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jag[edit]

For an overview of all Jaguar XJ models, see Jaguar XJ.
Jaguar XJ (X351)
Picture of a black Jaguar XJ in a dark environment
Overview
Manufacturer
Production
  • March 2010 – July 2019
  • a. 122,330 examples
Assembly
Designer
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car
Body style4-door saloon
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive / all-wheel-drive
PlatformJLR D2a
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 6-speed automatic (2010–2013)
  • 8-speed automatic (2013–2019)
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • XJ: 3,032 mm (119.4 in)
  • XJ-L: 3,157 mm (124.3 in)
Length
  • XJ: 5,130 mm (202 in)
  • XJ-L: 5,255 mm (206.9 in)
Width
  • 1,899 mm (74.8 in) (mirrors open)
  • 2,110 mm (83 in) (mirrors closed)
Height1,461 mm (57.5 in)
Kerb weight1,773–1,915 kg (3,909–4,222 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorJaguar XJ (X358)

The Jaguar XJ (X351) is the fourth generation of the Jaguar XJ, a series of full-size luxury saloon cars produced by the automaker Jaguar Cars.[1] Produced between 2010 and 2019, it marked Jaguar's departure from the conservative styling of previous XJs.

The development of the X351 began in 2005, and the design approval process took place in November 2006. The designers Ian Callum and Matthew Beaven led the styling team of the XJ, which included various other prominent stylers such as Giles Taylor, Adam Hatton, Mark Phillips, Nicholas Finney and Kim Challinor. Jaguar tasked the designers with producing a new design incorporating most of the underpinnings from XJ (X350). But despite the X350 serving as its basis, the X351 had to include a style that fit in with the newly-introduced but unrelated XK (X150) and the XF (X250), which were already successful within the market sector. Beaven claimed that the design team had developed a series of vehicles ranging from a sports saloon to a large luxury car. The team finalised the design in 2008, and the XJ debuted in July 2009.

The official series manufacture began in March 2010 at the Castle Bromwich Assembly facility in Birmingham, England, and sales started in May. Initially, XJs were produced only at the English facility, but in 2014, the assembly of complete knockdown kits began at Jaguar's facility in Pune, India. In 2015, Jaguar introduced a facelift for the X351, with its most prominent change being the inclusion of Jaguar's "J-Blade" headlamps. The production of the X351 ended in July 2019, after Jaguar had produced over 122,330 examples. An electric version of the X351 was to be launched in 2020, but plans were cancelled in 2021 due to the economic infeasibility.

Development[edit]

Picture of a black Jaguar XJ in a dark environment
The rear view of the XJ

The development and design work of the fourth generation of the Jaguar XJ—codenamed the "X351"—began in 2005.[2]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Wilkins, David (1 July 2010), "Jaguar XJ6 Series 1 4.2 litre (1968)", The Independent, archived from the original on 6 July 2022, retrieved 20 April 2024
  2. ^ "Eighth Generation Jaguar XJ Saloon -X351", Jaguar Heritage Trust, retrieved 20 April 2024

Bibliography and print sources[edit]

van[edit]

This page is about the 2001–2007 Vanquish. For a complete overview of all generations, see Aston Martin Vanquish.
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
A photo of a dark green 2002 Vanquish, parked in a parking lot.
Overview
ManufacturerAston Martin Lagonda Limited
Production
  • March 2001 – July 2007
  • 2,589 examples
AssemblyUnited Kingdom: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire
DesignerIan Callum (1997)
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine5.9 L Aston Martin V12
Transmission6-speed automated manual
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,690 mm (105.9 in)[1]
Length4,665 mm (183.7 in)[1]
Width1,923 mm (75.7 in)[2]
Height1,318 mm (51.9 in)[1]
Kerb weight
  • 1,835 kg (4,045 lb) (Vanquish)[3][4]
  • 1,875 kg (4,134 lb) (Vanquish S)[5]
Chronology
PredecessorAston Martin Virage
SuccessorAston Martin DBS

The first generation of the Aston Martin Vanquish, also known as the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, is a grand touring car produced between 2001 and 2007 by the British automaker Aston Martin. Replacing the Virage, the Vanquish was available as both a coupe and convertible.

At the North American International Auto Show in 1998, Aston Martin revealed the "Project Vantage"; initially, Aston Martin planned for it to remain a concept car, but its design inspired the Aston Martin executives, and the company began developing a production version in March 1998. The designer of the Vanquish was Ian Callum, who previously worked on the DB7's exterior. The official production version of the Vanquish debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in February 2001, and manufacture of the car began in March at Aston Martin's facility in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. The vehicle uses aluminium extensively throughout its construction.

