Pocher models set bar of excellence with Lotus 72D & Porsche 917

I have dreamed of having enough money to own one of the glorious F1 race cars of the past or an iconic sportscar with Le Mans pedigree. Would I race it? Probably not, just gawk it in a special place in my mansion. As I said, it's a dream.

As a kid, I used to build Tamiya model kits of race cars. These days I can hardly see the little pieces that need glueing to morph from moulded plastic pieces into scaled replicas of the real thing. But why do I even need to build it?

Taking the art of car model building to another level altogether is Hornby Hobbies. A journey that began back in 1901 in Liverpool, when founder Frank Hornby applied for a patent in 1901 to protect an invention he called ‘Improvements in Toy or Educational Devices for Children and Young People’.

This became Meccano, and in 1964, Hornby and Meccano were bought by a rival company, Tri-ang. Hornby Railways became independent again in the 1980s and has continued it's legacy as one of the most iconic companies in Britain.

While perusing their website I fell in love with the model of an iconic car that reigned supreme in the 1970s, Colin Chapman’s Lotus 72D, driven by Brazilian wonderkid of the time Emerson Fittipaldi, proved to be one of the most successful partnerships ever to grace Formula 1.

Immortalised in Pocher form, it makes for a truly exceptional kit of 477 premium die-cast metal and pre-painted parts.

The Lotus 72D set itself apart with its distinctive wedge-like design that allowed it to make use of advanced aerodynamics that were light years ahead of its rivals. Powered by a legendary Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 engine and the slipstreamed shape, the Lotus 72D produced higher top speeds while creating more downforce for corners.

Luckily, fans can showcase this slice of racing history in their homes with Pocher’s state-of-art creation, to put the Lotus 72D back on a pedestal where it belongs.

And that's not all. The first model I became aware of from the 'Hornby Garage' is one of the grandest of all sportscars: the Porsche 917.

Pocher stated in the press release announcing the project: Proudly unveiling the Porsche 917 – Gulf Edition 1:8 Scale. This meticulously crafted iconic model pays homage to the legendary Le Mans 1971 triumph.

The Porsche 917, a legendary vehicle that dominated the tracks in the 1970s, now stands immortalised in a detailed 1:8 scale replica by Pocher. Designed for discerning collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike, the 312-part model captures every intricate detail and essence of the original racing legend.

The Porsche 917's victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1971 marked a historic moment in racing history, solidifying its status as a true legend of the track.

Piloted by racing icons like Derek Bell, Gijs van Lennep and Helmut Marko, this iconic car showcased unparalleled performance, agility, and endurance, dominating the competition and etching its name in the annals of motorsport history.

Constructed with precision-engineered components and utilising materials including metal, rubber, textiles and premium quality plastic, each Pocher model is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence.

From the meticulously replicated chassis to the finely crafted interior, every aspect of this model exudes authenticity and attention to detail. The specifications of the model are: Length: 522mm, width: 267mm, height: 135mm and weight: 6kg

Pocher MD Scott Elsey commented: "We are thrilled to introduce the Porsche 917 to the market. With its unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail, this model exemplifies our commitment to excellence and passion for automotive heritage. We believe it will captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike."

"The launch of the Pocher Porsche 917 represents a milestone in the world of collectible automotive replicas, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to own a piece of racing history and experience the thrill of historic endurance racing firsthand.

"Whether displayed as a centrepiece in a collection or admired for its unrivalled craftsmanship, this model embodies the timeless allure of Porsche's racing legacy."