HISTORY LESSON

摘要

Sir Alec Issigonis didn't get everything right. He had no interest in a performance Mini variant, but his wish to keep the Mini as strictly utilitarian transport was undermined by the vehicle's amazing abilities. Once race car manufacturer John Cooper had driven a Mini, he was so impressed he persuaded Sir George Harriman, the then head of BMC, to give the go-ahead, and a high-performance Mini programme was started under the code name ADO50. Power for the Mini Cooper came from a 997cc stroked and narrowed-bore version of the standard 848cc engine, fitted with domed pistons to increase compression, and twin carbs. A new camshaft, inlet valves and exhaust manifold saw power rise from 34bhp to 55bhp Ian amazing 62 per cent) and top speed rose to over 87mph.