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PressClub Middle East · Article.

"I did not invent the Mini, I designed it." On the 100th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis.

Wed Nov 22 15:30:00 CET 2006 Press Kit

Aged

He described mathematics as "the enemy of every truly creative mind" and nothing fascinated him more than pure technology. He brooked no compromise when he was convinced of an idea, and his most famous inspiration would define the development of automobiles for decades: the MINI Classic. On 18 November 2006, Sir Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis would have been 100. In 1959 he unveiled the MINI Classic for the first time. By the end of production in 2000, more than five million customers had purchased this diminutive British car. The success of the MINI Classic earned its creator international fame, and he was even awarded a knighthood by the Queen. But in true modest fashion he always maintained, "I did not invent the Mini, I designed it." The new MINI will be launched in Europe to coincide with Sir Alec's centenary on 18 November.

MINI Brand Heritage

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Osama El-Sherif
BMW Group

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Author.

Osama El-Sherif
BMW Group

1. Sir Alec Issigonis. 2. A brief History of the MINI Classic. 3. The
Range of MINI Classics. 4. Technical Highlights of the MINI Classic. 5.
Legends around a Legend. 6. The MINI Classic in Motorsport. 7.
Specifications. He described mathematics as "the enemy of every
truly creative mind" and nothing fascinated him more than pure
technology. He brooked no compromise when he was convinced of an idea,
and his most famous inspiration would define the development of
automobiles for decades: the MINI Classic. On 18 November 2006, Sir
Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis would have been 100. In 1959 he
unveiled the MINI Classic for the first time. By the end of production
in 2000, more than five million customers had purchased this diminutive
British car. The success of the MINI Classic earned its creator
international fame, and he was even awarded a knighthood by the Queen.
But in true modest fashion he always maintained, "I did not invent
the Mini, I designed it." The new MINI will be launched in Europe
to coincide with Sir Alec's centenary on 18 November.

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