The Morris Mini-Minor developed by Alec Issigonis was launched in the public arena in 1959. The "Mini" was fitted with an engine mounted transversely in the front and front-wheel drive, and embodied an innovative concept for a small car. It delivered a four-seater saloon with optimum use of space and offered agile and safe performance, making it a pleasure to drive. The Morris Mini-Minor was a hit with lots of inventive solutions in the detail. It was quite rightly hailed as a milestone on the way to the modern small car.