Austin Cooper in the (historical) test - Genial Mini-mal

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Austin Cooper in the (historical) test - Genial Mini-mal

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Created on July 20, 1962

Text:

Olaf von Fersen

Photos:

Archiv BMW AG

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Archiv Reinhard / Max Pichler

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BMW AG

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Archiv

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Austin Mini Cooper (1962) - on a test drive

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Morris Mini Cooper (1961) - Grand Prix drivers at the wheel of the fast Minis

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Graham Hill and Jo Bonnier also seem to have taken a liking to the power dwarf.

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Austin Mini Cooper (1961) - Presentation of the new models

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Austin Mini Cooper (1961) - the new signet

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Austin Mini Cooper (1962) - the famous lettering

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Straight gearshift and simple dashboard.

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Austin Seven Mini 850 (1960) - Transparency drawing

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The 1-liter four-cylinder engine and the gearbox underneath are installed transversely in the front.

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Austin Mini Cooper S (1965) - Hydrolastic suspension

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The fact that you could outrun larger cars was not a figment of the B.M.C. advertisers' imagination.

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Austin Mini - The Mini and the Clubman side by side at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show

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At the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the almost optimal use of space is demonstrated.

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Austin Mini Cooper S (1965) - with Hydrolastic suspension and 76 hp at 170 km/h

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Austin Mini Cooper S (1965) - the fastest way to drive a Mini

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Austin Mini Cooper (1965) - during a test drive

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Austin Mini Cooper (1964) - Tour de France 1964 - Paddy Hopkirk, Timo Mäkinen and Geoff Mabbs

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Austin Mini Cooper S (1965) - at home on the racetrack

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Austin Mini Cooper S (1965) - the top speed was given as 175 km/h

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Minis were highly successful in motorsport, here a Cooper S at the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.

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Mini Cooper S (1964) - Paddy Hopkirk at the Monte Carlo Rally in the Monegasque city

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Mini Cooper S (1964) - Paddy Hopkirk at the Monte Carlo Rally in the Monegasque city

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Mini Cooper S (1964) - Paddy Hopkirk at the Monte Carlo Rally

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Mini Cooper S (1964) - Paddy Hopkirk at the victory ceremony after the end of the Monte Carlo Rally

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Austin Mini Cooper (1964) - Victory at the Monte Carlo Rally by Hopkirk and Liddon

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Mini Cooper S (1964) - Paddy Hopkirk at the victory celebration after the Monte Carlo Rally

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Morris Cooper S (1964) - the Monte Carlo winning car of Paddy Hopkirk - Geneva Motor Show 1964

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Morris Cooper S (1964) - Novelty, available for the first time with 970, 1071 and 1273 cm3 - Geneva Motor Show 1964

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Morris Mini Cooper S (1965) - with the dirt of the last rally - Geneva Motor Show 1965

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Austin Mini (1960) - a look at production

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Summary

In Germany in the early sixties, small cars had a hard time, the vehicles in the "upper" classes scored points with more powerful engines and more generous space and were simply better suited as status symbols. However, a very special compact car, built by the British Motor Corporation, was able to convince the trade press in particular, and even more so, to inspire them. How do you pack so much car into such a space-saving package? This article reproduces a test report from July 1962 and shows the pioneering compact car in extensive historical footage.

This article contains the following chapters

Journey to Issigonia
Amazing driving characteristics
Disc brakes the size of saucers
10-inch dachshund legs
Space, visibility, comfort
Two heating systems to choose from
Driving performance

Estimated reading time: 12min

Preview (beginning of the article)

Small cars are not necessarily considered "socially acceptable" in Germany. If you have one, you are usually slightly embarrassed because the Schulz next door might think you can't afford a "real car". But if you buy a Mini Cooper, regardless of whether it has the first name Austin or Morris, you can point out that Sophia Loren, Lord Snowdon and several members of the Rothschild banking family are among your "brand colleagues". This can then be brought up en passant in conversation... In the circle of insiders, car fans and technicians, however, there is no need for eloquence to justify why you bought such a motorized dachshund for almost 7500 German marks and not a mid-range car, which doesn't cost any more.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

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