Sir Alec Issigonis
Designer of the Mini, born in Smyrna, Turkey in 1906. 1923 came to London to study engineering.  1928 draughtsman with Edward Gillett, inventor of easy change gear box.  1934-36 draughtsman, Rootes Motors.  Began experimenting with front suspension cars, built car with friend George Dowson. 1936 joined Morris as suspension designer. 1943 prototype Minor built. 1948 Minor launched. 1950 experiments with front wheel drive, becomes chief designer. 1952 moved to Alvis, designed 8-cylinder car (never produced). 1955 Chief Engineer of BMC.  1957 begins to design the little car.  1959 Mini launched.

621 AOK
The first production Mini, and now safely preserved at Heritage Centre at Gaydon, along with a few other famous Mini's.

John Cooper, CBE
The man behind the most famous of all Mini's.  I have great admiration for this guy, I have twice walked up to him and shook his hand to thank him for the Cooper.  Mr John Cooper was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for his services to the motoring industry. He collected the award from the Queen at Buckingham Palace on the 22nd February 2000. Sadly died on 24 December 2000, aged 77. John Cooper tribute.

Alex Moulton
The man behind the Mini's hydrolastic suspension.  Worked closely with Alec Issigonis on the development of the Mini.  He also designed a Moulton fold-up bike in 1964, which was also revolutionary for the time.  My friend Madeleine Wagstaff has one of these and it is still ridden by her.

John Rhodes
Doing what he and the other Works drivers did best!

Paddy Hopkirk
One of the finest drivers ever.  Driver of Mini 1071 Cooper '33 EJB'  which won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in January 1964.  Paddy had a brilliant career as a Mini Driver.  I met him at the Mini 35th Party..Wahey!!