Sir Alec Issigonis (1906–88,) born Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis, was a British-Greek automotive designer best known for creating the Mini, one of the 20th century’s most influential cars. His innovative designs revolutionized compact car engineering, emphasizing efficiency, affordability, and practicality.
Born in Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey,) Issigonis moved to England in 1922 after the Greco-Turkish War. He studied engineering at Battersea Polytechnic and joined Morris Motors in 1936, developing the Morris Minor (1948,) Britain’s first car to sell over a million units.
His most famous creation, the Mini (1959,) was designed in response to the Suez Crisis (1956,) which underscored the need for fuel-efficient cars. Its transverse engine and front-wheel drive maximized interior space in a compact frame, ensuring its success. He also designed the Austin 1100 (1962) and Austin Maxi (1969,) further refining small-car engineering.
Jonathan Wood’s biography, Alec Issigonis: The Man Who Made the Mini (1996,) explores his life and legacy.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Alec Issigonis
A camel is a horse designed by committee.
—Alec Issigonis
Topics: Animals, Politics
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