The 90s saw a return to the Mini's glory days with celebrity endorsements and trend setters driving Minis.
The worlds of Brit Pop and Rock’n’Roll embraced the Mini, perhaps because of its new sporty image with the launch of the ERA Turbo and Rover Cooper Commemorative LE (or RSP) and later in the decade the Spi and Mpi Coopers.
The decade also saw Mini design forced to catch up with new regulations so Rover introduced a new generation of injection Minis, the SPi in 1991 and the MPi in 1996. The later MPi had door bars and air bags, necessary changes to keep the Mini in line with new safety laws
Soon Minis were becoming luxurious compared to their predecessors and the number of extras and after market accessories available for all Minis, old and new, increased dramatically. A new fashion was created for bodykits, flared arches and large 13-inch wheels. This prompted the introduction of the MPi Sportspack, an option that included flared arches and big wheels.
Once again celebrities were seen driving Minis, two members of the Rolling Stones had Minis and Noel Gallagher and former wife Meg Matthews were regularly seen out in her Mini.
The 90s saw the Mini embraced by the world of Brit Pop. Ocean Colour Scene used Minis to promote their album ‘Marchin’ Already’, the Stereophonics used Minis in the video for their single ‘Pick A Part That’s New’ and the Spice Girls performed at the Brit Awards inside a sparkly stretch Mini.
The 90s also saw celebrities designing Minis. Fashion designer Paul Smith designed a special stripy Mini and the production Rover Paul Smith LE Mini in 1998. The stripy Mini appeared at an exhibition at the Design Museum in London in 1999 accompanied by an all-chrome Mini designed by David Bowie and a Mini painted with cobwebs designed by supermodel Kate Moss.
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FAMOUS: A Stereophonics single sleeve.
Image by: Stereophonics
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FASHION: Paul Smith's one off Mini.
Image by: Ewetel.net |
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