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Mini Time Line

Please see the Notes and Sources listed at the end of the article.

• Alex Issigonis born in Smyrna, Turkey.
  

July

• John Newton Cooper born.
  

• 
     

  Alex Issigonis asked by Leonard Lord to go to work in the BMC design headquarters
        as Chief Engineer.
  
  

September

• 
     

  Nasser closes the Suez Canal, the main route for oil to the West. “Bubble”
        cars are born in response to scarce fuel.
  
  

March

• Leonard Lord, in reaction to the Bubble Cars, gives the OK for the Mini
      project, code named ADO 15, and early on referred to as the Austin Newmarket.
  

July

• 
     

  Leonard Lord takes a short drive in one of the Mini prototypes and gives
        the OK for the car, saying he wants it in production in 12 months.
  
  

March

• 
     

  The Morris Mini Minor later to be known as the first one built (621 AOK)
        comes off the “pre”-production line.
  
  

• 
     

  Actual production starts.
  
  

• Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor in Basic and De-Luxe versions go on
      sale, August 26^th. Basic, 500UKP. De-Luxe (the most popular), 537UKP.
      The Morris was available in Red, White, or Blue. The Austin in Red, Grey or
      Blue. The De-Luxe versions had such extras as carpets instead of rubber mats,
      passenger adjustable seat, opening rear side windows, bumper overriders, full
      width wheel trims and a heater!
  

• 
     

  First works Mini in an international event driven by Marcus Chambers.
        Viking Rally. YOP 663. 51^st overall.
  
  

• 
     

  19,749 produced.
  
  

January

• Van goes on sale. Longer by 9 5/8”. Wheelbase 4” longer. 6-gallon (UK)
      fuel tank under the rear floor. Longer rear suspension trumpets, spare wheel
      and battery behind the front seats under the leading edge of the load floor.
      Passenger seat and rear view mirror were extra cost options!
  

• 
     

  First international class win for a works Mini: Don Morley on the Geneva
        Rally, 618 AOG.
  
  

• 
     

  Australian assembled CKD Minis tested.
  
  

• Countryman (Austin) and Traveller (Morris) Estate cars (with wood) go on
      sale. Same “long” wheelbase and length as the Van. Unlike the Morris Minor
      Traveller, the Mini’s wood was non-structural. Because of trim levels, the
      Estates weighted over 120 pounds more than the Van and over 160 pounds more
      than the saloon. Initially, the gas tank was located inside the car in roughly
      the same position as a saloon tank (although it was of a different shape).
  

• 
     

  116,677 produced. Total to date, 136,426.
  
  

January

• Pickup goes on sale. Longer than the Van by about 5/8” and using the same
      “long” wheelbase. Weight 34 pounds more than the saloon and 8 less than the
      Van.
  
• 
     

  Australian Mini production starts.
  
  

• 
     

  Australian Morris 850 goes on sale for $1,550AUS.
  
  

• Austin 850 and Morris Mini Minor (Standard and de Luxe) are on sale in South
      Africa. (The exact starting has not been determined at this time.)
  

July

• 
     

  997 Cooper shows itself at a press release.
  
  

• Super version goes on sale. The same body and exterior specifications as
      the soon-to-be-sold Mini Cooper; except, the grilles were unique to the model.
      The power unit and brakes remained 850 Mini with the exception of the introduction
      of the 16-blade fan.
  

• 997 Cooper goes on sale. By stroking the 848 and reducing the bore slightly,
      997cc was achieved. The long stroke engine with a good cam, twin HS2 carbs,
      and other modifications produced 62% more horsepower (55) than the 848. A
      remote gear change was added and 7” disc brakes were fitted.
  

• Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet go on sale. Mechanically the same as the Austin/Morris.
      Same wheelbase as the saloon. With the extended boot they were 8.5” longer
      than the saloon and just shorter than the Van and Estates. Weight for the
      Elf was 114 pounds more than the standard saloon with the Hornet a little
      less. Extended boot and traditional Riley/Wolseley grille. Full width wood
      dash in the Elf and center pod wood dash in the Hornet. Leather faced seats
      (not on all cars). Different bumpers and exterior trim. Whitewall tires optional!
  

Misc.

• 
     

  157,059 produced. Total to date, 293,485.
  
  

January

• 
     

  Austin Seven name changed to Austin Mini.
  
