On road, Rally and Racing Mini Cooper body
Tamiya bodies are known for the meticulous attention to detail with which they are made and part of the brand’s success is likely due to its bodies.
Among these, the Mini Cooper series stands out, released in both street and racing versions. The racing version is available in rally configuration (Monte Carlo 1994 race) and track configuration (identified by the number 32 on the side).
Tamiya released two Lexan bodies that differ only in a few details concentrated in the front and rear sections, allowing the brand to offer three versions (street, rally and track). Tamiya also reproduces the second-generation Mini body.
The first-generation Mini Cooper body is available under the following codes:
– Street Mini Cooper: Lexan body identified by code 11825124 (top left image), without the additional front headlights found in the rally version. It is completed by the sticker set code 19495205 (bottom left image). This body is intended for the Rover Mini Cooper model, code 58149, released in 1999. The complete set, including body, front bumper, rear bumper, front grille and stickers, is code 50567, described as “1/10-Body Mini Cooper Rover M-01,” which also includes a second sticker set identified by code 1425403 (right image).
– Mini Cooper Montecarlo 1994: Lexan body identified by code 11825124 (top left image), the same as the street version, without additional front headlights. It is completed by the sticker set code 19495224 (right image) and the bumper and front grille set with rally headlights, code 19115069 part K (bottom left image). This body is intended for the Rover Mini Cooper 94 Montecarlo model, code 58163, released in 2000 with M-01 chassis and the Mini Cooper 94 Montecarlo model, code 58483, released in 2011 with M-05 chassis. The complete set, including body, front bumper, rear bumper, front grille, rally front light group and stickers, is code 50671, described as “1/10-Body Mini Cooper Montecarlo 1994.”
– Mini Cooper racing version with identification number 32; Lexan body identified by code 11825179 (right image); this body differs from the one used for the street and rally versions. The complete body and sticker set is code 50795 (left image), described as “1/10-Body Mini Cooper Racing.” In this case, front and rear bumpers are not included and the front grille is integrated into the Lexan mold. This body is intended for the Rover Mini Cooper Racing model, code 58211 with M-03 chassis released in 2010 and Mini Cooper Racing model, code 84183 with M-05 chassis released in 2011.
All sticker sets include masking for the 2 + 2 side windows, the windshield and the rear window.
In the images below, the Mini Cooper model is on the left, the Mini Cooper in the 1994 Monte Carlo racing version is in the center and the Mini Cooper Racing version is on the right.
Excluding the accessory parts used to complete the body, Tamiya releases two Lexan bodies from which it derives the various versions. Let’s compare the two options: 50567 used for the street Mini (the Lexan body is the same as the one used for the Monte Carlo version, which features a different front grille housing four rally headlights) and 50795 used for the Cooper Racing. The packaging of both bodies has the same external dimensions, but the ink used for version 50567 is green, while the ink used for version 50795 is blue. In the images below: on the left is the top and short side of the packaging for the body used on the street Mini Cooper and on the right is the packaging solution used for the Mini Cooper Racing.
In the images below: at the top is the long side of the packaging for the body used on the Mini Cooper Street – Monte Carlo version and at the bottom is the packaging solution used for the Mini Cooper Racing version.
The two bodies differ in the front bumper, rear bumper and engine grille, which are included only in the first version, 50567. The second version 50795 does not have the two bumpers and the rear-view mirrors; the grille is molded directly into the Lexan shell. The dimensions are exactly the same. In the image below, the Lexan body and the additional parts included in set 50567 for the street Mini are shown. For the rally Mini, the body is the same, but the additional parts differ: four front rally headlights are included. The front grille and headlights are available on the market as part K for the rally Mini, code 19115069.
In the left image, the front section of set 50567 is shown: it includes 2 + 2 cones that must be cut to create the holes needed to install the front grille and bumper. The grille area on the body in set 50567 is a flat surface. In the right image, the front section of set 50795 is shown: the grille is molded directly into the Lexan and there are no 2 + 2 cones to be cut for installing the grille and bumper.
In the left image, the rear section of set 50567 is shown: it includes 2 cones that must be cut to create the holes needed to install the rear bumper. In the right image, the rear section of set 50795 is shown: there are no cones to be cut for installing the rear bumper.
The stickers are different: on the left are those from set 50567 and on the right are those from set 50795.
There is a small difference in the lower part of the body between the two wheel arches. On the body of the road and rally Mini Cooper, below the black stripe connecting the two wheel arches, there is a small side skirt running along the entire body (highlighted by the yellow box). For the road Mini, the manual suggests painting it the same color as the body (left image), while for the rally Mini, the manual recommends painting it black (center image, although in the photo it has been painted in the body’s red color). The track Mini does not feature this side skirt or trim (right image).
The dimensions of the Lexan bodies in the two kits are exactly the same; from above, it is almost impossible to tell them apart. It is necessary to view at least the front, rear, or side profile.
Today (2025), the bodywork of the Mini Racing is also available with the MB-01 chassis and a 1/8 scale version is available that fits the TG10-Mk.1 nitro chassis.