A facelift was implemented in 2004, which involved improvements to its power output, revisions to its design, and improved aerodynamic efficiency, as well as a name change to "Vanquish S". The car appeared in the 2002 film Die Another Day for which it received widespread public interest and earned the number three spot on the "Best Film Cars Ever" list. The Vanquish also appeared in the 2003 film The Italian Job. Aston Martin discontinued the production of the Vanquish in 2007 after a six-year production run during which 2,589 examples were produced; its replacement was the DBS. The Vanquish nameplate was resurrected in 2012 with a model based on the DB9's chassis and platform.

Development[edit]

The Vanquish was conceived at a meeting in early 1997 between Jacques Nasser, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ford Motor Company; Bob Dover, CEO and chairman of Aston Martin; and senior executives at Jaguar Cars. Nasser proposed the idea of a concept car, to which the executives responded that they did not want one, but when the same proposition was presented to Dover, he expressed interest in the concept.[6]

What nobody actually knew outside Astons was that the Project Vantage was actually the prototype for the Vanquish. We knew that if we got a lot of support at the Detroit Show that we could build a car, which we obviously went on to do.

—Bob Dover[7]

Nasser wanted the design of the Project Vantage completed in time for the January 1998 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This required selecting a design by October 1997 and completely finishing the project by mid-December. Dover quickly implemented plans and processes to ensure the concept car was finished within the given timeframe; one of the initial steps was to search for a designer.[6] Aston Martin, lacking a design department of its own, commissioned a design from the Kidlington-based racing team Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), whose chief designer, Ian Callum, styled the DB7.[8][9][10] Callum completed the design of Project Vantage in approximately twelve weeks.[11]

The development of the Project Vantage involved engineers and designers from Aston Martin, Ford Advanced Vehicle Technology, Magneti Marelli, AP Racing, Cosworth Racing and ITT. Aston Martin, Jim Clarke and Ford Advanced Vehicle Technology developed the engine, Magneti Marelli produced the paddle shift transmission, and AP Racing produced the braking system. The Project Vantage used several advanced technologies in constructing the body structure and chassis. The body shell was constructed of aluminium honeycomb, while the extruded aluminium chassis sections and roof pillar were reinforced with carbon fibre. These materials resulted in a weight saving of fifty per cent and a torsional rigidity increase of one hundred per cent.[12]

Aston Martin debuted the Project Vantage at the North American International Auto Show in January 1998.[13][14][15] Initially intended to remain a one-off concept car, its captivated the Aston Martin executives and plans were implemented to put the car into series production.[7] Following the motor show, Dover and his team began assembling the financial plan for the production version of the Project Vantage.[16][7] Development of the production version of the Project Vantage, later named the "Vanquish", began in March 1998. Ian Minards, whom Jaguar appointed as lead designer for the XJ8 project, was the chief programme manager. During development, the codename of the Vanquish was "Project Bolton" before it received its "AMV08" designation.[17] Dover stepped down as Aston Martin CEO in mid-2000 and was replaced by Ulrich Bez in July of that year.[18][19][20]

Due to the more advanced technology incorporated into the car, the Vanquish required more extensive pre-production testing than usual. The development costs were rumoured to be much greater than the initial budget; Aston Martin stated at the Vanquish's launch that fifty prototypes had been produced. These cars were tested worldwide, including hot-weather testing in Australia and cold-weather testing in Canada; temperatures were as cold as −40 °C (−40 °F) and as hot as 81 °C (178 °F).[21][22] The Aston Martin engineers collaborated with Lotus Engineering and Ford to increase engine efficiency and output with the help of the suspension expert Richard Parry-Jones.[21] The prototypes collectively amassed more than 1,500,000 miles (2,400,000 km).[23]

The production version of the Vanquish was revealed to groups of potential customers and designated media representatives in October 2000.[24] It debuted in February 2001 at the Geneva Motor Show.[25][26][27] The official series manufacture of the Vanquish began in March 2001 at Aston Martin's facility in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire.[28][29][30] At launch, Aston Martin planned to produce between 200 and 300 examples annually.[31][32][33]

Design and construction[edit]

A rear-three quarters view of a very dark blue Vanquish outdoor, with some Porsches parked in the background.
2003 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