  

• 
     

  Austin 850 Countryman and Morris Mini Traveller go on sale in South Africa.
  
  

• 
     

  First outright international win for a works Mini: Pat Moss on the Tulip
        Rally in a 997 Cooper, 737 ABL.
  
  

June

• 
     

  Austin/Morris Mini Cooper (997) go on sale in South Africa.
  
  

• 
     

  First overall, Baden-Baden Rally, Pat Moss, 737 ABL.
  
  

• 
     

  De-Luxe and Super models dropped. Replaced by Super De-Luxe. Generally
        regarded as a step back from the Super model in trim level.
  
  

• 
     

  Countryman and Traveller offered for sale without wood.
  
  

• 
     

  Australian 997 goes on sale.
  
  

• Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet Mk I discontinued. Mk IIs go on sale. 998
      engine. Twin-leading shoe brakes. Leather trim standard. Bumper overriders
      standard. (Total production of Mk I: Elf, 3,522; Hornet, 3,166)
  

• 
     

  John Love wins the British Saloon Car Championship driving for the Cooper
        Car Company.
  
  

• 
     

  216,087 produced. Total to date, 509,572.
  
  

January

• The Austin versions show up in South African sales literature as Austin
      Minis and no longer as Austin 850s. Also, the de Luxe name is replaced by
      Super.
  

March

• The Cooper S goes on sale in 1071cc form. Horsepower from the first of
      the “big bore” engines was up from the Cooper’s 55 to 70. The engine was strengthened
      in a number of ways and the brakes (with servo) went to 7.5” diameter. Optional
      wheels at 4.5” wide were offered. Externally, there were very few clues to
      differentiate the new Cooper S from the Cooper.
  

• Rob Slotemaker wins the 1300cc class in the European Championship driving
      for Downton Engineering.
  
• 236,713 produced. Total to date, 746,285.
  

January

• 997 Cooper replaced by 998 version. (Total 997 Cooper production: approx
      24,900 split evenly between Austin and Morris.) The 998cc engine is a performance
      version of the engine first introduced in the Mk II Elf and Hornet. Brakes
      are improved over the 997’s, but, at 7” diameter, are not as good as the Cooper
      S’s.
  
• Mini Moke production starts at Longbridge. One can have any color one wants
      as long as it is Spruce Green. Same mechanicals and wheelbase as the saloon.
      ¼” shorter. Supplied with driver’s seat. Other seats, optional, as were side
      screens and a heater.
  
• Australian 997 replaced with the 998. (“Early” in the year.) (Total 997
      production: approx. 2,800)
  
• Hopkirk wins the Monte Carlo Rally in a 1071 Cooper S, 33 EJB.
  

• Australian Van introduced.
  

• 970 and 1275 Cooper S go on sale. The 1275 was introduced just before the
      970. With its 76bhp it was almost twice as fast to 60 mph as the Cooper and
      could reach 100 mph…with a little tail wind. The 970 was down a bit on horsepower
      (65) and a lot down on torque but was a very smooth, high revving engine.
  

• Makinen wins the Tulip Rally in a 1275, AJB 66B.
  

July

• The Mini Cooper S (1071) goes on sale in South Africa. Note: the Cooper
      S versions of the Minis were not produced in South Africa but were CKD from
      England and assembled in South Africa. Minor changes in specification from
      the English cars were incorporated during assembly.
  

• 1071 Cooper S dropped. (Total production: approx. Austin, 2,100; Morris,
      1,500)
  

• Clutch changed to diaphragm spring.
  
• Hydrolastic suspension starts (saloons only). It was not fitted to other
      models during Mini production.
  
• Twin leading shoe brakes start on Austin/Morris as previously introduced
      on the Mk II Elf and Hornet.
  

• Australian 998 Cooper production ends. (Probably, December) (Total production:
      approx. 1,100)
  
• Issigonis elected a Royal Designer for Industry and awarded the CBE.
  
• Warwick Banks takes 1^st overall and 1^st in the 1000cc
      class in the European Championship driving for Tyrrell.
  
• John Fitzpatrick takes 1^st in the 1300cc class in the British
      Saloon Car Championship driving for the Cooper Car Company.
  
• The Austin/Morris Panel Van shows up in the sales literature. Start date
      unknown.
  
• 244,359 produced. Total to date, 990,644.
  

