Dave Doherty
The Mini fraternity is saddened by the death of John Cooper. For he was the man who was responsible for the success of the Mini. Would British Leyland have produced a performance version of the Mini without his input? Would the Mini be as popular today without the Cooper S. Would there be hundreds of fan clubs around the world? Would it have produced an industry making parts and accessories, employing many thousands of people? The answer must be no. I find it ironic that only a few months after the last Mini was driven off the production line, the man responsible for all this and more has died. Echoing the words of thousands of enthusiasts, I send my condolences to his family. The British motor industry has lost one of its great icons. But let us not mourn his death but celebrate his great achievements. His name will live on forever in our memories and will be seen on our cars for many years to come.
