1983 Porsche 956 Pilots: J. Lammars, J. Palmer, R. Lloyd Team: Richard Lloyd Racing Race: 8th overall (Class C) at Le Mans in 1983 Altaya - MSE 04 (diecast)
Published 05/25/17
If the 1980’s can be considered the “Porsche Decade” in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the race of 1983* could be remembered as “The Year of the 956”. The race finished on that Sunday, June 20th with the top eight places occupied by 956s. In fact, the only non-956 in the first 10 places was a lone Sauber C9 in 9th. Never before and never again the same car (or even the same manufacturer!) was able a feat like that. Accordingly, right after the race Porsche’s marketing department released one of the most famous magazine ads ever.
Piloted by the Dutch Jan Lammers and the Brits Jonathan Palmer and Richard Lloyd, 956 #14 (chassis 956-106) came in 8th overall. Being the Nikon fan boy that I am, I’m obliged to say that the car would look better if that was a Nikon livery 😁.
The model is an Altaya, and as far as Altaya models go, it’s a pretty solid one. I think what most demotes the model is the molded windscreen wiper. And (maybe?) as plus, it’s a weathered model. From a distance at least, the dirt effect looks pretty good in my eyes. However, the car looks like it only raced half the race – it’s too clean 🤨! Basically it only has some exhaust sooth. In the end, you don’t get a Spark-good model, but ain’t too shabby either. Thus, for the correct (cheap!) price it’s okay.
*: 1984 got close, with seven Porsches in the top seven spots, although with 956s and 956Bs. In 1986 Porsche put seven on top again, but in a mix of different cars.