MINICHAMPS 1/43 PORSCHE 911 GT1

This is the Porsche 911 GT1 pffered by Minichamps. The detailing is superb, both of the exterior and the interior. However, what really impresses is the decoration, for this is not applied by transfers but is tampo printed. The car is shown as raced at Le Mans in 1996, driven by Thierry Boutsen, with Hans-Joachim Stuck and Bob Wollek. The main sponsorship is by Mobil.Shop here

SOLIDO 1/18 ASTON MARTIN DBR9 V12 LE MANS 2005

The Aston Martin DBR9 won the Sebring 12 Hours LMGT1 category in 2005, but came third in Le Mans 24 Hour LMGT1 category, behind arch-rivals Corvette Racing. In 2006, the DBR9 was less successful, finishing second behind the Corvette at both Sebring and Le Mans. Despite not winning Sebring and Le Mans, Aston Martin Racing regularly challenged Corvette Racing for victory in the American Le Mans Series, with victories at the New England Grand Prix, Grand Prix of Utah, Grand Prix of Mosport, Petit Le Mans, and Monterey Sports Car Championships. Aston Martin capped their 2006 ALMS season by finishing second in the GT1 Manufacturer's Championship, earning the factory team an automatic entry to the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans. Shop here

SPARK MODEL 1/43 LOLA T98/10 - LE MANS 1999 - No.26 KONRAD

 

The model is also of a Lola T99/10, but this time powered by a Ford engine. Sponsored by Talkline, the car was run by the Konrad Motorsports team from Germany and carried race number 26. The car was driven by Lammers/Kox/Coronel and retired in the 17th hour of the race. See more

MAISTO 1/18 AUDI R8R - NO.8 - 1999 LE MANS 24 HOURS

The 24 Hours of Le Mans road race has been one of motor racing's most prestigious--and grueling--events for decades. This Maisto 1:18 scale die-cast car replicates Audi's 200-plus mph R8R, one of the most technically advanced endurance racing cars in the world. Remove the engine cover and find a beautifully re-created engine (complete with ignition wires) and a real working spring suspension. Look in the cockpit to see detailed instruments and restraint system--authentic right down to the logos. The steering really works and the numerous sponsor decals that adorn this silver beauty are nigh perfect. Includes a stackable plastic display unit. --Matthew Mason  Shop here

IXO 1/43 FERRARI 250P - LE MANS 1963

The real car was crewed by John Surtees and Willy Mairesse. Unfortunately they did not finish the race, due to an acident and fire. This is another super modle to add to the ever increasing range of historic Ferrari racers being produced of late by IXO. Buy it now

PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS - LE MANS 2002 DIECAST MODEL

Minichamps has released a 1:43 diecast model of the #75 Porsche 911 GT3 RS which Leo Hindery, Peter Baron and Anthony Kester raced at Le Mans in 2002. This diecast model commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Automobile Club De L'Oust (aka the ACO), who organise the famous Le Mans race each year. Presented in special packaging, this diecast model is a limited edition of just 999 pieces worldwide.

IXO 1/43rd SCALE MODEL OF THE ASTON MARTIN DBR9

Le Mans 24 Hours is a subject that brings out the passion in collectors. Serious collectors will need to stick to 1/43rd scale, but there are more and more 1/18th scale models availables as well.

A favorite theme for collectors is the winners; every winner since the first race in 1923 has been modelled. No need searching for the winners from 1940 to 1948 though, because there were no races during the war years. Starter made every winner to 2003 in resin and, although they were no longer producing models, collectors can still find them. IXO have set out to produce every winner in diecast and they are now about 40% of the way through the list. The 1933 winning Alfa was red and yellow do the same or make it the authentic red and cream? Latest issue is the stunning Aston Martin DBR9, and IXO's prototype is this month's cover star!

The phototype of IXO's imminent 1/43rd scale model of the Aston Martin DBR9, is shown here. IXO will be producing a limited edition of 3,000 of these models under the ProDrive/Aston Martin brand, in official Aston Martin packaging. This model will also be issued under general release in IXO's Le Mans brand packaging.

Once people have collected all the winners they can expand their interest by collecting all the second and third place finishers, or a marque such as Jaguar, Porsche of Ferrari, or British car that race at Le Mans, or simply the cars that the collector especially likes. --Model Collector

IXO - FERRARI BB512 - LE MANS 1980

There were 929 of these cars produced in a run lasting twelve years, 1973 to 1985. From the Berlinetta Boxer it took the Flat 12 engine and the car could reach 175mph, with 0 to 60 reached in 7.2 seconds. The model captures well the business like look of the real car. See more.

IXO 1/43 - LOTUS ELITE - LE MANS 1989

The first Elite or Lotus Type 14 was an ultra-light two-seater coupé, produced from 1957 to 1963. Making its debut at the 1957 London Motor Car Show, Earls Court, the 14 spent a year in development, aided by "carefully selected racing customers", before going on sale. Elites won their class six times at the 24 hour Le Mans race as well as two Index of Thermal Efficiency wins. The Elite was the first Lotus produced car to race in Australia and the original car to be raced in Australia is currently in boxes under re-furbishment.

Another to keep Lotus collectors happy. IXO have already released a car from the 1960 series, No.43. The lastest release, No.38, crewed by J.C Vidtilles should complement it well. This model does not disappoint with its high level of detail. See more.

BMW LMR-1999 LE MANS

This 1/43th scale model carries race numbers 15 and replicates the Dell sponsored, Williams built BMW LMR V12 powered car that won the 1999 race. Driven by Martini/Dalmas/Winkelhoek, the BMW Motorsport car was powered by a much modified version of the BMW V12 unit that had taken McLaren to victory in 1995. The model is finished in white with replica decals. See more.