Thursday, December 25, 2008

Chaparral McLaren M-12 built from a McLaren M8B

The following picture depict the original Solido 176 model, a McLaren M8B. This allows to see how it looked like prior of being modified.
To note that the resulting model has a different front end including the radiator inlet and exit also has a NACA inlet in the RHS. The front wheel side panels are not as open. The cockpit is also not as open. The engine top is of a different layout and the rear end is quite different.
The following pictures depict the steps that were incurred to reach the final result



After the mods it is no longer the Can-Am version of the McLaren M8B of Bruce McLaren but instead it is the version of the #7 Chaparral-McLaren M12 that raced in the 1969 Watkins Glen driven by John Surtees classifying 12th overall 9 laps behind the winner. This car was a McLaren sold to customers in 1969, the M12, was an M6B chassis with an M8A body. One of those customers was Jim Hall's Chaparral team. Their own 2H racer wasn't quite ready for the season so they bought an M12 to use in the interim. Chaparral heavily modified the rear bodywork (altered rear spoiler and moved air intakes on sides) and later Jim added their usual high rear wing.
Next, you can see pictures of the final result.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Chaparral 2D Daytona from a Chaparral 2D LM

The following pictures depict the original Solido 153 model that represent the Chaparral 2D that raced in Nurburgring in 1966. This allows to see how it looked like prior to be modified.
To note that the resulting model is a version of the Chaparral 2D that has the head lights located in a different location in the front. Also, in the rear, the engine cowling is completely different with an open configuration and a rear spoiler like the Chaparral 2C.
Four areas had to be modified to represent the Chaparral 2D that raced in Sebring 1966, they are:
1 – The engine air inlet box on the top did not exist, instead there was an open rear top end
2 – The side air inlets did not exist in the right side and it was square in the left side
3 – The front end had no headlights in the fenders, they were located in the front of the car
4 – The rear end had a 3 piece grid and 2 rear lights instead of a central opening and 4 rear lights
After the mods it is no longer the Nurburgring version but instead it is the first version of the Chaparral 2D that raced in the Daytona 24 hrs in 1966. The car was a Gr.: P+2.0 from team Chaparral Cars Inc. with Phil Hill and Jo Bonnier at the wheel. They did not finish due to a wheel problem; they managed to do 318 laps versus 678 done by the winner.Next, you can see pictures of the final result.