Rondeau M379B Red Number 8 - 1981 24 Hours of Le Mans
Scale: 1:43
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This Rondeau M379B miniature faithfully reproduces car number 8 that took part in the legendary 1981 24 Hours of Le Mans. Driven by the French crew of Philippe Streiff, Jean-Louis Schlesser and Jacques Haran, this French prototype embodied the spirit of resistance against the domination of foreign manufacturers on the Sarthe circuit.
This exceptional piece is aimed at collectors passionate about French endurance racing and fans of the mythical Le Mans races. It is a valuable testimony to the golden era of French racing sports cars.
The Rondeau M379B was developed in 1981 as an evolution of the M379 series that had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans the previous year. This sports prototype incorporated the latest technical innovations of Jean Rondeau, notably a redesigned bodywork to optimise aerodynamics and an improved weight distribution.
Equipped with a 3.0-litre Ford-Cosworth DFV engine producing around 480 horsepower, the M379B benefited from an ultra-rigid tubular chassis and suspension adapted to the specific demands of the Sarthe circuit. Its distinctive red livery made it easily recognisable among the cosmopolitan field of the 24 Hours.
Although it did not repeat the winning feat of 1980, this M379B represented French know-how in competition car construction and demonstrated the innovative capacity of small manufacturers facing industrial giants.
In 1981, the Rondeau marque was going through a pivotal period in its history. After the historic victory at the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans, Jean Rondeau and his team were trying to confirm this exceptional performance. The French manufacturer was evolving in an increasingly competitive environment, with the massive arrival of German and Japanese manufacturers in endurance racing.
Founded in the early 1970s by Jean Rondeau, a former driver turned constructor, the marque embodied French automotive craftsmanship applied to competition. Based in Le Mans itself, it had an intimate knowledge of the circuit and developed its cars specifically for this legendary event. The Rondeau philosophy favoured reliability and efficiency over raw power, an approach that had proven its worth against industrial giants.
The 1981 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans marked a turning point in the history of endurance racing. For the first time since 1950, a French manufacturer had won its own event the previous year with Rondeau, creating an extraordinary surge of enthusiasm across France. This victory had a considerable impact, restoring hope to French enthusiasts who had watched foreign domination for decades.
The 1981 Rondeau M379B number 8 belonged to this particular dynamic in which an entire country hoped to see its colours triumph once again. The Streiff-Schlesser-Haran crew represented the new generation of French drivers, trained in modern driving schools and capable of rivalling the world elite.
This 1981 race remains in memory as one of the most hotly contested of the decade. The M379B, despite its meticulous preparation, had to face formidable competition including the official Porsche 936s and the new Lancia LC1s. The electric atmosphere at Le Mans at the time reflected the national stakes this race represented for French motorsport.
Beyond the sporting result, this participation embodied the French spirit of competition: that of passionate manufacturers challenging industrial giants with limited means but unwavering determination, on their favourite terrain.
This Rondeau M379B naturally fits into a collection dedicated to the 24 Hours of Le Mans or to French competition cars. It blends perfectly with other racing cars from the heroic era of endurance racing.
Collectors passionate about 1980s cars will appreciate this authentic piece, which would sit alongside other iconic models of this golden decade for motorsport. This miniature at 1/43rd scale meets the quality standards expected by demanding collectors, whether they are passionate novices or experts in French competition cars.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
Christian Frassinetti
11 November 2026
High-quality products, top-level shipping, we care about the customer in this house, I am more than satisfied with my purchases. There will be more...
Herve
11 November 2026
Perfectly packaged product, arrived well and completely matches the description, I highly recommend! Thank you!
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.