LMM didn't have a stand so we had an informal meeting to discuss their samples. The big news is the imminent release of the Ferrari Testarossa 1961, the shark-nosed car that won Le Mans in 1961 with Phil Hill & Olivier Gendebien. This is the first Ferrari from LMM, perhaps inspired by Ferraris regularly being released by other brands.
A running sample was available, following on from the resin build-test model, and the CAD pictures. Items to note are the offset perspex cover over the intakes on the bonnet, accurate because the engine in the real car was offset to provide a straight driveline alongside the driver.
The model partly imitates this, although the motor is not offset it is front-mounted and the driveshaft passes through the nicely detailed cockpit.
LMM are also releasing a Limited Edition of a well-known French hot-hatch, the Renault 5 Alpine, or Renault 5 Gordini as it was known in the UK. Two colours will be produced, metallic blue and black.
Back to Le Mans, and new announcements for the Renault Alpine A442 which raced there in 1977 before it's historic win in 1978. Two versions are being released, the works Renault Elf car and the short-lived Bendix car which retired quite early. This must be one of the rarest Le Mans car to be modelled so should be a must-have for Le Mans collectors. Other Le Mans cars for later in the year are the Audi R18H E-Tron Quattro team cars from Le Mans 2014.
Elsewhere, LMM are continuing their series if superbly modelled and decorated figures. While waiting for the remaining Matra Team figures and Grid Girls, new people are being sculpted for release later this year. We have all the new LMM items listed on the MRE website for advance orders.
