| Deep into the winter months of 1999, as the final | | | | Racing Green colour. With only 1000 of these |
| sands of time drained out of the second | | | | produced worldwide unearthing one will be a real |
| Millennium, a group of 132 renowned automotive | | | | find. |
| journalists gathered in Las Vegas to cast their | | | | Or, probably even rarer is the 1967 Mini Cooper |
| ballots and elect 'The Car of the Century'. | | | | rally car. This Mini diecast is based on the Mini |
| As you would probably expect, the car voted into | | | | Cooper made famous during the 1960's for it's |
| pole position was the mother of modern | | | | impressive performances in the Monte Carlo rallies. |
| motoring, Ford's Model T. But what may surprise | | | | This 1:24 scale model is red with a white roof and |
| you is that in an incredibly close run race, crossing | | | | detailed with the rally number 177. It features a |
| the line in second position wasn't a Ferrari, | | | | bumper mounted array of spots, a roof rack |
| Maserati or Lamborghini but that truly iconic car of | | | | complete with spare tyres and the doors open, |
| the '60s, Morris's mighty Mini. | | | | as does the bonnet and boot. |
| So, with this in mind, it is inconceivable that any | | | | Another 1:24 scale model to actively search out is |
| decent collection of diecast cars could be | | | | the Mini diecast police car. This vehicle is once |
| considered complete until it contains at least one | | | | again based on the 1967 Morris Mini Cooper and |
| diecast Mini. | | | | measures just 16cm long. Production was limited |
| But out of the many models and marques | | | | to 1500 numbered and certified models. This |
| available which one should you strive to obtain? | | | | striking diecast has authentic British police livery, |
| Mini diecast models have been, and still are, | | | | light and siren mount, and features working |
| manufactured by all of the major diecast model | | | | wheels and steering, opening doors, boot and |
| companies. ERTL, Corgi, Kyosho, Maisto and Auto | | | | bonnet and a finely detailed engine. |
| Art, who recently introduced the BMW Mini | | | | Any of these three Mini diecast models would |
| diecast, all have a massive range to choose from. | | | | form the highlight of any serious collection and |
| However, if you're looking for something a little | | | | you would be lucky to own one. However if there |
| rarer, something which will impress other | | | | isn't currently a Mini diecast model car in your |
| collectors, something you can be really proud to | | | | collection, then I urge you to clear a space and |
| own, then keep your eyes peeled for one of the | | | | start hunting one down. |
| few Mini diecast vehicles created by the Franklin | | | | A diecast car collection, no matter how good it |
| Mint. | | | | seems just isn't complete without a Mini diecast in |
| Examples to watch out for include the 1967 | | | | its midst. |
| Morris Mini Cooper released in a striking British | | | | |