January

• Makinen wins the Monte Carlo Rally in AJB 44B. Considered one of the greatest
      rally drives ever.
  

• Australian Mini Deluxe (998) introduced.
  
• Hopkirk wins the Circuit of Ireland in CRX 89B.
  

• Australian Van production changes to roll-up windows.
  

• Australian Minis get roll-up windows in more models.
  
• Aaltonen wins the Geneva Rally in EBL 55C.
  

• Aaltonen wins the Czech Rally in EJB 55C.
  
• Aaltonen wins the Polish Rally in CRX 89B.
  

• Makinen wins the 1000 Lakes Rally in AJB 33B.
  

• Australian Cooper S Mk I 1275 goes on sale for $2,280AUS including tax.
      Roll-up, quarter light windows and exterior hinged doors.
  

• Automatic gearbox introduced.
  
• Australian Minis get roll-up windows across the line.
  
• Aaltonen wins the Munich-Vienna-Budapest Rally in CRX 89B.
  

• Reclining seat option offered on Cooper and Cooper S.
  
• The Italian-built Innocenti Mini 850 introduced.
  
• Aaltonen wins the RAC Rally in DJB 93B.
  
• The South African Mini 1000 is announced with the 998 and hydrolastic suspension.
  

• Aaltonen wins the European Rally Championship.
  
• John Rhodes wins the 1300cc class in the British Saloon Car Championship
      driving for the Cooper Car Company.
  
• Warwick Banks takes 1^st in the 1000cc class in the British Saloon
      Car Championship driving for the Cooper Car Company.
  
• The Mini Cooper S (1275) goes on sale in South Africa (probably October).
  
• 221,074 produced. Total to date, 1,211,718.
  

January

• Oil cooler and twin tanks made standard on Cooper S.
  
• Makinen, Aaltonen, and Hopkirk take 1^st, 2^nd, and
      3^rd at the Monte Carlo Rally before being disqualified on a non-performance
      related technicality. GRX 555D, GRX 55D and GRX5D.
  

• Moke Mk I goes on sale in Australia.
  

• Innocenti Mini Cooper (998cc) available.
  

• “Harder” hydrolastic units start in Cooper S.
  
• Fall wins the Circuit of Ireland in DJB 92B.
  
• Aaltonen wins the Tulip Rally in GRX 310D.
  

• Hopkirk wins the Austrian Alpine Rally in DJB 93B.
  

• Fall wins the Scottish Rally in DJB 93B.
  

• Aaltonen wins the Czech Rally in JBL 494D.
  

• Fall wins the Polish Rally in GRX 309D in 970 S form.
  
• Makinen wins the 1000 Lakes Rally in JBL 493D.
  

• Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet Mk II discontinued. Mk IIIs go on sale. Roll-up
      windows. Flow through ventilation. Cooper-type remote shift. Over time the
      Elf/Hornet adopt more standard Mini Mk II characteristics but retain the small
      rear window. (Total production of Mk II: Elf, 17,816; Hornet, 16,785)
  
• Makinen wins the Munich-Vienna-Budapest Rally in HJB 656D.
  

• Mokes available in white instead of just Spruce Green. (Mid-1966)
  
• John Rhodes wins the 1300cc class in the British Saloon Car Championship
      driving for the Cooper Car Company.
  
• 213,694 produced. Total to date, 1,425,412.
  

January

• Aaltonen wins the Monte Carlo Rally in LBL 6D.
  

• Hopkirk wins the Circuit of Ireland in GRX 5D.
  
• Hopkirk is 1^st in Class in the Sebring 3 Hour Race in GRX 309D.
  

• Hopkirk wins the Acropolis Rally in LRX 830E.
  

• Fall wins the Geneva Rally in LRX 827E.
  

• Makinen wins the 1000 Lakes Rally in GRX 195D.
  
• Fall, Vernaeve, and Hedges take 1^st in class at the 84 Hour
      Marathon.
  

• Hopkirk wins the Alpine Rally in LRX 827E.
  
• The Wolseley 1000 goes on sale in South Africa. Powered by the 998, it
      combined the standard saloon rear with the Hornet front.
  

