Mini

MINI was born in 1959 when Alec Issigonis designed a revolutionary small car for the British Motor Corporation in response to the Suez Crisis oil shortage. The transverse engine and front-wheel drive layout maximised interior space in a car just 3 metres long — a template for virtually every small car built since. The Mini became a cultural icon of 1960s Swinging London, driven by the Beatles, Steve McQueen and the Queen. BMW revived the brand in 2001, faithfully honouring the original's character in a modern, premium package.