Mini Cooper/Mini Cooper S
Published on 15. June 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
128 pages
978-1-84584-183-6 (ISBN)
Description
This is a comprehensive study of the career of one type of rally car - the BMC Mini-Cooper/Mini-Cooper S. In the 1960s the Mini became famous as Britain's most successful rally car. It combined superb handling, a tiny body shell, high-performance engines and the excellence of front-wheel-drive in an irresistible package. Not only this, but the works team included famous drivers like Paddy Hopkirk, Timo Makinen and Rauno Aaltonen.
The works Minis not only won the Monte Carlo three times - 1964, 1965 and 1967 - along with the European Rally Championship in 1965, but also won events all over the world. Because Minis were British, and well-promoted, they became seen as giant-killers, and were the people's favourite for many years. The car outpaced many of its rivals, and this book examines exactly who they were, and how they came to be defeated by the 'mighty Mini.'
Even today, works Minis appear at every gathering of classic cars, demonstrating their enduring appeal. Packed with over 100 photographs, this book is a fitting and timely tribute to a much-loved Rally Giant.
The works Minis not only won the Monte Carlo three times - 1964, 1965 and 1967 - along with the European Rally Championship in 1965, but also won events all over the world. Because Minis were British, and well-promoted, they became seen as giant-killers, and were the people's favourite for many years. The car outpaced many of its rivals, and this book examines exactly who they were, and how they came to be defeated by the 'mighty Mini.'
Even today, works Minis appear at every gathering of classic cars, demonstrating their enduring appeal. Packed with over 100 photographs, this book is a fitting and timely tribute to a much-loved Rally Giant.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
David & Charles
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 195 mm
Width: 214 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
440 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84584-183-6 (9781845841836)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Graham Robson
Mini Cooper/Mini Cooper S
E-Book
01/2016
Princeton University Press
€11.49
Available for download
Person
After a varied career in the automotive industry Graham Robson has gained a worldwide reputation as a motoring historian, and has more than 160 books to his credit.
Born in 1936, and educated at Ermysteds Grammar School in Yorkshire, Graham then went on to study Engineering at Oxford University. He joined Jaguar Cars as a graduate trainee, becoming involved in design work on the Mk II, E-Type and Mark X. Beginning as a hobby, he became a rally co-driver, eventually joining the Sunbeam 'works' team in 1961, and took part in rallies up to International level (once with Roger Clark), but stopped rallying by 1968.
During this time he joined Standard-Triumph in Coventry, in 1961, as a Development Engineer, mainly on sports car projects. He then ran the re-opened 'works' motorsport department from 1962 to 1965, this being the period of the birth of Spitfire Le Mans cars, TR4, Vitesse, Spitfire and 2000 rally car developments.
Graham Robson's writing began with rally reports for magazines which evolved into a job with Autocar from 1965-1969. He was recruited back to industry at Rootes to run the Product Proving department, then after a brief period in 1972 as technical director of a safety belt company, became an independent motoring writer. Graham has lived 'by the pen' and 'by the voice', not only writing but commentating, presenting and organising events of all types.
Born in 1936, and educated at Ermysteds Grammar School in Yorkshire, Graham then went on to study Engineering at Oxford University. He joined Jaguar Cars as a graduate trainee, becoming involved in design work on the Mk II, E-Type and Mark X. Beginning as a hobby, he became a rally co-driver, eventually joining the Sunbeam 'works' team in 1961, and took part in rallies up to International level (once with Roger Clark), but stopped rallying by 1968.
During this time he joined Standard-Triumph in Coventry, in 1961, as a Development Engineer, mainly on sports car projects. He then ran the re-opened 'works' motorsport department from 1962 to 1965, this being the period of the birth of Spitfire Le Mans cars, TR4, Vitesse, Spitfire and 2000 rally car developments.
Graham Robson's writing began with rally reports for magazines which evolved into a job with Autocar from 1965-1969. He was recruited back to industry at Rootes to run the Product Proving department, then after a brief period in 1972 as technical director of a safety belt company, became an independent motoring writer. Graham has lived 'by the pen' and 'by the voice', not only writing but commentating, presenting and organising events of all types.
Content
Foreword Introduction The car and the team Inspiration The Mini's importance in rallying The Mini's home ground Facing up to rival cars Homologation - meeting the rules Engineering features Motorsport development, and improvements Was the Mini unique? Building and running the works cars Personalities and star drivers Competition story The works Mini's career Past its best? Which rivals took over? World/major European rally wins Victories in British international rallies Index