The construction of the Vanquish employed techniques derived from the aerospace industry to produce a strong and rigid platform without incurring extra costs.[34] Its body structure is composed mainly of aluminium, composite materials and carbon fibre.[35][36][37] At a factory in Worcester, England, pre-cut aluminium extrusions were riveted and bonded around the car's carbon fibre backbone.[38][34] In comparison to the Vantage, the Vanquish reduced over fifty per cent of its weight and had a torsional rigidity increase of 100 per cent.[34][12] The car has a boot capacity of 220 litres (7.8 cu ft).[39]

The Vanquish is considered both a grand touring car[40][41][42] and a sports car.[43]Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).[44] A two-door coupe, the Vanquish incorporates a two-seat layout, though a four-seat option was also available.[45][46] Measuring 4,665 millimetres (183.7 in) in length, 1,318 millimetres (51.9 in) in height,[47] 1,923 millimetres (75.7 in) in width,[2] the Vanquish possesses a wheelbase of 2,690 millimetres (106 in).[47] The Vanquish's kerb weight ranges from 1,820 to 1,835 kilograms (4,012 to 4,045 lb), while its gross vehicle weight is 2,175 kilograms (4,795 lb).[48][3][4] With a drag coefficient of 0.33 Cd,[49] the Vanquish incorporates 19-inch (480 mm) wheels held by Yokohama tyres.[50][51]

It had the purest line of thought and execution of any car I've ever worked on before and since.

—Ian Callum[52]

The 5.9-litre V12 engine, as fitted to the Vanquish, generates 450 brake horsepower (340 kW) at 6,500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 410 newton-metres (300 lbf⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm.[53][45] The Vanquish is a rear-wheel drive vehicle,[26][54] and its engine is positioned at the front.[55][56] The Vanquish offered a choice between two six-speed transmissions: a manual option[57][58] or an automated manual.[59][60] The car can accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in approximately five seconds and possesses a top speed of 306 km/h (190 mph).[59]

The Vanquish features 355-millimetre (14.0 in) and 330-millimetre (13 in) Brembo anti-lock disc brakes positioned at the front and rear, respectively.[61][62][63] The Vanquish features variable-ratio power steering and independent suspension that incorporate forged aluminium wishbones.[22][64]

Facelift and discontinuation[edit]

A front three-quarters view of a black Vanquish S.
A rear three-quarters view of a black Vanquish S.
2005 Vanquish S

The facelifted version of the Vanquish, called the "Vanquish S", debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.[65][66] The upgraded engine generates a power output of 520 brake horsepower (390 kW) at 6,500 rpm and a torque output of 576 newton-metres (425 lb⋅ft) at 5,800 rpm, sufficient to give the car a 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).[67][68][69] Its transmission was also modified with a larger clutch plate and a higher ratio rear differential. The Yokohama tyres also are slightly larger and eleven-spoke wheels were standardised.[67] A spoiler on the boot, as well as a redesigned front grille and sizeable front splitter, were implemented. It is 5 millimetres (0.20 in) lower than the previous Vanquish, with a steering rack that is 20 per cent quicker and firmer springs and dampers.[70] The aerodynamic alterations decreased the car's drag coefficient to 0.32 Cd.[49][71][72] The Vanquish S also incorporated the features of the Sports Dynamic Package—which was optional for the previous Vanquish—including stiffer suspension, revised steering, and larger brakes.[49]

The production of the V12 Vanquish ended on 19 July 2007, coinciding with the closing of the company's Newport Pagnell factory after 49 years of operation. Despite ongoing enthusiasm for the original V12 Vanquish and V12 Vanquish S, the hand made nature of their construction limited production to levels commensurate with earlier cars assembled at Newport Pagnell.

Special editions[edit]

Vanquish S Ultimate Edition[edit]

The end of the Vanquish's production run was celebrated with the Vanquish S Ultimate Edition. Aston Martin announced that the last 50 cars built would have a new 'Ultimate Black' exterior colour, upgraded interior, and personalised sill plaques.[73]

Vanquish Zagato Roadster[edit]

The Vanquish Zagato Roadster is a right-hand drive, two-seat, open-top roadster initially shown by Zagato at the 2004 International Geneva Motor Show as a prototype and based on the V12 Vanquish.[74] It was then displayed by Zagato at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where an American collector acquired the prototype. The car had to be flown back to Italy as it was only on temporary import papers before being properly imported to the US by a Massachusetts Aston Martin dealer as a "show and display" car.[75] The car was offered at a Bonhams auction in Carmel in August 2015 at the Quail Lodge and Golf Club with an estimated price of US$700,000–850,000. The car had been driven 13,000 miles. The car's VIN is SCFAC13391B50PP19.

