1/12 Full Detailed Kit: Mazda 787B

Description

This is a racing car model kit assembled from parts made of resin, white metal, photo-etched metal and possibly other materials.

From the Model Factory Hiro website:

The Mazda 787B is currently the only Japanese-built car to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and doing so equipped with a rotary engine. The victory not only marks an incredible milestone for the Mazda company, but also a special moment in the history of the rotary engine itself. This year (2017) also marks the 50th anniversary since Mazda first sold vehicles running on the rotary engine in 1967.

The rotary engine was first introduced in automobiles by German automotive/autobike maker NSU in the 1960s. In order to separate themselves from other Japanese auto companies, Toyo Kogyo Co. (later known as Mazda Motor Co.) formed a contract with NSU and began development on rotary engine-powered automobiles. In 1967 Mazda released the first of such vehicles: the Cosmo Sport. After the oil shock, NSU and their rotary supplier dropped from the market, but Mazda continued to produce cars running on rotary engines, making them the sole supplier of rotary engine-powered automobiles.

Mazda first entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1970s, with their first official debut in 1973 with the rotary engine-equipped Sigma MC73. While there were years where the team did not participate, when they did the team continued to use rotary engines in their entries. Beginning with the 4-rotor engine in the Mazda 767 that first appeared in 1988, and the 1990 entry 787, the team’s effort finally came to fruition as the upgraded version of the 787, the 787B, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991.

Due to a change in regulations, 1991 became the last year that rotary engines could be used in Le Mans. During this year, Mazda entered three cars: a 787 and 787B both under Works colours, and a third 787B painted in Renown green/orange. The three cars faced strong rivals such as the Mercedes C11 and XJR-12 on the track, but the Renown-painted 787B (No. 55) beat out the competition to take first place overall in the end.

After the race, car no. 55 was restored and put into retirement. 20 years after its victory, the car was brought into Le Mans in 2011 and ran on the Sarthe Circuit once more. Driver J. Herbert stood upon the podium in act of celebration after the run (something he was unable to due 20 years ago, as he suffered dehydration after the race and had to be ushered into the medical centre). During the demo run, the car also featured a message sticker in support of the Tohoku Earthquake relief in lieu of the earthquake that also happened during 2011.

In memory of the vehicle that not only made racing history in Japan but also all around the world, and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Mazda’s rotary engine, we present our latest 1/12 scale full detail kit – the Mazda 787B. 　

[Kit Details]

• Based on the 1991 Le Mans winner, 787B no 55. (driven by V.Weidler/J.Herbert/B.Gachot)
• A full-detailed, multi-material kit featuring white metal, resin, etching, metal-turned parts, rubber tires, decals and various cords allowing for maximum representation of the original vehicle.
• Aluminum-turned parts used for wheel rim, center locknut, shaft, headlight rims and fuel intake mouth.
• Rotary and shaft parts inside engine have been separated out as unique parts. Internals of rotary engine design can be viewed during building process.
• Front/rear cowl can be removed, and doors can be open/closed, allowing full view of the detailed interior after completion.
• Pre-printed sponsor logos featured on tires.