In 1959, the first Mini was produced on an assembly line at Cowley, near Oxford. It would take a team of supremely talented designers, engineers and production-line workers to build a car that was unique in appearance and construction. They would clash over an uncomfortable and unsafe prototype, and the public had to be convinced to buy a car that let in water when it rained. But somehow the Mini became an icon. Designed for austerity and efficiency, the car came to represent individuality and classlessness.

Today, the car is still produced at Cowley - it is now owned by BMW and called the MINI. A great British manufacturing story, it is more popular throughout the world than it has ever been, a symbol of the age that created it. But who makes these things, and what do they think about their work? By meeting the people behind the MINI, Simon Garfield uncovers a fascinating story of endeavour, ingenuity and masterful marketing. The modern MINI has come a long way from the leaky floor and sliding windows. But throughout its history, the people behind it have always known that they have been making something rare - a car with soul.

MINI: The True and Secret History of the Making of a Motor Car by Simon Garfield is the true history of the Mini, celebrating the technological feats and engineering expertise of the people who designed and manufactured an icon during a time of economic and political crisis.

About the Author
Simon Garfield was born in 1960. He is the author of Expensive Habits: The Dark Side of the Industry, The End of Innocence: Britain in the Time of AIDS, which was awarded the Somerset Maugham Prize, The Wrestling, The Nation's Favourite: The True Adventures of Radio 1, Mauve, The Last Journey of William Huskisson, The Error World and the Mass Observation trilogy Our Hidden Lives, Private Battles and We Are At War.


Book Information
ISBN 9780571248117
Author Simon Garfield
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Faber & Faber
Publisher Faber & Faber
Weight(grams) 260g
Dimensions(mm) 200mm * 125mm * 20mm