Despite the ever-increasing number of imported vehicles entering the country, the UK has produced a wide range of cars, spanning from humble family models, like the Vauxhall Astra and Austin Maxi, to pure powerhouses, such as the McLaren F1 and Ford GT40. Many of these cars are known the world over; however, a new study by the motoring publication Auto Express has ranked the most iconic.

According to the study, which took into account the number of examples made and how they have stood the test of time, the original Mini is the most iconic car ever made in the UK. Built from 1959 to 2000, the Mini's incredible use of space in such a tiny saloon made it a hit with just about everyone from families looking for their first car on a budget to celebrities and racers in all forms of motorsport.

Factoring in variants, such as the van, estate, and pickup truck, 5.3 million examples of the Mini were produced, with factories set up in Italy, New Zealand, and South Africa to cater for overseas demand.

First launched in August 1959 as both the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor, the original Mini was designer Sir Alec Issigonis' response to the growing number of German-made 'bubble cars' on the UK roads, which typically featured three wheels, a small motorcycle engine, and a rounded body.

With a list price of just under £497, the Mini did not offer much refinement, but had enough room for four occupants, a reasonable boot which could be extended by lowering the lid, and an 848cc engine that could reach 70mph.

The model was also particularly unique at the time for mounting its engine east to west, which meant that more of the Mini's space could be used for increasing the cabin and that power could be sent to the front wheels.

Whilst the British public took several months to warm to the new Mini, it quickly became a classless icon when a number were given to celebrities for publicity stunts. Before long, famous faces including Paul McCartney, Peter Sellers, and Twiggy could all be seen behind the wheel of a Mini.

Popularity grew further when racing driver John Cooper added a succession of bigger engines to the car, creating the Mini Cooper. Variants were entered in various motorsport events, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967 and being a regular victor at the British Saloon Car Championship.

However, whilst the model experienced a retro revival in the late 1990s, Rover Group's worsening financial position meant BMW, the brand's owner, would axe the old model in favour of a new Mini, which was launched in 2001.