Like many research archives, the IMRRC collects selectively, not comprehensively. We don’t have the staff and space required to collect, process, and store EVERYTHING racing-related: the endless t-shirts and caps alone would overwhelm us! So, we focus on collecting items of greatest research value: books, periodicals, programs, archives of racing organizations and teams, personal papers, and photographs. But, we still want to build representative collections of other types of racing materials. Diecast and plastic models fall into the “representative” category, and while we don’t collect them comprehensively, they feature prominently at the Center. In fact, current diecast displays include a historical overview of Formula 1 cars, a selection of Richard Petty cars, and a case of McLaren F1 cars promoting our upcoming gala in honor of Zak Brown, who is receiving the 2024 Cameron R. Argetsinger Award.
To many, Tamiya is synonymous with modeling excellence. Tamiya is well-known for its finely-detailed models of aircrafts, cars, ships, and armor, as well as radio-controlled and diecast cars. Many of us have experienced the fun/frustration of assembling and painting a Tamiya model. Recently, thanks to a generous donation from Barbara Carson, widow of the late Robert D. Carson, of 98 model Formula One cars ranging from a 1936 Auto-Union to a 2004 Ferrari piloted by Michael Schumacher, we were excited to add several new Tamiya models to our collection.
The majority of the Tamiya diecast cars are from the company’s “Collector’s Club” collection. From an historical perspective, the highlights are 1:20 models of the Lotus 102B, which raced in 1991, and the Lotus 107B, which raced in 1992. Aside from being beautiful replicas of the cars, they are interesting because Tamiya sponsored Lotus from 1991-1993. Tamiya’s logo is prominently displayed on both cars’ wings – an accurate representation of the cars’ livery in those years.
Other 1:20 Collectors Club models in the donation include models featuring prominent drivers Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Jean Alesi. All the models came complete in their original packaging and display cases.
Another interesting diecast car included in the gift is this 1/12 model of the Honda F-1 RA272. Designed by Yoshio Nakamura and Shoichi Sano, this car raced during the 1965 Formula One season, driven by Richie Ginther. The RA272 was the first Japanese car to win in Formula One, a fact proudly noted on the front of the box, “1965 Mexico G.P. Winning Machine.”
Finally, thanks to the generosity of Mike Fuller, we have two unassembled plastic model kits, both from Tamiya’s 1:12 “Big Scale Series” and sealed in their original boxes. The first is a model of the Williams FW14B Renault, designed by Adrian Newey and raced by Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese during the 1991 and 1992 Formula 1 seasons.
The second is a Wolf WR1 Ford F1 built for the 1977 racing season and driven by Jody Scheckter and Keke Rosberg.
The side of the Wolf WR1 Ford F1 model shows other famous cars included in the models series.
As noted, the IMRRC does not collect models comprehensively: we could easily fill our facility with models alone. But, models are nonetheless essential to our holdings. Models illustrate, in an accessible way, the development of race cars over time; they are wonderful examples of racing merchandising; they show one aspect of race fans’ devotion to the sport – their desire to build/collect replicas of favorite cars. The Tamiya models specifically are evidence of Tamiya’s close relationship with F1 and Lotus. Model cars are excellent educational tools. They are also colorful, and look incredible when displayed, and we feel they enhance our exhibits and collections.