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Mini Timeline & History

A full Mini timeline and history for Classic Mini.
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#1 Classic Mini First Generation MK1 (1959 – 1967)

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.

#2 Classic Mini MK2 Generation (1967 – 1969)

Having to move on from classic Mini first generation MK1, Mini MK2 was introduced in 1967 and it is the second generation for Mini car. Mini MK2 has several improvements across the Mini range, the most obvious changes is the new front grille design, it is more squarer shaped grille distinguished the new models from the front.

#3 Classic Mini MK3/MKIII (1969 – 1976)

Classic Mini MK3 / MKIII held between1969 to 1976. The MK3 generation has brought some big changes for the Mini. On November 1969, BMC announced that the names Austin and Morris were dropped from the Mini and from there onwards all cars model has become known as “Mini”.

#4 Classic Mini MK4/MKIV (1976-1984)

Mini MK4/MKIV generation comes from 1976 to 1984. Some confusion and uncertainty start happen here for mini lover. This is because the outlook is exactly same as MK3/MKIII especially the Mini 850 model. During MK4/MKIV generation, basically more performances of these carswere upgraded rather than the outlook.

#5 Mini MK5/MKV (1985-1991)

All the Minis that built from 1984 onwards to 1991 which following the introduction of the Mini 25, are fall into the generation as Mini MK5/MKV. Classic Mini MK5 generation was the era where all the limited editions of Mini cars were born. There are about 20 Mini Limited Edition were born in 7 years time.

#6 Mini MK6-MKVI (1992-1997)

Minis that built from 1992 to 1997 are fall into the group of Mark 6, MK6 or known as MKVI. There are numbers of Mini Cooper model were built again during this generation. The era of limited edition did not stop and the production keeps on going after Mini mk5 generation end around 1991. There are roughly 17 Mini models were built during this generation where about 6 models are base on the famous Mini Cooper cars model.

#7 Classic Mini Cooper last generation MK7 (1997 – 2000)

On September 11, 2000 – London Sixties model, TWIGGY with one of the last generation Mini Cooper MK7, at a photocall today (11.9.00) in London. This mark the end of an era the last Classic Mini will roll off he production line at the Rover Group’s Birmingham plant next month.

MINI Timeline & History (BMW MINI)

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MINI by BMW Group

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#1 BMW MINI One R50 (2001 – 2006)

Mini One is the first MINI that launched by the BMW Group back in year 2001, it is the first Mini car that born with the new look which generally known as the “MINI”. The New MINI (BMW Mini) was designed by Frank Stephenson and the drawing inspiration is from the original Mini which designed by Sir Alec Issigonis.

#2 Mini Cooper R50 First Generation (2002 – 2006)

The first Mini Cooper car that built by BMW Group was launched in 2002. The Cooper is different from MINI One in terms of more powerful, better handling and it has a different grill surround. Some Cooper models had a different type of front and rear bumpers as well as new headlights than the Mini One.

#3 Mini Convertible R52 (2005 – 2008)

The first generation of Mini Convertible (a.k.a Mini Cabriolet) was introduced in 2004. It was released in 2005 model year and available as Mini One ConvertibleMini Cooper Convertible, and Mini Cooper S Convertible. The model year for Mini Convertible from 2005-2008 are known as MK I Mini Convertible or “R52” (the R-series numbering as mention in Mini Cooper R50). All the Convertible models have all MINI “facelift” features.

#4 Mini Cooper S R53 (2004 – 2006)

Mini Cooper S come after Mini One and Mini Cooper R50. The first introduction to Mini Cooper S was in 2002. An “S” added to the Cooper name means a sportier and more powerful version of MINI. These criteria is just same as the classic Mini Cooper S. The Cooper S has 2 types in MINI first generation/MK I Hatchback, which is Pre-facelift for model year 2002 – 2004, and facelift July 2004 – 2006. Both of this model years are known as R53 for the R-series.

#5 Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP kit (2006)

Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP tuning kit was introduced in 2006. It also known as “MINI GP” which is the last version of MINI that made with Tritec engine. The “MINI GP” is a lightweight, race-preppedJohn Cooper Works, and limited edition where only 2000 cars are produced world wide. 2006 is also the year that first generation / MK I production end.

#6 MINI Cooper R56 Second Generation (2006 – 2013)

Mini Cooper R56 was first introduced 2006 and 2007 (some markets) after the Mini Cooper R50 production end during 2006. As mentioned in BMW Mini One post, Second generation of Mini comes in 2006 until present (at the time of writing 2009). The Cooper R56 is the first MINI appears in second generation as MINI MK II Hatchback.

#7 MINI Cooper Clubman R55 (2008 – 2014)

MINI Cooper Clubman was first introduced in 2008, models available for sale are MINI One Clubman, MINI Cooper Clubman, MINI Cooper D Clubman, and MINI Cooper S Clubman. The Clubman featured a “Clubdoor” where it is a small right-hand side door you can open for easier access to the rear seats. Simply cool!

#8 MINI Cooper Countryman R60 (2010 – 2014)

MINI Countryman was introduced in 2009 as 2010 model year, models available for sale MINI One Countryman (98PS), MINI Cooper Countryman (122PS), MINI Cooper ALL4 Countryman (122PS), MINI Cooper S Countryman (184PS), MINI Cooper S ALL4 (184PS), as well as the most powerful MINI John Cooper Works Countryman that comes with 211PS. It was the first subcompact crossover SUV by MINI.

#9 MINI Coupé (2011 – 2015) and MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015)

MINI Coupe MINI Coupe Mini Roadster

#10 MINI Cooper Clubman F54 (2015 – present)

The 2015 MINI Cooper Clubman F54 is coming soon!

#11 MINI Cooper F56 Third Generation (2014 – present)

Currently, the MINI Cooper F56 third generation is the latest MINI Cooper available on earth.
MINI Cooper F56
A 2015 MINI Cooper S F56 in Yellow with black strap

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