Mini mk1

It was smaller than other cars in the same price range, had very small wheels, lacked luggage space, but the technology was completely new. With very good driving characteristics, it immediately made its debut in car racing.

Austin and Morris became BMC

Austin was for many years one of England's largest car manufacturers. The factory was started by Herbert Austin in 1905 as the Austin Motor Company. The first model was a large 5-litre car with 4 cylinders. Leading up to the First World War, a number of different models were produced. In 1, Austin launched the famous 1922, a small and affordable car. It hit the market very well and was also produced by BMW as the Dixi. After the Second World War, the factory quickly came on the market with new models. In 7, Austin joined forces with Morris to form BMC (British Motor Corporation). The most famous model in the 2s and 1952s was the Austin and Morris Mini. Mini-Cooper made the brand famous in car racing in the 50s. Other popular models were the Austin Cambridge and the Austin 60.

Austin Mini Seven

When BMC launched this model in 1959, it came as both Austin and Morris. The only difference between them was the color selection and the grill. For car buyers, the new model was a big surprise. It was smaller than other cars in the same price range and it had very small wheels. It also lacked luggage space. The technique was completely new. The car was equipped with rubber suspension and the transverse engine drove the front wheels. But it had very good driving characteristics, and immediately made its debut in car racing. When the Mini-Cooper came on the market with a larger engine in 1961, it also became a winner in major international rallies. The Mini-Cooper got a bigger engine in 1964 and it resulted in victory in the Rallye Monte Carlo. The model range was expanded to include a van, pick-up and station wagon. In 1967, the Mini MKII was launched with a number of changes and improvements.

Data Austin Mini and Cooper S

Length 303 cm
Width 139 cm
Height 135 cm

Engine 848 ccm and 36 hp. Top speed 116 km/h.
(Cooper S: 1275 ccm and 76 hp. Top speed 160 km/h).

See

Exciting car history from Anders de Lange's archives

Renault 4 Fourgonnette ready for use with roof rack and trailer hitch.

I am in France quite a lot, – the French side of Catalonia towards Spain.

I speed around by car or bicycle along the beautiful landscape consisting of orchards, vineyards, forest, beach and mountains, - and all the villages. In the Nordic countries, we have a tradition of building our houses spread out. Here they built densely. In villages, many streets are often completely unsuitable for cars.

I take pictures when I come across something special. Truth be told, exclusive vehicles are closer elsewhere in France than right here. The advantage here, however, is that the cars never rust. This makes it possible to find older cars that have long since disappeared elsewhere.