The family behind the Mini Cooper were thrilled to learn it had been named North American Car of the Year.

The original Mini Cooper was designed by the late John Cooper in 1961, but despite widespread success in Europe it has struggled to crack the American market.

But when the new Mini Cooper models went on sale in the US in March last year, 20,000 were snapped up within a week.

Mr Cooper and his son Michael Cooper, who lives in Worthing, advised the car's designer, Frank Stephenson, on the look of the new model before it was made.

Michael Cooper, who runs garages in East Preston and Ferring, is currently on holiday in Spain but his co-workers said he was thrilled.

General manager of the Cooper's East Preston garage Richard De Jong said: "Like the rest of us here, I know Michael is very proud that the Cooper name can still be seen on the back of Minis being sold throughout the world."

John Cooper died on Christmas Eve 2000 aged 77. He launched the Cooper in 1961 after persuading the Mini's creator, Sir Alec Issigonis, to let him produce a high-performance version of the famous car.

The "souped-up" car became an overnight success.

In the late Sixties, however, the model was withdrawn from the United States because of falling sales.

The tables were turned yesterday, when it beat off competition from two new Nissan models, the 350Z and the Infiniti G35, to claim the title North American Car of the Year at Detroit's International Auto Show.

Judge Mitch McCullough said: "Mini Cooper stands out with sports-car performance and handling, wrapped up in a cute design that is practical and affordable."