After designing the Mini in 1959, Alec Issigonis developed a sports version to the Mini in 1961, through the intervention of his friend John Cooper: the output increased from 34 to 55 hp. In 1963, this Cooper S developed 70 hp and was fitted with an extra tank, which explains why there are two filler caps, on the right and left sides. Here we have a 1967 model year with a new grille.

Austin first used the name “Cambridge” in 1954 for the A40, and later the A50 and A55. In 1959, Pininfarina imagined a very angular design for the A55 MKII, also recognizable on the well-known Peugeot 404 and Lancia Flaminia, designed by the same Italian coachbuilder. In 1961 the A55 Cambridge was renamed A60, recognizable by its wide painted stripe that we can see here.

The Austin Sheerline offered its clients a Rolls-Royce or Bentley-like style, but was far less expensive. Designed during WWII and launched in 1947, the car debuted as the A110 with a 3.5-litre 6-cylinder, then became A125 with a 4-litre developing 125 hp. This rare fully discoverable version was designed by the Belgian coachbuilder Vesters & Neirinck.

The Austin Sheerline looked like a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley, but for a much cheaper price. Designed during the war and launched in 1947, it was first called A110 and received a 3.5-litre 6-cylinder, and was later renamed A125, equipped with a 4-litre (125 hp). The very rare limousine version was released at the end of 1949. The hearse variant we have here used the same chassis.

The Twelve was launched in 1921. This miniature car, reproduced in 1:43 scale by Oxford is dated 1926, when the 1.9-liter engine replaced the 1.7. The year after, Austin sales reached a record: 14,000 customers in 1927. Renamed Gumdrop, it was turned into a character in a British TV series, written by Val Biro between the 1960s and the 1980s. Several colors available.

The Twelve was launched in 1921. This miniature car, reproduced in 1:43 scale by Oxford is dated 1926, when the 1.9-liter engine replaced the 1.7. The year after, Austin sales reached a record: 14,000 customers in 1927. Renamed Gumdrop, it was turned into a character in a British TV series, written by Val Biro between the 1960s and the 1980s. Also available in Airways Blue and brown.

With its engine fitted transversely, the 1959 Mini was a small revolution. In 1961, Alec Issigonis reinforced the historic role of its creation through the intervention of his friend John Cooper who offered a sports version to the Mini: the output increased from 34 to 55 hp. The first Cooper, here with a white roof, is recognizable thanks to its doubled bumpers on each side of the front.

With its engine fitted transversely, the 1959 Mini was a small revolution. In 1961, Alec Issigonis reinforced the historic role of its creation through the intervention of his friend John Cooper who offered a sports version to the Mini: the output increased from 34 to 55 hp. The first Cooper, here with a white roof, is recognizable thanks to its doubled bumpers on each side of the front.

We are here at the beginning of the career of the first, the "true" Mini. Morris and Austin (where it was called Seven) simultaneously released it. Designed by Alec Issigonis, this 3.05 meter/120 in.-long Mini was sensational. Its lines were absolutely cute, and the architecture of this front wheel-drive car was also very original: the engine was fitted transversely.

The commercial version of the original 1959 Mini was launched in 1960. This small panel station wagon, based on a longer wheelbase, was called Van. The front grille was deprived of chrome. The payload was a quarter of a ton, and in 1978, Austin renamed this version Mini 95, referring to the gross laden weight (0.95 ton). However, people continued to call it Van.