Model Car Orange and green Mazda 787B number 55 - 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans
Echelle: 1/43ème
Pilotes: B. Gachot / J. Herbert / V. Weidler
Your payment information is processed securely.
Chargement de vos recommandations...
Discover this Mazda 787B miniature in its legendary orange and green livery, bearing number 55 from the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans. This faithful replica captures the essence of one of the most iconic prototypes in endurance racing history, driven by the trio Bertrand Gachot, Johnny Herbert and Volker Weidler.
This exceptional model car represents much more than a simple scale model: it immortalizes a historic moment in motorsport, when Mazda challenged the European giants with revolutionary technology. A must-have for any passionate racing car collector.
Model characteristics
- Model: 787B number 55
- Brand: Mazda
- Year: 1991
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Orange and green
- Protective case included: Yes
The real model: a revolutionary prototype
The Mazda 787B was developed specifically to conquer endurance circuits in the early 1990s. This Sport-Group C prototype embodied the culmination of Mazda's competition program, launched to demonstrate the reliability and performance of the Wankel rotary engine against the dominance of traditional piston engines.
Equipped with the legendary four-rotor R26B rotary engine, the 787B developed around 700 horsepower for a featherweight of only 830 kilos. This unique configuration gave it an inimitable sound and exceptional driving characteristics, particularly suited to long distances. Its aerodynamic bodywork, the result of intensive wind tunnel research, optimized energy efficiency while maintaining remarkable stability at high speed.
The success of the 787B at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans marked the peak of this technology before the ban on rotary engines in competition, making this victory a unique moment in motorsport history.
Mazda in 1991: technological audacity
In the early 1990s, Mazda was going through a period of intense innovation. The Japanese manufacturer, then in full international expansion, was betting on technological differentiation to establish itself against the automotive giants. The Hiroshima brand had made the rotary engine its distinctive signature, a technology it mastered better than anyone since its partnership with NSU in the 1960s.
Engagement in motorsport represented for Mazda a full-scale testing laboratory and a formidable communication tool. After years of participation in endurance racing with encouraging results but no major victory, 1991 was to be the year of consecration. The colossal investment in the 787B program testified to the brand's determination to prove the value of its technical philosophy.
This era also corresponds to the development of emblematic civilian models like the MX-5 and RX-7, vehicles that shared with the 787B this constant search for the perfect balance between performance and driving pleasure.
The historic victory that changed everything
June 23, 1991 will forever be etched in Le Mans annals. For the first time in its history, a Japanese manufacturer won the world's most prestigious endurance race, and what's more with a rotary engine that many considered unsuitable for long distances. The 787B number 55 of Bertrand Gachot, Johnny Herbert and Volker Weidler crossed the finish line after 24 hours of impeccable racing.
This victory had immediate repercussions on regulations. From 1992, rotary engines were banned in Group C, officially for reasons of competitive equity, but many saw it as a reaction to the technical superiority demonstrated by Mazda. The 787B thus became the only winner of Le Mans equipped with a Wankel engine, definitively sealing its legend.
The cultural impact of this victory far exceeded the automotive world. In Japan, the 787B became a national symbol of technological success, inspiring a generation of engineers and restoring pride to the Japanese automotive industry. Even today, the simple evocation of the distinctive sound of its four-rotor engine thrills enthusiasts worldwide.
The original car, carefully preserved by Mazda, regularly performs demonstrations at prestigious events, reminding with each appearance that it remains one of the most audacious creations in motorsport history.
Complete your miniature collection
This Mazda 787B occupies a place of honor in the world of motorsport miniatures. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to legendary racing cars or historic Le Mans moments. Its unique orange and green livery immediately distinguishes it from other prototypes of the era, dominated by more conventional colors.
For collectors passionate about competition automobiles, this miniature finds its natural complementarity with other Le Mans winners of the 1990s. It dialogues perfectly with the Porsche 962, Jaguar XJR or Peugeot 905 of the same era, reconstructing the golden age of Group C prototypes.
This miniature appeals equally to modeling purists and automotive history enthusiasts. It will particularly appeal to collectors sensitive to technical innovations and exceptional destinies, those who appreciate owning a tangible witness to the moments that shaped modern motorsport.
Même compétition : courses et compétition
Même origine : autres marques étrangères
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
What our customers say
Customer feedback and testimonials