Just On Tickover
Posted 03 February 2015 - 02:48 AM
I recently picked up a 1989 998cc autobox here in Okinawa. On the dash there is an iconic "John Cooper" signature logo sticker. Knowing very well that anyone can put a sticker on a car and call it something else, I am curious to know if there is any validity to this, or if JC even worked on any 1989 Mini's? I have found contradicting evidence on forums, so what's your take?
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Just On Tickover
Posted 03 February 2015 - 02:59 AM
I think I just answered my question: It's an amazing sticker! Apparently John Cooper Mini's came with the 1275 power house. Thumbs down to the sticker fairy in Okinawa!
Up Into Fourth
Posted 03 February 2015 - 04:02 AM
It fits in nicely with the carbon style dash and the Nardi steering wheel ![=]](https://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/sideways.gif)
One Carb Or Two?
Posted 03 February 2015 - 07:22 AM
John Cooper did have a conversion kit for 998cc engined cars available in 1989. Whether this is genuine is another matter, but it's possible given the year.
'Classic mini John Cooper conversions' - Facebook page. 
Gearbox Guru
Posted 03 February 2015 - 07:34 AM
He didn't do Auto's, so solves that one from the start.
Guest_minidizzy_*
Posted 03 February 2015 - 11:49 PM
Apart from the cars he modified for his own racing team in the late 60s/early 70s John Cooper did not make any of the Minis that bear his name until 1995 when he modified standard factory Mini Coopers as special editions with high performance conversions. There were no British marketed Coopers between 1972 and 1989.
In the late 80s he sold engine conversion kits for 998 Minis in Japan and by 1989 he had agreement to sell them in the UK with Rover warranty. The most obvious visible feature is that it has twin carbs. I can see no reason why an automatic Mini might not have had the conversion, though not perhaps the best application.
The Mini Cooper was officially reintroduced by Rover in 1990 with a 1275 engine in a limited edition (now called RSP) for the UK and Japan markets. John Cooper introduced a new 'S' conversion kit for the 1275 engine in 1991.
The Mini became very popular in Japan long after the original Coopers were discontinued. This was the source of much disappointment and one of the reasons why the Cooper was revived in 1990. Apparently it was very common for ordinary 80s Minis to be turned into Cooper-lookalikes in Japan.
Just On Tickover
Posted 05 February 2015 - 10:51 AM
You're right. Japanese are very keen on "copying" latest fads and trends, not to mention making cars, namely GT-Rs into R32 versions. It's the culture. None the less, I dig the look of mine, which is why I bought it in the first place. Better yet, it was free to me so happy day there. Now I get a pretty decent 998 to bring back stateside and have fun with. If I end up not liking it, then you'll most likely see it parted out or for sale in the forums.
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