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60th Anniversary Bookazine
Presumably a cross between a Book and a Magazine - glad to see this on the market and have just treated myself to a copy - image sourced from shop.kelsey.co.uk with thanks
60th Anniversary UK Style
Happy 60th birthday, Mini: Take a step back in time to celebrate six decades of the iconic British car that brought affordable motoring to the masses
The Mini was launched to the world on August 26 1959 and had become one of Britain's most iconic creations
Take a step back in time 60 years as we celebrate six decades of arguably the most legendary model ever
By Rob Hull For Thisismoney.co.uk |Published: 26th August 2019 | Updated: 27th August 2019
On August 26 1959, the original Mini was launched to the world.
Penned by Sir Alec Issigonis, it's a design that broke the mould; tiny in dimensions but spacious enough for four passengers, it was aimed at the masses to provide affordable motoring at a time when the cost of driving had escalated for all. And, incredibly, it still lives on today - be it under the ownership of German giants BMW - in the shape of the not-so-dinky retro range. While it might not be the same diminutive original that was built to a budget, its continuation does mean we can cast an eye back 60 years of almost unbroken production to mark what is, without doubt, Britain's - and arguably the world's - most iconic car. Elsewhere across Europe, 'miniature' model sales started to boom as buyers looked to downsize their vehicles and motoring costs. Bubble cars in Germany - like the BMW Isetta and Messerschmitt KRs - became a big hit while Italians flocked to buy the Fiat 500 when it went on sale in 1957. BMC president Sir Leonard Lord set out a design brief for the car maker to produce its own small-scale vehicle, which importantly needed to have box-like measurements, offer ample space and - in order to keep costs down - use an existing powerplant. Issigonis, who had been drafted in for the project, sketched out a design that was a mere ten feet long, four foot seven and a half inches wide and became the epitome of 'Tardis' design. That's because despite the puny external dimensions, inside the original Mini was unfathomably roomy - which was all down to clever architecture.
The launch of the Mini Austin Seven in 1959
With the tried and tested BMC A-Series four-cylinder, water-cooled engine turned through 90 degrees and mounted transversely, and the use of a monocoque instead of a traditional chassis - with the suspension and engine gearbox assemblies being carried on sub frames - it had freed up the majority of the cabin floorplan for passenger space. BMC anticipated that orders would flood in and so, having previewed a production version of the vehicle to the press in April 1959, had already assembled 7,000 examples for the official launch four months later on August 26. On its introduction it was offered under the Austin and Morris names - as the Seven and Mini-Minor respectively. It wasn't until a decade later that Mini became a marque of its own (though it went back to the Austin Mini name in 1980). It was produced at Oxford until 1968 under the ownership of BMC before assembly was moved to Longbridge near Birmingham, where it continued to be built until October 2000 under the guise of British Leyland (1968-1986) and Rover Group (1986-2000).
Alec Issigonis, creator of the British Motor Corporation Mini, driving the 1,000,000th Mini off the production line at the Austin factory at Longbridge, near Birmingham
In total, the classic-shape Mini went through seven different iterations and included the Traveller, Countryman and Van variants - though all retained the same character, dimensional formula and legendary design. Given how responsive it was to drive and the efforts of racing car designer John Cooper, motorsport accomplishments also came. Most notable of them was the Mini Cooper S winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967 - and controversially being disqualified from the results after placing first to third in 1966.
And there was, of course, the car's memorable appearance alongside Sir Michael Caine in the 1969 hit caper film, 'The Italian Job' and its regular feature in '90s TV sitcom 'Mr Bean' played by Rowan Atkinson, both of which helped to cement its stardom.
Three original 1960's Mini coopers, used by Paramount Pictures to promote the 1969 film The Italian Job
Between 1959 and 2000 - when the Rover Group was eventually broken up by BMW - more than 5.3million classic Minis were built. Assembly returned to Oxford in 2001 following the takeover by the German auto giants, where it has remained until today for the output of the Mini Hatch, Convertible and Clubman estate. Earlier this month, Mini celebrated the production of the 10 millionth model, marked by a gathering of 60 vehicles - one for every year the car has been manufactured. While they no longer keep to the compact scale that made the classic so famous, it is at least fitting that Mini's bold step into the next generation of passenger cars - electrification - will take place where it all began at Plant Oxford. That's because the new Mini Electric, which has a 124-mile range, has this year been confirmed for production at the Cowley factory. While the question of whether Alec Issigonis - who died at the age of 81 in October 1988 - would have approved of BMW's Mini of today will remain unknown, it's testament to his design that many refuse to consider the latest examples as a continuation of the much loved and revered original. - All images sourced from Thisismoney as used in the article reproduced above.
