Letter : The Mini is older than you think

Sir: Your article "Mini shapes up for the 21st century" (2 October) perpetuates the myth that the vehicle first appeared in 1959. I passed my driving test in October 1957 driving an Austin Mini owned by the BSM of Croydon. I still have my old diary and driving licence recording the fact.

Does anyone know why the makers persist in denying the first two years of this little car's existence? I still remember the cable-operated door locks on the first series, and the fact that I was sitting about three feet lower than in my own car, a Wolsley 2-litre made in 1929.

PETER J DENSHAM

Addlestone, Surrey