• Mk I Austin/Morris saloon models discontinued. Mk II models go on sale.
      Super De-Luxe saloon starts with 998cc. (Total production: Morris Mk I 850
      saloon, approx. 510,000; Austin Mk I 850 saloon, approx. 435,500; Austin Mk
      I 998 Cooper, approx. 18,000; Morris Mk I 998 Cooper, approx. 23,500; Austin
      Cooper S 1275, approx. 6,400, Morris Cooper S 1275, approx. 8,200)
  
• Austin Countryman and Morris Traveller Mk I discontinued. Mk IIs start
      (with and without wood) with 998cc engine. (Total production Mk I: Austin,
      approx. 85,500; Morris, approx. 75,500)
  
• 998 offered as an option on Van and Pickup.
  
• Mokes adopt some of the MK II features; although, they were not sold under
      a Mk II name.
  
• Authi 1275C available.
  
• Australian Mini becomes available with 998.
  

• Automatic transmission finally available on the Elf/Hornet.
  
• John Rhodes wins the 1300cc class in the British Saloon Car Championship
      driving for the Cooper Car Company.
  
• 237,227 produced. Total to date, 1,662,639.
  

January

• Australian Mini Deluxe Auto Mark I launched.
  
• Although taking 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd in class
      and winning the Manufacturers’ Team Prize, the Monte Carlo win streak is ended.
      The Minis were 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th overall.
      ORX 7F, ORX 707F, ORX 777F.
  

• Innocenti Mini Cooper (Mk I) production stops. (Total production: approx.
      6,500 – 8,500)
  
• Running changes made to the Innocenti Mini Cooper to upgrade the Mk I to
      Mk II (March – September) (Total production: approx. 2,500)
  

• All synchro gearbox starts.
  
• Australian Mini Deluxe Auto Mark I productions stops.
  

• Australian Mini Deluxe Auto Mk II introduced.
  
• Innocenti Mini Cooper Mk II available.
  

• Moke production in England stops. (Total English production: 14,518; Austin
      5,422; Morris, 9,096)
  

• John Rhodes wins the 1300cc class in the British Saloon Car Championship
      driving for the Cooper Car Company.
  
• John Rhodes takes 1^st in the 1300cc class in the European Championship
      driving for the Cooper Car Company.
  
• Gordon Spice takes 1^st in the 1000cc class in the British Saloon
      Car Championship driving for Arden.
  
• John Handley takes 1^st overall and 1^st in the 1000cc
      class in the European Championship driving for British Vita.
  
• The Austin and Morris Mini 1000 Mk. 2 go on sale in South Africa. (Probably
      November.) The exterior is much like the English Mk II with the changed grille,
      etc. There are four models: Mini 1000, Mini 1000 de Luxe (with a remote gear
      shift and vent-wing wind up windows), the Mini 1000 “S”, and the Mini 1000
      Station Wagon.
  
• 246,066 produced. Total to date, 1,908,705.
  

January

• All synchro gearbox available on the Innocenti Mini Cooper Mk II.
  
• All synchro gearbox available on the Australian Cooper S Mk I.
  

March

• Australian Mini Deluxe Mark I production stops. Australian Mini Deluxe Mark
      II K (known as the Mini K) was shown. $1,780AUS.(with 1098)
  

April

• Authi 1000S (Standard) and 1000E (Especial) introduced.
  
• Australian Cooper S Mk I production stops. (Total production: approx. 5,000)
  
• Australian Moke gets the 1098 and 13” wheels.
  

• Australian Moke Mk II in production.
  
• Australian Mk II Cooper S introduced at $2,385AUS.
  

• British Leyland buys 51% of Authi.
  

• Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet discontinued. (Total production: Elf, 30,912;
      Hornet 28,455; Mk III Elf, 9,574; Mk III Hornet, 8,504)
  
• 
     

  The
        South African Wolseley 1000 is discontinued. Approximately 450 were produced.
  
  

• Hopkirk takes 1^st in class at the Tour de France in OBL 45F.
  

• Mk II models discontinued. Mk III models go on sale, badged as Mini rather
      than Austin and Morris (in most markets). ADO 20, with roll-up windows and
      negative earth. (Total production: Austin Mk II 850/1000 saloon 154,000; Morris
      Mk II 850/1000 saloon, 206,000; Austin Cooper S Mk II, 2,400; Morris Cooper
      S Mk II, 5,300; Austin Van from the start of production, approx. 174,500;
      Morris Van from the start of production, approx. 155,000; Austin Pick-up from
      the start of production, approx. 18,000, Morris Pick-up from the start of
      production, approx. 13,500)
  
• Mk II Super De-Luxe Saloon replaced by Mini 1000.
  