Happy 60th birthday, Mini. And let's hope there's another 60 years of British production of the car to come.
60th Anniversary USA Style with a little help from Sir Michael Caine
60 years of MINI – exclusive highlights from the life of a style icon
By Faris Bouchaala - September 7, 2019
Right from the start, the classic Mini was a member of high society: royalty, film stars, musicians and celebrities from the world of fashion succumbed to the charm of the British original. To mark the brand's birthday, MINI presents a restored classic Mini in the striped design of the 60 Years Lifestyle Collection.
John Lennon drove one, Peter Sellers roared through his detective comedies in one, and even the Queen was chauffeured through the park of Windsor Castle in one. Countless celebrities succumbed to the charm of the classic Mini, which was first presented to the public 60 years ago. The car's distinctive design, surprisingly generous space and agile driving characteristics were all major factors in the revolutionary small car being accepted into the circles of high society at an early stage – especially in its home country of Great Britain. Exclusive photographs show numerous stars from the world of music, film and fashion choosing the classic Mini as their preferred means of transport, making it an icon of its time.
To mark the brand's 60th anniversary furthermore, MINI is commemorating those glorious early years with some exceptional special vehicles. Following the successful market launch of the MINI 60 Years Edition for the current MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door, the classic Mini will once again be at the forefront. A unique, elaborately restored one-off in the colourful striped design of the current MINI 60 Years Lifestyle Collection revives the fashionable panache and lifestyle of the wild sixties. Even after the brand's relaunch in 2001, celebrities all over the world were soon enjoying the distinctive driving fun offered by the modern MINI, which followed firmly in the footsteps of its classic predecessor. As the first compact car for the premium segment, the MINI immediately became a trendsetter. Its unconventional concept has inspired film-makers, musicians, fashion designers and other artists alike. With its enormous popularity as well as a clear tendency towards extravagance and immense driving fun, the MINI has made several appearances in Hollywood films and found its place in the private fleets of numerous showbiz stars.
Lord Snowdon introduced the classic Mini to the Royal Family.
Image sourced from Marshall Motor Group on Twitter
The fact that the classic Mini was accepted into London society at an early stage was due to a member of the Royal Family: Lord Snowdon – photographer, designer, friend of Mini designer Alec Issigonis and the husband of Princess Margaret – was one of the first to buy the new small car. A family photograph taken in 1965 shows him with Princess Margaret and their son David on a tour of London in a Mini. Lord Snowdon paved the way to a royal weekend residence for the Mini as early as 1960: his sister-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, was chauffeured by Issigonis through the park of Windsor Castle. For the small automobile, this was something of a knighthood – the highest of royal honours that Issigonis himself went on to receive nine years later.
Image sourced from Learning History with thanks (also seen on Pinterest)
The Beatles, the Monkees, the Beach Boys, Spencer Davis, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and David Bowie – the Mini was a hit for all of them. In the years that followed, the Mini secured a firm place in the fashion, art and music scene of "Swinging London". Its international fame was not least due to the enthusiasm it generated among all members of the Beatles. John Lennon ordered a Mini in 1964 – even though he didn't have a driving licence. Historical photographs show drummer Ringo Starr with one of the Mini Cooper S models that took part in the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally and Paul McCartney getting into his private Mini in 1967. Guitarist George Harrison was the proud owner of a Mini de Ville, refined by renowned bodymaker Radford. When the Beatles met in 1967 to shoot their TV film "Magical Mystery Tour" at West Malling Airfield in Kent, John Lennon also enjoyed racing across the airfield in a Mini painted in psychedelic colours. The affection of well-known musicians for the classic Mini lasted for decades, and it was by no means limited to the British Isles. While the popularity of the Mini became an increasingly global phenomenon, pop and rock bands from the US gained new fans in Europe. In 1966, it was the Beach Boys who set off on an international tour with their surfer sound, posing in front of a Mini Moke in Great Britain. This image of the Californian musicians with a beach mobile bearing the band's name spread around the world. The American band, The Monkees, reached the peak of their popularity at about the same time. There is a photograph dating back to this period in which guitarist and singer Michael Nesmith and his girlfriend Phyllis are looking up through the folding roof of a Mini into the camera above. Like Beatle Harrison, Monkee Nesmith had his own personal Mini Cooper S made by Radford. This extravagant and expensive one-off specimen not only had a folding roof but also a 100-hp engine and a wooden dashboard with additional instruments. As well as to enjoying driving the classic Mini, London-born musician David Bowie was particularly impressed with its parking capabilities. He firmly believed there was no other automobile designed so perfectly for city life. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original, Bowie designed a classic Mini in 1999 that reflected its entire surroundings – like a polished teapot made of British silver. German singer Nina Hagen was also photographed with a Mini Cooper for the magazine Paris Match in the French capital in 1994.
