Hammond's Mini Review

On the eve of the launch of the new BMW minis, with which we are familiar today, Hammond reviewed what he describes as being, in 1959, 'the hottest pocket rocket on the Kings Road' on 'Men and Motors'.

The Mini arrived in August 1959, under the names Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor, available in several specs including in de luxe. Nice.

They made a bit of a song and dance of the advertising.

They made a bit of a song and dance of the advertising.

A Contemporary Review

At the time Autocar said of the new mini 'This 850cc design, the work of Mr. Alec Issigonis and his team, bristles with originality, yet there is nothing remotely freakish about it. Whether they be engineers or laymen, those who examine this car are unanimous as to the good common sense and ingenuity built into them. The road test will gladden many hearts for it gives promise'.

The car they tested that day came in at £358 and 10 shillings and was described as having set new standards of comfort and road worthiness in the very small family car class. The manufacturers were congratulated on producing 'at a truly competitive price, an outstanding car providing unusual body space for its size, and one in which four persons can enjoy comfortable, safe and economical motoring. It is far from being an under powered miniature, and has a very lively performance; it is certain to interest the sporting motorist because of its fine handling qualities'. It scored, in what someone in 1959 thought was heavy traffic, due to its size and the minimum overhang making parking easier in 1959's apparently congested cities.

Cultural Icon

As we know the diminutive Mini went on to become one of the best-selling British cars in history. Not only that it is a style icon and an example to people across the world as something they think of as British and redolent of the 1960s and 70s.

Some say, James May for example, that you can't be a true petrol head unless you have owned an old Mini. My University years were spent helping my then boyfriend to keep his on the road, often with him rather unchivalrously getting me to push it so he could start it. I usually had help, I'm not superwoman, but still. My Other Half had three Minis through his twenties and early thirties and still waxes lyrical about them, despite spending a significant amount of time waiting for the AA in them, or next to them on a grass verge.

Hammond's Review

So, what did Hammond have to say about them? Here is his look back on the old mini and some thoughts about what the new BMW minis would need to achieve to live up to the name.

What do you think, old Mini or new Mini?

Have you ever owned an old style Mini? Have you got any tales to tell about it? Was it your first car, and you still dream of the freedom it gave you, or was it an old rust bucket that emptied your wallet? Possibly both. Or are you a youngster and think the BMW Minis are the best? Let me know your opinions in the comments and enjoy watching Hammond's retrospective.