• Mk II Countryman and Traveller discontinued. (Total Mk II production: Austin,
      22,500; Morris, approx. 23,500)
  
• Clubman Saloon and Estate start. Both feature the “square nose” look. The
      Estate is not available with wood sides but has a fake wood decal running
      the length of the car.
  
• 1275 GT starts.
  
• Hydrolastic dropped on all but Cooper S and 1275GT.
  
• Rhodes and Handley are 1^st and 2^nd at the Salzburgring
      in LBL 666D and LRX 827E.
  

• Mini Cooper discontinued. (Total 997 & 998 Cooper production: approx. 100,100.
      Total 998 Mk II Cooper production: Austin, 9,900; Morris, 21,800)
  

• Issigonis awarded Knighthood for services to automotive engineering.
  
• Alex Poole takes 1^st overall and 1^st in the 1000cc
      class in the British Saloon Car Championship driving for Arden.
  
• The Mini 1000 Mk 3 goes on sale in South Africa. This car features the
      round nose style of the English Mk III but has the tail of the Elf and Hornet.
  
• 254,957 produced. Total to date, 2,163,662.
  

February

• Innocenti Mini Cooper Mk II production stops. (Total production unknown.)
  
• Innocenti Mini Cooper Mk III available.
  
• Authi 850cc model available.
  

• Innocenti Mini Cooper gets opening quarter light door windows.
  

• The last works Mini drive; Brian Culcheth, 4^th overall on the
      1970 Rally of the Hills in Australia driving RJB 327F.
  
• 278,905 produced. Total to date, 2,442,567.
  

January

• Authi 1275GT introduced (used standard body shell, not clubman like the
      English 1275GT)
  

• Hydrolastic dropped from 1275GT.
  

• Cooper S discontinued. (Total production: 45,442. Mk III, 1,600 plus approx.
      18,000 CKDs shipped abroad)
  
• Australian Cooper S Mk II production stops. (Total Mk II production: approx.
      2,400)
  

• Australian Clubman 1100 and GT sales start.
  

• Australian Moke Californian goes on sale.
  
• Issigonis retires. Continues on as a consultant.
  
• 318,475 produced. Total to date, 2,761,042.
  

January

• Innocenti Mini Cooper Mk III production stops. (Total production unknown.)
  

• Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 in production.
  

• Australian Minis named Leyland Minis.
  

• British Leyland buys the motor vehicle portion of Innocenti.
  

• Authi Mini Cooper 1300 available.
  

• British Leyland Motor Corporation buys the remaining shares in Authi. (pre-October)
  
• 306,937 produced -- highest one-year production total. Total to date, 3,067,979.
  

January

• Alternator becomes standard.
  
• Rod change boxes start.
  

• Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 production stops. (Total production unknown.)
  
• Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export announced. Some similarities to “Mk IV”
      English cars. Also built at Seneffe in Belgium.
  

• Australian Mini S goes on sale.
  
• Inboard CV joints start.
  

July

• The Austin Mini 1275 GTS goes on sale in South Africa. It looks much like
      the English 1275GT having the Clubman body but underneath is very much like
      a Cooper S in specification and performance.
  

• 295,186 produced. Total to date, 3,363,165.
  

• 255,336 produced. Total to date, 3,618,501.
  

September

• Australian Minis revert to 998.
  

• Standard engine on the Clubman changes from 998 to 1098.
  

• Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export production ceases. (“Early” in the year.)
  
• Authi Mini Cooper 1300 production stops. (“End” of the year) (Total production:
      approx. 5,000)
  
• The South African Mini range adds a standard HS4 to the Mini de Luxe and
      the GTS converts to 12” wheels and bigger brakes (probably in June). The range
      also includes the Mini Clubman.
  
• 200,293 produced. Total to date, 3,818,794
  

January

• Mini 1000 special, Limited edition goes on sale. (Total production: approx.
      3,000.) “Cosmetically enhanced” Mini 1000. Special paint and interior. Reclining
      seats.
  

• Rubber mounted subframe starts.
  

• Australian Mini SS introduced at the Sydney Motor Show. Eventually went
      on sale for $3,895AUS.
  
• 203,575 produced. Total to date, 4,022,369.
  

March

• Australian Mini LS (998) goes on sale for $4,495AUS.
  

