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| Morris Mini Cooper Mk.I 1962 |
The first Mini Cooper was launched in July 1961 and is still revered today as the second most important car in history after the Ford Model T. It had been developed by the designer of the original Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis, with racing driver and engineer, John Cooper - who in 1959 had driven a prototype Mini to the Italian Grand Prix and had been greatly impressed by the car. It was initially produced with a 997cc version of the BMC A series engine which was fitted with twin SU carburettors, revised cylinder head, and an improved exhaust system. The car was also fitted with a close ratio gearbox which had a remote gearshift, a higher axle ratio than the standard Mini and was fitted with front disc brakes.
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| Morris Mini Cooper Mk.I 1962 |
These Coopers were easily distinguishable from the standard models by the different front grille, two-tone paintwork, and on the Mk 1 - two-tone upholstery. All Coopers were fitted with 100mph speedometers as opposed to the 90mph units on standard cars. The Mini Cooper and Cooper 'S' were successful as rally cars, famously winning the Monte Carlo Rally four times from 1964 through to 1967 under the stewardship of famous drivers such as the legendary Paddy Hopkirk, Rauno Aaltonen and Timo Mäkinen.
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