Welcome to issue No. 130
While designing army vehicles he created the Morris Minor, a familiar sight on Australian roads, and pretty much the rest of the British Empire, for more than 30 years.
The Suez Crisis of 1956 prompted the need for more fuel-efficient, affordable cars, so the Mini was born, using a version of the Morris Minor engine, turned around in the engine bay, mounted above the gearbox and driving the front wheels. This revolution defined the layout of generations of small city cars.
A forceful and authoritarian figure, Sir Alec often insisted "I did not invent the Mini, I designed it". A technical genius, he called mathematics "the enemy of every creative human being". He had a dictum "never copy the opposition," but was quite happy for others to copy his work, which they did in large numbers.
Sir Alec was no fan of luxury or comfort items in cars. He hated radios and wanted firm seats to keep drivers alert behind the wheel. Even a heater was optional, and passengers pulled a rope to close the doors when inside. The 2006 Mini Cooper boasts airbags, air conditioning, sports seats, CD players as well as satellite navigation.
When the Mini was launched in 1959, it was the cheapest car Britons could buy at GBP _496. But because it was so much fun to drive, wealthier drivers soon latched on, too. Sir Alec even took the Queen for a ride around Hyde Park after her sister's husband, Lord Snowdon, had bought one as his London runabout. Sir Alec was knighted in 1969 and retired in 1971 but continued consulting until 1987. He died in 1988, aged 82.
In all, 5.3 million Mini 'Classic' models were built from 1959 to 2000. Since 2002, more than 850,000 new generation Minis have been built in Oxford, on the same site where the British Motor Corporation used to build the Morris Mini Minor.
Another illusive piece of history saw the founder of Honda, Soichiro Honda born in November 100 years ago. While having little formal education, Honda went on to build his own race car and founded The Honda Motor Company in 1948. He remained president of the company until his retirement in 1973.
Closer to home this month, we have been driving the top of the range Holden Caprice, and what an awesome car it is. Further great news for Holden is that its VE Commodore has been nominated for the prestigious World Car of the Year (WCOTY) Awards 2007 - the only Australian made vehicle among the award's 28 nominees.
Launched in January 2004 under the guidance of a Steering Committee of motoring journalists from around the world, the WCOTY winner is judged on criteria such as styling, performance, handling, comfort and utility. In addition, cars will be assessed with respect to value, safety and environmental responsibility, significance and their emotional appeal. A new car must be available in a minimum of five countries spread over at least two continents to be eligible for World Car of the Year consideration. The VE Commodore is available in Australia and has been exported to countries including New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Fiji and South Africa. GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said the nomination reinforced VE Commodore's status as a truly global car.
As we approach the festive season once again, I take this opportunity to wish all our readers and advertisers a safe and prosperous Christmas and New Year. Your patronage has taken Just World Cars to new heights this year (third most popular motoring title sold in Australia) and I thank you for your support. Have a great Christmas and we look forward to catching up again in the New Year.
Have a great motoring month.
Have a great month!
