Mini: The Design Icon of a Generation

Now in production for 40 years, the Mini is one of the most easily recognizable cars on the road. As a part of its birthday celebrations, this tribute examines the styling, design and handling of the Mini, covering its success with the stars and in the rallies.

How much can you say about a car? Well, quite a lot if it is an icon of a generation--as in the case of Alec Issigonis's "brilliant design" (according to Sir Terence Conran in his enthusiastic introduction). "For forty years the Mini has been the cutest and most adorable car imaginable" gushes this book, and for once the hype is probably not over the top. The Mini was and is a genuinely loved car that was not only a hugely popular vehicle for millions of people all over the world but also epitomized a time and a place and a mood--1960s swinging London to be precise. The Beatles had them; Michael Caine and Mary Quant did too. There were limo versions and racing versions, a van version and a convertible version. They were stylish and democratic, serious and fun. "A classy little classless car" is how Sir Terence puts it, and that's just about right. This is a wonderfully illustrated book with a comprehensive text that tells and shows all you need to know about how to turn a lump of metal into a national institution. --Nick Wroe