The Cooper Name

John Cooper a Formula 1 car builder, having driven the Mini during its development saw more than just a simple economy car and wanted to exploit the Mini's power to weight ratio for racing.

In 1961 the first version of the Mini Cooper was launched with a larger (997cc) more powerful engine (55bhp) and disc brakes fitted to the miniscule "10" Mini wheels. The Mini Cooper was continuously developed and the name quickly became synonymous with affordable motor racing and rallying.

1963 saw the emergence of the Mini Cooper S with larger more powerful engines, improved brakes and gearbox, larger wheels and the beginning of the trademark white roof. The Cooper S took the motorsport world by storm with its outstanding chassis and power to weight ratio. Produced with an assortment of engines (1071cc, 970cc and 1275cc) a Cooper S won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1966.

BMC ended its relationship with John Cooper in 1971 and the Mini Cooper disappeared until it was re-introduced in 1991.