Spark Jaguar D-Type #6 Jaguar Cars Ltd 24Hrs Le Mans 1955 Winner 1/43 Scale 43LM55

Highly detailed resin Spark model of the 1955 #6 Jaguar Cars Ltd D-Type in 1/43 scale. This model measures approximately 10cm in length.

Whilst Mike Hawthorn was declared the winner at Le Mans in 1955, he is also said to have possibly been the driver responsible for the initiation of the worst disaster in motorsport history.

The 1955 Le Mans disaster remains the most catastrophic accident in motorsport history, occurring on 11 June 1955 during the 24 Hours of Le Mans race at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. The tragedy unfolded when Jaguar driver Mike Hawthorn suddenly braked hard to enter the pits, causing Austin-Healey driver Lance Macklin to swerve left to avoid a collision, inadvertently moving into the path of Pierre Levegh's Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, which was travelling at over 200 km/h (125 mph).

Levegh's car rear-ended Macklin's vehicle and was launched into the air, flying over a protective earthen berm and disintegrating upon impact with the packed spectator area.

 The crash killed at least 82 people, including Levegh himself, and injured over 120 others, as large pieces of debris, including the Mercedes' engine block, radiator, and front suspension, were hurled into the grandstand.

The disaster prompted several European countries to ban motorsports entirely, with Switzerland maintaining its prohibition until 2022, and led to significant safety improvements in circuit design and racing regulations worldwide.

The item you will receive is brand new, in its original sleeve, secured to its plinth and will not have been opened, even for photography purposes.

Condition: Brand New

Scale: 1/43

Brand: Spark

MPN/SKU: 43LM55