Born to be an action hero: the classic Mini as a film star on four wheels.
Sometimes as an extra, sometimes in the leading role – the classic Mini has appeared in television series and feature films spanning six decades. It makes an appearance in the 1966 cult movie "Blow Up" as well as in the crime comedy "Kaleidoscope" of the same year, in which the then still largely unknown Warren Beatty played the leading role. The film "A Cœur Joie" starring Brigitte Bardot also came out in 1966: it features fashion models travelling in the Mini Cooper. The fact that French star Bardot had a close connection with the British car in her private life as well is demonstrated in photographs taken in 1980 in which she can be seen accompanied by her dogs in a Mini Moke. "The Bionic Woman" was a TV series that enjoyed considerable popularity in both the USA and the UK. In 1976, leading actress Lindsay Wagner posed in London in front of a classic Mini attached to a steel frame, giving the impression she was lifting the vehicle with one hand – apparently possessing superhuman powers like her character from the TV series. The scenes in which the classic Mini was used by British actor Peter Sellers and director Blake Edwards, were similarly unconventional and humorous. Sellers and Edwards made the film "A Shot in the Dark" in 1964 as a sequel to the crime comedy "The Pink Panther". As Inspector Clouseau, Sellers drives a rather unusual Mini Cooper – here the actor was also demonstrating his off-screen penchant for extravagant special versions of the classic Mini. The film vehicle is a Mini de Ville made by Radford featuring a wickerwork design on the flanks of the body. Over the years, Peter Sellers acquired about a dozen individually enhanced classic Mini vehicles, including one he gave to his then wife Britt Ekland as the contents of an oversized birthday cake presented to her at the Radford sales premises in London in 1965. Probably the most spectacular big-screen appearance of the classic Mini was in the 1969 gangster comedy "The Italian Job". In this film, crook Charlie Croker played by Michael Caine joins forces with an accomplice to plan a gold theft in the centre of Turin. They load their booty into three Mini Coopers – painted red, blue and white – before setting off on a breathtaking escape through a sewer tunnel and over roofs and stairs in the midst of the traffic turmoil in the Italian city. 34 years later, "The Italian Job" was to hit cinemas again: in the new version featuring Hollywood stars Charlize Theron, Jason Statham and Mark Wahlberg, the story of a spectacular gold theft was staged in even more effective and high-speed style. When it came to casting the leading four-wheeled stars, the choice fell – how could it be otherwise – on the new MINI Cooper S, which now demonstrated its agility and sporty flair on and under the streets of Los Angeles.
On the road as part of the fashion scene, too.
In the Swinging London of the 1960s, not only were new musical sounds emerging but also the stylish trends of the fashion world – and the classic Mini was always right at the heart of the action. Lesley Hornby – better known by her nickname Twiggy – passed her driving test in a classic Mini in 1968. Mary Quant, influential women's fashion designer and inventor of the mini skirt, was also inspired by the classic Mini. Shortly after obtaining her driving licence, she ordered a black Mini and later designed a special edition – recognisable by its black and white striped seat covers, among other things. The British designer also took a liking to the new MINI: "It's a fashionable, cheerful and smiling car." At the end of the 1990s, Paul Smith, one of Britain's most famous men's fashion designers, created a limited special series of the classic Mini with a paint finish in a shade of blue created by himself to match the anthracite-coloured alloy wheels. Another unique edition at least as popular as this was presented for the 40th anniversary of the classic Mini, which Smith painted in his typical multicolour striped design.
The Brooklyn Brothers have launched a promo where they have requested stories cherished by Classic Mini owners to be shared. Apparently I have reached Round 2 and have provided them with information concerning Lorenzo and sent 10-15 photo over to them including the one below featuring my logo!
1959 - 2019
Disappointingly the World Record has been cancelled due to lack of numbers of Minis!
