MINI Heritage - MINI 1000
Today, MINI, the “legendary small car with a big attitude”, celebrates its 53rd birthday. Since introduction in 1959, MINI has become an object and subject of obsession for so many people across the world. In fact, it was the first small car to achieve genuine global success.
It is a British icon, a business phenomenon and arguably one of the most loved and unique car marques in the history of motoring.
A small car in size but big on space, design and personality, MINI is cosmopolitan, ageless and cheeky. Owned and loved by the rich and famous (The Beatles, John Lennon and Clint Eastwood to name a few) and considered the small car icon of the 1960s, the MINI concept is as trend-setting today as it was 53 years ago.
So how did MINI mania begin? Sir Alec Issigonis, one of the most original car designers of the modern era, was set a task by the then British Motor Corporation (BMC) to build a car that was spacious inside and minimum dimensions outside, seats for four passengers, impeccable driving characteristics, superior fuel economy, all at a very affordable price - and he did just that. The Morris MINI Minor was born on August, 26 1959, measuring just 3.05m in length – it was simply perfect for small parking spaces and low budgets.
It was in 1961, when a very special variant of the classic appeared and consolidated the legend of the classic MINI. The response to this MINI Cooper was quite simply euphoric. With its uniqueness, performance, mass market appeal and celebrity pull factor, the Mini soon became the perfect fashion accessory.
Numerous versions of the classic Mini with all kinds of highlights – from sporty to trendy, distinguished to fresh – encompassed the classic MINI line-up.  It even went on to win three Monte Carlo races by 1967 and became a film star within its own right.
By 2000, more than 5.3mn units had left the production plants in the UK, making it the world’s most successful compact car. But even after 41 years, there was still a long way to go. After a break of not quite one year, a new chapter in the history of this British legend began when in 2001 the BMW Group re-launched the classic MINI.   
The new MINI was to create a unique premium brand, combining modern requirements in terms of interior space with unmistakable charisma and excellent product qualities in the compact segment – respecting its history but at the same time meeting the needs of present day customers.
The BMW Group successfully re-launched the brand thanks to consistent positioning as a premium global brand and a clear focus on its new target customers. Communications gave the brand a unique MINI feeling: MINI was not just an A-to-B car but an expression of outgoing and spontaneous lifestyle.
Today, MINI continues to lead as the fastest growing premium brand in the world as well as in the Middle East. During the first half of 2012, it grew 48% across nine different Middle Eastern markets.
To date more than 2.6mn MINI vehicles have sold worldwide since the “New MINI” was launched by the BMW Group in 2001. The brand’s characteristic combination of driving fun, individualistic style and premium quality has led to continued growth across the 80 countries in which MINI is on sale.
Today’s MINI line-up includes six models: the MINI Hatch, MINI Cabrio, MINI Clubman, MINI Countryman, MINI Coupe and most recently the MINI Roadster, the first open top two-seater MINI. All are available in various engine variants.
Alfardan Automobiles is the official and exclusive importer of MINI cars in Qatar.