Age: 40.

Designed by: Alex Issigonis and launched on August 26, 1959. Suspension was designed by Alex Moulton, famous (OK, not that famous) for designing a foldaway bicycle.

Cost: £500 then, £9,300 now.

Teething problems: Windows misted up, exhausts fractured, it rained inside.

Track record: Minis won the Monte Carlo Rally three times.

Most people ever in a Mini: 24.

Musical Mini drivers: George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney had Minis. Lennon had a Roller. David Bowie and Cliff Richard had Minis. Bolan died in one.

Royals? Issigonis drove the Queen around Windsor Great Park in a Mini. Charles gave Di a Mini for her birthday in 1982. And Lord Snowdon had one.

Movies: They've starred in A Shot in the Dark, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Mr Bean, and The Italian Job.

The future: A new model is scheduled for next year