Popular 'Gonk' style legend proclaiming "I love (using symbol ❤ ) my Mini"
Production may have ended in the year 2000 but, in 2012 the Mini is still going strong:
2017 - The English expat who's gone to war with his German neighbours with a life-size Queen & Corgies, Phone Box*, Mini and Centurion Tank
To complete the scene there is an original lime green* Mini bearing the image of Mr Bean - image courtesy & © of Reuters
*Actually. I think the car is 'Limeflower' (as was the interior of my first mini bought in 1972) but what would the reporters who call a telephone kiosk a 'box' know? For the full story visit the Kiosk section or the Mail on-line.
2017 - Is 'The Italian Job' really the best British film ever?
Nearly 50 years after it was released, Michael Caine movie is still a hit
Iconic image taken from the 1969 Film featuring the star of the shows - image © Stop Press
2017 - The great Mini 'Remastered'
A really souped up version of the Classic Mini currently very popular in the States - read more on Top Gear
Watch the video here
2017 - Mini voted 'Best Car Ever'
Did anyone ever doubt that?
Britain's best ever car is revealed - and it's not James Bond's Aston Martin
The iconic motor – famed for its roles in classic films such as the Italian Job and The Bourne Identity – beat some much pricier competition to be given the top honour by industry chiefs
- Mini, 1959-2000
- Jaguar E-Type, 1961-75
- Land Rover Defender, 1948-2016
- Aston Martin DB5, 1963-1965
- McLaren F1, 1992-1998
- Range Rover Mk1, 1970-1996
- Ford GT40, 1964-1969
- Caterham/Lotus Seven, 1957-now
- Ford Escort Mk1, 1967-1975
- Lotus Elise, 1996-2001
Forget flashy Jaguars or James Bond’s Aston Martin - the Mini has been voted Britain’s best-ever car. The iconic motor – famed for its roles in classic films such as The Italian Job and The Bourne Identity – beat some much pricier competition. The Jaguar E-Type came in second place and the Land Rover Defender in third.
The original Mini – which was in production from 1959 to 2000 – was a life changer for many and brought affordable motoring to the masses. A spokesman from Auto Express, which carried out the poll, said: “Minis were once as common as lampposts on UK roads –5.3 million were built. “Now the originals are cherished classics that raise a smile from everyone. They still dominate classic motorsport, too. No wonder our experts said the mighty Mini is the mightiest British car of all time.”
Ten top car manufacturers’ bosses, including representatives from Aston Martin, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover, created the list of the most influential models made in the UK. The judging panel was provided with a shortlist of 75 vehicles that rolled off UK production lines at one time or another, with each member asked to pick their top 10 based on sales, design and performance. Others chosen included the Aston Martin DB5, which was first used in a 007 flick in 1964’s Goldfinger, driven by Sean Connery, and most recently in Skyfall with Daniel Craig. The McLaren F1, the Lotus Elise and the Ford Escort MK1 were also near the top of the pile.
Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler said: “This survey is a reminder of how many iconic cars Britain has produced over the years. “So many of our Top 50 cars redefined segments and pushed the boundaries of what was possible. “The British automotive industry should be proud of its achievements and confident of the future.”
2015 - Mini - involved with Remembrance Fund Raising
Images courtesy of the British Mini Club
2015 - Mini features in 'Sexist' 1970s ads
Image copyright the Advertising Archives
'You've seen the ads from the Fifties and the Sixties, but this shocking selection from the Seventies shows that the real Mad Men of advertising learnt next to nothing about women over the years. For everything from cars to cigarettes to electric blankets, these ads show that while variety may be the spice of life, there's nothing like a semi-clad woman for bringing the customers running.'
