Mini Cooper S Supercharged 2006 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mini Cooper S Supercharged 2006

Mini Cooper S Supercharged 2006

Mini Cooper S Supercharged 2006

Mini Cooper S Supercharged 2006

Mini Cooper 1997 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mini Cooper 1997

John Cooper was well known for his involvement, with his father Charles, in developing the post-war rear engine single seater 500cc race cars that ran amok and beat the larger front engine cars of the period. John is also later renowned for his development of the iconic Mini with the Mini Coopers cleaning up in high profile race and rally events in the 1960s and beyond.

Mini Cooper 1990 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mini Cooper 1990

Mini Cooper 1990

Mini Cooper 1990

Mini Cooper 1990

Mini Clubman Estate 1981 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mini Clubman Estate 1981

The Mini was made by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 until 2000. The original is considered a British icon of the 1960s and its space-saving front-wheel drive layout, allowing 80% of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage, influenced a generation of car makers. In 1999, the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century behind the Ford Model T. This distinctive two-door car was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and was manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants. The Mini Mk.I had three major UK updates; the Mk. II, the Clubman and the Mk. III. Within these were a series of variations including an estate car, a pick-up and a van. The Mini Cooper and Cooper 'S' were sportier versions that were successful as rally cars winning the Monte Carlo Rally four times from 1964 through to 1967. Initially Minis were marketed under the Austin and Morris names as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor, until Mini became a marque in its own right.

Mini Cooper S Convertible 2004 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mini Cooper S Convertible 2004

At the 2004 Salon International de l'Auto, Mini introduced a convertible model which was released in the 2005 model year and available in One, Cooper and Cooper S trim versions. The convertible roof is fully automatic, an unusual feature in such a small car and can be opened partially to act as a sunroof whilst the car is driving at speed. The convertible model forsakes the rear hatchback of the Hardtop Mini replacing it with a drop down 'tailgate' that is reminiscent of the classic Mini - it incorporates similarly prominent external hinges and, with the roof in the closed position, the rear roof section and luggage shelf can be raised with two handles, semi-tailgate style, to access the luggage space easier. The convertible also adds two small power windows for the rear seat passengers which are lowered automatically when the roof opens. The roof is made from a heavy cloth with many layers of insulation and the rear window is glass with an integral heater/defroster.

Morris Mini Cooper Mk.I 1962 - World Of Classic Cars -

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.

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.

Mini Cooper S 1990 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mini Cooper S 1990

Mini Cooper S 1990

Mini Cooper S 1990

Morris Mini Cooper S 1971 - World Of Classic Cars -

Morris Mini Cooper S 1971

The history of this revolutionary motorcar is well known, its impact socially and culturally is well documented and is remembered with great fondness by many people. The Mini Cooper S earned acclaim with Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the French judges. Huge demand was also generated and, quite rightly, continues today.

Mini 850 1978 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mini 850 1978

The Mini was made by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 until 2000. The original is considered a British icon of the 1960s and its space-saving front-wheel drive layout allowed 80% of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage, influencing a generation of car makers. In 1999, the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, behind the Ford Model T, this distinctive two-door car was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and was manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants.

Mini Cooper RSP 1990 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mini Cooper RSP 1990

In September 1990, the Mini Cooper RSP (Rover Special Products) was introduced. The RSP was the first Cooper in 19 years and the first Mini with a 1,275 cc engine in a decade. It was, to this point, the only non-Works Mini fitted with an oil cooler as standard. The production of 1,050 for the UK was nowhere near enough. It was an instant success and sold out even before cars began to appear in showrooms. The distinctive look was enhanced with white bonnet stripes with John Cooper signatures.