01.08.2023Rothman's Porsche Transporter: A bus-based icon from the 1980s

“Die rote Kante” ("The red edge") – the Porsche 956 celebrated its first victory with the sponsor paintwork of the Rothmans tobacco company – in 1982. The following year, the team was even able to top that success and achieve a one-two for Porsche at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

In 1986 and 1987, Porsche again achieved overall victory at Le Mans and the well-known Rothmanns design also celebrated a comeback. Of course, the equipment of such a successful and prestigious team also included a racing transporter painted in the Rothmans design.

The basis for the transporter used in Le Mans was the Mercedes-Benz O 317 bus model, which was produced for around two decades from the end of the 1950s. The regular-service bus, which was primarily developed for the city, had a 10.8 liter in-line six-cylinder diesel engine with 210 hp. A length of almost twelve meters and a width of two and a half meters offered enough space to transport racing cars. With a specially designed attachment including a loading device, the O 317 already resembled the modern racing transporters that can be found in every paddock today.

Schuco is offering the blue, white and red Rothmans transporter in scale 1:18 as a limited edition of 500 pieces. The transporter has a length of 62 cm, which can even be extended to 82 cm with the loading ramps open. In addition to the interior fittings that are true to the original, the special model also has steerable front wheels, doors that can be opened, a tailgate and various loading flaps as well as a spare tire.

Mercedes-Benz O 317 racing transporter Rothmans Porsche white 1:18 Schuco, RRP €499,00, item-no.: 450032800

productos

Mercedes-Benz O 317 Race Car Transporter Rothmans Porsche blanco 1:18 Schuco

426,65 €