The Cooper name, synonymous with motorsport innovation and the iconic Mini, resonates deeply far beyond British shores, finding a particularly enthusiastic audience in New Zealand and Australia. In the second part of our three exclusive interviews with Charlie Cooper, grandson of the legendary John Cooper and son of JCW founder Mike Cooper, he speaks of Mini JCW’s connection to “Down Under” as both a source of pride and as a shared automotive passion that spans generations and geographies.
The roots of John Cooper Works’ involvement in the Trans-Tasman region run surprisingly deep. While JCW is globally recognised for its high-performance Minis, a significant chapter of its story, particularly the Mini Challenge racing series, actually began in Australia. In the early 2000s, BMW Australia commissioned Mike Cooper’s John Cooper Works to build race cars to support the Australian Grand Prix, marking an early international foray for the burgeoning performance brand. Mike Cooper himself recalls being in Australia for a “celebrity challenge” around 2002 or 2003, where new (BWM) Minis were built for celebrities to race, creating exciting supporting events for the Grand Prix.
This established a strong foundation for the Mini and JCW brands in a region known for its fervent motorsport culture. Charlie Cooper acknowledges this strong link, noting that the high sales of JCW in New Zealand and Australia underline this ingrained passion. Indeed, it’s highlighted that Australia and New Zealand often rank as the second and third highest markets globally for JCW sales shares (BMW ANZ confirms that recent sales share for Mini JCW in New Zealand is 10% and globally it’s 8%).
Beyond the brand, personal connections also exist. Charlie Cooper himself spent a rugby season in New Zealand, an experience he loved, though he humorously recalls spending all his money on a 2L Toyota Celica rather than a BMW product at the time. This personal familiarity with the country adds another layer to his appreciation for the region’s enthusiasm for the JCW brand.
The historical ties are even more profound when considering the broader Cooper legacy. Legendary drivers from the region, Australian Jack Brabham and New Zealander Bruce McLaren, famously drove Cooper Formula 1 cars, with John Cooper’s revolutionary rear-engine design paving the way for their success and the eventual formation of their own iconic teams. Charlie often shares this rich history, connecting his grandfather’s F1 championships and engineering innovations to the modern JCW brand, a story that resonates with motorsport aficionados worldwide.
Looking to the future, the connection remains strong. Charlie expresses a keen interest in returning to both New Zealand and Australia, with a particular ambition to race at the legendary Bathurst circuit. “I’d love to race at Bathurst as well… Maybe 1 day I go around there in Australia,” he muses, highlighting a personal and professional desire to engage further with the vibrant Australasian motorsport scene.
From the early days of the Mini Challenge in Australia to the consistently high JCW sales and the enduring legacy of Cooper’s F1 champions from the region, the bond between Charlie Cooper, JCW, and the motorsport-loving nations of New Zealand and Australia is undeniable. It’s a relationship built on a shared history of performance, innovation, and an unyielding passion for the thrill of the drive.
Photo credit – Charlie Cooper’s socials
