Mini Cooper

The Cooper, introduced in 1959 by the British Motor Company (BMC), caused quite a stir in its day. As far as British-made cars go, the Cooper now stands in the dominating position as the most popular ever. Designed as a space saving and economic option to the more popular cars of the day, Sir Alec Issigonis started a revolution. There were many variations on this design, but none that stand out quite the way that the Mini Cooper does.

In 1961 John Cooper, friend to Sir Alec Issigonis, was interested in a new design idea for the Mini Cooper was the owner of Cooper Car Company and designed rally and Formula 1 cars. His idea was to make a performance model of the Mini. Issigonis was not crazy about the idea, so Cooper went directly to BMC and suggested his model. BMC management gave it the green light, so Issigonis and Cooper collaborated and created the original Mini Cooper models, the Austin Mini Cooper and the Morris Mini Cooper.

This new MiniCooper was a sensation, and one thousand were commissioned of the Morris Mini-Minor family with more horsepower, a closer gear-ratio, a 997cc engine, and twin SU carburetors. Another adjustment to the design was front disc brakes, which was uncommon at the time. The engine was tweaked as though for racing because it was made specifically to meet standards set forth for the homologation rules for Group 2 rally racing. This Mini Cooper was a hit on the European racing circuit and dubbed the Mini Cooper 997.

The Mini Cooper of today is produced by Bavarian Motor Works (BMW). Frank Stephenson designed the MiniCooper that was issued in April of 2001 to reflect the “retro” Mini Cooper. When you buy a Mini Cooper today, you may not be purchasing an original, but you are still investing in the superior craftsmanship. The wide “bulldog” stance and ultra-rigid body on the Mini Cooper give it extraordinary stability; it has sport mode performance and all-season traction for ideal maneuverability. The Mini Cooper can offer an amazing 37 miles to the gallon on the highway for your fuel economy as well.

The 2 chain driven transversely mounted front engine, with an inline four cylinder motor, delivers a whopping 118 horsepower. What does this mean? You can kick it into high gear and rip up the asphalt at a blazing 203km/h (126 mph). You can take the Mini Cooper from 0-60 in 8.5sec. and complete a 16.6sec. quarter mile. When you buy a Mini Cooper you are purchasing a precision instrument designed to get you there quickly, safely, and with maximum maneuverability, while still maintaining fuel economy.

There isn’t a coupe on the market that can compete with the features that are available with the sporty MiniCooper. Whether you up the ante and go with an S edition and kick up your horsepower to 172, or if you opt for a convertible so you can feel the wind ripping through your hair, whenever you drive a Mini Cooper you drive a legend.