The original mini minivan. May 1, 2010 · Mini: The Definitive History by Jon Pressnell has a lot of useful information on stillborn projects to update the Mini, during development a prototype Mini did use the 948cc A-Series which made the Mini too fast at 90 mph and as a result a decision was made to fit the Mini with 848cc version of the A-Series, the other short-lived alternative Feb 28, 2017 · The original Odyssey was too small, not much bigger than a wagon — which Honda also happened to make, by the way, and if you were going to have as little space as an Accord wagon, why not, you know, buy an Accord wagon?. The MiniVan supports two bottom row layouts. The Mini Van was introduced in 1960 as a commercial vehicle primarily intended for light delivery The Mini was used to great success as a Race Car, with the famous Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S variants featuring heavily in that history. Note that vehicle weight vary depending on options (e. Toyota never gave this van a special name for the U. The Minivan appears as a full-size four-door minivan apparently based on the 2001-2007 Dodge Grand Caravan, suggested by its overall shape, all the way down to minor details such as its A-pillar mounted mirrors. The Kia Carnival noses out the Honda Odyssey for the best-driving minivan. Jul 31, 2013 · Chrysler Town & Country. A van and pick-up arrive soon after Alongside the passenger van, the model line was sold by Dodge as a cargo van; from 1984 to 1988, it was known as the Dodge Mini Ram Van and as the Dodge (Grand) Caravan C/V from 1989 to 1990. But just a couple of decades ago, the idea of a van with the driving dynamics of a car was truly revolutionary. By 1968 Mini had become the only word necessary to distinguish the marque which ran until 2000. This commercial derivative of the Mini would survive in production until 1983. And over in Europe, Renault came out Nov 5, 2018 · 1959: Mini 848cc saloon debuts, in Austin Se7en and Morris Mini-Minor forms. com and find specs, pricing, MPG, safety data, photos, videos, reviews and local inventory. It was a smart move, too, as the final result was definitely memorable with the only real investment being tape and plastic porthole windows. Jun 20, 2023 · Ford Minivans Through t he Years Though the family-friendly minivan continues to lose market share against the SUV and crossover segment there was a time when the minivan was in that position replacing the station wagon with its own perception of un-hipness. Jul 2, 2021 · The Mini Spiritual and Spiritual Too concepts unveiled at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show revealed BMW had been toying with the format as it worked on a replacement for the original Mini, a ground Toyota minivans: Van, Previa, and Sienna. Learn More Both the Previa and original Sienna were smaller than the other minivans they competed against, but a redesign in 2003 (for the 2004 model year) increased the dimensions to match those of its competitors. Sep 17, 2023 · After 30 years, the minivan dominance ended and the SUV dominance began. The name Austin came from the brand being under the Austin and Morris names. S. The Austin Mini is without doubt one of the most iconic designs ever in automotive history. It is unrelated to the discontinued crossover and concept vehicles by the same name and replaced the Chrysler Town & Country for the 2017 model year. The versitility of the minivan is unquestioned, yet in regards to marketing, the original minivan was an offshoot from the FWD compact car. In '72, the ``mini-van,'' as one publication called it, was not. Built on a platform shared with The Chevrolet Astro is a minivan that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Alongside the passenger van, the model line was sold by Dodge as a cargo van; from 1984 to 1988, it was known as the Dodge Mini Ram Van and as the Dodge (Grand) Caravan C/V from 1989 to 1990. The Mini MPV size class sits below the compact MPV size class, and the vehicles are often built on the platforms of B-segment hatchback models. Mini went by the shorter name from 1969 onwards after becoming a marque in its own A cutaway model of an early mini in the Science Museum in London. These G-series vans became very popular in the conversion industry. Mini Van and Countryman, 1960-1967. Experience the electric revolution with the 2025 VW ID. News Best Cars. The Mini 850s were delivered with solid color paint jobs in a limited range of colors. Discover the unique features, innovations and culture of MINI through its history and special models. Futuristic design meets sustainable travel in every ride. 6% in the first quarter of 2019, according to research and data firm IHS Markit. See how the 2024 Honda Odyssey, 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid & 2024 Chrysler Pacifica compare with the rest. Research the 2021 Honda Odyssey at Cars. Just hear us out. Sep 11, 2023 · The original Mini Traveller, or Morris Mini-Minor Traveller officially, was a smallish van that in some generations came with bolted-on wood body parts, and Mini may stick with the traditional Feb 5, 2024 · Best Minivan to Drive: Kia Carnival Kia. The Mini was sold under various brands during its time, including Austin , Morris , Authi, and Innocenti, but these are all largely the same vehicle, with only minor differences. market or no—possess carlike handling, practical versatility, and excellent fuel economy, traits that can’t help putting this très - uncool segment on See full list on motor-car. A large emphasis was placed on making the modifiers easy to reach and identify while still being familiar. This niche industry would typically start with a base cargo van and convert it into all manner of custom machines like campers, luxury road trippers, and limousines. This was because of its owner’s, the British Motor Corporation’s (BMC), policy for