Yes, they are back, evoking all the memories of fun days for generations of drivers from those just out of school to film stars.

The legendary engine tuning expertise of the original John Cooper Garages returns with the Works car from a new company, John Cooper Works.

The new Works engine conversion is the culmination of an 18-month development programme.

This has resulted in a high per-formance package that is reliable, safe and economic.

And it carries the well established hallmark ofquality that has always been synonymous with name Cooper.

The JCW engine conversion kits combine the talent of Cooper's team of specialist engine tuning engineers with BMW Group's renowned design.

Then there's the build quality to produce a car that is guaranteed to please the enthusiast.

The aftermarket engine tuning kits sold under the newly-established brand reflects more than 50 years in the front line of engineering design and con-struction.

The engine conversion will initially be available for the Mini Cooper, developing a worthwhile increase in power from 115ps to 132ps.

A replacement high-compression cylinder head, fully polished and gas-flowed, is matched to new free-flow intake and exhaust systems for maxi-mum efficiency.

And for those wishing to advance further up the ladder of performance, following the sales launch of the super-charged Cooper S next year, the Works conversion for this car aims to deliver some 200ps.

Both conversions meet all the stringent vehicle emissions and engine regulations.

The mini Cooper conversion takes the Works team six hours to complete.

It comes as a standard package with a host of JCW cosmetic details such as special Works badging, trim parts and a new exhaust finisher, and that important special engine bay plate with a unique car number.

The full conversion kit, including styling details, coasts £1,750 plus VAT and fitting.

Technical details for petrolheads:

The 1598cc engine, with a 10.9:1 compression ratio has a top speed of 127 mph.

This gives a 0 to 62mph figure of 8.7 seconds with maximum torque of 162@5000 revs.

Details from Michael Cooper on 01903 504455 or sales@johncooper.co.uk