The launch of the Mini in 1959 saw the advent of miniature motoring in a car with significantly mature design features: four seats, a four-cylinder power unit which gave adequate performance linked to formidable roadholding, all offered at a competitive price. Into the 1960s and the Mini’s popularity gained huge momentum. Unsurprisingly women, with greater a¤ uence, could now afford to buy their own car, becoming markedly independent in the process.
The Mini’s elevation in popularity was also helped enormously by the speed at which enthusiasts began driving the little car in motorsport around the world; women especially were stimulated by an inclination to get behind the wheel and compete in an affordable race- or rally-prepared Mini on equal terms with male counterparts. Indeed, if there was a yardstick during the 1950s and 1960s by which we measured female grit and determination, then surely motorsport had to be up there among the top echelons.
Determined, fearless and never willing to accept compromises from their male colleagues, women race and rally drivers have always given as good as (and in some cases far better than) the men. They wanted no special treatment and certainly expected none from their male contemporaries on tracks and stages worldwide. It was women empowerment at it toughest. But when did it all start? Ever since someone decided to drive a car faster than someone else, women have been there in the thick of the action.
Perhaps the best example of a competitive woman driver was Dorothy Levitt. Born in 1882 Levitt started her career in power-boating before moving to cars and, in July 1905, she recorded her first Ladies World Speed Record at the Brighton Speed Trials at a speed of 79.75mph, winning her class. The following year she broke her previous year's record at the Blackpool Speed Trials, recording a remarkable 90.88mph and managing to escape serious injury when the front of the bonnet of her car broke free.
In 1955 BMC established its Competitions Department at MG headquarters in Abingdon under the pioneering Competitions Manager, Marcus Chambers, whose team included Nancy Mitchell, Pat Moss and Tish Ozanne.
Here we talk to three remarkable women about their experiences racing and rallying Minis and the problems they encountered when competing against men.
Christabel Carlisle (Lady Watson)
Q. By the launch of Mini, Christabel Carlisle was already a gifted pianist and piano teacher. How did you become involved with racing and the Mini in particular?
A. “My links with motor racing came from my uncle, Christopher McLaren [no relation to Bruce], who was only five years older than me and raced an Austin-Healey Sprite. For my 21st birthday present in 1960 the whole family clubbed together and