Happy 60th Birthday Mini!
The Brooklyn Brothers accompanying logo for the stories promo
Memorably in creating this page, I also created my tribute to 60 years of Mini by creating a logo for my personal use and which will appear on my car in the format of a sticker - photos to come of course. In the meantime, the provenance of this design is based on the (and to date my favourite) logo created for Mini 25 in 1984!
My 'homage' to the 60th anniversary of the Classic Mini!
There's to be an official 60th Anniversary Party in August 2019!
Created by redubble.com for the occasion (customised variations also available)
An entertaining design from Thanet's Original Minis utilising the 40th anniversary logo and font
The Logo produced by the BMC (British Mini Club) for the 60th Anniversary celebrations - there doesn't seem to be anything official from the manufacturers which is a great pity!
Another Mini 60 offering to mark the occasion featuring Nottingham designer Paul Smith's striped Mini which was originally created for the 40th anniversary!
A windscreen 'decal' created by carousell.com for the occasion
BMW Pays tribute to Minis' 60th Anniversary
PressClub Global · Article | 05.09.2019 Press Release
60 years of MINI – exclusive highlights from the life of a style icon.
Right from the start, the classic Mini was a member of high society: royalty, film stars, musicians and celebrities from the world of fashion succumbed to the charm of the British original. To mark the brand's birthday, MINI presents a restored classic Mini in the striped design of the 60 Years Lifestyle Collection.
Munich. John Lennon drove one, Peter Sellers roared through his detective comedies in one, and even the Queen was chauffeured through the park of Windsor Castle in one. Countless celebrities succumbed to the charm of the classic Mini, which was first presented to the public 60 years ago. The car's distinctive design, surprisingly generous space and agile driving characteristics were all major factors in the revolutionary small car being accepted into the circles of high society at an early stage – especially in its home country of Great Britain. Exclusive photographs show numerous stars from the world of music, film and fashion choosing the classic Mini as their preferred means of transport, making it an icon of its time.
To mark the brand's 60th anniversary furthermore, MINI is commemorating those glorious early years with some exceptional special vehicles. Following the successful market launch of the MINI 60 Years Edition for the current MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door, the classic Mini will once again be at the forefront. A unique, elaborately restored one-off in the colourful striped design of the current MINI 60 Years Lifestyle Collection revives the fashionable panache and lifestyle of the wild sixties. Even after the brand's relaunch in 2001, celebrities all over the world were soon enjoying the distinctive driving fun offered by the modern MINI, which followed firmly in the footsteps of its classic predecessor. As the first compact car for the premium segment, the MINI immediately became a trendsetter. Its unconventional concept has inspired film-makers, musicians, fashion designers and other artists alike. With its enormous popularity as well as a clear tendency towards extravagance and immense driving fun, the MINI has made several appearances in Hollywood films and found its place in the private fleets of numerous showbiz stars.
Lord Snowdon introduced the classic Mini to the Royal Family.
The fact that the classic Mini was accepted into London society at an early stage was due to a member of the Royal Family: Lord Snowdon – photographer, designer, friend of Mini designer Alec Issigonis and the husband of Princess Margaret – was one of the first to buy the new small car. A family photograph taken in 1965 shows him with Princess Margaret and their son David on a tour of London in a Mini. Lord Snowdon paved the way to a royal weekend residence for the Mini as early as 1960: his sister-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, was chauffeured by Issigonis through the park of Windsor Castle. For the small automobile, this was something of a knighthood – the highest of royal honours that Issigonis himself went on to receive nine years later.
The Beatles, the Monkees, the Beach Boys, Spencer Davis, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and David Bowie – the Mini was a hit for all of them. In the years that followed, the Mini secured a firm place in the fashion, art and music scene of "Swinging London". Its international fame was not least due to the enthusiasm it generated among all members of the Beatles. John Lennon ordered a Mini in 1964 – even though he didn't have a driving licence. Historical photographs show drummer Ringo Starr with one of the Mini Cooper S models that took part in the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally and Paul McCartney getting into his private Mini in 1967. Guitarist George Harrison was the proud owner of a Mini de Ville, refined by renowned bodymaker Radford. When the Beatles met in 1967 to shoot their TV film "Magical Mystery Tour" at West Malling Airfield in Kent, John Lennon also enjoyed racing across the airfield in a Mini painted in psychedelic colours.
