Today, Formula 1 lost one of its pioneering spirits as John Cooper succumbed to cancer. Cooper was the creator of the legendary Cooper-Climax Grand Prix cars which dominated early Formula 1 and propelled many greats to stardom.
John Cooper and his father built the very first modern rear-engined racing car with the Formula 3 Cooper 500. Sir Stirling Moss raced one early in his career. Success soon propelled Cooper into Formula 1 and his alliance with Sir Jack Brabham netted the World Driving Championship in 1959 and 1960.
Cooper became the first British team to secure the Constructor's Championship with newcomer Bruce McLaren.
The indomitable Mini-Cooper also came about and further secured the Cooper name in motor racing annals with numerous rally championships and the lucrative Monte Carlo Rally three times.
John Cooepr received a CBE for his services to the auto industry in 1999. He is survived by widow Paula and children Michael and Sally.
My deepest condolences go out to his family.
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25 Dec 2000, 05:48 (Ref:54161)
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