MINI 66 years of history, design, motorsport and electrification

MINI marks 66 years since 1959: from Classic Mini to electric models, with racing heritage and design innovation defining its path into the future.

Sixty-six years ago, on August 26, 1959, British engineer Alec Issigonis introduced a car that redefined the concept of compact vehicles. The very first Mini combined minimal dimensions with surprising interior space and a distinctive design. Over time, it became one of the most iconic symbols of the British automotive industry.

By the 1960s, Mini had already secured sporting fame. Victories at the Monte Carlo Rally—1964 with Paddy Hopkirk, 1965 with Timo Makinen, and 1967 with Rauno Aaltonen—cemented its reputation not only as a stylish car but also as a true racing machine. These triumphs ensured its place in motorsport history.

In 1994, BMW Group acquired the brand, marking the beginning of a new era. This transition laid the foundation for the modern MINI, with production at Oxford starting in 2001. The Cowley plant soon became the beating heart of the brand, sending cars to more than 100 countries worldwide.

Today, MINI remains true to its roots, retaining its trademark “go-kart feeling” and unmistakable design. At the same time, it is embracing the future: in 2020, the company launched its first fully electric models, followed in 2023–2024 by the all-electric MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman. The arrival of the MINI Aceman introduced the brand’s first crossover in the premium small car segment.

In 2025, MINI celebrates its anniversary not only with a refreshed lineup but also with renewed motorsport success. Partnering with Bulldog Racing, MINI John Cooper Works returned to the podium at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. Such results confirm that racing DNA continues to define the brand.

Sixty-six years of MINI represent more than technical milestones and design achievements. Featured in films such as The Italian Job and embraced by celebrities, the car has long transcended its role as mere transportation. Today, in the era of electrification, MINI continues to balance tradition with innovation, offering a glimpse of the future while staying connected to its remarkable past.