Shared by @grunty_diecast (Instagram)
This is a Mazda 787B. Designed by Nigel Stroud, the 787B is a Group C sports car prototype produced by Mazda as their entry into FISA and IMSA-sanctioned competition. Powered by a 2.6L R26B four-rotor Wankel engine, the cars were loud, proud and ran with the best of them.
The 787B was not the most competitive car there was, but it was incredibly reliable; this trait allowed the car to achieve its greatest success, winning the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Bertrand Gachot, Volker Weidler and Johnny Herbert at the wheel of 787B-002, sponsored by Renown. Immediately after the win, Mazda retired 002 from its competitive roster.
The 787B remains the only non-piston-engined car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans; this record is not likely to be broken as rotary engines were banned from competition after 1991. The 787B was also the first and last Japanese car to win the race until 2018 when Toyota finally took home the spoils of victory; they have been dominating the race ever since. Five chassis were produced, with two 787s and three 787Bs making up these numbers. Mazda retains ownership of at least four of the chassis, including the Le Mans winning chassis, and maintains them all in working order.
Now this casting was designed by Mark Jones and introduced in 2018 in the Circuit Legends series of the Car Culture line. This casting has seen four known releases, the last being this one. All Premium releases featured soft plastic wings and removable engine covers; due to their soft plastic wing and small blister their wings are often found bent. Mainline releases feature metal wings and a fixed engine cover.
