Description

Very rare 1/43rd scale handbuilt model of McLaren M8E/D in Led Zeppelin sponsor livery as raced in 1974 by Kaye Griffiths.

This car began life in 1971 as a McLaren M8E/D and later that year had a Morand twin turbocharged Chevrolet engine installed. It was subsequently upgraded to M8D bodywork and sold to Kaye Griffiths. Kaye Griffiths' first race in this car was the May 1973 Silverstone Interserie race where he finished eighth. He went on to finish eighth overall (sixth in class) at the June 1973 Norisring Interserie race but the clutch failed at the July 1973 Hockenheim Interserie race and the transmission failed at the September 1973 Hockenheim Interserie race. Kaye Griffiths' big break came when John Bonham, the drummer for Led Zeppelin sponsored this car. The deal was announced on the Evening News Motor Racing Showboat in January 1974 and began a string of top finishes. Kaye won the March 1974 Silverstone Sports GT and Formula Libre races and was runner up at the April 1974 Silverstone Formula Libre race. After a spin during the May 1974 Silverstone Interserie race he went on to finish second in the May 1974 Silverstone Formula Libre race and move into the lead of the Haybrand Racewear Formula Libre championship points. Although entered in the 1974 Silverstone Sports GT and Formula Libre races, he did not show. This car was sold to John Harper who entered it in the August 1974 Silverstone Formula Libre race.

Originally released as a very limited edition handbuilt by Marsh Models in 2001, along with some kits. This one was professionally built in England for mimodels to a very high standard, mounted on plinth with outer box. This is the only one I have of this unique model.