Ever since the Mini Cooper first came into existence, it was received as one of the high-quality small cars from the British manufacturer. With its miniature size and its low economic costs, the Mini Cooper quickly became one of the most iconic cars to ever be driven. But, there is a much more interesting story Behind the Mini Cooper, especially when it comes to its logo.
Inspired by the previous logos, the new Mini Cooper Logo has the uppercase “MINI” words behind a solid black color, along with silver wings embedded in its sides to symbolize speed and freedom of expression.
The current Mini logo visibly reflects the brand’s pledge to its origin and tradition, which stretches back as far as 60 years. There is so much to appreciate about this Logo.
What Do We Know About the Mini Logo’s Appearance?
Unlike other brands that have sustained the same logo since they came into production, the Mini logo has been constantly reformed over the last few decades. This was particularly due to the changes in ownership of the automotive manufacturer, until its acquisition by BMW in 2000, according to Motor Authority. The new logo was then made official shortly after.
The current Mini logo visibly reflects the brand’s pledge to its origin and tradition, as the logo draws on the three-dimensional style that has existed since the brand was re-launched in 2001 under the leadership of the BMW Group.
With the idea of a winged wheel and the brand name printed in capital letters at the center preserved, the logo should be easily recognizable.
Moreover, the brand has clearly avoided shading and grey tones, which has left the new logo in a more contrasting black-and-white effect that conveys clarity and the authenticity of the new brand identity.
The logo was featured on the Mini electric concept car, which was unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt auto show, and all Mini models manufactured from March 2018. The silver-winged logo currently appears on the bonnet, the center of the steering wheel, at the rear, and on the remote control of the fresher models, such as the 2021 Mini Cooper S Sidewalk Edition.
History of the Mini Logo
According to Car Brand Names, the history of the Mini Logo started in 1959. The Mini Cooper came at a time when Britain was in need of a vehicle that would have low running costs. The reasonably-priced Mini Cooper became the perfect candidate in this criteria and quickly increased in popularity around the world.
The first Mini Cooper was engineered by the British Motor Corporation in cooperation with Austin and Morris.
The first Mini cars bore the badges of these two companies and were subsequently named after their producers: Austin Seven and Morris MiniMinor. At this time, the logo featured a red ox and three blue waves. This was embedded inside a circle with two stylized wings to the left and right.
On the other hand, the next model, which was named Austin Mini from 1962 onwards, bore a hexagonal logo above the radiator grille. This logo had the brand’s lettering and iconic emblem.
John Cooper built some of the first charged Minis. His name became so closely related to the brand that the company changed the car’s names to Mini Cooper. This change further inspired a new logo. Sometime in 1969, the company’s name was changed back to Mini, and a new badge was designed, which featured a shield with the name on a black background and white-blue emblem.
But the multiple identities of the classic Mini came to an end in 1969. This closing marked the beginning of a newer model, which was manufactured solely at the Longbridge plant in the UK. As a mark, the Mini was given a new logo, which was simply an abstract design that bore no similarity to the prior designs.
It wasn’t until 1990 when a newer edition of the Mini Cooper was released. This again led to a newer logo design- one that bore stylized wings and a red “Mini COOPER” inscription against a white background.
When the brand re-launched a decade later under the BMW group, the decision was made to transform the logo and the whole Mini identity.
The modern Mini was premiered in November 2000. The brand revealed a three-dimensional logo design, with the ‘Mini” brand inscription in white against a black background. The silver wings make the logo appear sleek and fresh. This surely reestablishes the brand’s identity and overall flare.
Speaking of which, Mini boss Peter Schwarzenbauer announced, in November of 2017, that Mini could become an entirely electric brand.