McLaren MP4/1C 2nd Place at Long Beach GP 1983

During the 1983 season of Formula 1, the McLaren MP4B was updated to the MP4/1C. Most of its opponents were switching to turbocharging late in the season, while the MP41/C continued to race on the outdated Ford/Cosworth DFV V8 motor. This led to the team being less competitive, as the MP4/1C's motor was too outdated to race against the new turbocharged V6 motors. The MP4 McLaren was very innovative, being the first Formula One race car to utilize carbon fiber composite construction. The use of carbon fiber revolutionized Formula 1 race cars, and soon after competitors started copying McLaren's footsteps.

At Long Beach in 1983, McLaren took first and second place on the podium. John Watson started from 22nd place and took 1st place on the podium. In doing so, he broke the record for winning a race from being the furthest back on the grid. Niki Lauda took 2nd place while suffering a severe leg cramp, after starting from 23rd place.

This 1/43 MP4/1C model is produced by Spark Models. Perfect for diehard fans of McLaren, classic Formula 1 aficionados, or Marlboro livery collectors.