On this day, 60 years ago, the public got its first glimpse of the Mini, a car that’s gone on to charm the world, spawn a host of derivatives, star in films, become a fashion icon and so much more.
But its real success came by stealing the hearts of motorists the world over, becoming an integral part of people’s lives and creating lifelong memories.
So to mark Mini’s 60th birthday, we took to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels to ask you, the brilliant Classic & Sports Car community, why you so love the Mini, and to share your memories with us.
Thank you to everyone who responded – we were inundated with replies! Read on for a snapshot of why the Mini is so special to so many of you.
Reader Chris Hak from Dorset tweeted us to tell us about the 998 Cooper he drove in his youth in Essex. He remembers: “A friend of mine couldn’t shake me off round the twisty bits in his Elan. The very next day, pulling into the car park at work, the clamp connecting the steering column to the pinion shaft rounded off, leaving me with no steering! A quick visit to a breakers and it was sorted at lunchtime – phew!”