<P> A total of 58,179 Mini Pick - up models were built . Brand from Sime Darby Motors </P> <P> Built in the Australian British Motor Corporation factory at Zetland, New South Wales, using 80% local content, the Morris Mini K was advertised as the "great leap forward". The Mini K (' K' standing for Kangaroo) had a 1098 cc engine and was the last round - nose model to be produced in Australia, originally priced at A $1780 . The Mini K was offered in 2 - door saloon and 2 - door van body styles . It was distinctive in having wind - up windows and a swivelling quarterlight in Mk. I - style externally hinged doors . A small round sticker with a kangaroo logo was placed on the triangular panel between the door and the front body seam . The "Kangaroo" name was supposedly coined because it is claimed that a kangaroo can go all day without drinking which the advertisers used to emphasise the frugal fuel consumption and, possibly, larger fuel tank . </P> <P> Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition . Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini in the role of a performance car, but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper . The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper debuted in September 1961 . </P> <P> The 848 cc (51.7 cu in) engine from the Morris Mini-Minor was given a longer stroke to increase capacity to 997 cubic centimetres (60.8 cu in) increasing power from 34 to 55 bhp (25 to 41 kW). The car featured a racing - tuned engine, twin SU carburettors, a closer - ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car . One thousand units of this version were commissioned by management, intended for and designed to meet the homologation rules of Group 2 rally racing . The 997 cc engine was replaced by a shorter stroke 998 cc unit in 1964 . In 1962, Rhodesian John Love became the first non-British racing driver to win the British Saloon Car Championship driving a Mini Cooper . </P>

Where did the name mini cooper come from