Tamiya 1/12 Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i Plastic Model Kit – 12031

The Tamiya Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i is a highly detailed 1/12 scale plastic model kit recreating one of Britain's most recognisable and much-loved cars.

Tamiya 12031 is being re-released for 2026, bringing this impressive large-scale Mini kit back with updated decals, window masking stickers and floor carpet stickers.

With its large 1/12 scale, opening bonnet, fully detailed engine bay, realistic interior and authentic suspension and underbody components, this is an excellent kit for Mini enthusiasts and experienced automotive modellers.

The Iconic Mini Cooper

The original Mini became famous for its remarkably compact dimensions, front-wheel-drive layout and entertaining handling.

The involvement of racing-car designer John Cooper transformed the humble Mini into the sporting Mini Cooper, creating a car that would become successful in motorsport and an automotive icon.

Tamiya's kit recreates the later Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i, retaining the unmistakable proportions and character of the classic Mini while representing the updated 1.3-litre model.

Impressive 1/12 Scale

At 1/12 scale, this is considerably larger than Tamiya's more common 1/24 scale automotive kits.

The larger scale allows Tamiya to reproduce considerably more mechanical and interior detail, resulting in an impressive finished display model.

The distinctive compact body shape, round headlights, chrome-style trim and characteristic Mini proportions are all faithfully captured.

Detailed Engine Bay

One of the highlights of Tamiya 12031 is the fully detailed engine compartment.

The bonnet can be opened on the completed model, revealing detailed representations of the:

• 1.3-litre engine
• Transmission
• Radiator
• Engine ancillaries
• Engine bay components
• Front suspension

This makes the model particularly impressive when displayed with the bonnet open.

Opening Bonnet

The bonnet is designed to open, allowing the detailed engine bay to remain visible after construction.

This adds another dimension to the finished model and gives experienced builders plenty of opportunity to add additional painting, detailing and weathering to the engine compartment.

Highly Detailed Interior

The Mini's distinctive interior is reproduced in impressive detail.

Seats, dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, door pockets and other interior fittings are represented, allowing the modeller to create a convincing scale reproduction of the full-size car.

The updated release also includes floor carpet stickers, adding additional texture and realism to the interior.

Detailed Chassis & Suspension

Tamiya hasn't concentrated solely on the parts you can see from above.

The underside features detailed representations of the Mini's mechanical components and suspension, making this a rewarding model for builders who appreciate mechanical accuracy.

The larger 1/12 scale makes these details considerably easier to appreciate than on smaller automotive kits.

Metal-Plated Wheels & Rubber Tyres

The distinctive Mini wheels are reproduced with metal-plated finishes and fitted with realistic rubber tyres.

These provide an authentic appearance and complement the detailed suspension and braking components.

Updated 2026 Re-Release

The latest release of Tamiya 12031 receives several worthwhile updates while retaining the detail of the original kit.

The updated edition includes:

• Revised decal sheet
• Additional Union Jack roof decal
• Window masking stickers
• Floor carpet stickers
• Revised instructions

The additional Union Jack option gives builders another distinctive way to finish this classic British car.

Key Features

• Highly detailed 1/12 scale plastic model kit
• Tamiya Item Number 12031
• Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i
• Large-scale display model
• Accurate classic Mini body shape
• Opening bonnet
• Highly detailed engine compartment
• Detailed engine and transmission
• Realistic radiator and mechanical components
• Detailed front and rear suspension
• Highly detailed interior
• Realistic dashboard, seats and door trims
• Floor carpet stickers
• Metal-plated wheels
• Realistic rubber tyres
• Updated decal sheet
• Union Jack roof decal option
• Window masking stickers included
• Suitable for experienced automotive modellers
• Glue and paint required separately

Specifications

Brand: Tamiya
Part Number: 12031
Model: Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i
Scale: 1/12
Type: Plastic Model Kit
Vehicle Type: Passenger / Sports Car
Body: Plastic
Tyres: Rubber
Bonnet: Opening
Engine Detail: Yes
Interior Detail: Yes
Decals: Included
Window Masks: Included in updated release
Assembly Required: Yes
Painting Required: Yes
Glue Required: Yes

What's Included

• Tamiya 1/12 Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i model kit
• Detailed engine and drivetrain components
• Detailed interior components
• Metal-plated wheels
• Rubber tyres
• Updated water-slide decal sheet
• Union Jack roof decal
• Window masking stickers
• Floor carpet stickers
• Assembly and painting instructions

Required to Complete

This is an unassembled plastic model kit, not a finished model.

You'll need suitable:

• Plastic model cement
• Tamiya paints or equivalent model paints
• Modelling knife
• Side cutters
• Tweezers
• Brushes and/or airbrush
• Basic modelling tools

The official instructions specify that paints and plastic cement are required separately.

A Standout Kit for Mini Enthusiasts

The Tamiya 12031 Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i is an impressive choice for anyone wanting something more substantial than a conventional 1/24 scale car kit.

Its large 1/12 scale, opening bonnet, detailed engine bay, realistic interior and extensive mechanical detail make it a model that rewards careful assembly and painting.

The updated release is even more appealing thanks to the revised decals, Union Jack roof option, window masks and carpet detailing, making the finished Mini an excellent centrepiece for a model car collection.