The Cooper T57 was the successor of the successful Cooper T49. It still carried its Monaco name and was meant to be a re-engineered version of the previous model. The spaceframe chassis was designed for a mid-engine layout with seating for two, and with such engine sitting position there was no need for a transmission tunnel. The engine bay was designed to accept a variety of engines; the most popular were the Coventry-Climax and Bristol power plants. The T57 was produced from 1959 to 1960 when it was succeeded by the Cooper T61.