Tamiya 1/24 Austin Mini Cooper 1275S Mk.I

Tamiya welcomes updated re-issues of our two 1/24 scale Mini Cooper 1275S Mk.I kits with updated decals, instruction manual and packaging. The legendary Mini achieved a lofty second place in the prestigious Car of the Century awards announced in 1999. The original Mini was produced from 1959 until 2000 without any major model changes, and was a forerunner for the wealth of front-engine, front-wheel drive compact cars of today. While just 3 meters in length, its 10-inch wheels were positioned at the corners and allowed a cabin spacious enough to seat four adults, and it was packed with design ingenuity like a two-box layout with a transverse engine and the transmission and gearbox in the oil sump, plus front double wishbone and rear trailing arm suspension with rubber cones in place of springs. 

In 1959, the British Motor Company released two versions of the Mini based on their Morris and Austin brands – the Morris Mini Minor and the Austin Seven. In 1961, John Cooper of British racing fame souped-up the engine and introduced it to the public as the Morris Mini Cooper. Later, the Mini Cooper S was also created for race and rally participation. The Mini Cooper 1275S Mk.I was released in 1964, featuring a 1,275cc engine. Just prior to this, the 1071S was entered in the 1964 rally in Monte Carlo, with many higher-powered opponents. What it lacked in power, it made up for in nimbleness, taking the overall victory in the ’64 race, followed by the 1275S taking victory in the ’65 and ’67 races. Both Morris and Austin versions of the Mini Cooper S were built, differing from each other only in grille design and emblem. And while a new version of the Mini was announced in September 2000, the worldwide popularity of the original Mini remains as strong as ever.

About the Model

• This is a 1/24 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 127mm, width: 61mm, height: 56mm
• The compact form of the Austin Mini Cooper 1275S Mk.I is captured in style
• With updated decals including Union Jack roof, bonnet stripes, and masking stickers