Alec Issigonis

Date of Birth: November 18, 1906

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 2, 1988

Biography

Sir Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis, commonly known as Alec Issigonis, was a pioneering British-Greek automotive designer best known for creating the iconic Mini car. Born in Smyrna, Ottoman Empire (now İzmir, Turkey), Alec moved to the United Kingdom with his family in 1922 following the Greco-Turkish War. His passion for engineering and design led him to study at Battersea Polytechnic in London. Issigonis began his career at Humber before moving to Morris Motors and then Alvis. His innovative approach to car design culminated in the revolutionary Mini, launched by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in 1959. The Mini’s ingenious use of space, front-wheel drive, and transverse engine layout set new standards in automotive design, making it a cultural icon of the 1960s. Issigonis was knighted in 1969 for his contributions to the automotive industry. He continued to work on various projects until his retirement in 1971. Alec Issigonis passed away on October 2, 1988, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and creativity in car design.

5 Interesting Facts about Alec Issigonis

1. Alec Issigonis is often credited with revolutionizing small car design with the creation of the Mini.

2. He initially studied engineering despite failing his mathematics exams three times.

3. Issigonis was known for his unconventional approach to design, often sketching ideas on napkins.

4. The Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, surpassed only by the Ford Model T.

5. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969 for his contributions to the automotive industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alec Issigonis

1. “A camel is a horse designed by committee.”

2. “I make my cars with the head of a German, the hand of an Italian, and the heart of an Englishman.”

3. “The public don’t know what they want; it’s my job to tell them.”

4. “Engineering is about doing.”

5. “The Mini was a modern miracle, a car that was both practical and fun.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Alec Issigonis is not well-documented, but his contributions to the automotive industry through the Mini have generated billions in revenue for the companies involved.