• Australian Mini Sunshine goes on sale for $4,395AUS.
  

• Three standard Minis make up the 1977 range of Minis in South Africa: Mini
      de Luxe (the base Mini offered and still in round nose form), the Mini Clubman
      and the GTS.
  
• The Sunshine Mini is announced by Leyland South Africa (probably January
      1977). The car is a dolled up Mini 1100 de Luxe (round nose form) in Dolomite
      Yellow with appropriate decals and features a soft folding type sunroof.
  
• The Moonlight Mini is announced by Leyland South Africa (probably August).
      This is another dolled up version of the Mini 1100 de Luxe (round nose form)
      featuring a soft folding type sunroof Zircon Blue metallic paint and appropriate
      decals.
  
• 214,134 produced. Total to date, 4,236,503.
  

August

• Australian Mini LS (1275) goes on sale.
  

• Australian Mini production ceases; except for Mokes. (Total production:
      176,284, excluding Mokes.)
  

• Van and Pickup badged as Mini 95.
  

• The Mini Vanden Plas is announced by Leyland South Africa (probably August).
      This is another version of the Mini 1100 de Luxe (round nose form) and was
      called the most luxuriously equipped Mini ever seen in South Africa. Official
      brochures stated, “Such features as cashmere pure wool upholstery, a French
      polish walnut fascia dashboard, folding sun roof, tinted and shaded windscreen
      and tinted glass on all windows, leather-bound steering wheel, bronze metallic
      paintwork, mahogany pile carpeting and many more, make the Mini Vanden Plas
      an exquisite saloon car.”
  
• 196,799 produced. Total to date, 4,433,302.
  

August

• 1100 Special limited edition goes on sale at 3,300UKP. (“20^th
      Anniversary” edition.) (Total production: approx. 5,100.) 45bhp 1098 engine.
      Choice of two special paint colors. Vinyl roof. 165x70 tires on 5” rims. Clubman
      bumpers, etc.
  

• Mini 1000 called Super.
  

• 165,502 produced. Total to date, 4,598,804.
  

August

• Clubman discontinued. (Total production: Saloon, 331,675; Estate, 176,688.)
  
• 1275 GT discontinued. (Total production: 117,949.)
  

• Mini 1000 City starts.
  

• Mini 1000 Super changed to HL.
  

• 848 option dropped on Pickup.
  

• Australian Moke changes to galvanized body panels, among other things.
  
• The Mini 1275E (with the Clubman body and 1275 engine) is announced by
      Leyland South Africa (probably August). (It is unclear whether the car is
      going back into production after being out of the market or if it is just
      the Clubman style being reintroduced with the larger engine.)
  
• 150,067 produced. Total to date, 4,748,871.
  

• Australian Moke production stops. (Total production: approx. 26,200)
  
• 69,986 produced. Total to date, 4,818,857.
  

April

• City changed to City E.
  
• HL changed to HLE.
  

• HLE changed to Mayfair.
  

• Van and Pickup discontinued. (Total production: Van, approx. 520,000; Pickup,
      58,000; 850 Van 1970 to end, approx. 94,899; 1000 Van 1970 to end, approx.
      82,356; 850 Pick-up 1970 to end, approx. 12,130; 1000 Pick-up 1970 to end,
      approx. 15,397.)
  

• The Mini Rebel is announced by Leyland South Africa (probably October).
      This is a dolled up 1275E with a flip up sunroof, appropriate decals, special
      wheels and a few other additions.
  
• 
     

  56,297 produced. Total to
        date, 4,875,154.
  
  

October

• Mini Sprite limited edition starts at 3,334UKP. (Total production: approx.
      2,500.) Special paint and stripes. Wheels and tires like the 1100 special.
      Different interior.
  

September

• The South African Mini Panda goes on sale. Alpine White paint, Panda decal,
      white wheel covers, radio/tape combination, twin rear-mounted speakers, rear-mounted
      telescopic aerial, window air deflectors, twin spotlamps, synthetic sheepskin
      seat covers front and rear, leather gearknob and rubber floor mats front and
      rear.
  

October

• The final South African built Mini, a 1275E, rolls off the assembly line
      at Blackheath. Total production is quoted at 77,686. It is believed that this
      number includes the CKDs assembled in the early years.
  

Misc.

