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. Their reasoning had something to do with the variable headlamp dimming circuits used.
Citroen was eventually awarded first place, although they also used so-called illegal lights! In fact, so incensed was the Citroen driver, that at first, he was reluctant to accept the trophy, and later vowed that he would never race for Citroen again.
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 Rally for six consecutive years.
John Cooper continued to be tied to MINI and together with his son Mike, he served in an advisory role to BMW and Rover's New MINI design team. In fact, John Cooper Garages, which unfortunately closed in 2006, is often referred to as being "the home of the JCW", which nicely zips us ahead to the present day!
Yes, when people today think of a MINI, they almost automatically think of the name Cooper, especially here in North America, because for the moment at least, you can only purchase a MINI with his name on it, the Cooper, the Cooper Classic, or the outstanding Cooper S. (Rumor has it that BMW has plans in place to bring out several new variations on the MINI. Possibly, a MINI Van and Pickup like the originals could be in the offering soon).
All the Coopers are amazing little vehicles in terms of performance and handling, and are worthy of his nameplate, but what if you want more?
Well, that's where the John Cooper Works package comes into play!
Now first of all, I should explain that the MINI Cooper S with the JCW package should not be confused with the actual John Cooper Works MINI which is due out later this year.
The JCW package is a dealer installed item, and does not offer all the performance modifications of the genuine JC Works MINI.
However, for the additional $ 2,342 you do get a stainless steel low backpressure sport exhaust system, a modified air box, and an enhanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which adds noticeable improvements in performance. Of course, you also get those cool little JCW badges which will impress your friends no end.
Citroen was eventually awarded first place, although they also used so-called illegal lights! In fact, so incensed was the Citroen driver, that at first, he was reluctant to accept the trophy, and later vowed that he would never race for Citroen again.
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| All the Coopers are amazing little vehicles in terms of performance and handling. |
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 Rally for six consecutive years.
John Cooper continued to be tied to MINI and together with his son Mike, he served in an advisory role to BMW and Rover's New MINI design team. In fact, John Cooper Garages, which unfortunately closed in 2006, is often referred to as being "the home of the JCW", which nicely zips us ahead to the present day!
Yes, when people today think of a MINI, they almost automatically think of the name Cooper, especially here in North America, because for the moment at least, you can only purchase a MINI with his name on it, the Cooper, the Cooper Classic, or the outstanding Cooper S. (Rumor has it that BMW has plans in place to bring out several new variations on the MINI. Possibly, a MINI Van and Pickup like the originals could be in the offering soon).
All the Coopers are amazing little vehicles in terms of performance and handling, and are worthy of his nameplate, but what if you want more?
Well, that's where the John Cooper Works package comes into play!
Now first of all, I should explain that the MINI Cooper S with the JCW package should not be confused with the actual John Cooper Works MINI which is due out later this year.
The JCW package is a dealer installed item, and does not offer all the performance modifications of the genuine JC Works MINI.
However, for the additional $ 2,342 you do get a stainless steel low backpressure sport exhaust system, a modified air box, and an enhanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which adds noticeable improvements in performance. Of course, you also get those cool little JCW badges which will impress your friends no end.
 |
| The JCW package is a dealer installed item and costs $ 2,342. |