Mini Production Dates
Mini Production Dates
Mini Production Dates
Mk2 67-69
Mk3 69-76
Mk4 76-84
Mk5 84-91
Mk6 91-96
Mk7 96-00
Mini MkI
Austin Se7en/Mini 435500
Morris Mini-Minor 510000
Austin Countryman 85500
Morris Traveller 75500
Total 1106500
Mini Mk II
Austin Mini 154000
Morris Mini 206000
Austin Countryman 22500
Morris Traveller 23500
Total 406000
Mini Cooper Mk II
Austin Mini Cooper 998cc 9168
Morris Mini Cooper 998cc 7228
Total 16396
Mini Cooper S Mk II
Austin Mini Cooper S 1275cc 2687
Morris Mini Cooper S 1275cc 3642
Total 6329
Mini Clubman
Mini Clubman saloon 275583
Mini Clubman estate 197606
Mini 1275GT 110673
Total 583862
Mini MkIII/IV/V/VI
Mini 850 407670
Mini 1000/City/Mayfair 1439819
Mini 1100 78853
Mini 1300 (export) 21360
Mini Sprite 17833
Mini Mayfair 16250
Mini Cooper RSP 1650
Mini Cooper Carburettor 19899
Mini Cooper 1.3i (92-96) 42880
Mini Cabriolet (LAMM) 75
Mini Cabriolet (Rover) 1081
Total 2047370
Mini Van
Austin Minivan 174000
Morris Minivan 169249
Mini Van 850 94899
Mini Van 1000 82356
Total 521494
Mini Pick-up
Austin Mini Pick-up 18000
Morris Mini Pick-up 12652
Mini Pick-up 850 12130
Mini Pick-up 1000 15397
Total 58179
Mini Moke
Austin Mini Moke 5422
Morris Mini Moke 9096
European Total 14518
Australian Mini Moke 26142
Portuguese Mini Moke 9277
Total 49937
Riley Elf
Elf MkI 3522
Elf MkII 17816
Elf MkIII 9574
Total 30912
Wolseley Hornet
Hornet MkI 3166
Hornet MkII 16785
Hornet MkIII 8504
Total 28455
The Mk1 is for some the best incarnation of the Mini, myself included. It has unique smaller
tail lamps that will only feature on the Mk1's. Its simplicity wins over the hearts of many.
The start of the Mini and a very important time for Alec Issigonis. The Mini is met with a cool
reception from some, with only the 850cc engine available.
These are the models that were available during the Mk1 Period (August 1959 - October 1967)
The Mini is put on sale on August 26th 1959. The 848cc Austin Seven built at Longbridge and
the mechanically-identical Morris Mini Minor from Cowley go on sale at the same time. All
three works 850s fail to finish the RAC Rally in their first outing.
In 1960, determined to change the record, Mini makes its first assault on the Monte Carlo
Rally, lining up six 850s ahead of several similarly-equipped privateers. Four of them reach
the finish; Peter Riley's 23rd place finishing the highest. Don Morley scores Mini's first
international rallying class win as he finishes 14th overall on the Geneva Rally (in an 850,
remember).
In 1962, the Seven tag on the Austin variants is replaced by Mini. Pat Moss's Cooper brings
Mini its first international rally victory on the Tulip Rally. John Love wins the British Saloon Car
Championship.
In 1963, the Cooper S first appears in 1071cc guise. Rauno Aaltonen wins the Alpine Rally in
it. Rob Slotemaker wins the 1300cc European Saloon Car Championship with a Downton-tuned
Cooper S.
In 1964; Paddy Hopkirk and Henry Liddon take 33 EJB to victory in the Monte Carlo Rally. The
997 Cooper is replaced with the 998 and the Cooper S gains 970cc and 1275cc engines, but
loses the 1071cc. Hydrolastic suspension is standard on every new mini sold.
In 1965, Timo Makinen in a 1275S wins Mini's second Monte Carlo Rally, the Circuit of Ireland,
Geneva and Czech international rallies. The Cooper 970S is dropped. Alec Issigonis drives the
1,000,000th Mini off the line at Longbridge. Mini gets an automatic option. Its innovative and
effective design has no rivals for many years.
In 1966, BMC merges with Jaguar to form British Motor Holdings (BMH). French scrutineers
deny the Abingdon-based team a third straight win. Makinen, Aaltonen and Hopkirk had
finished one-two-three. The win goes to a frenchman.
