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The Lotus 23 was designed by Colin Chapman to compete in small-displacement categories, taking advantage of its low weight and excellent handling to surprise rivals with much more powerful engines. This
high-quality resin kit lets you choose from
six different versions of the Lotus 23, some driven by such charismatic drivers as Jim Clark, and which obtained important victories in events such as the Australian Tourist Trophy or the 3 Hours Autosport at Snetterton, both in 1963. The kit includes
photo-etched parts and white metal parts, so you can assemble the version of your choice with great detail.
Additional details for the
Lotus 23 car scale model kit:
- Manufactured by Marsh Models in 1/43 scale with reference MM353.
- Belongs to the Normand Racing Division, Essex Racing Stable, Arciero Brothers, Bob Challman Team.
- Recreation of the vehicle racing at the Nürburgring 1000 Kilometres, the Australian TT Tourist Trophy, the Riverside 200 Miles and the Snetterton 3 Hours in 1962, 1963 and 1964.
- Includes photo-etched parts, resin parts, turned metal parts, water slide decals, white metal parts, other materials and assembly instructions.
- Package measures 75 mm x 160 mm x 60 mm (width x depth x height), weighting 130 g (review pending).
- Featured in newsletter 670.
The Lotus 23 was the last small-displacement sports car designed from the ground up by Colin Chapman and his team. Unveiled at the 1962 London Motor Show, the Lotus 23 became one of the most elegant and stylish racing cars ever seen. Designed primarily for the 1.100 cc class, it could also be fitted with engines up to 1.000 cc, although early in the 1962 season Lotus developed its own version of the Ford engine with a twin overhead camshaft, converting it into a 1.498 cc unit. The first of these engines was fitted to the works unit that Jim Clark drove in the 1.000 km Nürburgring, an ADAC World Championship event. In this event, the Lotus 23 proved its worth with spectacular performance, leading the race until fumes from a broken exhaust overwhelmed Clark, forcing him to retire.
Two other factory-backed Lotus 23s were entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one with a 997 cc engine and one with a 745 cc engine. However, the French stewards rejected them because, while the front wheels had four-stud fittings, the rear wheels used six. This contravened the regulation rule that the spare wheel had to be compatible with both the front and rear. Colin Chapman modified the rear fitting to accept only four studs and therefore match the front. However, the stewards dismissed this strategy, arguing that if the original design called for six studs, the Lotus would be clearly unsafe with only four. Colin Chapman was forced to withdraw both cars and, convinced that the organizers were favoring rival French entries, vowed that his Lotus team would never compete at Le Mans again... a promise he kept.
This did not prevent the design from achieving great sales success. In 1963, a Type 23B version was offered with a more robust chassis and a 1.558 cc Lotus-Ford Twin-Cam engine. Lotus 23s, in the 1-litre, 1.100 cc and 1.600 cc categories, competed in all types of championships, from the most modest club to the most important internationally, throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, America, South Africa, Australia, and so on, achieving great success.
In total, 131 units were produced between 1962 and 1964, with many others assembled by external specialists.
SpotModel recommends this product exclusively for experienced professional modellers and collectors. Take appropriate precautions as this product is not a toy, it can be toxic and/or dangerous. Keep away from children. Use is not allowed for children under 14 years.
No customer reviews yet.
Run by John and Pam Simons,
Marsh Models has a small workshop in East Sussex and has been producing 1/43 scale model cars since 1981. In the world of 1/43 scale model cars,
Marsh Models has an enviable reputation for quality and accuracy in all its products and has been foremost in introducing new and unique techniques in the use of photoetched parts.
In a world of bland uniformity, where model cars flood the market from the Far East,
Marsh Models offer a true alternative: model cars made for and by enthusiasts. If your interest is in CanAm, McLarens, Chaparrals, Le Mans cars or any sports racing cars of the 50s to the 90s, you will be able to find what you need in their comprehensive range. All their products are made in resin and white metal, and manufactured in the UK to the highest standards.
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