In the mid-60s, Austin Mini Coopers started appearing on autocross and gymkhana courses in the US where they were promptly assigned a class all to themselves. They were unbeatable. Their tiny, wide-stance, low-slung, front-wheel drive configuration made them a cornering demon for any driver who could learn how to fully exploit the FWD. On a tight course, nothing could keep up with them, not even a Porsche.

These were not just nimble little sedans, they were real racing machines. Their engines were tiny, but their brakes, suspensions and gearboxes were designed for going very fast around corners. In those days, the only other front-wheel-drive car I knew of was the Saab 850 (a two-cycle, three-cylinder, high-end torque, 20k RPM screamer with one of the pistons larger than the other two for balance). It was the only thing that could challenge a Mini on a tight course, but they were even rarer. There was only one in the Tampa club racing scene.

When my ship visited Scotland in 1968, I was astonished to find the Mini was not just a competition machine, every damn Sandy and Angus in Edinborough seemed to own one, and they roared through the narrow, twisted streets of that medieval city like they were at the races. It was wonderful to behold.

Here’s a ’65 Mini in its natural habitat, in full competition plumage. Note the starboard side steering wheel.

Here’s the Saab 850 Monte Carlo on a rally course. In Europe, they don’t just make left turns when they compete, and they don’t cancel the race due to bad weather.

I think that’s why my first car, in 1972, was an MG 1100 sedan. The original that Austin copied to make the old Healey and today’s Cooper. And ultimately, the design Honda copied to make their first Civic.

After that, oh Lord, it was a Kelly-green MGB-GT. Loved that car. Even after I slid down a mountainside in it one night, coming to rest against a tree, crumpling the right front quarter. Sigh… I was impressed by the attention to detail in the engineering, like using two six-volt batteries under the left and right back seats, to finely balance the weight.

I understand, Frank. I most surely do.

Q: Why do the English drink warm beer?
A: Because Lucas makes their refrigerators.

“Lucas, Prince of Darkness”

http://www.sw-em.com/Lucas…RIP.htm

Wasn’t the MG Midget identical to the Austin Healy Sprite?