Media preview (from my own Mini video clips archive) of the new MINI on the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1997. Almost a hoax as it was a "skin prototype" based on the modified platform, engine and running gear of a Fiat Punto! It successfully diverted publicity at the show from the arrival of the new Mercedes A-Class and Smart cars.This news clip includes an interview with the late John Cooper. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is-9aI7utFQ
Quote from John Cooper himself at the preview launch of the new Rover MINI Cooper in 1997, as seen in the video interview:-
"I think its great (new MINI), its a Mini and its going to be the new MINI, its got a wheel in each corner, it looks like a Mini, I know its a little bigger and its had to be modified slightly for the safety regulations and that sort of thing but I think the team at Rovers have done a wonderful job on it actually and I'm very proud and I'm sure Issigonis in the 21st century would have been very proud of it if he had seen it."
John Cooper 1997
