00:00Hello and welcome back to my channel. Today we are going to do a deep dive into Mini Cooper,
00:04the cars, and the business. I'm very excited for this one. The Mini Cooper has become one
00:08of the most recognized automotive icons in the world. When I first started my research for this
00:13video, I was surprised by just how much history there is behind this brand. So get yourself a
00:17cup of coffee or tea, and let's get right into it. In 1959, the British Motor Corporation set
00:23out to create an economy car that would be practical, affordable, and fun to drive.
00:27At the time, BMC was a conglomerate of several British car companies under one roof,
00:31including Austin, Morris, Riley, Wolseley, and MG. The new model would be based on the Morris Mini
00:37Miner, which had been introduced in 1928. But while the Mini Miner was a practical and economical car,
00:43it was outdated by 1959 standards. It also didn't handle very well, and BMC felt that with a bit of
00:49modernization. They could create a car that was not only better to drive, but more attractive to
00:53customers. Alec Izagonis was the engineer behind the new model. He was a brilliant automotive
00:58designer who was responsible for some of the most innovative cars of the day. His Mini,
01:02based on the Morris Miner, featured front-wheel drive, a transverse engine layout, and an innovative
01:07hydroelastic suspension system. This made the Mini unique in the British market and also gave it a
01:12number of advantages over its competitors. Front-wheel drive provided better traction and handling,
01:17while the transverse engine layout allowed for a more spacious interior. The hydroplastic suspension,
01:22meanwhile, used rubber and hydraulic fluid to dampen bumps and dips in the road,
01:26providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. When it came to design, the Mini looked like no
01:31other car on the road. With its rounded bodywork, small windows, and trademark grille, the Mini had
01:36a distinctive look that was both cute and quirky. This was in part due to the influence of Italian car
01:41design, which was popular at the time, but it was also thanks to the Mini's functional requirements.