The affection of well-known musicians for the classic Mini lasted for decades, and it was by no means limited to the British Isles. While the popularity of the Mini became an increasingly global phenomenon, pop and rock bands from the US gained new fans in Europe. In 1966, it was the Beach Boys who set off on an international tour with their surfer sound, posing in front of a Mini Moke in Great Britain. This image of the Californian musicians with a beach mobile bearing the band's name spread around the world. The American band, The Monkees, reached the peak of their popularity at about the same time. There is a photograph dating back to this period in which guitarist and singer Michael Nesmith and his girlfriend Phyllis are looking up through the folding roof of a Mini into the camera above. Like Beatle Harrison, Monkee Nesmith had his own personal Mini Cooper S made by Radford. This extravagant and expensive one-off specimen not only had a folding roof but also a 100-hp engine and a wooden dashboard with additional instruments. As well as to enjoying driving the classic Mini, London-born musician David Bowie was particularly impressed with its parking capabilities. He firmly believed there was no other automobile designed so perfectly for city life. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original, Bowie designed a classic Mini in 1999 that reflected its entire surroundings – like a polished teapot made of British silver. German singer Nina Hagen was also photographed with a Mini Cooper for the magazine Paris Match in the French capital in 1994.
Born to be an action hero: the classic Mini as a film star on four wheels.
Sometimes as an extra, sometimes in the leading role – the classic Mini has appeared in television series and feature films spanning six decades. It makes an appearance in the 1966 cult movie "Blow Up" as well as in the crime comedy "Kaleidoscope" of the same year, in which the then still largely unknown Warren Beatty played the leading role. The film "A Cœur Joie" starring Brigitte Bardot also came out in 1966: it features fashion models travelling in the Mini Cooper. The fact that French star Bardot had a close connection with the British car in her private life as well is demonstrated in photographs taken in 1980 in which she can be seen accompanied by her dogs in a Mini Moke.
"The Bionic Woman" was a TV series that enjoyed considerable popularity in both the USA and the UK. In 1976, leading actress Lindsay Wagner posed in London in front of a classic Mini attached to a steel frame, giving the impression she was lifting the vehicle with one hand – apparently possessing superhuman powers like her character from the TV series.
The scenes in which the classic Mini was used by British actor Peter Sellers and director Blake Edwards, were similarly unconventional and humorous. Sellers and Edwards made the film "A Shot in the Dark" in 1964 as a sequel to the crime comedy "The Pink Panther". As Inspector Clouseau, Sellers drives a rather unusual Mini Cooper – here the actor was also demonstrating his off-screen penchant for extravagant special versions of the classic Mini. The film vehicle is a Mini de Ville made by Radford featuring a wickerwork design on the flanks of the body. Over the years, Peter Sellers acquired about a dozen individually enhanced classic Mini vehicles, including one he gave to his then wife Britt Ekland as the contents of an oversized birthday cake presented to her at the Radford sales premises in London in 1965.
Probably the most spectacular big-screen appearance of the classic Mini was in the 1969 gangster comedy "The Italian Job". In this film, crook Charlie Croker played by Michael Caine joins forces with an accomplice to plan a gold theft in the centre of Turin. They load their booty into three Mini Coopers – painted red, blue and white – before setting off on a breathtaking escape through a sewer tunnel and over roofs and stairs in the midst of the traffic turmoil in the Italian city. 34 years later, "The Italian Job" was to hit cinemas again: in the new version featuring Hollywood stars Charlize Theron, Jason Statham and Mark Wahlberg, the story of a spectacular gold theft was staged in even more effective and high-speed style. When it came to casting the leading four-wheeled stars, the choice fell – how could it be otherwise – on the new MINI Cooper S, which now demonstrated its agility and sporty flair on and under the streets of Los Angeles.
On the road as part of the fashion scene, too.
In the Swinging London of the 1960s, not only were new musical sounds emerging but also the stylish trends of the fashion world – and the classic Mini was always right at the heart of the action. Lesley Hornby – better known by her nickname Twiggy – passed her driving test in a classic Mini in 1968. Mary Quant, influential women's fashion designer and inventor of the mini skirt, was also inspired by the classic Mini. Shortly after obtaining her driving licence, she ordered a black Mini and later designed a special edition – recognisable by its black and white striped seat covers, among other things. The British designer also took a liking to the new MINI: "It's a fashionable, cheerful and smiling car." At the end of the 1990s, Paul Smith, one of Britain's most famous men's fashion designers, created a limited special series of the classic Mini with a paint finish in a shade of blue created by himself to match the anthracite-coloured alloy wheels. Another unique edition at least as popular as this was presented for the 40th anniversary of the classic Mini, which Smith painted in his typical multicoloured striped design.