  • Front right view
    Front right view
  • Back right view
    Back right view
  • Front left view
    Front left view

Vanquish Bertone Jet 2[edit]

The Vanquish Bertone Jet 2 is a 2-door shooting brake shown by Bertone also at the 2004 International Geneva Motor Show. The car gets its name from the 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Jet also built by Bertone. The car was originally shown in silver in 2004 and in gold in 2013 again at the International Geneva Motor Show at the reveal of the Aston Martin Rapide Bertone Jet 2+2.[76] Designed by Giuliano Biasio.[77]

Vanquish 25

Vanquish 25 by Ian Callum Design[edit]

In September 2019, Ian Callum Design (the company started by Ian Callum, the designer of the first generation Vanquish) publicly revealed the Vanquish 25. It is a restoration package for the first generation Vanquish to "make the Vanquish the Grand Tourer for the 2020s,". Only 25 cars will be made by British company R-Reforged. The 5.9-liter V12 has been tuned to now make an advertised 580 hp, a 60-hp increase over a Vanquish S. The car can be had with the original six-speed, single-clutch Speedshift automated manual, a six-speed GM-sourced torque converter automatic, or a six-speed manual conversion already offered by Aston Martin Works.[78]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "2005 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish". The Baltimore Sun.
  2. ^ a b "2006 new vehicle preview: Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S coupe". The Daily Herald.
  3. ^ a b "Vanquish that impulse to share the wealth". Edmonton Journal.
  4. ^ a b "Bond – James Bond – and his Aston Martin wheels". The Gazette.
  5. ^ Phillips 2012, p. 160.
  6. ^ a b Dowsey 2007, p. 200.
  7. ^ a b c Dowsey 2007, p. 250.
  8. ^ Taylor 2024, pp. 60–62.
  9. ^ "The pleasure of driving the new Aston Martin DB7 convertible is almost too much to bear". The Sunday Telegraph.
  10. ^ Lamm, John (December 1994). "Aston Martin DB7". Road & Track. Vol. 46, no. 4. p. 132. ISSN 0035-7189.
  11. ^ Dowsey 2007, p. 202.
  12. ^ a b Dowsey 2007, p. 203.
  13. ^ "Start shouting!". The Daily Telegraph.
  14. ^ "Advantage, Aston". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  15. ^ "Importer seeks exclusive dealers for Aston Martin". The Age.
  16. ^ Waddington, Glen (January 2022). "Stirred, but not shaken". Octane. No. 223. pp. 56–66. ISSN 1740-0023.
  17. ^ Dowsey 2007, p. 252.
  18. ^ "New drivers for Land Rover". The Age.
  19. ^ Dowsey 2007, p. 231.
  20. ^ Enright, Andy (September 2020). "Aston Martin V12 Vanquish". Wheels. pp. 22–25. ISSN 0043-4779.
  21. ^ a b Taylor 2024, pp. 94–95.
  22. ^ a b "2003 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish". Palm Beach Daily News.
  23. ^ "Savile Row suit, Ford underpinnings". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  24. ^ Taylor 2024, p. 102.
  25. ^ "Aston-Martin raises flagship". Chicago Tribune.
  26. ^ a b "Wealth bomber". The Daily Telegraph.
  27. ^ "2001 Geneva". Autoweek. Vol. 51, no. 12. 12 March 2001. p. 20. ISSN 0192-9674.
  28. ^ Dawe, Jason (7 August 2005). "Aston Martin Vanquish". The Times. Archived from the original on 25 April 2024.
  29. ^ "Squatter, shorter, wider, and wilder". The Independent.
  30. ^ "Aston Martin offers velocity for $228,000". Lansing State Journal.
  31. ^ "Spring sees new models in showrooms". The Daily Chronicle.
  32. ^ Wernle, Bradford (14 August 2000). "Aston to build 3rd plant, delays V12 Vanquish". Automotive News. Archived from the original on 25 April 2024.
  33. ^ Wilson, Kevin A; Magee, Charlie (30 October 2000). "Heroic Ambitions". Autoweek. Vol. 50, no. 45. p. 16. ISSN 0192-9674.
  34. ^ a b c Taylor 2024, pp. 72–75.
  35. ^ "Edgy Aston has supercars in its sights". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  36. ^ "The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish". ATZautotechnology. 1 (4): 26–29. 2001. doi:10.1007/BF03246615. ISSN 1616-8216.
  37. ^ Marsh, George (2014). "Composites and metals – a marriage of convenience?". Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites. 58 (2): 38–42. doi:10.1016/S0034-3617(14)70108-0.
  38. ^ "Aston attack: Vanquish leads supercar assualt". The Age.
