- Hardcover: 304 pages
- Publisher: Faber and Faber (7 May 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0571248098
- ISBN-13: 978-0571248094
- Product Dimensions: 20.4 x 15.6 x 3.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 296,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Book Description
The real story of the Mini, published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this design classic.
Product Description
How do you make an object that changes the way people think about travel, a small metal box that inspires huge devotion in those who own it, a car that continues to make headlines fifty years after its launch?
In May 1959, the first Mini was produced on an assembly line at Cowley, near Oxford. It would take a team of supremely talented designers, draftsmen, engineers and production-line workers to build a car that was unique in appearance and construction. They would clash frequently over an uncomfortable and unsafe prototype, and the public had to be convinced to buy a car that let in two inches of water when it rained. But somehow the Mini became an icon. Originally designed for austerity and efficiency, the car soon came to represent individuality and classlessness.
Today, the car is still produced at Cowley - it is now owned by BMW and called the MINI. A great British manufacturing story, it is more popular throughout the world than it has ever been, a symbol of the age that created it. But who makes these things, and what do they think about their work? By meeting the people behind the MINI, Simon Garfield uncovers a fascinating story of British endeavour, ingenuity and masterful marketing. The modern MINI has come a long way from the leaky floor and sliding windows. But throughout its history, the people behind it have always known that they have been making something rare - a car with soul.
Inside This Book
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
It is slightly cheeky to claim that Simon Garfield is the author of this book because it is not a written history. What Garfield has actually done is interview many of the people who where involved in the development of both the original car and the BMW MINI and woven their responses into an interesting narrative which he fills in occasionally in italic script. Yu won't find much about the car itself here but you will get a fascinating idea of the development and the politics of building and marketing a car. Garfield speaks from everyone from former Chief Executives to shop stewards from Cowley and all this combines into making this an absorbing work which will give pleasure to anyone with an interest in the motor industry.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is all right as far as it goes, but is disappointing as it goes into too much of the BMW MINI story. The original BL Mini is the star performer, the BMW one is just another modern car with a retro look. It is nothing like the original, which was cheap, economical and a real revelation to drive compared with other cars of its day. None of this applies to the BMW MINI. Apart from that, it's a good read.
Format:Paperback
A fascinating read with plenty of anecdotes and quotes that would normally only be known within the industry. It could almost be a tribute to the man who started the whole Mini saga, Alec Issigonis. An easy and particularly enlightening read for those interested in the origins and pre-production period of the car. There's plenty on the "new" Mini to which balances the book very nicely throughout the amazing 50 year [plus] history of the marque.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Mini-Not such a true and secret history
I purchased this book having read some of the reviews, I wasn`t expecting a potted history of the classic Mini and was aware it covered the original Mini and the new BMW MINI (note... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Dav
Book on the Mini
Looked a good overview of the Mini and its development. Lots of anecdotes from engineers etc on its development and production.
Published on 11 Jan 2010 by K. Robinson
like novel
Good book for historirians but doesnt mean so much
for restorarians, so poor about photos.
for restorarians, so poor about photos.
Published on 23 Sep 2009 by Ufuk
A Mini Comprehensive.
A really good history of this car with interesting reading and good line drawings to accompany the book.
Published on 19 July 2009 by Mr. Allan D. Plumb
for Mini and MINI fans
I bought this book after attending Mini Utd for the 50th birthday celebrations. I adore my darling car and wanted to know a little more about her heritage. Read more
Published on 3 July 2009 by E. Pickersgill
Marvelous service
Marvelous service, product was delivered on time and in perfect condition. Cant fault Amazon one bit, will certainly be using them again.
Published on 3 July 2009 by Mrs. M. J. Wood
ENLIGHTENING
A book created in a very original way using the recollections and opinions of important players in creating the Mini (engineers, designers, simple BMC workers even)to form a solid... Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2009 by FENRIS5
outstanding with no mistakes
I own rows and rows of MINI books. This one stands out and is outstanding.
I can only recommend that every Mini enthusiast reads this book with the facts and figures from... Read more
I can only recommend that every Mini enthusiast reads this book with the facts and figures from... Read more
Published on 15 Jun 2009 by Eduard Preiswerk
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