1:18 McLaren F1 GTR

[Petrolhead]

The McLaren F1 GTR was a racing variant of the McLaren F1 sports car first produced in 1995 for grand touring style racing such as the BPR Global GT Series,FIA GT Championship,JGTC and British GT Championship.It is most famous for its overall victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans where it beat faster purpose-built prototypes.McLaren F1 GTRs raced internationally until 2005 when the final race chassis was retired.


What you see here are two 1:18 scale-models of this legendary racer by the now defunct UT Models.
First up is the #24 Gulf McLaren F1 GTR that recorded a fourth place finish at the 1995 24 Hours of LeMans in the hands of drivers Mark Blundell,Ray Bellm and Maurizio Sandro Sala.



This is a very old model and its age is beginning to show.The decals are not quite as neat and sharp anymore as I wish they had stayed.Also being nearly a decade old,it is missing certain details we take for granted even on today's budget 1:18 models.The absence of brake calipers is one such example of the models' shortcomings.Still a cracker of a model considering how old it is and the hugely desirable piece of motoring history it represents.

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BMW S70 6.1 litre V12.



Seen here with the models is my recently acquired 1:18 Mechanic Set by TrueScale Miniatures.These brilliantly detailed figures are made of resin and their light blue uniforms work rather well with the Gulf livery.


Next up is the #40 Gulf Team Davidoff McLaren F1 GTR 'Long Tail'.This car was entered for the 1997 24 Hours of LeMans to be driven by John Nielsen,Thomas Bscher and Chris Goodwin but while it did participate in the qualifying event,it recorded a 'DNS' (Did Not Start) in the actual race.

[bandhav]

I am no fan of Race liveried cars but I think I will make an exception in case F1. Lovely models there PH.

PS: Ask that guy with spanner not to fool around.

[Petrolhead]

Haha!!Didn't have any kind of jack to raise the car so I just left him there by the side of it.Thanks for the appreciation,Spandan!



Should have wiped the spoiler clean before taking the snaps.Oops!

BMW S70 6.0 litre V12.Capacity was reduced for the 1997 'Long Tails' by about a 100cc to ensure a longer life.Engine cover cannot stay up on its own now so I had to call upon one of the mechanics to help...with his...er...head.

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I will end with a closer look at the guys that make up my little team.

[model collector]

Nice! Great photos with your mechanics

[Slix.Salakshya]

Just like Bandhav, not a fan of stickered race cars so I don't really have much to say, the stock F1 itself is a legend.
Anyhow, let's talk bout those figurines, they look fantastic, those mechanics are looking amazing even in close-up pics. Like the hair texture the most, great job by TrueScale Miniatures.

[Guggga]

Very cool photos and I those TSM mechanics are awesome!
Gotta love the Gulf Maccas

[Petrolhead]

Thanks,fellas!!The mechanics really are an addition I am very proud of.And they are fantastically detailed.Dunno if it shows in the photos but their clothes are also very realistically textured.As for those of you who aren't big fans of racing cars,a new thread is now up featuring a less decal covered version.

[siddvi]

Those figurines fit in very well. It must be fun being back to you collection PH and more hurray snapping them.

BTW, what make is it, the car as well as the figurines.

[manishalive]

Those mechanics are so nice, overall nice photoshots, love those rece livered F1, I like them but then to apraise the beauty of design i need a plain version too, just like you have it.

[channabasanna]

Nice mechanics with super cool cars Sid