In 1967, Aaltonen takes Mini's third Monte win, denying the scrutineers the chance to
suppress the Mini's glory. The Mini Mk2 is launched.
The Mk2 showed the introduction of the rear lights that would last the next 33 years, and was
also had the shortest production run of any mark of Mini.
The mark 2 Mini is launched at the London Motorshow in 1967. It has a wider rear window,
new light clusters, bigger grille and other changes. There are standard and Super Deluxe
versions. Issigonis's projected Mini replacement, a square hatchback codenamed 9X, is
cancelled. Thank god. First Mini Festival in Brands Hatch. A revised steering rack reduces
Mini's turning circle to 28 feet from 31.
In 1968, Synchromesh becomes standard on all four gears. The cable system (pull to open
doors) is superseded by conventional handles. BMH merges with the Leyland Motor
Corporation to form the British Leyland Motor Corporation. Donald Stokes joins the company.
The US loses the Mini to emission regulations.
The Mk3 is the biggest revamp of the Mini yet, heralding the end of external hinges, sliding
window and the Cooper Name for the Mini.
The mark 3 Mini is introduced in 1969, offering wind-up windows, internal hinges and dry
suspension among many changes. Austin and Morris tags dropped in favour of plain Mini. Mini
production reaches 2,000,000. The Italian Job is released in cinemas, using Mk1 Cooper S
Mini's, bringing the Mini even more fame and popularity. Alec Issigonis is knighted for his
services to the motor industry. The 998 Cooper is dropped.
In 1970, the mark 3 Cooper 1275S is introduced, to be the last ever "S". In BL's final full works
entry, Paddy Hopkirk takes a 1275GT to second place on the Scottish Rally.
In 1971, the Cooper name is dropped and the S discontinued. Mini has its best year for sales
figures at 318,000. Issigonis retires from BL. Hydrolastic suspension is retired also.
In 1973, alternator replaces dynamo across the range. The magic wand gearchange
disappears from the 850 and is discontinued.
In 1974, inertia reel seatbelts become standard across the range and 850 drivers get a heater
at no extra cost. The Bertone-styled Innocenti Mini appears from Italy, based on Mini's
platform and running gear. It comes from the same firm which built Minis and kept the Cooper
in production for three years after BL stopped.
The Mk4 Mini holds the first ever Limited Edition Mini, quite unusual in 1976, and has a long
production run of 8 years.
The mark 4 Mini is introduced in 1976, with twin-stalk controls, heated rear window, hazard
lights, radial tyres, a new switch panel and larger pedals all standard across the range. The
Mini 1000 Special becomes the first factory Limited Edition (LE) model. It proudly sports green
and white paint, striped seats and a coachline. Production passes the 4,000,000 mark.
In 1977, reversing lights, reclining seats, dipping rear view mirror all become standard across
the range.
In 1979, the Mini celebrates its 20th anniversary with the 1100 Special LE (production: 5,000).
The City is launched, with the 848cc engine. Later in the year it gets the 998, marking the end
of the smaller engine in the saloons. BL makes a development plan including the axing of the
Mini in 1982.
In 1980, all Clubman variants are dropped. The Mini gets a new trim level - the HL. The Austin
Mini Metro is launched. It shares much of the Mini's platform, but neither outsells or outlives
the donor car.
In 1982, This would have been the end of the mini if BL hadn't decided against the
development plan of 1979. The HL becomes HLE and is then re-launched as the Mayfair.
The Mk5 was the era of the Limited Editions, with no less than 20 LE's in 7years. It also has
one of the most important developments to date: disc brakes and 12-inch wheels standard
across the range.
The mark 5 Mini is introduced in 1984, with 12-inch wheels, front disc brakes and plastic
wheel arch extensions standard across the range. The 25 LE is introduced. Thousands attend
Mini's 25th birthday party at Donnington. BL changes their name to the Austin Rover Group.
In 1985, the City loses its central instrument layout - the last Mini to do so. But the Mayfair
gets a rev counter. The Ritz LE is introduced.
In 1986, Mini production passes the 5,000,000 mark. Issigonis celebrates his 80th birthday.
The Chelsea and Piccadilly LE's are introduced.