The Daily Mail ran an article featuring 'perceived (by 21st century standards) 1970s adverts 'sexualising' women! One of those was for the Mini as shown above. As I was the very embodiment of that girl in the 1970s living in London and loving my 1972 Mini 1000 I'd like to ask, therefore, if I am seen as a 'Bimbo' some 40+ years later. A 'Bimbo' with some pretty extensive qualifications and experience of life! Lived in London in the 1970s, was a loyal 'Biba' (that's Biba not Bimbo) girl, lived and loved my Mini, even the nasty plastic seating which burnt any part of your unclothed body after time in the sun! Never suffered from an STD, travelled freely and extensively across the world (alone), had a steady job throughout, bought a house, got a mortgage and waited after I'd done all that to get married! Got married a second time too!
2015 - Mini - the villain in 'Emmerdale'
Honestly! How could they?
2014 - Two TV Programmes devoted to the Mini in May
Quest TV gave us Brian Johnson
Quest TV beat Channel 4 to the pip by broadcasting on Thursday, 8th May 2014
The Mini featured in Episode 1 of the series
"Whether it’s the old or new model, there’s a place in every Brit’s heart for the Mini. In this episode Brian will delve into its rich history, and get to the bottom of the world’s enduring love for this truly iconic car.
Brian heads to the Mini factory in Cowley in Oxford to witness how these loveable little cars are put together. From the assembly line he’ll get the lowdown on Mini’s big history, from the ground breaking first model to it’s more recent revamp and on‐going popularity. As well as his factory visit Brian test drives an original Mini from the Italian Job and competes in the Masters Historic Racing Festival at Brands Hatch."
Channel 4 offered Philip Glenister
Philip Glenister in Channel 4's 'For the Love of Cars' broadcast on Sunday, 11th May 2014
Two images copyright and courtesy of Channel 4 showing the Mini before restoration
Two images copyright and courtesy of Channel 4 showing the Mini 'before and after' and the re-built engine
The Mini featured in Episode 4 of the series
"The Mini Cooper Mk1 was the car that changed everything. Now it's down to Philip Glenister and internationally renowned car designer Ant Anstead to find, rescue and restore one back to its former glory.
But no ordinary model - Phil has set his hopes on an incredibly rare Mk 1 Cooper. Ant finally tracks one down in Dublin; a rusting heap at the back of a barn.
From its revolutionary design and front-wheel drive, to its conquering record as a track and rally car, the Mk 1 was the small car with the big heart driven by royalty, 60s superstars and the man and woman on the street.
Everyone loved the Mini and it is widely considered to be one of the greatest cars ever built. Philip explores the story of the Mini and meets Stirling Moss. He throws one around one of the most dangerous roads in the county and the show concludes with a Mini flash mob."
Mini voted the greatest British car of all time (Did you ever doubt it?) - 2014
With car production in Britain estimated to hit record levels by 2015, a poll reveals that the original Mini is still the greatest home-grown car of all. (Full article in sidebar)
2014 - Picadilly, London
My friend, Ken, sent me this from the "Cool Brittania Store", Picadilly Circus, London - 04.03.2014
2012 - Chelsea Flower Show
Flowers cover a Mini Cooper at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, on May 21, 2012. The Chelsea Flower Show is the most prestigious of Britain's flower shows and is held every year in the grounds of the Chelsea Hospital.
2003 - 'Radio Times' photoshoot
A Radio Times photoshoot featuring Mini, A Biba shopping bag, Cilla Black & Paul O'Grady as his alter ego 'Lily Savage' - I was in two minds about where to place this image but as Biba had ceased to exist in 2003 I felt Mini should take pole position! - image courtesy of issuu.com
You certainly don't ................
This page is reserved for our interest in the Classic Mini [you know, as seen in 'The Italian Job'] - "You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" - Michael Caine
How iconic is this?:
Perfect Harmony - a Classic Mini and a BMW 'Mini' sporting the same livery - possibly Vermillion red bodywork with accompanying (as yet unidentified) sky blue Union Jack Roof - wow!
We all know Mini starred in 'The Italian Job' and has appeared in numerous 1960/70s productions like 'The Professionals' and 'The Saint' - favourites of the commercial television stations - but in imagine, in 2011 Mini stars in the BBCs 'Dr. Who' - for a sequence of action shots please visit here:
Page updated : 6th September 2017