Chronicles: 1959 Year In Review

1959 would herald the release of arguably Britains most influential car, Sir Alec Issigonis' revolutionary 'Mini'. Issigonis' first success story had been the Morris Minor, but few would argue that it is the Mini for which he is better known. The car would revolutionize the definition of a small car, while saving the bacon for BMC who were fast losing market share both at home and abroad.

Issigonis' design brief was to build a car smaller than any rivals, a car offering unparalled fuel efficiency while minimising any compromise to interior space. Using a transverse engine with incorporated sump and transmission, the Mini had small wheels and rubber suspension (to compensate the roughness of small tyres), and by pushing the wheels to each corner, cabin room was maximised without enlarging the body shell.

The Austin Healey Sprite may have been what most sports car fans could afford, but it was the Austin Healey 3000 that most wanted. The 1959 3000 made marked progress from earlier models, not just by way of better performance courtesy of the newly designed engine, but now had stopping power to match via a new disc brake setup.

Targeted at the US market, it would be their tough safety legislation that would bring about the downfall of the 3000. Nevertheless, the car remains as sought after today as it was in 1959, and with such styling was always going to be an instant classic.

1959 was to be the year headaches would begin for US car giant GM. Ralph Nader would publish his controversial book "Unsafe at any Speed", his writing of the book in response to safety concerns arising from the release of the Chevy Corvair.

With its rear mounted air-cooled flat six engine, the Corvair was a radical departure to tried and tested American automobile design, and many believed it as an attempt by GM to give their mid sizer a more European flavour. Despite Nader and his book getting wide publicity, ironically it was Ford's Mustang that heralded the demise of the Corvair.

Back home, Holden's brilliant success had not escaped the attention of its competitors, which were mostly importing or locally assembling European cars. Ford Australia were known to be preparing for the fullscale manufacture of the US Falcon, while Chrysler Australia were also looking to the USA for a medium-priced family car. Many commentators knew the 1960's would prove an interesting period for the Australian automotive industry.

In mid 1959 several major US Rental Car Companies turned to an unlikely motor vehicle in an effort to save costs, the Vauxhall Victor entering service in Los Angeles, Tucson, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Long Beach, California.

Formula One Championship: Jack Brabham (Australia) / Cooper-Climax

NRL Grand Final:

VFL/AFL Grand Final:

Melbourne Cup: Macdougal (P. Glennon)

Wimbledon Women: Maria Bueno d. D. Hard (6-4 6-3)

Wimbledon Men: Alex Olmedo d. R. Laver (6-4 6-3 6-4)

The Movies:

Gold Logie: No Gold Awarded. Graham Kennedy wins "TV Week Awards' Star Of The Year"

Academy Awards: