A camel is a horse designed by committee

A camel is a horse designed by committee

The phrase "A camel is a horse designed by committee" is often used to describe a product or design that has been compromised or diluted by the input of multiple individuals with differing opinions and agendas. In the case of Alec Issigonis, the British car designer responsible for the iconic Mini, this saying could not be further from the truth.

Issigonis was known for his strong vision and unwavering commitment to his designs, often going against the grain and challenging conventional wisdom in the automotive industry. He was a true innovator, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in car design and engineering.

When Issigonis set out to create the Mini in the late 1950s, he had a clear vision in mind: to create a small, practical, and affordable car that could comfortably seat four adults and their luggage. He wanted to revolutionize the way people thought about cars, challenging the notion that bigger was always better.

Despite facing resistance from his colleagues and superiors at the British Motor Corporation, Issigonis stuck to his guns and refused to compromise on his vision. He famously said, "I don't design cars. I design the future." And indeed, the Mini was a game-changer in the automotive industry, setting new standards for compact cars and becoming an enduring symbol of British design and engineering excellence.

Issigonis' single-mindedness and refusal to bow to outside pressure paid off in the end, as the Mini went on to become one of the best-selling cars in British history and a cultural icon that is still beloved by car enthusiasts around the world.