Racing mechanic who founded the hugely popular and successful company and remained in charge until his death. Cooper's father was an actor and theatrical salesman and manager, who was based in France (hence Charles' birthplace) and Spain. Charles' mother was Franco-Spanish but died young. Cooper's father moved to Surrey as a result. Charles worked as an apprentice at Napier and Son's engineering, whose director was racing driver Selwyn Edge. Cooper worked on Edge's cars before World War 1 broke out. Cooper served all four years in the Royal Army Service Corps and was lucky to survive being gassed at the battle of Valenciennes in 1918. Cooper then set up his own motorcycle re-conditioning business and garage in 1919 before then developing the business that became Cooper. He also designed midget racing cars and light aeroplanes, and serviced fire engines.

Biography last updated 1 Jan 2017