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![Alec Issigonis]()
British Motor Corporation designer Alex Issigonis was asked come up with a small city car in response to the fuel rationing brought on in Great Britain on by the Suez Crisis of 1956. The transverse-engine, front-wheel drive subcompact he designed with would go on to be the template for nearly every small car that followed.![Mini Cooper S]()
Far from just a grocery runabout, racing versions of the nimble Mini built by John Cooper would go on to win the famed Monte Carlo Rally every year between 1964-1967, beating larger, more powerful cars in the process.![Mini Final Edition]()
Developed as far as it could go in the face of increasing emissions and safety regulations around the world, the original Mini ended it's run in the year 2000 after selling 5.3 million units. It would be a short absence from the marketplace, as new owner BMW would resurrect the brand just a year later.![New MINI]()
In 2001 a new MINI (now spelled with all capital letters) was introduced using an an all new platform and modern engines designed by BMW. Production of the vehicle would remain in England.![MINI Convertible]()
The first factory-built MINI convertible debuted in 2005, followed by this redesigned model in 2009.![MINI Clubman]()
Hoping to expand the MINI's appeal, a stretched three-door version called the Clubman was introduced in 2008, finally making the back seats usable after 49 years.![MINI E]()
It may have always looked like a toy car, but the MINI E electric version didn't come along until 2008. With a range of up to 150 miles provided by a battery that takes the place of the back seats, 500 were made available for lease in the United States as part of a test program.![MINI Concept]()
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, MINI has unveiled the MINI Concept, a chop-top two-seat version of the venerable subcompact. Will it make it into production? Check back in 50 years.Mini Turns 50
On August 26, 1959 the first Mini rolled off the assembly line. Over the next 41 years over 5 million would be sold, its iconic looks capturing a place in pop culture around the world. To mark its 50th anniversary, FOX Car Report takes a look at a few highlights in the car's storied history
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- Mini Turns 50
