Petrolicious Discovers the Classic Mini
Petrolicious, one of our favorite automotive video publishers has finally seen the light and has found the classic Mini. And in classic Petrolicious fashion, they will make you fall in love with the idea of owning a classic Mini. Click through and enjoy.
>There are certain cars that define a place and time. Cars that are so part of the culture that they helped to define it. The Mini is one of them. But why is that? Well, as Mr. Sumner Norman explains, it’s because the Mini was ubiquitous–everyone bought one, be it moms shopping for groceries or international recording stars like the Beatles who recognized its universal appeal. And just like Beetles (the VWs mind you, not the boys from Liverpool) and Ford Model Ts, people began modifying Minis for racing almost as soon as they hit the marketplace.
>Sumner’s 1971 Morris Mini was not immune to this trend as it sports the Cooper’s 1275cc engine along with its disc brakes. But the Mini was never really about horsepower, it’s more about the handling and according to Sumner, the bends are where the Mini really comes alive for you courtesy of its rubber cone suspension. And raising your spirits is what the Mini is really all about.
>In fact, if you’re ever feeling down all you need to do is jump in the Mini and go for a drive. Peoples’ response is just amazing according to Sumner, they cheer you on. Folks wave or flash the thumbs up or ask questions so often that it’s by the time you get home you’ll be in a better mood. Whether your day job is rockstar or not, a jaunt in the Mini turns you into one.
<p>Enthusiasts of the iconic classic Mini, might be interested to hear that another iconic car designed by Alec Issigonis, has recently ceased production after 66 continuous years. I am referring, of course, to the Morris Oxford launched in 1948. The 1954 Series 2 Oxford, using the same platform, suspension and steering, was given new sheet metal also designed by Alec Issigonis which, crucially, previewed design elements which would appear five years later on the new Mini.</p>
<p>When production of the mildly face-lifted Series 3 Morris Oxford ceased in 1958, BMC sold the entire tooling, lock stock and barrel, to Hindustan Motors Limited, in India. It was marketed as the Hindustan Ambassador and quickly became a national icon, and is affectionately known in India to this day as the “Amby”. Top Gear named it the “World’s Best Taxi”, and there are 33,000 yellow Amby taxis in Calcutta alone. It was also the car of choice for Indian government state ministers.</p>
<p>Sadly, time has caught up with the Amby, and it has proved to be no longer economically viable to produce. Production ceased on 24 May this year, after 66 continuous years, beating the previous world record set by the VW Beetle, for the longest-running production passenger car using the same single platform. Alec Issigonis would never have expected that!</p>
<p>This is a gem of a film, and Sumner Norman is the perfect example of an owner and enthusiast. Well done.</p>
<p>I’m sold. Just bought a 1964 Cooper S 1071cc this week! I can’t wait to get it home and drive it around town!</p>