Legendary name of the sport, who first aided father Charles, and then took charge of the company after his dad's death. Involved with both motorsport and the automobile industry, he took a back-seat in 1971, when he stopped Mini Cooper production. After that, as well as his car dealerships, he was a popular figure in the paddock, receiving a CBE just before his death in 2000. John was always keen on racing and aged just nine, raced midget cars designed by his father. Cooper then became an apprentice toolmaker and then became an instrument maker for the RAF during World War Two. After the war, the father and son grew the business to immense success. John also raced for as long as he could, stopping in 1954.

Biography last updated 1 Jan 2017