1/43 MAZDA 787B Ver.B : 1991 LM 24hours #8 S.Johanson / D.Kennedy / M.S.Sala

[About MAZDA 787B】

As of April 2018, the MAZDA 787 B is the only Japanese manufacturer’s car in the Le Mans 24 Hours race, and the only overall victory car with a rotary engine. This championship is an event that is a highlight of the long history of Mazda and the rotary engine.

Mazda’s relationship with the rotary engine dates back to the 1960s. At that time NSU, which was a car and motorcycle manufacturer in West Germany, sold the world’s first rotary engine car, and Toyo Industries (later Mazda), which was the second Japanese automobile manufacturer, signed a technical partnership agreement with NSU. In essence, they decided to engage in the development of a rotary engine car by betting their company. And in 1967, the first Mazda rotary mounted loading car, Cosmo Sports was offered for sale. Even though NSU and its partners withdrew from manufacturing rotary engines after the oil shock, Mazda continued to make rotary engine vehicles only after that.

Participation in Mazda’s Motor Sports, including the Le Mans 24 Hours race, began in the 1970s. Full-scale participation started in 1973 with the Sigma MC 73 with a Mazda rotary engine. Although there was also a year of non-participation after that, they continued to echo the rotary engine sound to the Salto circuit until 1991.

As a Le Mans participation vehicle, the Mazda 767 became a 4-rotor engine in 1988; after the 787 in 1990, it arrives at its improved type, the 787 B, with an overall victory in 1991. Due to a change in regulations, the 1991 Le Mans race was the last year when participation with rotary engines was possible.

With this last chance, Mazda participated with the 787 and 787 B, colored with Green and Orange of Renown Charge; it rejected strong rivals such as the Mercedes C 11 and Jaguar XJR – 12. Renown color No. 55 won the overall victory, Works No. 18 finished sixth place and accomplished a great achievement.

【Outline of kit】

■ White Metal, Etched Parts, Silk Printing Decal