Mini Cooper Classic Cars - First Generation (2001 - 2006) Mini Hardtop Part 1

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In Portugal and Greece, the Mini One was powered by a 1.4 litre I4 version of the Tritec engine but all other petrol powered Minis used the 1.6 litre I4 version. Since 2005, a soft-top convertible option has been available across the entire range.

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There are numerous styling and badging differences between the models, perhaps the most obvious being that the Cooper S has a distinctive scoop cut into the bonnet. The Cooper S also has twin exhausts which exit under the centre of the rear valance. The (non-S) Cooper has more chrome parts than the Mini One and has a single exhaust. The Mini One D has no visible exhaust pipes at all.

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In some markets, such as Australia and the U.S., only the Mini Cooper and Cooper S are offered because the Mini One's engine was considered inadequate to deliver sufficient power to run an air conditioner — a necessary feature in those markets. Almost fifty percent of all Minis sold in Australia and about seventy percent of those sold in the U.S. are the more-powerful Cooper S model. Other models of note, sold in varying markets around the world, are the Mini Seven, Mini Park Lane, Mini Check Mate, and Mini Monte Carlo.

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Mini Cooper Classic Cars - Overview

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The car, whose first generation was designed by Frank Stephenson, draws inspiration from the original Mini, which was manufactured by the British Motor Corporation and its successors from 1959 to 2000. The name of the car's brand, MINI, is all-capitalized to distinguish it from its predecessor. Development of the first generation had been done between 1995 and 2001 by Rover Group in Gaydon, United Kingdom and BMW AG in Munich, Germany. During this development phase, there was continual contention between the two design groups, especially concerning the positioning of the car, Rover wanted a straight economy car, whilst BMW supported a small, sporting car. Ultimately, BMW prevailed, and in 1999, they assumed control over the entire project following the departure of BMW's CEO, Bernd Pischetsrieder. When BMW divested itself of Rover in 2000, BMW elected to retain the Mini project, and to move the planned production site of the car from Rover's Longbridge plant, (the former production plant of the traditional Mini) to BMW's Oxford plant in Cowley, Oxford, United Kingdom (what was historically the Pressed Steel Company body plant).

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The vehicles produced during the 2001 to 2006 model years (unofficially, the "Mk I Mini") included four hatchback models (referred to by Mini as the Cooper Hardtop): the basic "Mini One", the diesel-engined "Mini One/D", the sportier "Mini Cooper" and the supercharged "Mini Cooper S"; in 2005, a convertible roof option was added to the Mk I line-up. In November 2006, BMW released a re-engineered version of the Mini Hardtop (unofficially the "Mk II Mini") as a 2007 model-year vehicle. The Mk II is currently[update] available in the original Hardtop and Convertible body styles (the latter being introduced as a 2009 model). A third Mk II body style, an estate called the Clubman, was introduced as a 2008 model.

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Mini Cooper Classic Cars - First Generation (2001 - 2006) Mini John Cooper Works GP

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The last Mk I variant to be produced using the Tritec engine was the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit. a light-weight, quasi-race-prepped John Cooper Works model. Hand-finished by Bertone in Italy, it was offered as a limited-production run of 2000 cars during the 2006 model year, with 444 of those originally intended for the UK market (although ultimately, 459 were sold). The GP features more bolstered front seats but had no rear seats, which along with reduced sound-deadening, removal of the rear wash-wipe system, optional air-conditioning, and other weight-reduction steps, resulted in a weight saving of around 40 kg (88 lb) compared to a Cooper S. Additionally, the car had enhanced braking, suspension, a smooth under-body and 218 hp (163 kW) from the John Cooper Works engine modification package. In place of the rear seats there is additional body stiffening and below-floor storage areas. The car also offered many unique styling points, such as the red door mirrors, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, unique body kit, bespoke (2 kg lighter) 4-spoke alloy wheels, and specialized badging. Available in just one color scheme (Thunder Blue with a Pure Silver roof), each car was individually numbered and featured a decal on the roof along with a plaque on the dashboard. The last of the supercharged Minis and a genuine Limited Edition model, there is a high potential for the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit to become a collector's item.

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History Of Mini Car, Mini Cooper and Cooper S (1961–2000) Part 2

History Of Mini Car, Mini Cooper and Cooper S (1961–2000)

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A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the “S“, was developed in tandem and released in 1963. Featuring a 1071 cc engine and larger servo-assisted disc brakes, 4,030 Cooper S cars were produced and sold until the model was updated in August 1964. Cooper also produced two models specifically for circuit racing, rated at 970 cc and a 1275 cc, both of which were also offered to the public. The smaller-engine model was not well received, and only 963 had been built when the model was discontinued in 1965. The 1275 cc Cooper S models continued in production until 1971.

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Sales of the Mini Cooper were as follows: 64,000 Mark I Coopers with 997 cc or 998 cc engines; 19,000 Mark I Cooper S with 970 cc, 1071 cc or 1275 cc engines; 16,000 Mark II Coopers with 998 cc engines; 6,300 Mark II Cooper S with 1275 cc engines. There were no Mark III Coopers and just 1,570 Mark III Cooper S’s. 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. The disqualification related to the use of a variable resistance headlamp dimming circuit in place of a dual-filament lamp.

