Mini Cooper: 1961-2000

This book explores the history of the Mini Cooper through interviews with its designers, developers, and drivers, highlighting its impact as a practical sports saloon since its debut in 1961.

"Mini Cooper: 1961-2000" offers a captivating exploration of the iconic Mini Cooper through the perspectives of its creators, developers, professional drivers, and devoted owners. Launched on September 20, 1961, the Mini Cooper quickly became a sensation, heralded as the world's first sports saloon. This remarkable vehicle fused the racing legacy of the Cooper Car Company, champions of the 1959 and 1960 Formula 1, with the practicality and exceptional handling of the Austin Mini Seven and Morris Mini Minor.

Designed by Alec Issigonis, the Mini was introduced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) two years prior to the Cooper's debut. The Mini Cooper's success was almost immediate, dominating racetracks and rally stages throughout the early and mid-1960s while also serving as a fun and practical family car. With over 100,000 units sold between 1961 and 1971, the Mini Cooper has maintained its status as a beloved sporting saloon, continuing to thrive in the modern era as the BMW-owned MINI Cooper, even sixty years after its original introduction.

This book presents a fresh perspective on the Mini Cooper as it approaches its sixtieth birthday. Drawing from more than fifty interviews conducted over a decade, the author captures the voices of those who shaped the Mini Cooper's legacy, including its designers, developers, and professional racers, along with a variety of contemporary owners. Through these insights, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring charm and significance of this remarkable vehicle in automotive history.