LJK SETRIGHT
Foreword
Upstart
Gamine
Workhorse
Racer
Film idol
Freak
Harbinger
Picture credits
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, as in the case of Alec Issigonisis' "brilliant design"--(according to Sir Terence Conran in his enthusiastic introduction) it is an icon of a generation. "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, it also epitomised a time and a place and a mood--1960s Swinging London to be precise. The Beatles had them, Michael Caine and Mary Quant had one. There were limo versions and racing versions and a van version and 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