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It should be noted that the Citroën DS that was eventually awarded first place had illegal white headlamps but escaped disqualification. The driver of the Citroën, Pauli Toivonen, was reluctant to accept the trophy and vowed that he would never race for Citroën again. BMC probably received more publicity from the disqualification than they would have gained from a victory - but had the Mini not been disqualified, it would have been the only car in history to be placed in the top three on the Monte Carlo for six consecutive years.

The History Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars
History Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars in the United States
Origins Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars

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History Of Mini Car, Mini Cooper and Cooper S (1961–2000) Part 1

History Of Mini Car, Mini Cooper and Cooper S (1961–2000)

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Issigonis‘ friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini in the role of a performance car, but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper, a nimble, economical and inexpensive car. The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper debuted in 1961.

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The original 848 cc engine from the Morris Mini-Minor was increased to 997 cc, boosting power from 34 bhp to 55 bhp (25 to 41 kW).The car featured a racing-tuned engine, twin SU carburettors, a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car. One thousand units of this version were commissioned by management, intended for and designed to meet the homologation rules of Group 2 rally racing. The 997 cc engine was replaced by a shorter stroke 998 cc unit in 1964.

The History Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars
History Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars in the United States
Origins Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars

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What is the Mini Cooper?

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The Mini Cooper is a tiny little car that is great on gas, handles like a sports car, fits four adults and is cute to look at.

Why was the Mini Cooper Developed and Manufactured?

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While many countries around the globe were faced with a series of fuel shortages in the 1950s, the British Motor Company (BMC) decided that it was it time to design and build a gas conscious vehicle than could appeal to the masses. Thus, Lord Nuffield engaged designer Sir Alec Issigonis with the task of creating a “microcar” that would be excellent on gas while at the same time able to compete with the other companies’ small vehicles that had already hit the automotive industry.

What was the Precursor to the Mini Cooper?

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The Mini Cooper Classic Cars was launched on August 26, 1959 sporting room for four adults, gas economy, and the bonus feature of handling like a sports car. This model was not, however, the actual Mini Cooper which subsequently debuted later in 1962.

How did the Mini finally become Popular?

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The first person to give credence to the sales of the Mini was Queen Elizabeth. Once she was seen driving the car and subsequently various celebrities owning the vehicle, the population at large had to have the car.

What Prompted the Launch of the Mini Cooper?

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John Cooper was a designer who built cars that won Formula One championships. As a result, he approached BMC about the possibility of a joint venture between his racing engine and the Classic Mini. The Mini Cooper was born in 1961 and launched to the public in 1962.

How Successful was the Mini Cooper?

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The new revolutionary model of vehicle was so successful that it overtook the Monte Carlo Rally. Coupled with the original benefits of the Mini and now the consistent, outstanding race performances, the Mini Cooper was set to become hugely popular.

In fact, it became a must-have commodity, a fashion statement. The Mini Cooper was one of those odd items that crossed all social status. Cheap to buy but desired by all classes, it did not matter whether the car was a luxury vehicle or not.

What Happened Later?

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Eventually interest in the Mini waned and sales were slow in the 1980s. And then after several changes in corporate structure, many limited edition models were introduced into the market to revamp the name and the line. Since 2001, the company has been and still is a division of BMW.

The History Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars
History Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars in the United States
Origins Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars

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Origins Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars

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The British Motor Corporation (BMC) who built the classic Mini wanted to increase the image of the Mini and so insisted it was used in competition and so it was duly handed over to BMC Competition Department at the famous Abingdon plant (later know as the Special Tuning division), just south of Oxford in England.

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Who promptly spent much of their time trying to avoid it. With an engine of 848cc and only 34 bhp it was badly underpowered for any form of competition even rallying where the big Healys were gaining success, not least because they were built like tanks and could sustain more damage than most cars of the day and still make the finish.

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The problem was compounded as Saab had recently released the 96 driven by a dominant Erik Carlsson. The 841cc two-stroke triple could kick out around 80 bhp in full rally spec whereas the Mini was good for 50 bhp at most (and reliability was suspect at that figure). Even things like the original steel wheels proved fragile in competition use, cracking around the studs. So the first two years of the cars' competition life were spent on pursuing reliability.

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But then something happened that changed everything.

The History Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars
History Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars in the United States

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History Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars in the United States

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The MINI brand is reintroduced to the U.S. in 2002. The Classic MINI was sold in the U.S. from 1960-1967. The Classic Mini was withdrawn from sale in 1967 with the introduction of new emissions regulations. Approximately 10,000 Classic Minis were sold in this period and 12,000 Minis are on U.S. roads today. Mini Owners’ Clubs exist throughout North America.

U.S. On-Sale from Spring 2002

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The MINI Cooper made its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in January 2001. The exhilarating 115 horsepower MINI Cooper will go on sale in spring 2002 and the even more powerful 163 horsepower MINI Cooper S will follow shortly after. Prices will begin below $18,000. Some 20,000 units per year are scheduled to reach U.S. shores and the cars will be sold through approximately 70 dealers.

MINI Creates a New U.S. Segment

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There is no other car like the MINI Cooper in the U.S. marketplace: MINI Cooper's size, quality, engineering, and distinctive design gives the car a unique position. MINI is creating a completely new market in the U.S., the small, premium car sector.

The new MINI Cooper is the first all-new product from the MINI brand since its inception in 1959. The 11' 10" Cooper features the latest in BMW Group engineering and safety technology such as six airbags, all‑round disc brakes as standard, and features such as Dynamic Stability Control and Electronic Brake Distribution are available as options.

The History Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars

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