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The Secret Mini Concepts.....


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#1 mab01uk

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Posted 22 April 2020 - 07:19 AM

"The idea of a modern MINI had been floating around since the late 60’s. But the Mini’s appeal and subsequent sales success kept it in production for two decades longer than originally anticipated. However the various government backed companies that manufactured the Mini through the years were less than successful on the business side of things. In fact British Leyland, Rover, etc tried to kill the Mini more than once (first to avoid converting the engine to run on unleaded, then to avoid increasing safety requirements) but English public opinion was too negative. So when BMW bought Rover and the Mini there was quite a bit of hope for the future....."
The Secret MINI Concepts That Could have Changed MINI Forever:-
http://www.motoringf...e-mini-forever/

k9rlmDul.jpg

One of three original MINI proposals lead by Roy Axe

 


Edited by mab01uk, 22 April 2020 - 07:20 AM.


#2 mab01uk

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Posted 22 April 2020 - 07:26 AM

Frank Stephenson shows how the original R50 MINI was designed

 


Edited by mab01uk, 22 April 2020 - 07:26 AM.


#3 humph

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Posted 22 April 2020 - 07:34 AM

https://youtu.be/R9J5G2XCVRs

 

 

I've always been a fan of the AV30, although I'm not sure it might have been a bit to radical for some in 2001.


Edited by humph, 22 April 2020 - 07:38 AM.


#4 Alice Dooper

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Posted 23 April 2020 - 09:10 AM

Great bits of history.  Think Rover got it right with the R53.  I had a good look at an Innocenti attempt awaiting a restoration that was quite like but predated the Metro, anyone know any more history on that project??

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#5 mab01uk

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Posted 23 April 2020 - 01:47 PM

Great bits of history.  Think Rover got it right with the R53.  I had a good look at an Innocenti attempt awaiting a restoration that was quite like but predated the Metro, anyone know any more history on that project??

 

Yes an early R53 MINI Cooper S with supercharger whine can be a cheap fun to drive car to buy at present....and is a future classic.

https://02sregister.co.uk/

 

Some info and links in this thread on the Innocenti Mini Hatchback:-

http://www.theminifo...d-italia-years/


Edited by mab01uk, 23 April 2020 - 01:51 PM.


#6 panky

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Posted 23 April 2020 - 03:03 PM

I like to think Rover took some styling inspiration from the 1800 landcrab concept, the XC 9001

 

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