Every now and then, there will be an automotive ornament or accessory that will amaze us and I believe that this is one of them. What you see here is 1:1 scale model of the Aston Martin’s DBR1 that won the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

This unique item is a tribute to the iconic 1959 Le Mans victory and partly, also a tribute to its drivers, Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, and its chief engineer, Ted Cutting, who all three passed away recently this year.

Measuring a staggering 6.35 metres wide and 3.30 metres tall, this item was hand made by the acclaimed Evanta Motor Company based in Hertfordshire, England. Built in the traditional style of an AirFix model in correct satin grey and featuring individually labelled components along with Airfix tags. Each part tapers to the Aston Martin item as if you could twist it off for assembly demonstrating the level of detail.

The frame (which collapses into two transportable pieces) is instantly recognisable by its "AirFix" style design and houses a number of components finished in their ready to race condition. An entire DBR1 bodyshell is used. Hand laid in GRP and finished in Aston Martin Californian Sage Green with race livery and race spots of that of the Le Mans winner. Lights, screens and final detail are fitted as if the real car was dissected to make this item.

This 1:1 scale model includes four 16 inch Aston Martin wire wheels shod in Dunlop race tyres and fitted with Aston Martin three eared spinners, correct "Mota Lita" 15" wood rimmed Aston Martin steering wheel, a pair of race seats upholstered in correct style Aston Martin weave material and leather bound headrest, a machined aluminium gear knob and gear lever, full dashboard finished in textured satin black and assembled using Smiths gauges and period switches and a replica of the Le Mans trophy.


Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, an Aston Martin cap, signed by both drivers Salvardori and Shelby. This item is supplied with authentication of the signatures plus pictures of both drivers signing it.

The scale model will be auctioned off during the Goodwood Revival weekend (14-16 September 2012).

Photo credit: Richard Pardon