1959 - 2009
The Royal Mint went to town on Mini's half-century producing a selection of coins as illustrated here
Happy 50th Birthday Mini
A big Mini day out - thousands take to the road for Mini's 50th anniversary
By Amy Oliver for The Mail on Sunday | Updated: 18th May 2009
- Thousands of Mini enthusiasts took to the roads today to celebrate Mini's 50th anniversary.
- More than 2,500 brightly coloured Minis made the pilgrimage to the coast in the London to Brighton run.
- The annual run is now in its 46th year but this year was extra special for the organisers and participants who were celebrating 50 years since the first Mini rolled off the factory production line.
- Owners proudly showed off their cars and, in what seemed like a history lesson of the classic car, made famous by 1969 film, The Italian Job, starring Michael Caine, all models from classics to variants to the new BMW Minis, were on display.
The troop of Minis that came in a spectrum of colours with many roofs displaying the Union Jack set off from Crystal Palace Park, London, in some classically British drizzle at 8.30am this morning. To celebrate the 50th anniversary the first 51 Minis to leave London were representatives from each year of production from 1959 - 2009. They left the park in production year order.
"Mini crocodile: A line of Minis make their way through Crystal Palace Park" - Gives a whole new meaning to the 'Crocodile Walk' - image courtesy & © of Getty as used in the Daily Mail article.
There was also a world-record attempt for the longest parade of Minis through Crystal Palace Park. The annual run, organised by the London and Surrey Mini Owners Club, is one of the largest single-manufacturer car shows in the world and attracts around 2,500 Minis for the journey to Brighton's sea front. On arrival the long line of cars took pride of place on Brighton's seafront where the festivities continued with demonstrations and the chance to show off the much-loved vehicles.
As Michael Caine's character, Charlie Crocker, would no doubt say - "what a great idea".
"Mini view: Thousands of Minis took to the road to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Mini at the annual London to Brighton run" - image courtesy & copyright of Graham Bool/McLellan as used in the Daily Mail article.
1959 - 1999
Happy 40th Birthday Mini
1959 - 1994
Happy 35th Birthday Mini!
1959 - 1989
Happy 30th Birthday Mini!
Quick Guide to the Mini 30 as created in the Daily Mail article for 'too tall boys'
Front and Back Cover scans of the Mini 30 Years Souvenir Magazine from my personal collection
Thirty years on: The Rover Group marked the third decade of the Mini with this celebratory picture - image sourced from the thisismoney article reproduced under the 60th anniversary details above
Official Mini 30th Birthday Photoshoot at Silverstone 1989 - image sourced from Alex Cleland on Flickr
All documented Mini 30 memorabilia can be seen here
1959 - 1984
Happy 25th Birthday Mini!
The celebrations for the 25th Anniversary/Birthday celebrations were held at Donington Park and I was there (photos to follow when I find them) I'm delighted I was able to participate as a few short months later my leg broke and I was incarcerated until 1991.
Mini 25 Anniversary featuring the special edition and Mini Logo - image and narrative sourced from ranwhenparked.net
Front and Back Cover scans of the Mini 25 Years Souvenir Magazine from my personal collection
Austin River really went a bundle on the 25th Anniversary I'm somehow not convinced they believed it would last much longer ..... (Philistines!)
Sunday classic: Austin Mini 25
Posted on April 29, 2012 by Ronan Glon
Much like the current BMW-designed MINI, the original model was available in many special editions throughout its long production run. One of them was the Austin Mini 25, launched in July of 1984 as a way to celebrate the car's 25th anniversary. Since a 25th anniversary is sometimes referred to as a silver anniversary, every example of the Mini 25 was finished in a metallic shade of silver. Red "Mini 25" decals were affixed to both quarter panels and on the trunk lid, while a red and gray adhesive band ran down the car's side to contrast with the silver paint.
The Mini 25 sat on 12-inch steel wheels that featured the number 25 on the centre caps. The windows were tinted, and the mirrors, door handles and the bumpers were painted in flat black. The red, silver and gray treatment continued on the inside. The seats were upholstered in gray velour with red accents, and a similar motif was found on the door panels. The three-spoke sport-style steering wheel was adorned by the same 25 logo that was found on the wheel's centre caps, and in case passengers forgot how old the Mini was, the logo was also stitched into the front seatbacks. All 25s came standard with a cassette player, a tachometer and front disc brakes.
