There will be few Formula 1 fans who do not recognize this version of the McLaren Ford M23, and those who will remember images of James Hunt driving against inclement weather in search of an impossible result, which would crown him
F1 World Champion... which he finally achieved. This new reference from Model Factory Hiro is, as usual with this manufacturer, extremely detailed, with parts made of multiple materials, such as white metal, high quality resin, photo-etched parts,
turned aluminum parts such as the outer ring of the rims, the central wheel nuts or the engine intake trumpets,
rubber tires with
pre-painted logos, decals
printed by Cartograf and with a
chrome finish for the gold lines, and other elements such as cables or tubes to reproduce the original vehicle with great precision. This reference reproduces the single-seater used in the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix held at the
Fuji Speedway circuit, the final round of the season, where James Hunt secured a last-minute third place, thus earning the points needed to become champion. His teammate, Jochen Mass, was forced to retire due to an accident mid-race. To ensure an accurate reproduction of the model, this reference includes the corresponding
rain tires, which were used for most of the Grand Prix.
Additional details for the
McLaren Ford M23 car scale model kit:
- Manufactured by Model Factory Hiro in 1/12 scale with reference MFH-K859 (also listed as 4580011508598, K859 and K-859).
- Belongs to the McLaren Racing Limited Team.
- Recreation of the vehicle racing at the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1976.
- Includes photo-etched parts, resin parts, rubber parts, seatbelt fabric, turned metal parts, vacuum formed parts, water slide decals, white metal parts, other materials, assembly instructions and painting instructions.
- Package measures 265 mm x 360 mm x 95 mm (width x depth x height), weighting 2017 g.
- Box barcode 4580011508598 (GTIN/EAN)
- Featured in newsletter 683.
The McLaren M23 was the single-seater developed by the McLaren team for the 1973 season, replacing the M19 starting with the third round held in South Africa at the Kyalami circuit. Its debut can be considered a great success, with Denny Hulme achieving pole position and Peter Revson achieving second place in the race.
Designed by Gordon Coppuck, the M23 was heavily inspired by Coppuck's own Indianapolis 500-winning M16 design and followed contemporary trends in aerodynamics, with a wedge-shaped body and integrated side radiators. The latter were also incorporated to comply with the new deformable monocoque regulations applied to 1973-specification cars. The distinctive central positioning of both the oil and fuel tanks resulted in a significantly front-biased driving position for the M23.
To power the M23, McLaren continued to rely on the proven effectiveness of the 2.993 cc Cosworth-Ford DFV V8 engine, with double overhead camshafts in each bank of cylinders, and capable of generating around 465 hp at 10.500 rpm. A five-speed Hewland FG400 gearbox with a ZF differential was used for the transmission.
Over the years, the M23 received numerous improvements, and remained competitive until the 1978 season. Already in its debut year, 1973, drivers Dennis Hulme and Peter Revson achieved several victories (Sweden, England and Canada), and the following year, 1974, Emerson Fittipaldi was crowned Formula 1 World Champion, achieving victory in Brazil, Belgium and Canada. His other podium finishes, along with Dennis Hulme's victory in Argentina, gave McLaren enough points to also claim its first Constructors' title.
In the 1975 season, McLaren was unable to defeat the duo of Niki Lauda and his Ferrari 312T, but the following season, remembered by all Formula 1 fans, saw a fierce battle for the championship, in which the team's new addition, driver James Hunt, was the star. Throughout the year, there was an intense exchange of blows between the two most in-form drivers in the Championship, Niki Lauda and James Hunt, both arriving with options at the final race in Fuji (Japan), where James Hunt, in heavy rain and fighting back after a puncture, managed to reach third place, which, together with Niki Lauda's retirement, proclaimed him World Drivers' Champion.
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.
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Hans D.
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Javier G.
If you like scale models with a multitude of parts, that include all possible details, and that can even pose a challenge, without a doubt, the Japanese brand
Model Factory Hiro (MFH) is your option. Scale models that combine the most diverse materials, available in various scales (from 1/43 to 1/12) and recreating both racing cars and motorcycles, which are a delight even from the moment of opening the box. A brand that you have to try at least once in your life!