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Mini: books - history and models (1/2)

A book on Mini (Austin Seven, Morris Mini-Minor, Riley Elf or Wolseley Hornet) cars? Explore here books on the history and models of Mini cars (1/2).

Factory-Original Mini Mk 1 & Mk 2 - Originality guide including Cooper, Moke, Hornet, Elf, Van, Pick-Up & Estate

The original Mini had a lasting impact on the automotive world. Designed in response to late 1950s fuel shortages, it was introduced in 1959 under the Austin and Morris brands, available in basic or De Luxe versions. Its success led to the introduction of van, pick-up, and estate models, as well as high-performance Mini Coopers and the upgraded Mini Super.

By the late 1960s, the Mini remained popular, with the 1967 Mk II models retaining the distinctive style of the original. Today, early Minis are still highly valued for their agile driving experience and affordable upkeep.
Many undergo meticulous restorations to their original specifications, and this book serves as a guide for those restoring a British-built Mk I or Mk II Mini.

Pages of the book Factory-Original Mini Mk I & Mk II (1)

Respected classic car historian James Taylor provides a detailed overview of each major Mini model. The book examines body panels, trim, paint colors, dashboard, instruments, engine, transmission, and more.
Supported by over 300 specially commissioned color photographs, this reference captures the original details of these iconic cars, making it an essential resource for restorers and enthusiasts alike.

Information

Author:James Taylor
Details:156 pages, 25.5 x 25.5 cm / 10 x 10 in, hardback
Illustrations:300+ colour photos
Publisher:Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2015)
Series:Factory-Original
ISBN:9781906133665
Factory-Original Mini Mk 1 & Mk 2 - Originality guide including Cooper, Moke, Hornet, Elf, Van, Pick-Up & Estate

Factory-Original Mini Mk 1 & Mk 2 - Originality guide including Cooper, Moke, Hornet, Elf, Van, Pick-Up & Estate

Language: English

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The Mini Story

The original Mini, introduced in 1959 and designed by Alec Issigonis, is a car that has inspired immense affection for its fun character, minimalist design, and timeless style. It also holds significant historical value, as it set the standard for all successful compact cars that followed. The Mini was a technological marvel of its time.

Produced for 41 years, the original Mini became the best-selling British car, with 5.3 million units sold - an achievement unlikely to be surpassed. Just when it seemed the Mini would fade into obscurity, BMW revitalized it, creating the MINI brand and turning it into the world's most desirable small car.
In this book, award-winning author Giles Chapman tells the full story of the Mini's incredible journey.

Information

Author:Giles Chapman
Details:128 pages, 15 x 20 x 1.3 cm / 5.9 x 7.9 x 0.51 in, paperback
Illustrations:profusely illustrated
Publisher:The History Press Ltd (GB, 2011)
ISBN:9780752462820
The Mini Story

The Mini Story

Language: English

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British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986

In 1968, British Leyland was formed by merging most of Britain's car manufacturers to create a strong, unified group capable of competing with major European companies. However, this goal was not achieved.

Many books have explored the politics and business aspects of British Leyland, but "British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986" focuses specifically on the vehicles produced by the company. It covers both inherited models and those developed under its management.

During its 18 years, British Leyland produced a wide range of vehicles, often leading to confusion about their origins. This book clarifies which models were made, by whom, and when.

The book stops at 1986, the year British Leyland ceased to exist. What remained of its car and light commercial vehicle division was renamed the Rover Group.

Pages of the book British Leyland: The Cars, 1968-1986 (1)

Information

Author:James Taylor
Details:192 pages, 28 x 21.5 x 2 cm / 11 x 8.5 x 0.79 in, hardback
Illustrations:63 b&w and 173 colour photos
Publisher:The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:9781785003912
British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986

British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986

Language: English

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Mini - Toute l'histoire (Top Model)

This book traces the history of the company that produced the Mini, from the successes of the British Motor Corporation to the acquisition by BMW, including the struggles of British Leyland.

The first comprehensive book in French on the Mini, it covers all aspects of its history: its creators, its genesis, the different models produced (including those built outside the United Kingdom), the abandoned prototypes, the derivatives, and the competition. It is rich in anecdotes, abundantly illustrated, and includes production figures and identification numbers in the appendix.

