GR7 24hr Le Mans 1974 No.11 Hailwood/Bell

Details

This is a totally new version of the Gulf Mirage, the GR7, as raced at Le Mans in 1974. Car #12 was driven by Vern Schuppan and Reine Wisell but had to retire due to engine failure. These limited-edition hand-built resin masterpieces are sure to be popular with collectors of slot cars that raced at Le Mans.

The Mirage Lightweight Racing Car was created by John Wyer Automotive Engineering (JWAE) in the spring of 1967. Thereafter, a myriad of more or less competitive versions of the Mirage will be available. When 917 Porsche project is discontinued, JWAE team once again turned its attention to them. For 1974 they have been improved and upgraded to a GR7. The weight of the car is reduced thanks to the use of titanium. The aerodynamics are modified. The rear spoiler is refined and retreated. It is reinforced with ribs. Only the central part is not modified. The windbreaker is integrated into the cockpit. In accordance with the Sport group regulations, the cockpit opening is symmetrical to allow space for a passenger and the rear wings is lower up to 20 cm from the ground behind the wheels. At the start of the 42nd edition of the 1974 24 Hours of Le Mans, which takes place on 16 and 17 June, two GR7 cars are entered. Gulf racing intends to take advantage of the announced Ferrari withdrawal and the late withdrawal of Alfa Romeo. Number 11 is in the hands of Hurley Haywood & Derek Bell and number 12 in the hands of Vern Schuppan & Reine Wisell. Mirage number 12 qualifies 5 seconds behind Jean(s)-Pierre(s) Beltoise and Jarrier in Matra MS680 #6 on the starting grid and 6 seconds behind the pole position of Henri Pescarolo and Gérard Larrousse’s Matra MS670 #7. The number 11 Mirage starts in 4th place at 1 tenth from its sister car. Pescarolo takes the lead on car 7 and looks untouchable. In less than 4 laps, the 4 Matras took the lead in front of the Bell GR7, the Porsche n°22 of Van Lennep and the Ligier n°14 and 15 of Chasseuil and Laffite. Moreover the Matra of Pescarolo will not leave the lead of the race until its end. After 5 racing hours, the Mirage 12 is forced to abandon because of broken engine. The Mirage n°11 is in second position after 6 hours of racing before retreating. After 18 hours of racing, Derek Bell and Mike Hailwood are at the bottom of the podium and can legitimately aim for more… and they can believe it when the Pescarolo/Larrousse team are stopped on the Hunaudières. The 42-minutes pit stop brings Van Lennep and Müller’s Porsche three laps from the lead car. Faced with mechanical problems the Team Porsche sees the gap widen to 6 laps… No place for Mirage 11 on podium, but a second place at the 1974 World Championship of Brands.

Features

• Finely moulded body with many separately added details
• Compatible with Other Leading Brands
• Collectable Model

Specifications