Extract from our Formula 1 catalogue BR68 – June 2009

One of the biggest, but most welcome, surprises at this year’s Nuremberg Toy Fair wasthe presence of an almost production-ready 1:18 sample of Paddy Hopkirk’s famous1964 Monte-Carlo Rally winning Mini Cooper from Kyosho.

We have to say that one of the reasons we were so delighted was that it was we who proposed this model about five years ago, having spent a whole day photographing the original inside and out at the Gaydon Heritage Motor Centre.

The Mini goes rallying
From the time the Mini first came off the production line, these nippy little vehicles found themselves in motorsport and, of course, BMC were very supportive, recognising the fact that racing improves the breed. They also realised that success on the track very quickly translated in to profit in the showroom.

But it was in rallying that the Mini achieved greatest recognition and this was particularly important as it tended to be rallying that most ably demonstrated the strength and endurance of the cars you drove on the road.

It was, however, probably John Cooper, more than any other single individual, who pushed BMC to develop the car and to make it faster and more robust and therefore more competitive. Starting out with a 997cc engine, in 1963 this increased to 1071cc, just in time for the 1964 season.

The 1964 Monte
The Mini took its first international win in the Tulip Rally that year in the hands of Rauno Aaltonen. The other two works drivers for ‘64 were Timo Makinen and Paddy Hopkirk.

That year, the Minis set off for the Monte from Minsk and Oslo, Hopkirk choosing the Russian city for his departure. After the first leg of the rally, Hopkirk was placed second behind the 4.7 litre Ford Falcon of Bo Ljungfeldt.

The next stage was a full throttle trial, not suited to the under-powered Mini and Hopkirk dropped to third. But on the long overnight mountain section, the deep snow favoured the light and nimble Mini, handing the lead to Hopkirk again, a position that wasn’t overturned on the final circuit race around the principality. Victory belonged to Hopkirk and the plucky little Mini.

The 1:18 Kyosho replica
Kyosho occupies a position at the prestige end of the diecast market with models that sit very well next to the best from brands like Minichamps and AUTOart. So we need have no fears about the quality of this particular replica. Nor need we worry about its accuracy, as all the photographs were supplied by us.

We have to say we are thrilled. It has taken many years to get any manufacturer to realise just how significant this Mini is; undoubtedly it is the most famous Mini ever made and just as surely, one of the most famous rally cars too.

Signed by Paddy
Unsigned, this new replica will sell for £79.99 (KY8102A). But, having worked with Mr Hopkirk for many years, he has kindly agreed to sign a limited edition of just 500 examples exclusively for us here at Grand Prix Legends. A legendary car. A legendary driver. A legendary model-maker. What more could you ask for?

We now expect, by the way, to see the model in this country in October. Our advice is to order now, especially if you want to acquire the signed version.