James Dyson, inventor of the bagless Dyson Vacuum, comments on how the original Mini changed his life (via CNN.com):
One of the best, and most fun, inventions of my lifetime is that combination of classic design and inspired engineering, the Mini.
It was the brainchild of Sir Alec Issigonis who came up with his ingenious idea while sipping on a gin in a hotel in Cannes — a very civilized approach to engineering.
…When he eventually brought together a design team he used one simple sketch, which he'd made in Cannes, and made one of the world's most innovative cars.
That early sketch, a perspective view, included all the mechanics. To conserve space Issigonis put the engine transversely driving the front wheels, this was a radical design but allowed a very short bonnet and gave more interior space, enough for four adults.
Other advances included rubber cone independent suspension, designed by Alex Moulton (who incidentally, went on to design the Moulton bicycle — another of my favorite designs), rack and pinion steering and a monocoque body that eliminated the need for a costly separate chassis.
Not only do they have an endearing look but they're cheap to run, they are economical to build and perfect for nipping about town.
You can read the entire article here.
<p>Hey I have one of his vacuums, those things are awsome.</p>
<p>…before starting my company,I use to drive riggs for H.H. Gregg Appliance(distribution center) in Atlanta,GA. One of the things I had to do was pick up the returned items at the various stores in the city. During my time there,I have never had to pick up a Dyson Vacuum. I ended up buying one because of that(at cost,of course)</p>
<p>…like the MINI,…I guess you get what you pay for.</p>
<p>BTW Thanks Victor for the link.</p>
<p>Do you the mini's color?The same as Italian job first?</p>
<p>I love how the “design” – the effective use of resources, balance and proportion, economy, and innovation – continue to inspire the human soul. The Mini is but one example of improvements to our world driven by passion and need.</p>
<p>My 1960 Morris 850 sounded like a vacuum cleaner most of the time!</p>