The John Cooper Works story has its roots in 1946. Charles Cooper and his son John founded the Cooper Car Company and built their first racing cars in Charles' small garage in Surbiton, England. This humble beginning would ultimately change the course of motorsport, and help create a thriving worldwide racing legacy that still exists to this day. Not to mention the profound effect it would soon have on the classic Mini. Check out the excellent "John Cooper: Genius & Works", an exclusive documentary produced by Sky.

The Cooper Car Company first built single-seat Formula Three racing cars. These were hugely successful in the 500cc class due to their revolutionary rear engine. This stroke of genius soon made the Cooper Car Company the choice for aspiring young drivers. John Cooper went on to win both the Formula One World Championship and Constructors Championship.

After enjoying considerable success with his own car constructions, John Cooper became fascinated with the newly introduced classic Mini. Intrigued by its potential, he envisioned turning it into a champion racer. With the addition of a more powerful engine, new brakes and sharper steering, he had soon transformed this modest little family car into a giant-slaying racing car. In 1961, the first Mini Cooper was born.

Now, nothing could hold Mini back. John Cooper’s instinct had once again been spot on. He was the master of his game. A car for the ages had been created. By 1964, Mini Cooper was a globally renowned marque. It won almost every competition imaginable – including historic wins at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Mini and John Cooper had developed the classic Mini into a winnner that was vastly superior to its competitors.

In 2001, 'Mini' joined the BMW Group and was rebranded as MINI. This change brought a great revival of interest in tuning the MINI models and continuing John Cooper Works’s legacy. John Cooper Works MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Tuning Kits were made available through MINI Centres worldwide from 2003, boosting the output of the MINI Cooper to 126 hp (93 Kw) and the MINI Cooper S to an impressive 200 hp (147 Kw).

A pre-tuned MINI Cooper S with the John Cooper Works GP Kit was launched in 2006. This new limited edition MINI hatchback delivered breathtaking performance and a unique racing feeling. It was the fastest road-going MINI to date, able to reach 62 mph (100km/h) in just under 6.5 seconds. Only 2,000 were produced. And all in a single unique colour scheme: metallic Thunder Blue with Chili Red Mirrors and a Pure Silver roof where the production number between 1 and 2,000 was displayed.

In 2007, BMW acquired the John Cooper Works brand name, engineering and development resources. And one year later, the first two new MINI John Cooper Works models were launched: a totally updated version of the John Cooper Works Hatch and the John Cooper Works Clubman. These powerhouses were equipped with a 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger and an output of 211 hp (155 kW). A testament to John Cooper’s pioneering spirit and commitment to driving performance. Five years later, in 2013, the limited edition MINI John Cooper Works GP was released, boasting a 218 hp turbo-charged, four-cylinder engine. Once again, just 2,000 of these highly sought-after models were produced.

In the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, we’ve blended versatile performance and sophisticated design. With 231 hp under the bonnet and all-wheel-drive for extra grip those exhilaration corners, you won’t have to compromise on any of the JCW high-octane fun. And with its ample size and the split doors in the back, it’s also flexible enough for any occasion.

This is the John Cooper Works built for the adventurer. With its impressive power, size and standard all-wheel-drive, it will take you anywhere the roads leads you and beyond.