The Mini is a very small car, and it was made by the British Motors Corporation and successive companies from 1959 until 2000. The original Mini is 1960s British icon, and its then-revolutionary front-wheel drive allowed for more storage, influencing the cars of today. In many ways, the British Mini is the equivalent of Volkswagen's Beetle, and both car brands continue to be popular. In 1999, the Mini Cooper was voted as one of the 20th century's most influential cars, coming in second only to Ford's Model T.

The car's distinctive, two-door design was the idea of Sir Alec Issigonis, and the cars were made at both Cowley and Longbridge plants in England, the Zetland BMC factory in Australia, and in later years the Mini was also made in Chile, Belgium, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Uruguay, Portugal, Yugoslavia and Venezuela. There were a few variations on the Mini theme, such as the Mark Series, a pickup truck, estate car, and a tiny, jeep-like Mini Moke. The car's sportier version were the Mini Cooper and the Cooper S, and these made great rally cars- they won the Monte Carlo Rally four times. Minis were originally sold under both the Morris and Austin nameplates, as the Morris Mini and Austin Seven. Mini did not become a car make in its own right until 1969, and was again marketed as an Austin in the 1980s.

According to Bert's Car Blog, the BMC exported about 10,000 left-drive Minis to the US between 1960 and 1967. However, sales were ceased with the implementation of far stricter federal safety standards in 1968, because the wheelbase of the Mini was too short. Contrary to belief, the A-series engine was in compliance with state & federal emissions standards, and it was sold in Austin's America until 1972, because its wheelbase was long enough to comply with regulations.

Now, back to the Mini Mark Series. From the Mark IV on, there were many special editions available, including models made to celebrate race wins or the car maker's anniversary. These limited edition cars usually came with unique exterior and interior trim and special badging. Examples include the Mini Rio, the Mini 1100 special, the Mini Mayfair, Italian Job, Park Lane, the Cooper RSP, Flame, and Monza. The simplicity, abundance and cheapness of used Minis make them a great car for modification. There are more than 120 Mini kit cars available, made by various companies and individuals. The cars are often heavily modified for use in advertisements, and they are sometimes shortened and lowered or otherwise modified by enthusiasts.

Today, BMW operates the Mini label, and they've done a great job with it. I drive a New Mini myself, and I absolutely adore it. Keep on reading for more info on the coolest Mini's around!