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

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

Picture Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars

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.

Picture Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars

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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The History Of The Mini Cooper Classic Cars

Sir Alec Issigonis' original Mini of 1959 set new standards in design and engineering. Issigonis produced his masterpiece as an answer to the European fuel crisis of the late 1950s. Issigonis was challenged to produce a car four feet wide by four feet high and 10 feet long that would seat four adults in comfort and take their luggage to boot.

Picture Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars

An automotive icon, his design lasted decades in virtually original form. His revolutionary concept of a transverse engine with submounted transmission allowed compact external dimensions with maximum interior space. Combining economical transport, character and fun, Mini became a car for everyone, from celebrity to the everyday person in the street

Picture Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars

The front‑wheel drive, wheel‑at-each‑corner design was not only space-efficient, but was soon to prove extremely roadworthy. In 1961, the Mini Cooper, engineered by race car constructor the late John Cooper, was launched. This car set new motor sport standards and took triple Monte Carlo rally wins between 1964 and 1967 amongst a host of competitive titles. The Cooper name has been closely associated with performance Minis ever since and appropriately the MINI Cooper, was the first car in the new MINI range to be unveiled.

Picture Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars

As Mini gained its extra power it combined its inherent personality with a great driving experience for any motorist. The car became Britain’s best-ever selling vehicle with over 5.3 million produced. The first Morris Mini-Minor was made in Oxford, the home of the new MINI and Minis have been made in Europe, South America and Australia.

Picture Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars

Mini, a household name in Europe, was sold in the U.S. between 1960 and 1967, and around 10,000 cars were sold in that time. Over thirty years later, some 12000 cars are on U.S. roads today. (maybe they breed). At the end of its production life in 2000, 5.3 million Minis had been produced and the car was voted ‘European Car of the Century’ by a panel of 130 international journalists.

Picture Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars

The MINI Cooper is a modern development of this genuine classic. Building on the classic Mini styling cues, it offers the very latest technology, and is one of the most advanced cars of its size in the world. Designed for handling and performance, great looks and safety, the MINI Cooper, is a real motoring enthusiasts car. Like the original, the new MINI is designed to appeal to all drivers regardless of age or gender. Such is the interest in the new MINI that there were fan‑based U.S. websites for the car well before it hit the streets.

History Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars in the United States

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