A MINI that made history has been immortalised by toy giant Corgi. Daniel Harper, of Barley and co-driver Les Reger, of Burnley, rewrote the record books with their championship drive in the Mini Cooper in the 1997 Network Q RAC Rally.

It was the first time in 35 years of motorsport that the Mini had won its class in an international rally.

The couple won the gruelling three-day event from their start number of 149 after a determined display of driving made them the winners by just over a minute.

The red and white car, sponsored by Mini Sport of Padiham, where Daniel is a director, has now been reproduced by Corgi as a special model.

Only 5,500 models have been produced, including a signed limited edition of 250, and more than 3,000 have been sold already.

Mini Sport is an international specialist dealing in Minis, as well as spare parts and accessories. Daniel said the model was superb. "It is very good, particularly the detail. We are very pleased," he added.

The model is available from Mini Sport or from Cowgill's Toy Shop and Stationers, Market Place, Clitheroe.

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