Little Mini, Big Party

Toronto, Ontario — On August 26, 1959, the British Motor Corporation (BMC) officially launches its new little car, under the nameplates Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor.

The vehicles quite literally spark a “minor” revolution in small-car design.

The largest Mini gathering in Canadian history – documented with this “crane shot” by photographer Andre Burgos.

They feature a transverse mounted four-cylinder engine, front wheel drive, unibody construction, engine and transmission in one common oil sump, cheap and tiny 10-inch tires, an unusually large interior for its small footprint on the road, door hinges fitted on the outside of the car, rubber-mounted springs, and wheels at the extreme corners of the vehicle.

They’re surprisingly sporty — and cute as hell.

Fast forward 50 years. Birthday parties are breaking out all over the globe, to celebrate 50 years of Mini magic.

Canada's biggest Mini party
England hosted the “worldwide” Mini 50th. It took place last weekend (August 21-23), as did many other “regional” parties in other cities and countries.

“For our event we wanted it right on the birthday,” says John Cappella, Director, Mini Canada. “And we wanted it outside, to take advantage of the August weather.”

We are speaking to Cappella at a table under a tarp, just at the entrance to an entertainment facility on Toronto’s waterfront, called Polson Pier.

About 25 metres to our south are about 500 Minis, all neatly parked, facing a huge Drive-In screen. They, and their occupants, are all watching the quintessential Mini move, The Italian Job.

The screening is the culmination of a day of Mini celebration.

Many owners met at Mini dealerships to drive down to the event in convoy. Some conveys were led by uniquely customized Minis, which take part of a design challenge later in the evening. Mini Durham took top honours with a very believable “cop car” theme.

This is a Mini Computer, sitting on the roof of a Mini vehicle.