SIR Cliff Richard, at Number One with Millennium Prayer met up with another Number One favourite - the Mini.

Both saw their careers hit the big time in 1959 as Cliff had his first chart-topper - Livin' Doll and the Mini made its debut as the Austin Seven.

The two stars then went on to world-wide careers in the 1960s and 1970s and have remained at the pinnacle of style and popularity to this day, says Rover.

In their 40th year of success, both are still wowing the crowds. The Mini attracted 70,000 people to its birthday party at Silverstone in the summer and Sir Cliff is ready to delight his army of fans with a series of Millennium Concerts at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham.

'Artist of the Century' is a fitting title for Sir Cliff, who has had more UK hits than any other performer, including Elvis, while Mini claims the title as Autocar's 'Car of the Century' and a finalist in the World Car of the Century Award this month.

Sir Cliff said: "The Mini seems to have been around for all of my recording career and it's nice to see that the car is still going strong into the 21st century - it's a great little car and long may we both keep on rocking."

Earlier this year, the 40th anniversary of Issigonis' design classic was marked by an exhibition at The Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon entitled: Mini: 40 Years Of A Design Icon.

Story date: Wednesday 08 December

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