Lionel Leonard was an MG tuner of some renown in England. He purchased a Cooper MG chassis from John Cooper. The prototype Cooper-MG car was produced in 1950 and was based on an extended frame of the Mark IV chassis. In June of 1950, the car made its racing debut in the hands of Stirling Moss. Powered by a 1250cc engine, the car was driven to an impressive fifth place overall.
Roadster
This 1951 Cooper Barchetta was given a highly modified MG engine and given the British road registration 'Joy 500.' The body was copied from Touring's coachwork on the Ferrari 166 chassis.
When the car was completed, it was sold to Cliff Davis who then began a very extensive racing career with the car. Between 1952 and 1953, the car earned 23 1st place finishes, 24 2nd places, 3 3rd places and 3 4th places.
'Joy 500' is regarded as the most successful British race car ever built.
Cooper cars built between 12 - 16 rolling MG chassis and featured standard independent front and rear suspension by leaf springs. The differential was enclosed in the rear suspension tower. This car is powered by a bored out 1500cc MG motor using a stage II cylinder head with KE 965 valves, Martlett pistons and large bore SU carburetors. The MG XPAG engine has a Lucas Laystall head. Power is 85 horsepower at 5800 RPM and capable of propelling the car to 110 mph. The car was restored in 1991. The body by Gray & Rich evokes the style of Touring's coachwork on Ferrari's 166 and 212 chassis. Many consider this British barchetta the most successful British racing sports car of the 1950s in the under 1500cc class.