This is how lightweight construction can work
08/14/2019
Nowadays, when we talk about lightweight construction, exotic and complex materials quickly become the topic of discussion. Aluminum, Kevlar, magnesium, high-strength steels, etc. are used to wring a few kilograms out of cars. The costs are high.
But it can (or could) be done more cheaply, as the car manufacturers proved back then. Issigonis, for example, with the Mini.
Instead of elaborate crank windows, he installed (relatively thin) sliding windows, thus eliminating the entire rotating mechanism.
The door hinges were mounted on the outside and the doors were prevented from opening too far by a leather strap.
The trunk lid was held in place by a light cable, the hood by a thin bar. The doors were opened on the inside by a smooth-running mechanism.
No wonder, the original Mini weighed just 570 kg and even the Cooper S with 75 hp had a kerb weight of just 635 kg, no wonder the tiny car unleashed breathtaking dynamics for its time ... and was, among other things, repeatedly crowned the winner of the Monte Carlo Rally.
