SPACE RACE

In some ways, you might say that the ADO16 was a rationalisation of the design study that was the Mini. Featuring the same transverse engine and wheel-at-each-corner layout but with a longer wheelbase and elongated boot, this new car for 1962 offered a huge amount of practicality and comfort in an impressively small and affordable package.

Dare I say it was more of a people’s car than the Mini? The Mini certainly outsold the ADO16, but not in the UK where it regularly topped the charts through its 11-year production run. Today, only a fraction of the 2.1 million built remain in one piece for us to enjoy as classics, but just like the Mini there is huge community support to help restore and maintain these cars. For the most part they’re very affordable too, so are really