IN the 50th anniversary year of Britain’s favourite motor car, one South Lakeland man recalled how – with a bit of magic – he introduced the world to a cultural icon.

Tony Ball, of Grasmere, was 23 when he waved a wand and made the first ever Mini appear from inside a giant top hat at Longbridge car plant.

The stunt is considered the first act of industrial theatre, and led Mr Ball into a career organising major events like the Rugby World Cup and football’s Euro 96.

Having begun work for parent company Austin at 16, Mr Ball won apprentice of the year and was fast-tracked through every department before his life changed forever when he was invited to see a top secret blueprint.

“The design studios were the holy of holies at Longbridge and I was invited in. I went over to this table and someone peeled back this picture. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before,” remembered Mr Ball.

The effect on the young man was instantaneous, and asked for his thoughts on the radical design, he told his bosses: “I believe something remarkable is happening with this car design that could affect how cars of the future are made.”

Mr Ball was invited there and then to launch the car in front of the world’s press only weeks later.

“I had to think on my feet. I said I would need £500 for the launch, which at the time was more than the car was worth,” said Mr Ball.

Initially baulking at the cost, British Motor Corporation top brass consented to Mr Ball’s ambitious plan of ‘wizardry on wheels’ to showcase the new car’s versatility. Mr Ball, dressed as a magician, waved his magic wand and proclaimed: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to show you a real trick of magic in car design.”

The Mini appeared from the giant top hat before two women, two dogs, a full set of luggage and ‘three of the biggest guys we could find’ said Mr Ball, emerged from the small car.

“The audience was amazed and everybody started to cheer, said Mr Ball, who had unwittingly invented what is now known as ‘industrial theatre’ – now used to launch everything from washing machines to world cups.

“Throughout my life I’ve owned dozens of Minis. The best one was a light blue, with a registration beginning DOL. We used to call it our little doll,” said Mr Ball.

After several decades in the car industry, Mr Ball – whose son Michael is the famous singer – retired to a place he loved.

“I used to come to the Lakes on holiday. I grew to love it and decided we would retire here,” said Mr Ball who lives in Grasmere with wife Jan – a theatrical agent.