In photos: Mini mania
The annual International Mini Meeting (IMM) celebrates England’s greatest gift to driving, introduced in 1959 as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor and manufactured through 2000, production totalling 5,387,862. The current, large Mini designed by BMW is accepted along with the original, although traditionalists refer to them as Binis, perhaps implying they’re not quite the real thing. Born of pragmatism, the Mini might have been a bore. Responding to the 1956 Suez Crisis, the British Motor Corporation assigned Alec Issigonis to create the smallest car capable of carrying four adults and their luggage while consuming hardly any petrol. Surprise and delight: The Mini turned out to be all of the above plus rib-tickling fun to drive. And a giant-killer in racing and rallying.
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
‘Farmer’ Jon Tucker and pal Carol Langeveld. His green hair and uniquely kitted Mini help him to stand out at the annual IMM gathering.The Globe and Mail
Jutta Budel poses in her Mini at the International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail
International Mini Meeting in LithuaniaThe Globe and Mail