. MINI Cooper Clubman (2008 – present)

In 2001, BMW give birth to the new MINI, the Mini One R50. Although the MINI is bigger, the Mini characteristic are still remain with the car like the round headlights, chrome-smiling front grille, rear slipper-look lamp, and cute body shape.

In 2002, BMW launched the MINI Cooper R50 and MINI Convertible R52 in 2005. The new MINI poisoned the world with its cult icon. Many celebrities can’t stop fall in love with this little car. In 2004, MINI Cooper S R53 was born and it was replaced with MINI Cooper R56 in 2006. At the same year, MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit is available for sale as limited edition, only 2000 cars were produced.