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MINI Cooper Cars

Throughout several changes in ownership of the Mini Cooper, the present owner being BMW, there have been many models of the Mini during the course of fifty years. These have included the mainstream models, limited edition models and also specific models for certain markets in various countries. While the company was the British Leyland Company, a Mini pick-up truck was produced and during the Rover ownership more than forty special edition vehicles were created.

Presently in North America, one would find the MINI Cooper, the MINI Cooper Convertible, the MINI Clubman, all three in the “S” versions as well as the MINI Copper two door hardtop Classic. The Clubman, the newest addition only recently launched in early 2008, is the modern version of the Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman, and Mini Clubman Estate according to MINI. It is a station wagon/van type vehicle probably suited to families with children, animals and luggage to transport.

The differences between the regular and the S models are a more extravagant interior in the S, dual exhaust and the feel of a sports car. In fact, the MINI Cooper S was named “Best New Sports/Performance Car under Fifty Thousand Dollars” for 2008 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

As one would expect, the MINI Convertible appeals to single professionals and others who want an expensive looking sports car that reeks of excitement and makes an obvious statement. It comes in a Sidewalk edition as well, which is basically a limited edition used to create interest while the company comes up with the newer version of the convertible. The interior of the Sidewalk edition is mostly leather and the outside is painted to look richer than the old model convertible. It also comes with a higher performance motor in some markets.

Further, the company offers a John Cooper Works Tuning Kit program for those individuals who prefer a supercharged, race-ready MINI. Working with John Cooper’s son, Mike, the MINI can be installed with equipment to resemble the original Mini racecars. And if you are not sure who John Cooper is, he is the person after whom the Mini Cooper was named when the British Motor Company and John Cooper formed an alliance to spruce up the Mini making it a racing icon.

Lastly, one will notice when reading promotional material and reviews on the MINI, that there are two spellings one in lower case letters and one in upper case letters. The latter, MINI, is used for the newer models so as not to cause confusion with the earlier Minis.

Picture Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars

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 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; the rear window is glass with an integral heater/defroster, but no washer or wiper.


At the 2007 North American International Auto Show, Mini introduced the limited edition Mini Cooper S Sidewalk Convertible. It had a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62 mph) in 7.9 seconds. The engine provides 168 hp (125 kW) and 220 N·m (160 ft·lbf) of torque.

Picture Of Mini Cooper Classic Cars

The names Cooper and Cooper S echo the names used for the sportier version of the classic Mini, which in turn come from the involvement of John Cooper and the Cooper Car Company. The Cooper heritage is further emphasised with the John Cooper Works (JCW) range of tuning options that are available with the Mini. John Cooper also created a one-off racing model of the Mini Cooper S named the Mini Cooper S Works. This car features many extras which help to improve performance, such as a racing exhaust and air filter as well as uprated suspension. The car also has one-of-a-kind 17-inch (430 mm) racing wheels.


The Mk I Mini One, Cooper and Cooper S used some version of the reliable, Brazilian-built Tritec engine, co-developed by Chrysler & BMW; the Mini One D used a Toyota-built diesel engine. In August 2006, BMW announced that future engines would be built in the UK, making the car essentially British-built again; final assembly took place at Cowley, and the body pressings were made in nearby Swindon at BMW's Swindon Pressings Ltd subsidiary.

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.


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.