The Mk I Mini Cooper was the original performance version of the Classic Mini. Introduced in 1961, the Mini Cooper was created by highly regarded race car builder John Cooper. A friend of the Mini's designer Sir Alec Issigonis, Cooper saw the potential of the Mk I Mini, improving the engine, brakes, and transmission to create the Mini Cooper. The 997cc and 998cc inline four engines are the most notable powerplants for the Mk I Cooper, which was built until 1967.