• 
     

  Moke production starts in
        Portugal with basic Australian specification.
  
  

• 
     

  49,956 produced. Total to
        date, 4,925,110.
  
  

June

• 25^th Anniversary limited edition starts at 3,865UKP. (Total
      production: approx. 5,000.) Silver with red accents inside and out. Lots of
      “25” decals. Leather steering wheel. Radio/cassette. Most notably: 12” wheels
      and 8.4” disc brakes, soon to become standard on all Minis.
  

• 35,036 produced. Total to date, 4,960,146.
  

June

• Ritz limited edition starts 3,798UKP. (Total production: approx. 3,725.)
      Silver outside with Ritz decals. Accented with Nimbus Grey. Multicolored interior.
      In other words, a Mini City with some fancy paint and decals – a similar theme
      to many of the limited editions and specials.
  

• 34,974 produced. Total to date, 4,995,120.
  

January

• Chelsea limited edition starts at 3,898UKP. (Total production: approx.
      1,500.) A City E painted Targa Red with decals.
  

• Piccadilly limited edition starts at 3,928UKP. (Total production: approx.
      2,500.) A City E in Cashmere Gold. Dark velvet interior. Full width wheel
      trims in plastic.
  

• Moke changes introduced, including going to 12” wheels.
  
• 
     

  33,740 produced. Total to
        date, 5,028,860.
  
  

February

• 
     

  Park Lane limited edition
        starts at 4,194UKP. (Total production: 4,000.) Black exterior with bigger
        decals.
  
  

• Advantage limited edition starts 4,286UKP. (Total production: 4,675.) City
      E in Diamond White with tennis motif decals.
  

• 32,717 produced. Total to date, 5,061,577.
  

February

• Red Hot and Jet Black limited editions start at 4,382UKP. (Total production:
      approx. 6,000.) Red or Black. Tinted windows. Decals.
  

• Designer limited edition starts at 4,654UKP. (Total production: approx.
      2,000.) Black or white. Tied in with designer Mary Quant with daisy motif
      and her signature on the seats.
  

• Servo standard on all models.
  
• Alex Issigonis dies at the age of 81.
  

• 36,554 produced. Total to date, 5,065,131.
  

February

• Sky, Rose, Racing and Flame special editions start. (Total production:
      Sky/Rose, approx. 1,100; Racing/Flame, approx. 2,000.)
  

• Mini 30 (30^th Anniversary) special edition starts. (Total production:
      approx. 3,000.)
  

• Moke production in Portugal stopped. (Mid-1989)
  
• ERA Turbo introduced. (Total production: 435 of which 58 were built from
      existing Minis.)
  
• 40,998 produced. Total to date, 5,139,129.
  

February

• Flame Red and Racing Green special editions start. (Total Production with
      Checkmate, approx. 2,500.)
  
• Checkmate special edition starts. (Total production with Flame and Racing,
      approx. 2,500.)
  

• Studio 2 special edition starts. (Total production: approx. 2,000.)
  

• RSP Rover Mini Cooper goes on sale. (Total production: approx 1,650 with
      650 of them going to Japan.)
  

• Rover Mini Cooper goes on sale.
  

• Moke production rights sold to Cagiva (an Italian company).
  
• 46,045 produced. Total to date, 5,185,174.
  

February

• Neon special edition starts. (Total production: approx. 1,500.)
  

• 75 Lamm Cabriolets built in Germany and completed by Rover in Cowley for
      UK sale.
  

• The Mini Cord is reborn in Venezuela. The fiberglass-bodied Mini is built
      in two models, both with 998cc engines. (A 1275 was never produced.) SB was
      the standard version with cloth interior trim and steel wheels. (Although
      versions exported to Colombia all had Minilite style GB wheels.) DB was the
      deluxe version and had air conditioning, leather interior, center console
      with a tachometer, chrome bumpers, spotlights and GB wheels. In December,
      113 were made.
  

Misc.

• Moke production starts, again, in Portugal under Cagiva.
  
• 35,070 produced. Total to date, 5,220,244.
  

May

• 998cc engine replaced by 1.3.
  
• 
      City replaced by 1.3 Sprite.
  
  

• British Open Classic special edition goes on sale. (Total production: approx.
      1,000.)
  

• The Italian Job special edition goes on sale. (Total production: approx.
      1,750.)
  

