Archive : Mini-Cooper pre-launch party

16 July 1961 Keith Adams 0

BMC
On this day BMC hold a pre-launch dinner for the ADO50 Mini Cooper at the Kensington Palace Hotel. Alec Issigonis makes a speech.

Alec Issigonis and John Cooper at the launch of the Mini-Cooper

“About a year ago my old friend John Cooper, who is an enthusiastic user of the ADO15, suggested to me that BMC ought to produce a sports version of this car. I thought it was a good idea and oddly enough so did the management.

27 Grand Prix drivers attend, but it takes two months to manufacture 400 cars.

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Keith Adams

Editor and creator AROnline at AROnline

Created www.austin-rover.co.uk in 2001 and built it up to become the world's foremost reference source for all things BMC, Leyland and Rover Group, before renaming it AROnline in 2007.

Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...

Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.