A Brief History of Mini-Cooper

The first Mini Cooper was released in 1959 in England by Sir Leonard Lord and Alec Issigonis of the Morris Company. The car was designed in response to soaring fuel prices, the goal to design a small, affordable, fuel-efficient car capable of carrying four adults. Issigonis made more room in the car’s cockpit by pushing the wheels all the way out to the corners and turning the engine sideways giving the car more stability in tight turn and more passenger space on the inside. 

The Mini Cooper became very popular in the 1960s, as it embodied Britain’s classic style in a low-cost, small size, fun and nimble package to symbolize independence and spontaneity. The Mini Cooper transcended class barriers and professions, and even entered the racing world because of its go-kart-like build. The Classic Mini Cooper 997 was introduced in 1961 by racing legend John Cooper. In 1962, racer Pat Moss led the Mini to its first motorsport victory in the Netherlands Tulip Rally. 

In addition to being exhilarating to drive, owners loved how easily their Mini became an extension of themselves. A dynamic expression of their individuality and a personality-packed sidekick that was always up for a bit of spontaneous fun. By 1969, over 2 million Mini Coopers had been sold all around the world. Pickup and station wagon versions of the Mini were introduced and proved to be very durable. By 1977, over 4 million Mini Coopers had been sold.

In 1999, over 5 million classic Minis had been sold and the Mini was voted the European Car of the Century! In 2003, the Mini took home the North American Car of the Year Award. Today’s Mini Cooper line has expanded, including available ALL4 all-wheel drive, three models with more seating and four doors, spirited two-seaters, topless motoring – and a new era of sophisticated technology and high-end interiors. With all its value at an affordable price, it’s no wonder so many Issaquah residents choose to drive a Mini Cooper. 

Mini-Cooper Today

The models that Mini-Cooper has on the market today are:

  • Hardtop 2-Door

The mini that started it all. Today’s versions come with four-wheel independent suspension, LED headlights, and leather upholstery.

  • Hardtop 4-Door

The Hardtop 4-Door is similar to the Hardtop 2-Door but comes with double the doors, a little more leg room, a little more cargo room and a little more elbow room.

  • Countryman

The biggest, most adventurous Mini yet, the Countryman is an ALL4 all-wheel drive that boasts generous space for cargo and passengers.

  • Clubman

With split rear doors, a refined, spacious interior and available ALL4 all-wheel drive, it ushers in a new era of sophisticated versatility.

  • Convertible

With a 3-in-1 convertible roof, the Mini convertible comes with rollover protection, a rain warner and a touchscreen navigation system.

EASTSIDE BAVARIAN: YOUR TRUSTED MINI- MAINTENANCE & REPAIR SHOP

When your Mini needs maintenance or repairs, you can bring your car to Eastside Bavarian in Issaquah. Our highly trained technicians receive ongoing specific training for your Mini. At Eastside Bavarian, our number one goal is service excellence.  Here are some guiding principles we follow everyday:
  • We will act with integrity and operate with transparency.
  • We will always provide honest and straightforward repair estimates to our customers.
  • We will continuously train our technicians for the vehicles in which we specialize.
If you are in Issaquah or surrounding areas, schedule an appointment at Eastside Bavarian today! You can schedule an appointment with us online or give us a call at 425-391-1990.

Car Talk

The MINI is a small economy car made by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 until 2000. The original is considered a British icon of the 1960s. It’s space-saving front-wheel drive layout – allowing 80 per cent of the area of the car’s floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage – influenced a generation of car makers.The vehicle is in some ways considered the British equivalent of its German contemporary the Volkswagen Beetle, which enjoyed similar popularity in North America. In 1999 the MINI was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, behind the Ford Model T.

[ source: Wikipedia.org ]

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