• A total of 768 Mini Cords were produced for the Colombian, Venezuelan, and
      Antilles markets – the best year of production. Colombia received 164.
  
• 26,197 produced. Total to date, 5,246,441.
  
  
  

1993

April

• European specification British Open Classic goes on sale.
  

• Mini Rio goes on sale. (Total production: approx. 750.)
  

• Rover built Cabriolet goes on sale.
  

• 
     

  Mini Tahiti goes on sale. (Total production: approx. 500.)
  
  

• Moke production under Cagiva in Portugal stops. (Early 1993)
  
• Minor changes were made to both the SB and DB Mini Cord models; e.g., interior
      trim, mirrors and the bonnet emblem. Production was 391. Only 62 units were
      exported to Colombia and the Colombian dealer, Mini City, ceased to function.
  
• 20,468 produced. Total to date, 5,266,909.
  
  
  

May

• UK version of the Mini 35 goes on sale. (Production for the British market
      totaled 200.) European and Japanese versions to follow.
  

• Mini Cooper Monte Carlo special edition goes on sale.
  

Misc.

• Mini Cord production shut down for a time and restarted with two special,
      convertible prototypes built. They didn’t go into production. Instead, a John
      Cooper model is started, still with the 998cc engine. It had 13” Revolution
      wheels and leather interior, among other changes. All were scheduled to be
      silver, but some were special ordered in other colors. Only 24 cars were built
      of all versions in 1994.
  
  
  

May

• Sidewalk goes on sale. (Total production: approx. 1,000.)
  

Misc.

• The Mini Cord goes out of production after only 15 units being built in
      1995. Total production is just over 1300.
  

April

• 
      Equinox goes on sale.
  
  

• Cabriolet discontinued.
  
• Twin point injection introduced with crank triggered ignition (no distributor),
      front mounted radiator. 2,7 final drive. Wooden dash, drivers airbag and half
      leather interior standard on all models. 13" wheeled "Sport pack"
      option introduced. No longer any technical differences between "Mini"
      and "Cooper".
  

1997

1998

1999

2000

October

• Production ceased October 4. The car designated as the last one off of
      the production line is registered as X411JOP and goes to the Heritage Museum
      to share space with 621 AOK.
  

• 
      John Cooper dies.
  
  

• Total Mini production quoted as 5,387,862.
  

1. The above information applies mainly to English
       produced cars for sale in the UK. Some differences are noted for cars produced
       in other countries or for sale in other countries. Caution is suggested when
       applying the general information to all Minis no matter where produced.
   
2. Change points may vary by model.
         Where possible, the earliest introduction dates found are listed.
   
3. Most production figures are taken from Golding’s,
       Mini, Thirty-Five Years On, Hubner’s, The Big Mini Book, and
       Ruppert’s, Mini, and are worldwide production figures; except, figures
       from 1983 on do not include Mokes. The majority of the production figures
       listed are approximates. The published literature gives varying numbers.
   
4. Starting dates for some models (especially, the Specials or Limited Editions)
       vary depending upon the source used. Some of the differences may be accounted
       for by whether the source is using the date the model is announced, the date
       production starts, or the date the model actually is available for sale. Often
       which date is being used is not clear.

Sources:

• Bardsley, Alec Issigonis, The Making of a Designer, 1998
  
• Browning, The Illustrated History of the Works Minis In International
     Rallies and Races, 1996 (2^nd Edition)
  
• Davis, Spotlight on Mini Minor Downunder, 1990
  
• Factory workshop manuals, (various)
  
• Golding, Mini, Thirty-Five Years On, 1994
  
• Haynes, Owners Workshop Manuals, (various)
  
• Hubner, The Big Mini Book, 1992
  
• Mini Moke Club (England), A Guide to Mini Mokes, 1997
  
• Nahum, Alec Issigonis, 1988
  
• Nye, Cooper Cars, 1983   
  
• Parnell, Original Mini Cooper and Cooper S, 1993
  
• Plano, Miguel & Ricardo, Bogotá, Colombia. Supplied the information on the
      1990s Mini Cord.
      See http://www.minipassionmini.50megs.com/gb/default.htm
  
• Ruppert, Mini, 1997
  
• Verster, Ryno. Supplied much of the information on the South African Minis
   based on magazine tests and other period literature.

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Chuck Heleker
Article Date: Feb 05, 2001
Car Accociations: MINI,
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