  39. ^ Ross, David (16 June 2019). "Aston Martin Vanquish coupe boot space, practicality and safety". Parkers. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  40. ^ "The people car show". The Hamilton Spectator.
  41. ^ "Aston Martin Vanquish S". Auto Express. 24 November 2010. Archived from the original on 4 April 2024.
  42. ^ Huntingford, Steve (1 January 2006). "Used Aston Martin Vanquish 2001 - 2007 review". What Car?. Archived from the original on 25 April 2024.
  43. ^ "Vanquishing desire for any other auto". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  44. ^ Frank, Michael (17 September 2001). "Aston Martin Vanquish". Forbes. Archived from the original on 25 April 2024.
  45. ^ a b Hutton, Ray (1 December 2000). "Aston Martin Vanquish". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 18 January 2022.
  46. ^ "Something new to add to the list of dream cars". The Gazette.
  47. ^ a b "2005 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish". Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
  48. ^ "Aston Martin Vanquish V12 2+2 2dr Auto". Top Gear. BBC. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  49. ^ a b c Vale 2022, p. 456.
  50. ^ "Smartire". The Vancouver Sun.
  51. ^ "The 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish". Forbes. 11 October 2000. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020.
  52. ^ Pattni, Vijay (29 October 2021). "The original Aston Martin Vanquish is 20 years old". Top Gear. BBC. Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  53. ^ "007 will reclaim his Aston Martin". The Charlotte Observer.
  54. ^ "Souping up the Vanquish for latest Bond film". The Gazette.
  55. ^ "Shifty business: 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish". Motor Trend. 20 December 2002. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  56. ^ McKay, Peter (January 2003). "Vanquishing point". Wheels. p. 34. ISSN 0043-4779.
  57. ^ "To drive an Aston Martin like 007's, be willing to wait". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  58. ^ "Aston Martin V12 Vanquish". The Journal News.
  59. ^ a b Tomalin, Peter (26 March 2024). "Aston Martin V12 Vanquish (2001 - 2007): Britain's answer to the Ferrari 550 Maranello". Evo. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  60. ^ Abidin, Shafiq (9 January 2024). "Fancy a pre-series, first-generation Aston Martin Vanquish? This one is now up for sale". Top Gear. BBC. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  61. ^ "New Bond car Vanquishes tedium". The Windsor Star.
  62. ^ "Vanquish continued from front". The Standard.
  63. ^ Frankel, Andrew (25 May 2004). "Aston Martin Vanquish". Autocar. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023.
  64. ^ "Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is 'the James Bond car'". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  65. ^ "Hot sports cars". The Post-Cresent.
  66. ^ Kiino, Ron (23 September 2004). "Aston Martin Vanquish S". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  67. ^ a b "With a growl and a smile". The Daily Telegraph.
  68. ^ Dowsey 2007, p. 297.
  69. ^ "No one chooses a car for the planet's benefit". The Independent.
  70. ^ "Aston Martin Vanquish S auto". Autocar. 28 September 2004. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  71. ^ Vollans, JJ; Chadwick, Nathan (19 August 2020). "Vanquish vs 550: classic V12s go head-to-head". Car. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  72. ^ Taylor 2024, p. 162.
  73. ^ Meaden, Richard (3 June 2019). "2007 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S Ultimate Edition vs. 2017 Vanquish S Ultimate Edition Featured". Drive-My. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  74. ^ "Bonhams : 2004 ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH ZAGATO ROADSTER PROTOTYPEVIN. SCFAC13391B50PP19". www.bonhams.com. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  75. ^ "2005 Aston Martin Zagato Vanquish Roadster – AutoWeek Magazine". Autoweek.com. 17 May 2004. Retrieved 20 March 2011.
  76. ^ "Geneva 2004 – Bertone Jet 2 Concept – Automobile Magazine". Automobilemag.com. 13 December 2010. Retrieved 20 March 2011.
  77. ^ "Aston Martin Jet 2". carrozzieri-italiani.com. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  78. ^ "Aston Martin Vanquish 25 by Callum begins Ian Callum's next act". Autoblog. Retrieved 22 February 2021.

