Coys Auction
Ascot Racecourse,
Berkshire SL5 7JX
Saturday 2 October 2010 at 3pm
Following its motor racing debut in the 500cc single seater category in 1947, it was clear that the Cooper marque would be a force to be reckoned with. Like most of the other motorcycle-engined machines, the Cooper 500 was rear-engined due to such a configuration being the most practical by which to link the motor's chain drive to the rear wheels. It also enabled the design to be as compact as possible while optimising weight distribution. The recipe worked well and provided Cooper with invaluable experience when the Surbiton, Surrey, based company stepped up to higher formulae. Indeed, it was Cooper that led the rear-engined revolution in Grand Prix racing with every other constructor - including a famous Italian marque, despite Enzo Ferrari once insisting to John Cooper that no racing car of his would ever be rear-engined - following suit.
The Cooper Car Company also produced many successful sports cars,