The mark 4 Mini is introduced in 1976, with twin-stalk controls, heated rear window, hazard lights, radial tyres, a new switch panel and larger pedals all standard across the range. The Mini 1000 Special becomes the first factory Limited Edition (LE) model. It proudly sports green and white paint, striped seats and a coachline. Production passes the 4,000,000 mark.

In 1977, reversing lights, reclining seats, dipping rear view mirror all become standard across the range.

In 1978, Mini no-longer available in Australia.

In 1979, the Mini celebrates its 20th anniversary with the 1100 Special LE (production: 5,000). The City is launched, with the 848cc engine. Later in the year it gets the 998, marking the end of the smaller engine in the saloons. BL makes a development plan including the axing of the Mini in 1982.

In 1980, all Clubman variants are dropped. The Mini gets a new trim level - the HL. The Austin Mini Metro is launched. It shares much of the Mini's platform, but neither outsells or outlives the donor car.

In 1982, This would have been the end of the mini if BL hadn't decided against the development plan of 1979. The HL becomes HLE and is then re-launched as the Mayfair.

In 1984, the next generation of the mini, the Mk5 is introduced.