No changes were made under the hood. The Mini 25 was powered by the same 42 horsepower 998cc four-cylinder that was found in many other members of the Mini lineup at the time. It was bolted to a four-speed manual transmission that, of course, spun the front wheels. Only 5,000 examples of the Mini 25 were built. 3,500 of them were sold in England and the rest were exported throughout Europe. The model's specification sometimes varied from country to country; for example, the 25s sold in France did not have tinted windows. The Mini 25 retailed for £3,865 in its home country. Despite the special place that the 25 occupies in the Mini's history, many models were driven into the ground and consequently scrapped. Others underwent a host of mechanical and interior modifications, making unmolested examples quite rare, and model-specific spare parts even rarer. Source : ranwhenparked.net
From the official Sales Brochure for the Mini 25 :
A Jubilant Mini
Motoring's greatest little character, the Austin Mini, celebrates its Silver Jubilee this year - and that calls for something really special in the way of commemoration. It takes a rare breed of car indeed to stay ahead of fashion for twenty-five years and still be a hot favourite. So it's not surprising that Austin Rover's designers have really gone to town to create a magnificent anniversary special. The Mini 25 limited edition.
Immaculate Turn-Out
Choosing the right colour was straightforward - the lustrous Silver Leaf clearcoat metallic finish was tailor-made for the job, and shows off the Mini's lovable contours to their best advantage. Harmonising with this classy silver there is tinted glass and a special set of dark grey Nimbus accessories - bumpers, radiator grille, wheelarch mouldings and door handles while the car's signature is a 'Mini 25' motif incorporated in decals along the waistlines and on the boot lid. The Mini 25 is distinctively shod, with low-profile, high-grip tyres on 12-inch wheels with stylish moulded hub covers; front disc brakes are also standard equipment. Demonstrating that the Mini 25's beauty is much more than skin deep, however, is the free six-year corrosion warranty.
Opulence within
When it came to dressing the interior of this modern-day classic, the designers indulged their tastes almost regardless of expense, and came up with a truly sumptuous and irresistible treatment. Lavish, wall-to-wall luxury begins with full seat trimming, door casings and rear quarter casings in plush Rover-style grey Flint velvet fabric, with all piping in contrasting red velvet, Also reflecting this accent theme is red seat belt webbing. Deep cut pile carpet lies luxuriously underfoot, and there are carpeted kick strips on the doors together with handy storage bins.
An excellent example of the Mini 25 interior livery showing the piping and red webbing of the seatbelts
The three-spoke leather-bound steering wheel, has a centra; '25' motif and the same motif is incorporated on the reclining front seat squabs. Velvet-trimmed height-adjustable head restraints feature on the front seats, but the real novelty here for the Minin25 is a pair of ingenious zipped velvet pockets, one on the front of each front seat cushion - ideal to keep small items tidy safe and clean. Other special '25' items include a tachometer within the triple-dial instrument binnacle, and a LW?MW push-button radio/stereo cassette player. Twin rear-shelf speaker pods are carefully angled for optimum acoustic quality. All these touches of opulent luxury combine with the blithe and happy nature of the Mini to create a permanent celebration on wheels. The Mini 25 has the legendary economy, agility and driving fun that has endeared the Mini to millions of people all over the world - which is why only 3,500 will be available in Britain - the rest of the production is earmarked for places as widely separated as France and Japan - so if you want to invest in this beautiful Jubilee edition, see your Austin Rover dealer very soon.
Mini 25 poster advertising the Donington Park festivities
Proof of Parking and a nice souvenir of the day!
Austin Rover ad for the Mini 25
Official Merchandise (Souvenirs to you and me!)
Price List of items available at Donington Park on the day
I seem to remember they weren't selling the full range at Castle Donington but I certainly ended up with mugs, a holder, a padded jacket and T-shirt eventually probably by 'mail order' - I may have some more small peripherals and a programme as well which will appear when I sort my photographs out.
1959 - 1979
Happy (low-key) 20th Birthday Mini!
The first of the special editions and very low key in general - a rare find of a magazine cover celebrating this milestone
In most cases, yes I was there and these are all my little bits and bobs saved over the years!
Page refreshed : 20th October 2020 (G)