In 1987, the Advantage and Park Lane LE's are introduced. Austin Rover Group becomes plain
Rover Group.
In 1988, the second saddest year in Mini history, Sir Alec Issigonis dies. Red Hot, Jet Black and
Designer LE's are introduced. Rear seatbelts and servo-assisted brakes become standard
across the range. City gets headrests; radio cassette becomes standard on Mayfair. Tory
government sells Rover Group to British Aerospace.
In 1989, Rose, Sky and 30 LE's are introduced (production of Mini 30: 3,000). Semi-official ERA
Mini Turbo introduced with Metro Turbo engine and 93bhp. Huge Mini 30th birthday party at
Silverstone. Flame Red and Racing Green LEs introduced, featuring Cooper-style paint and a
rev counter.
In 1990, second versions of Flame Red and Racing Green LEs are introduced with Minilite-style
alloys and a revised diff for better acceleration. They are joined by the black-and-white Check
Mate and Studio 2 LE's. The Cooper makes a return as a limited edition of 1,000 cars (61bhp
1275 carb) prepared by Rover Special Products (RSP). A mainstream production model is
decided upon with minor differences.
The Mk6 was a big leap for the Mini. The bodyshell was modified to make the first production
Injection Mini ever. The main reason was to meet with emissions regulations.
The mark 6 Mini is introduced in 1991. It is re-engineered for a revised SPi engine and a
closed-loop cat. Neon LE introduced. Cooper gets a 63bhp SPi version of the 1275 engine with
a closed-loop cat and ECU, plus standard spots and stripes. Lamm Cabriolet LE (production:
75) launched by Rover - First official Mini with 13 inch wheels.
In 1992, City and 998cc are replaced by the Sprite. It and the Mayfair get a new 50bhp carb-
plus-cat version of the 1275cc engine. British Open Classic LE introduced, the first production
Mini with an electric folding sunroof. Italian Job LEs introduced (red, white, blue and green).
John Cooper Garages Si conversions becomes a dealer option. Security improvements include
alarm/immobiliser option and an internal bonnet release.
In 1993, Cabriolet re-introduced with SPi Cooper engine and 12 inch wheels instead of the
Lamm's 13s. Rio (production: 750) and Tahiti (production: 500) LE's are introduced. Cooper
gets a standard alarm and a wooden dash option. Mayfair gets the latter standard. Mini
production is down to under 21,000.
In 1994, the purchase which will mean the end of the Mini as we know it, BMW buys Rover
Group. Cooper Monte Carlo LE introduced (production: 200) to mark 30th anniversary of first
Monte win. To mark the event various arms of Rover enter three 'works Cooper SPi group A
cars on the Monte. Paddy Hopkirk and Ron Crellin pilot L33 EJB to 52nd overall, fourth in class.
35 LE is introduced (production: 1,000). Mini's 35th birthday party draws 120,000 to
Silverstone. Cooper Grand Prix LE is introduced (production: 35).
In 1995, BMW approves the E50 project and begins work on developing a Mini replacement.
Sidewalk LE is introduced (1,000). The Mini is voted 'car of the century' by readers of Autocar
magazine. Monaco half-leather trim and wooden dash now standard on Cooper.
The Mk7 was the Final generation of the Mini. The most desirable to some, the least to others.
The mark 7 Mini is introduced in 1996. Changes include twin-point injection, higher final drive,
driver airbag, side impact beams, better sound insulation, improved front seats, a front-
mounted radiator and a sportspack option. Cooper 35 LE introduced (200). Equinox LE
introduced.
In 1997, The Mini Classic is introduced as the new non-Cooper model. The Mayfair is dropped.
Sportpack-equipped models with fat 13 inch wheels become another revival for the Mini,
proving very popular.
In 1998, Paul Smith LE is introduced (1,800). Cooper Sports LE is introduced (100). The model
carries 1960s British Vita team colours.
In 1999, 40, Cooper S Works Touring/5 Sport and John Cooper LEs are introduced. Mini's 40th
birthday party at Silverstone is huge once again.
In 2000, BMW sells Rover to the Phoenix consortium, but retains the rights to the Mini name
and future. Cooper Sport 500 LE introduced (500). Mini production ends when the final Cooper
Sport 500 LE rolls off the Longbridge production line ( No. 5,387,862). John Cooper dies
Christmas Eve.