John Cooper was born on the 17th July 1923 at Kingston in Surrey. His father, Charles, ran a small garage in Surbiton that specialised in maintaining racing cars. Father and son founded the Cooper Car Company Ltd. in 1948.

Well known for their achievements in motor racing Cooper produced sports models powered by Vauxhall and MG engines and, from 1953 using Bristol and Jaguar engines.

No further road going cars were produced until the introduction of the Austin/Morris Mini in 1959.

Cooper prepared Minis went on to achieve considerable success in rallies around the world.

John retired in the early 1970's to Sussex where he and his son set up a garage business at Ferring near Worthing that specialised in Mini Coopers.

John Cooper died aged 77.

The photographs of the BRG 1958 Cooper-Climax and the 1956 Cooper-Vincent were kindly provided by Ross G Frater of Brisbane.

E-Mail: history@britishmm.co.uk