rebadging: selling essentially the same car under multiple names or brands. Like the new 1984 Plymouth, Dodge, and Matra/Renault, it had a four cylinder engine and a manual transmission with an optional automatic; but it was unique in having rear wheel drive, a mid-engined design, and an optional four-speed (rather than three-speed Mini Van 1000 The Mini-Van launched in January 1960 was a popular bodywork version of the Mini. Initially, the Austin versions were called Austin 850, but this was changed in 1962 to Austin Mini. Engine: same as Mini 850. g. Mini was not yet its own brand: the first compact cars we think of as the original Mini were either badged as an Austin Seven (later Austin Mini) or a Morris Mini-Minor. net The Mini Van was a commercial panel van (in US English, a sedan delivery) rated at ¼-ton load capacity. The 848cc A-series engine was used throughout the life of the MkI; one significant change was the adoption of Hydrolastic suspension in place of the original rubber-cone type in 1964. The Odyssey feels relatively light and nimble in corners, but the Carnival delivers a poised, well-balanced ride — more than a bit reminiscent of the Telluride — with a robust V6 engine and a legitimate drive mode selector that includes a Sport mode. Deviations from the Caravan include frameless windows, its grille Jul 24, 2017 · Here, in the second part, we look back at 1960 – the year the BMC Mini really started to find its feet – and the time that its maker really needed trading stability… In January 1960, BMC announced the Mini Van (above). Introduced as the first minivans from an American-brand manufacturer and popularizing the minivan as a vehicle, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager were launched ahead of chief competitors Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari and Ford Aerostar. I will inform you to send me the suplier’s email. But even as the craze died down, the influence of Chrysler’s original minivan shaped car design. Jan 6, 2023 · Redefine your van driving experience with the versatile 2024 Toyota Sienna. See the stunning exterior colors you can get with the Toyota Sienna and learn about its performance, tech, and safety features. Toyota had been making "mini" vans called the LiteAce and TownAce since the early 1970s in Japan. " Feb 4, 2019 · The original Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan that launched for the 1984 model year effectively created the minivan segment as we know it today—a segment that Chrysler continues to dominate 35 Best Minivans of 2023. Dec 15, 2016 · An appreciative turn behind the wheel of a 1984 Dodge Caravan, the car that made the station wagon obsolete and paved the way for the S. 1995 Mini Classic 1275 GT. Designed as project ADO15 (Austin Drawing Office 15), the first models were marketed with the names Austin Seven (often written as SE7EN) and Morris Mini-Minor in England. CITY/HWY MPG RTG* All-season floor mats* act as a protective layer between nature and your original carpets. News. Better than the original ones. The MINI CHALLENGE Car was developed for the race series of the same name, with events taking place since 2004 in various countries throughout Europe and the Middle East. These three innovations were certainly the making of the Mini, and it is all the more remarkable to note that the conception of the car was such a rapid process: Work on X9003, the original code name for the ADO15 Mini began in March 1957 and, by July 1957, the first prototype was running. auto industry fell from 4% in 2009 to 2. C/D SAYS: The 2024 Sienna Hybrid minivan offers stingy hybrid fuel efficiency, available all-wheel drive, and a pleasant interior, but a harsh engine note tempers the vibe. Based on a floor assembly extended by 25 cm, the small "packhorse" offered generous cargo space. $41,920. All participants drove a MINI Cooper S with an identical JCW tuning kit – meaning victories were down solely to driving skills. A 1966 VW Microbus REUTERS/Nigel Roddis Advertisement. Built on the longer Traveller chassis but without side windows, it proved popular in the 1960s UK as a cheaper alternative to the car: it was classed as a commercial vehicle and as such carried no sales tax. The 2021 Voyager has one of the most affordable price points among minivans, and it also offers easy-to-use infotainment controls, a strong engine, and a peaceful ride. Damn, there was something there. automatic transmission, suspension type) and year of vehicle (1959-2000); the chart below is intended for use as a general guide only, as the factory manuals and paperwork have stated different weights for the same model of car, for example. The standard layout is the original bottom row layout, carefully constructed by Evan himself. Apr 10, 2023 · Quality: The Pacifica offers a long list of standard features, a nicer-than-it-has-to-be interior and available all-wheel drive. The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan produced by the Chrysler division of Stellantis. Aug 2, 2017 · Today, the minivan is a staple of the American suburban landscape. . ) Ford S-Max. V. U. The Kelley Blue Book editors test drove and ranked the best minivans of 2023. It did show up for a short while in North America named the Mini MPV – an abbreviation for Mini Multi-Purpose Vehicle – is a vehicle size class for the smallest size of minivans (MPVs). STARTING MSRP* 19/28. It comes standard with a powerful V6 engine, and the van is an all-weather champ when equipped with optional all-wheel drive. A van and pick-up arrive soon after, along with Countryman and Traveller estates. However, in most people's eyes, this model of Mini goes by the name Austin Mini. Buzz, the ultimate 3-row electric bus. Jan 29, 2012 · 1970's Stripteaser Minivan Dragster - posted in Original Archive, Specialist and Limited Edition Tech and Info: The story of how the famous 'Stripteaser' Jaguar powered Minivan Dragster from the 1970's was found, restored and re-born! Feb 3, 2021 · The 2021 Chrysler Voyager replaced the Dodge Grand Caravan, and was launched in the 2020 model year. Jun 7, 2019 · Minivan sales as a percentage of the entire U. It also had conventional front-hinged rear doors, ignoring the fact that side-sliders were one of the features minivan The Vapid Minivan is a four-door minivan in Grand Theft Auto IV, Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online. 