One of the most influential automobiles of all time, the Alec Issigonis-designed Mini debuted in 1959 to universal acclaim.

True, there had been numerous front-wheel-drive designs before the Mini’s arrival, but the transverse engine layout allowed Issigonis to create a trend-setting masterpiece of automotive packaging.

BMC chose to market the car as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor before Mini became a marque in its own right in 1969.

In due course estate and van versions arrived, larger engines became available, more luxurious Riley and Wolseley models joined the line-up and the sporting Mini Cooper was introduced.

The early Mk1 had the 848cc A-Series engine, rubber cone suspension and floor-mounted starter button, the latter two features being replaced by Hydrolastic suspension and key starting respectively in 1964.

Approximately 12 months after the Mini saloon’s introduction, estate car versions appeared in the form of the Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Countryman, both...