Print sources[edit]

Newspapers[edit]

Books[edit]

mini[edit]

Mini
A white extremely small 1960s automobile with circular lights and wheels, one door on each side, and a licence plate that says "621 AOK".
The first Mini built with the registration number "621 AOK". This unit was never sold but is preserved at the British Motor Museum.
Overview
Manufacturer
Model codeADO15[note 1]
Production8 May 1959 – 4 October 2000
5,387,862 units
DesignerSir Alec Issigonis
Body and chassis
ClassSmall car
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Transmission
Chronology
SuccessorMini Hatch

The Mini is a small car produced from 1959 until 1968 by the British Motor Corporation, from 1968 to 1986 by British Leyland and from 1986 until 2000 by the Rover Group. It is considered one of the most influential automobiles of the twentieth century and is an icon of 1960s British popular culture. The Mini's design was maintained throughout its production which spanned forty-one years, making it the seventh-longest generation of automobile with an unaltered design.

The official series manufacture of the Mini began at the facility in Cowley, Oxford on 8 May 1959; the first unit is preserved at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The car was styled by the automotive designer Sir Alec Issigonis and developed under the codename "ADO15". The production of the Mini occurred in Longbridge, England; Cowley, England; and Sydney, Australia, before numerous other global locations were introduced in the subsequent years. The Mini was predominantly produced as a two-door saloon but numerous other body styles were introduced including a convertible, estate, fastback and coupe utility. The designations "Mini Cooper" and "Mini Cooper S" are used to denote the high-performance variants of the Mini. In Italy, the machinery works Innocenti redesigned the Mini and sold it under the "Innocenti Mini" nameplate. A utility and recreational derivative of the Mini called the "Moke", was produced between 1964 and 1993.

The Mini's space-saving transverse engine and front-wheel drive layout—allowing eighty per cent of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage—influenced a generation of automakers. The final Mini was produced at the Longbridge facility on 4 October 2000 after a production period of forty-one years, five months and twenty-six days during which 5,387,862 units had been produced. The automaker BMW acquired the Rover Group in 1994 and sold most of it in 2000, but retained the rights to build cars using the "Mini" name. Retrospectively, the car is often nicknamed the "Classic Mini" to distinguish it from the Mini Hatch family of vehicles produced since 2001.[3]

Background and conception[edit]

See also: Suez Crisis

The Mini was conceived by the British Motor Corporation (BMC),[4] a conglomerate of Austin Motor Company, Morris Motors, MG, Riley Motor and Wolseley Motors that was formed 1952.[5][6][7] The Mini was a solution to two opposing trends in 1950s Britain: the rise of economical 'micro' cars after the Suez Crisis and the growing influence of American culture in the post-war period. The Suez Crisis resulted from Anglo-French efforts to denationalise the Suez Canal in Egypt, resulting in its closure to Western shipping during 1956 and 1957. This closure disrupted oil supplies. The Suez Crisis also led to the reintroduction of fuel rationing in Britain and elevated taxes on luxury items. Consequently, the affordability of new cars was limited for many British citizens, which were also inefficient because of their outdated pre-war engines.[4][8]

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "ADO" stands for "Austin Drawing Office", while "15" was its project number.[1][2]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Blake, Mike (18 November 2007), "2007 MINI Cooper S: Economical and Still a Fun Drive", Lancaster New Era, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, p. 69, retrieved 4 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com Free access icon
  2. ^ "The Mini giant", Birmingham Evening Mail, Birmingham, West Midlands, 13 March 1978, p. 36, retrieved 4 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com Free access icon
  3. ^ Mainland 2015, Front Cover.
  4. ^ a b Mainland 2015, pp. 13–14.
  5. ^ "Glorious past, but a challenging future", The Independent, London, Greater London, 5 April 2005, p. 61, retrieved 4 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com Free access icon
  6. ^ "British motor bid for Fisher & Ludlow", The Daily Telegraph, London, Greater London, 31 July 1953, p. 2, retrieved 4 May 2024 – via Newspapers.com Free access icon
  7. ^ Thorley 2019, p. 132.
  8. ^ Anthony, Andrew (29 August 2009), "On the road: Mini Cooper S", The Guardian, retrieved 4 May 2024

Bibliography[edit]

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