Information

Author:Enguerrand Lecesne
Details:192 pages, 29 x 24 cm / 11.4 x 9 in, hardback
Illustrations:400 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2017)
Series:Top Model
ISBN:9791028302238
Mini - Toute l'histoire (Top Model)

Mini - Toute l'histoire

Language: French

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100% Mini

This book presents all Mini models sold by Rover in France and Europe. Over 140 Minis, from the oldest to the newest, are described with data and anecdotes from internal archives and rare documents.

This book meets the demand of Mini enthusiasts by analyzing each model, including little-known versions like Mini Lapagayo, Silverbullet, Beaubourg, Printemps. It is an ideal tool to learn everything about the Mini and understand the many limited series produced by the English brand.

Information

Author:Olivier Mescolini
Details:176 pages, 30 x 24.5 x 2 cm / 11.8 x 9.7 x 0.79 in, hardback
Illustrations:400 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2009)
ISBN:9782726888704

Mini - 60 ans

The Mini has been on the market for over sixty years, a unique achievement in automotive history. It revolutionized the design and engineering of small cars. Launched in 1959, the first version surprised everyone with its simplicity, interior, performance, and handling.

"Mini - 60 ans" details the history of this phenomenon, from its creation by Alec Issigonis to the latest versions of the Mini. This book pays tribute to the brand, symbolizing the unique charm of the English car for all generations.

Information

Author:Giles Chapman
Details:176 pages, 25.5 x 21.5 cm / 10 x 8.5 in, hardback
Illustrations:365 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2019)
ISBN:9791028303808
Mini - 60 ans

Mini - 60 ans

Language: French

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La Mini (1959-2000) de mon père

More than just a car, the Mini is a true icon. With 5.3 million units produced over 40 years, it has left a lasting impression on generations of drivers.
This book traces its history, covering its numerous models, racing career, and technical variants. It also examines production outside the UK, highlighting why the Mini remains Britain's most beloved car.

Key Features:
- A detailed history of the Mini from 1959 to 2000, richly illustrated.
- Part of the "La voiture de mon père" series, informative for owners and enthusiasts.
- Technical specifications, variants, modifications, and special editions.
- A section on international production.
- 250 historical photos, many previously unpublished.

Information

Author:Enguerrand Lecesne
Details:120 pages, 21.5 x 24 cm / 8.5 x 9 in, hardback
Illustrations:300 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2021)
Series:De mon père
ISBN:9791028304614
La Mini (1959-2000) de mon père

La Mini (1959-2000) de mon père

Language: French

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Related titles:

Classic Mini Specials and Moke

Classic Mini Specials and Moke

Keith Mainland | English | hardback | 192 p. | 2015

[EBG] Mini (1959-1999)

Mini - All Mini saloons, estates, vans and pickups (1959-1999)

Mark Paxton | English | paperback | 64 p. | 2009

Mini - Un jouet pour adulte

Mini - Un jouet pour adulte

Thibaut Amant | French | hardback | 128 p. | 2012

The Complete Catalogue of the Mini

The Complete Catalogue of the Mini - Over 350 variants from around the world 1959-2000

Chris Rees | English | hardback | 192 p. | 2016

Making Cars at Cowley - From Morris to Mini

Making Cars at Cowley - From Morris to Mini

Gillian Bardsley, Stephen Laing | English | paperback | 176 p. | 2013

La légende Mini

La légende Mini

Olivier Mescolini, Arnaud Taquet | French | hardback | 256 p. | 2015

Mini: Alle Modelle (1959-1999)

Mini: Alle Modelle (1959-1999)

Mark Paxton | German | paperback | 64 p. | 2017

Austin Mini 1959-2000

Austin Mini 1959-2000

Alexander Franc Storz | German | hardback | 96 p. | 2013


The TMB Bookshop presents not only general books on Mini . Click here to discover all books on Mini (including technical books like workshop manuals, restauration manuals, driver's handbooks, parts catalogues, etc.).


Last update: 19/03/2025