03 August 2011
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Sun Star announces release of two new 1/12 scale diecast Morris Minis
Due for release later this year, Sun Star has announced its 1/12 scale diecast models of a 1960 Morris Mini Traveller in Clipper Blue and a 1960 Morris Mini Van in the livery of the Royal Mail. ...
Due for release later this year, a 1960 Morris Mini Traveller in Clipper Blue and a 1960 Morris Mini Van in the livery of the Royal Mail have joined Sun Star’s range of 1/12 scale models.
On its website, Sun Star comments on the full size vehicle: “In September 1960, BMC launched the Austin and Morris estate car versions of the Mini saloons, based on the floorpan of the Mini van. However, like the saloon, the fuel tank was situated on the near-side of the boot behind a trim panel and the spare wheel and battery were placed under a hinged floor panel... Because of the popularity of the Morris Minor Traveller, both versions were offered with a wooden frame glued to the rear section and the Morris was also given the name ‘Traveller’, the Austin Se7en was called ‘Countryman’.”
Of the Royal Mail Mini Van, Sun Star reveals: “The first 50 Morris Mini vans were delivered to the Post Office in 1960 and 1963. However, because they were much lower than the Morris Minor van, getting in and out was much more difficult which made them unpopular with postmen. So, it was only after production of the Morris Minor had ended in 1971 that large quantities of Mini vans were bought...”
The Morris Mini Traveller (909 H5311) will be a limited edition of 2,000 pieces. The Morris Mini Van (909 H5316) will be limited to just 1,500 pieces. Both models will retail at £169.99.