The Mazda 787B is an icon in motorsport and belongs to the generation of Group C racing cars built between 1989 and 1991. It is based on its predecessor, the 787, and was developed to meet the demanding requirements of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The main reason for the special status of the Mazda 787B is its victory at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans. This car was the first and so far only Japanese car to win this prestigious trophy. Particularly impressive is the rotary engine, known as the Wankel engine, which many experts consider revolutionary. The car was developed by a team of engineers and technicians, including designer Nigel Stroud, who played a crucial role in designing the aerodynamically efficient body of the 787B.
The rotary engine, known as the Wankel engine, is the heart of the Mazda 787B. The engine is a 4-rotor Wankel engine called the R26B with a displacement of 2.6 liters. It achieved a maximum output of around 700 horsepower at 9000 rpm. This engine was particularly lightweight and compact, giving the vehicle a very good power-to-weight ratio. The Mazda 787B was also one of the first racing vehicles to extensively use lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aramid (e.g., Kevlar) to minimize vehicle weight and maximize structural integrity. The 787B also featured an advanced braking system with ventilated discs suitable for the high demands of endurance racing.
The Mazda 787B achieved its greatest success at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it became the first Japanese car ever to win the race. This success was a milestone in motorsport history and secured Mazda a firm place in the annals of racing. Well-known drivers like Johnny Herbert, Bertrand Gachot, and Volker Weidler piloted the Mazda 787B to this historic victory. Their careful and tactical driving combined with the machine's reliability made the win possible.
This 1/18 scale miniature replica was crafted by AUTOart Signature and is based on the famous Mazda 787B. The level of detail in the miniature is impressive and highly valuable for collectors. The miniature car is made of a mix of materials and showcases precise details resembling the original. Visible details include sponsor decals and the car's characteristic green-orange livery. In the photos of the model by Modelly member "DennisB," the high-quality craftsmanship and high level of detail accuracy are evident. The car bears the sponsorship logos of Renown and Charge, further emphasizing its authenticity.
One of the most striking features of the Mazda 787B is its eye-catching green and orange livery. The colors are diagonally spread across the body and are reinforced by the sponsor logos of Renown and Charge, as well as small stickers from other sponsors. The concave wheels and aerodynamically shaped body forms are also replicated, giving the model a realistic appearance. Detailed replicas of the lighting units and the robust structure ensure a high level of accuracy.