1961 Cooper Climax

[mrindy77]

I just received my FPPM kit and it is really nice. 52 parts make up the kit and the decals are clean and crisp. I have always been intrigued by this car and the revolution it started. Interesting to note is FPPM molded the brass suspension pieces into the chassis once cleaned up it will make for a very solid suspension. 

After winning their second Formula One World Championship in October 1960, encouraged by Roger Ward, John Cooper and Jack Brabham tested a T53 "Low Line" F1 car at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The results were encouraging enough for wealthy enthusiast Jim Kimberly to sponsor a specially built car for the 1961 race. Designed and constructed in less than 4 months, the new car appeared at the Brickyard May 5, 1961, and was quickly put into its paces. After a few modifications, Jack Brabham qualified the new car in 13th spot, only 2mph slower than pole position. After an eventful race in which Brabham was forced to make 3 long pit stops due to excessive tire wear from its inadequate Dunlops, he completed the 200 laps in 9th place, causing many to rethink their long-established beliefs about what a proper Indy car should be. 
It would take three more years for the "Rear Engine Revolution" to be complete, but the sole Cooper T54 was the death knell of the traditional front-engine, rigid-axle cars that had ruled the Indy 500 since the early 1920s.

Stay tuned in for the ensuing WIP.

 

[Deathgoblin]

Looks like a really nice kit.   

[DrKerry]

Looks like a really nice kit.   

Second that!!!!

[Lizard Racing]

 

The May/June issue of Vintage Motorsport magazine has a good feature article on this car.

I saw this car at the IMS Museum.

[250 Testa Rossa]

The real car is at the Marconi Museum in Tustin. 

[crazyrichard]

whow cool kit !!!

[GlueTube]

Great subject! Where can I find a kit?

 

Regards

Brian Kroon

 

[mrindy77]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COOPER-T54-KIMBERLY-Indy-1961-1-24-FPPM-resin-model-kit-Jack-Brabham-/111822313679?hash=item1a092118cf:g:LOQAAOSw5ZBWMPHp

I think he only sells via ebay. I purchased mine as a preorder for $119. Once the kit was completed shipping was with in a week. I'm definitely getting his Ferrari 375 Indy as well. 

Edited November 16, 2015 by mrindy77

[afx]

Looking forward to your build Cal.

[mrindy77]

Cleaning up parts and filling up some pinholes. Mock up to make sure everything is fitting correctly before primer coat.

[Art Laski]

Good start, Cal!