The Little Orange That Could: The Story of the Outspan Mini Car

In the early 1970s, as grocers stocked their shelves with Outspan oranges—a brand beloved across Europe—a brilliant yet whimsical idea rolled into reality: a tiny car shaped like a giant orange. This wasn’t just any vehicle; it was a **moving billboard**, a citrusy spectacle designed to turn heads and spread cheer.  

The Birth of a Citrus Icon

The Outspan Orange Mini Car was dreamed up by the British advertising agency Benson & Bowden as part of a bold campaign for the South African Outspan orange growers. The task of bringing this fruity fantasy to life fell upon Brian Waite Enterprises, a UK-based engineering firm specializing in custom promotional vehicles.  

Built on a modified Mini chassis, the car retained the original’s front-wheel-drive layout but was stripped down and reborn as a single-seater pod. Its fiberglass shell was meticulously crafted to mimic the dimpled texture of an orange, complete with a glossy peel-like finish and the iconic Outspan logo emblazoned on the sides.  

Specs & Quirks

- Engine: Originally powered by the Mini’s 848cc or 998cc petrol engine, later models sometimes used electric motors for parade use.  

- Top Speed: A modest 50–60 mph (though it was rarely driven fast—this was a show car, not a racer!).  

- Dimensions: Roughly 8 feet long and 5 feet wide, with a spherical shape that made parking a challenge.  

- Weight: Around 500 kg (1,100 lbs), thanks to its lightweight fiberglass body.  

The Orange on Tour

The car wasn’t just a static display—it was a roving ambassador for Outspan oranges. Driven by promotional staff in bright orange jumpsuits, it appeared at:  

- Supermarket openings
- Trade shows
- Charity events
- Even the 1972 London Motor Show!  

One of its most famous appearances was in a TV commercial, where it rolled through a fruit market, playfully "peeling" itself as it drove.  

Legacy & Where Are They Now?

Only a handful of these citrusy runabouts were ever made, and today, they’re rare collector’s items. A few still survive in museums and private collections, occasionally making appearances at vintage car shows.  

The Outspan Mini wasn’t just a car—it was a marketing masterpiece, proving that with enough creativity (and a little engineering magic), even a fruit could hit the road.  

Ref: The Little Orange That Could: The Story of the Outspan Mini Car