The unit took up on more than 1/5 of the total size of the car, just 18". Add to this all-round independent suspension, and the ADO15 was reedy to set new standards in road holding and economy. In August of 1959 the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor went on sale to the public.

Press reports on the New cars were extremely good. Phrases like exceptional precision, outstanding economy, extremely compact, and wizardry on wheels came to be associated with the car In August of 1959 the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor went on sale to the public. Press reports on the New cars were extremely good. Phrases like exceptional precision, outstanding economy, extremely compact, and wizardry on wheels came to be associated with the car.

The mini was created and produced as a peoples car ,capable of getting from A to B comfortably, safety and economically, but soon attracted the attention of the sporting fraternity after wining a club event or two. Various modified Minis had already taken part in saloon car racing and the model had made its somewhat inauspicious rallying debut in the 1959 RAC rally. The best early competition result for the 848 cc standard Mini was sixth place in the 1960 RAC Rally.

Long before that John Cooper had seen the Minis sporting ability. He had already had success with the A-series engine used in the Mini, his Formula Junior race cars were powered by modified B.M.C. A-series engine. John Cooper persuaded B.M.C. to loan him an early production Mini to modify.

Work started, the first item was to fit one of the Formula Junior race engine to the mini gearbox, instead of the 848 cc one. He then used some of his contacts at Lockheed who were creating disc brakes he persuaded them to make disc brakes for the Mini. If they work in the ten inch wheel they will work under most conditions. The last thing was to fit a remote gear change, the remote look more sporty than the long ordinary gear lever. The result of all these modifications was the prototype Mini Cooper.