Race/Series: Le Mans 24 Hours 1988
Result: Overall Winner, 394 laps
Drivers: Jan Lammers (NL),Johnny Dumfries (GB),Andy Wallace (GB)
Jaguar had something of a reputation to live up to when they returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1980s. In the 1950s the manufacturer had won the race five times, and the goal was the same when their cars participated once more from 1984. The XJR-5s failed to make an impact in 1984 and 1985, and in 1986 the next evolution of the car, the XJR-6 (the first to obviously resemble the XJR-9), was similarly unsuccessful, though they showed some promise in terms of speed, with two cars qualifying fifth and seventh. However, it was with the XJR-8, now wearing the Silk Cut livery, that Jaguar finally got a car to the finish, and in fith place overall. The next step was to not only finish, but to finish first, and in 1988 Jaguar launched a five car attack, with the number 2 car finally fulfilling their goal. They put an end to Porsche's total domination of the race for the decade by only a couple of minutes, after one of the most exciting battles seen at Le Mans. The XJR-9 was powered by a 7 litre V12, which went on to take Jaguar to another victory in 1990 with the XJR-12. The XJR-9 also took the World Sportscar Championship title in 1988, and in the Silk Cut livery which is so recognisable, the car is undoubtedly legendary.
The model is by Exoto in 1:18 scale, and I paid £170. Packaging is a polystyrene box with carboard outer.
Exterior
The exterior of this car is simply stunning. Overall appearance is superb, and the only real complaint I can have with the overall look of the model is that the fit of the doors and engine cover are really very poor for a model in this price range, or even in a rather lower one. Nevertheless, the model is a nice weight and feels well put together and sturdy, the fine aerial aside. Openings are perforated and very neatly done. Even the side vents appear to be perforated with a fine black mesh. Headlights are good, with well fitted covers complete with silver screw/rivet detailing, and the bulbs are pretty convincing. Rear lights are small but a good job again with no stubs and neatly fitted. Details such as the wiper, filler caps and so on are all nicely made. Exhausts are not drilled very deep and this is apparent although normally not visible given the angle of the exhaust tips. The rear wing slots nicely into place although it is no more secure than it needs to be, and mine seems to sit very slightly off straight. I'm nitpicking though, and the fine details and overall quality are very nice.
Score: 8/10
Paint
Not much to say here. Paint is very smooth with a rich appearance and accurate colouring. Paint around the special door hinges has been rubbed off a little by the opening of the doors but otherwise paint around edges of panels seems good, and the underside of the engine cover is finished in black.
Score: 8/10
Tampo and Decals
Exoto are rightly proud of the livery on this car. They claim it is entirely decal free and this appears to be the case, with the possible exception of the rear wing sponsors, although I can't always tell. The livery seems accurate and is largely very precise and sharply done. Most importantly, the correct Silk Cut badging is present, unlike on the other models released so far. There are a few small flaws around the doors but gaps between parts are mostly done well. Also there is what looks like a small smudge around both rear corners of the car on the black line but this is the exception to the rule.
Score: 8/10
Tyres and Wheels
The back tyres and wheels are of course hidden most of the time but even so the wheels and tyres are very well done. The black wheels are featureless but sharp and accurate, and the wheel nuts are nicely made, as are the air valves. Tyres are branded realistically, and the sidewalls are slightly shiny, whilst the rest of the tyre has a more worn and very realistic look.
Score: 9/10
Brakes
A flaw in this area I'm afraid. At first I thought the model had static brake discs which would be unnaceptable. However, now I'm not so sure. It seems that the discs will move if you just manage to move the wheel right. So either they are supposed to be fixed and one of mine is loose, or all 4 of mine are not attached properly and hence are not turning. This is presumably a quality control issue if the latter is correct but either way this is the one thing that I find most disappointing on a model of this price. Nevertheless, the discs are nice metallic discs with very neat drilling, and the calipers are reasonably nicely detailed with Jaguar branding. The score here reflects my model, but it may not be the case for every model. Nevertheless, the quality control issue is worth highlighting.
Score: 6/10
Engine
This model more than redeems itself here. The engine is a thing of beauty. Exoto look difficult to beat in this department and this is a superb effort. There are so many individual parts and they are all finely made. Many of the parts are plastic but you wouldn't believe it to look at them, and every time I open the engine cover I find more details. The whole thing is outstanding but details that spring to mind are the gorgeous exhausts and fantastic hoses. Certainly plenty to see here, and with touches like the wiring to the rear lights inside the engine cover this is clearly a class above most other models. I don't like to give perfect scores as there is always room for improvement but I think this really is among the very best available at the moment.
Score: 10/10
Interior
The superb work continues here. Doors swing open accurately and stay there, and are complete with fabric tethers. Maybe these were used to assist in closing the doors, I don't know. Fine detail is in abundance again here. The carbon fibre looks excellent, and the textured seat is fitted with individual branded fabric seatbelts and photo etched buckles. All switches and dials are very neat, as are the pedals and the suede effect steering wheel. Obviously the stripped race interior was basic in the 1:1, but the model captures the details that are present very well.
Score: 9/10
Overall, this model is really very, very good. I do love this model, but I have tried to keep the review unbiased. Even so, the car still scores highly. This is not a cheap model, but I was very glad to pick mine up rather on impulse after hearing of it's existence. I hope that this model will at least hold its value but that is not my reason for buying. As a Le Mans winner, and a desirable one at that, it was a must have for me, and if you can stomach the price I don't think you will be disappointed.
Overall Score: 8.3/10