The Porsche 956 is an iconic racing car developed in 1982 for both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Sports Car Championship. Production of this model spans from 1982 to 1984, and it exemplifies Porsche's commitment to the top tier of endurance racing. The 956 was developed under the leadership of Norbert Singer, one of Porsche's leading motorsport engineers, and Peter Falk. Its predecessor model is the famous Porsche 936. The 956 is equipped with a 2.65-liter Type 935 turbo engine with six cylinders, allowing it to produce up to 635 horsepower at 8200 rpm.
The model depicted is a 1/18 scale resin model by SPARK showcasing the Porsche 956 K Weissach Rollout Version with precise details. This model, found in Modelly member "DennisB's" collection, stands out for its outstanding accuracy and attention to detail. The 1/18 scale model is made of resin, renowned for its special details and faithful reproduction. Visible are the distinctive front headlights, the intricately reproduced bodywork, and the realistic cockpit design. The iconic "Porsche" emblem runs along both sides of the model, accentuating its sporty heritage.
The Porsche 956 was highly successful in motorsport in the early 1980s. Notable achievements include four consecutive overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1982 to 1985. Leading drivers like Jacky Ickx, Derek Bell, and Stefan Bellof were closely associated with the 956's success. One of the most significant victories was the overall win by Stefan Bellof at the 1000 km race on the Nürburgring, where he set the unbeaten lap record to this day. This highlights the 956's superior technology and outstanding performance.
Technically, the Porsche 956 is known for its advanced solutions. The car features an aluminum monocoque chassis, a first in endurance racing by Porsche. The aerodynamically optimized underbody and large rear wing provided efficient downforce, particularly advantageous on the fast straights of Le Mans. The engine, an air-cooled 2.65-liter flat-six engine with two turbochargers, was a standout feature of the vehicle and played a significant role in its dominance in the championship. Key changes in chassis and aerodynamic design between generations allowed the 956 to excel in both endurance and sprint races.
The paintwork of the Porsche 956 model showcases the typical Weissach Rollout version. The white base color is complemented by the logos of sponsors Dunlop, Shell, and Bilstein, positioned at key locations on the bodywork. The prominent red Porsche lettering on the sides is also clearly visible, adding extra authenticity to the model. The gold-colored wheels provide an additional visual highlight. The 1/18 scale model by SPARK impresses with its attention to detail, from the lighting systems to the faithful sponsor liveries originally seen on race tracks. In "DennisB's" collection, this exact replica will surely be a highlight for many onlookers.