25 years ago this month, the very last classic Mini rolled off the production line at Longbridge, of course with the legend that is Lulu at the wheel, marking the end of an incredible 41-year run for Britain’s most beloved small car.
Over 5 million Minis were built in total, from the original 1959 Austin Se7en & Morris Mini Minor to the final Cooper 500 models that left the factory on this day in 2000.
“We’re incredibly proud to say that here at the Great British Car Journey, we have one of those very last 500 Minis built, and it’s something truly special.”
Pictured here is the factory Mini that still wears all its factory-applied PDI protection, just as it did when it left Longbridge. With delivery stickers, covers, and an odometer that only reads 4 miles, we believe it could well be the lowest mileage Mini in the world.
In case you were wondering. The final car: The car that marked the end of the production run was a red Mini Cooper Sport, which was the 5,387,862nd Mini to be produced.
Ceremonial drive: The final Mini was driven off the assembly line by British pop star Lulu, while the band played the theme tune from the movie The Italian Job.
Legacy and handover: The historic final car was later given to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.
A new era: This event paved the way for the launch of the new BMW MINI, which began production in 2001.
Original models: The first Minis were marketed as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor.
Longbridge factory: The Longbridge plant was a major hub for Mini manufacturing, though production also took place at other locations.
Cultural icon: The Mini became a symbol of 1960s British culture and was known for its innovative design and go-kart-like handling.
The closure of the Longbridge plant for classic Mini production was part of a larger, difficult transition for the Rover Group after BMW’s sale of the company.
Factory history: The Longbridge factory, which has been in operation since 1905, has since been redeveloped for commercial and residential use.
MG Motor Technical Centre: A portion of the Longbridge site is still in use by MG Motor as a research and development facility
