No.6 Cooper-Bristol was the first of two racing cars in the Esso Petrol Pump Series. It was based on a Formula 2 car built by Coopers from 1952-55. At that time Grand Prix races were run to Formula 2 specifications and the Cooper-Bristols were good contenders but never champions despite having drivers like Juan Fangio and Mike Hawthorn.

 

The Morestone model was a two-part casting of body and base rivetted together in the centre. The base included the driver. Interestingly, the axles (flat-head & crimped) ran through flanges in the body and supported large metal wheels which were usually finished with silver trim in the centres.

 

Painted in the Cooper racing livery of blue, the body had good detailing with silver trim on the front grille and side exhausts. The driver and base were white and underneath had 'Cooper-Bristol', 'Made in England' and 'No.6' cast. 

 

No.6 Cooper-Bristol did not have a long production run as it was based on a vehicle which quickly became out-dated when Cooper revolutionised motor racing with rear-engined cars in 1957-58. It was therefore not included in the Budgie Miniatures range.

 

The model appeared in Esso boxes with the Garage Offer on the base flap. Early boxes had small numbers but later large numbers were added to the picture side.

 

Fatigue is often a problem with No.6 Cooper-Bristol, especially with the driver and base, so mint examples are quite hard to find.