Mini gets stuck on a tree - and in the sea

Vijay Pattni is your host for this week’s Weird World of Wheels special – a Mini adventure.

They’ve been owned by celebrities, driven on two wheels and loved across the globe.

But stuck onto a Christmas tree and used as a paddle steamer?

Its 50 years since the first Mini rolled off the production line, kick-starting a mammoth run of motors which would capture the hearts of motorists across the world.

Sir Alec Issigonis, Mini’s creator, wanted to counter the 1950s ‘Bubble’ cars with something simple, effective and, well, small.

He designed the Mini to accommodate four adults (this writer can testify to that), and even measured up the side door pockets to fit eight bottles of Gin.

He slung a small, 850cc engine up front and designed a cutesy, humble little face which nobody could deny – and a masterpiece was born.

BMW liked it so much they kept the brand after selling off Rover, and with a little nip/tuck here and there, a body-building session at the gym and some decent firepower under the bonnet, created the new Mini.

But it seems some owners were not content with using the Mini for its original purpose – that is, the transportation of humans and stuff across public highways.

No, these enterprising individuals decided to exploit the Mini’s cheeky charm and stick it in places other cars couldn’t reach. Like the side of a Christmas tree. Or upside down in the sand. Or in the middle of a river…

Want to see Mini have a little adventure? Click the picture below to view our image gallery:

Check out the Fireballed 500bhp Mini: (Click the image to view gallery)

View images of Mini's 50th birthday party: (Click the image to view gallery)

Which celebrities have been spotted in Minis? Click the image below to find out:

We’ll be at the Mini United celebrations at Silverstone this weekend – come back next week for a full show report and images.

This is the sensational John Cooper Works Mini - the hottest production Mini on sale: