It's been 66 years since the first ever Mini left the factory

Let’s all wish happy birthday to the Mini, as 66 years ago – on May 8th, 1959 – the first ever production model left the factory as a response, weirdly, to the Suez Crisis.

The British man who designed everyone’s favorite tiny car, Alec Issigonis, had a very small wheelbase to work with, only 80.3 inches to be exact, but from this tiny little wheelbase, an icon was born.

Issigonis was somewhat of a genius because he thought he could save space by incorporating the transmission into the sump, as well as only using 20 percent of the available room in the car’s interior to fit the powertrain.

This tiny, genius car holds a big place in everyone’s heart. So let’s take a look back at the history of the smallest and smartest car of the 1950s.

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Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint quite when history was made when you’re living through it.

But for those alive during May 1959, it was no surprise that the newly launched tiny car with big dreams was such a hit.

Let us set the scene.

In the wake of the 1956 Suez Crisis, there was a big oil shortage, which affected a lot of people who drove big gas-guzzling cars.

So the world was crying out for a small car that could efficiently consume gas.

Enter Alec Issigonis, a man with an 80.3-inch wheelbase and a dream. And with these things, he created the Mini.

Issigonis also cleverly incorporated the sump and transmission and saved space with the powertrain, meaning you could easily fit a family of four inside the little rocket.

You may not know this, but the Mini actually began as a model name, not a make.

In fact, it only became a make of car after BMW took over. So there were mini versions of all types of, mostly British, brands like BMC, Woseley, Rover, and even Morris.

It was so well-received that it was clear the Mini was here to stay, especially after another oil crisis in the 1970s.

But they’re still particularly popular even now in the UK, partly because of old cities with tiny streets like London, and partly thanks to their incredible fuel efficiency.

Over the last 66 years, everyone wanted and still wants one, because they were the every-car.

They were cheap and sustainable enough for someone like a student, but also fashionable enough for the luxury lifestyle of a millionaire.

The classic mini still races to this day, even giving some V8-powered beasts a run for their money due to how light and agile the tiny car is.

So, happy 66th birthday Mini, long may your tiny reign continue.

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