1275cc · Petrol · 26,500 miles · Manual · 4 speed The first-generation Chrysler minivans are a series of minivans produced and marketed by the Chrysler Corporation from the 1984 to the 1990 model years. Sep 30, 2023 · The most obvious change over earlier vans was the adoption of a front-mounted engine and a traditional hood. View the top-ranked 2024 and 2025 Minivans at U. But these were not your standard MINIs. Oct 15, 2000 · Brubaker Box: The original minivan. Our list is based on the factors that matter to consumers, like family features, safety, gas The Austin version was initially called the Se7en, but became the Mini in 1961. market; it was just called "the van. We may have envisioned the original minivan, but our hats go off to the Europeans for adapting the model to create gorgeous MPVs like the Ford S-Max. More on the Mini at AROnline Jul 3, 2019 · In late 1983, the first minivan rolled off out the factory at Chrysler. The Brubaker Box was the only one. Jul 9, 2018 · No, we haven’t lost our marbles. The Austin version was initially called the Se7en, but became the Mini in 1961. Oct 14, 2008 · All five vehicles on this list—U. Like Chrysler (and Matra), Toyota introduced a minivan in 1984. Jul 27, 2011 · If you thought Mini had strayed far from its raison d'être with the Countryman crossover, consider the following: while the original Mini was diminutive in size, it was all about maximizing Jan 23, 2024 · Classic Mini Body Dimensions: General Data. When did you last see one, though? Edmunds expert reviewers rank the best minivans of 2024 and 2025 on a 10-point scale that includes performance, comfort, interior, technology, and value. Apr 6, 2020 · By some accounts, the Volkswagen Microbus — introduced in 1950 — was the original minivan. MSRP: $30,620 - $41,145 Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway After inventing the minivan as we know it in the early 1980s, Chrysler was the first to attempt to add Mar 26, 2013 · Original Series; Smithsonian Channel; If the minivan were a person, now in its mid-30s, it might be shopping for a minivan of its own to haul the kids to soccer practice and take family Apr 11, 2019 · I will need for sure the trim around the car (9 pieces) but in case I’ll not find the original ones (from a nautical metal not really alluminium). The Dodge version of the Chrysler minivans, the Caravan was marketed as both a passenger van and a cargo van (the only version of the model line offered in the latter configuration). Others point to even older vehicles like the Nov 3, 2013 · Just as Chrysler became synonymous with minivans, minivans became synonymous with 1990’s suburbia. The Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan transformed mobility for the suburban American family. I know the suplier of the rear lenses L523 If Rick’s multipla has those rare engish oval Lucas rearligths. The Dodge Caravan (and the long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan) is a series of minivans that was manufactured by Chrysler from the 1984 to 2020 model years. Apr 24, 2015 · Touted as a “mini street van”, the Pinto CW was introduced in late 1976, providing Ford a better idea for tapping into the youth market. Morris Mini-Minor rear. [2] It was redesigned again in 2010 (for the 2011 model year). Aug 26, 2024 · The making of the original Mini. The Mini was first launched in August of 1959 as the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini Minor, being renamed the Austin Mini in 1961. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, including passenger van and cargo van. Minivan & Truck Odyssey. But it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that it brought a modified TownAce to the United States. Nov 12, 2008 · 8. There were minivan-esque vehicles before, like the Corvair Greenbrier, the Volkswagen Transporter, Dodge’s own A-Vans, or even the Stout Scarab back in the 1930s. Dec 10, 2023 · In 1984, Chrysler dropped an absolute smash hit with the first-generation Caravan, which not only became one of the most popular family cars in the country but pioneered the American minivan Aug 18, 2019 · The Mini launched in 1959 and was marketed as both the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini-Minor, and arrived as a two-door sedan. The original Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager isn’t just a minivan, it’s the minivan. It has been almost 20 years with SUVs in hundreds of millions of driveways and garages. Thanasis Apr 20, 2022 · The Austin models hit the market in 1959 and the Austin Mini went by the name Austin Seven until 1962. Jul 8, 2010 · While just about every car currently available has grown in size over the years, there's just no getting around the fact that the new Mini is a full size larger than the original. Learn how MINI evolved from a small, fuel-efficient car to a British automotive brand with a global presence and a racing legacy. The history of the Austin Mini Explore the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan with available all-wheel drive, 7-passenger seating, safety and security features, and buy online today. Fast forward to the 2021 Sienna. Oct 2, 2009 · Read the full story on the collectible classic 1959-2000 BMC Mini Cooper, at Automobile Magazine online. There hasn’t been an offshoot from the minivan. vfpqyeoqqncfwpgisyjbvbzphcgpjizvddluhwkbpqhjelwyakz