The mini - Alec Issigonis

Be it cars or skirts, the sixties was undeniably the age of the mini.

The Car

Designed by Alec (later Sir Alec) Issigonis (born in Smyrna, now Izmir, Turkey), the Mini was a response to the impact of the Suez crisis on fuel supplies. Although there is little doubt that this car's popularity, unique and distinctive design and versatility were the reasons for Issigonis being knighted in 1969, he himself was more proud of the Morris Minor - a car he felt brought decent private transport within reach of the working classes.

Alan Aldridge mini - Design Museum, London.

It is perhaps one of the more poetic ironies of the second half of the 20th century, that the political mess which drove a final nail into the coffin of the British Empire, gave rise to an enduring icon of British (well, Greco-British) design.

Okay, okay, hold your 55-91 horsepower.  Here it is. Looks a bit sedate compared to later car-chase scenes but this 1969 scene is an unforgettable sixties moment. Enjoy!