I doubt that I have to explain to many of you what the initials JC in JCW stands for, especially if I were to add in, the word Mini.

John Cooper (1923 -2000) was renowned throughout the world of motor sport, and to the little British car which still bears his name, he was the ultimate master of performance.

But to truly appreciate the man and what he achieved, one has to understand the story behind the man.

John's father Charles Cooper ran a small mechanical workshop in Surbiton, Surrey. After service in the Royal Air force during World War 2, he joined his father there making single seat race cars for privateers.

Together they formed a company in 1948 specifically to design and build race cars, and were so successful, that by the early 50's names like Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, and Bruce McLaren were to be seen behind the wheels of Cooper products.

Much of their success in racing came from the fine handling of their cars. Although most race cars at the time were powered from the front, the first Cooper built cars were propelled by motorcycle engines. Hence, they positioned the engines in the rear.

Perhaps unbeknownst to them at the time, they were the forerunners of what we now know as open wheel rear-engined Formula One cars. In fact, Cooper later remarked, "We certainly had no feeling that we were creating some scientific breakthrough...We put the engine at the rear...because it was the practical thing to do!

Much of Cooper's success came from what I like to think of as, "Thinking outside the box", and it is that which brings us to the story of the Mini Cooper.

John Cooper's association with the Mini came through his friendship with Alex Issigonis, the designer of the original Mini. Coming from a race and rally background, John quickly saw the potential that the Mini could have in competition use.

The first Mini Cooper was launched in 1961, with the acclaimed Cooper S coming two years later. The latter quickly earned acclaim with Monty Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967.

Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the French judges. Their reasoning had something to do with the variable headlamp dimming circuits used.

Citroen was eventually awarded first place, although they also used so-called illegal lights! In fact, so incensed was the Citroen driver, that at first, he was reluctant to accept the trophy, and later vowed that he would never race for Citroen again.

Had the Mini not been disqualified, it would have been the only car in history to be placed in the top three on the Monte Carlo Rally for six consecutive years.

John Cooper continued to be tied to Mini and together with his son Mike, he served in an advisory role to BMW and Rover's New MINI design team. In fact, John Cooper Garages, which unfortunately closed in 2006, is often referred to as being "the home of the JCW", which nicely zips us ahead to the present day!

Yes, when people today think of a Mini, they almost automatically think of the name Cooper, especially here in North America, because for the moment at least, you can only purchase a Mini with his name on it, the Cooper, the Cooper Classic, or the outstanding Cooper S. (Rumor has it that BMW has plans in place to bring out several new variations on the Mini. Possibly, a Mini Van and Pickup like the originals could be in the offering soon).

All the Coopers are amazing little vehicles in terms of performance and handling, and are worthy of his nameplate, but what if you want more?

Well, that's where the John Cooper Works package comes into play!

Now first of all, I should explain that the Mini Cooper S with the JCW package should not be confused with the actual John Cooper Works Mini which is due out later this year.

The JCW package is a dealer installed item, and does not offer all the performance modifications of the genuine JC Works Mini.

However, for the additional $ 2,342 you do get a stainless steel low backpressure sport exhaust system, a modified air box, and an enhanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which adds noticeable improvements in performance. Of course, you also get those cool little JCW badges which will impress your friends no end.