Lord brought the idea to BMC engineer Alec Issigonis, who designed the Mini Cooper. Issigonis used a transversely mounted engine, which allowed for more space in the interior of the car. He also used a four-wheel independent suspension, which gave the Mini Cooper its famously nimble handling.
The Mini Cooper was first introduced in 1959 and was an immediate success. It was praised for its fuel economy, affordability, and fun-to-drive nature. The Mini Cooper became one of the most iconic cars of the 1960s and has remained popular ever since.