45th Safari Rally Kenya Team Mitsubishi

The Safari Rally Kenya, one of the most gruelling races in the rally calendar. And this 45th Rally Safari is no exception specially with Team Mitsubishi. Although Richard Burns Mitsubishi Carisma Evo 4 finished in 1st place overall, Tommi Makinen and co driver Risto Mannisenmaki were not so lucky, they had a DNF due to mechanical problems.

This is the 1:43 version of the 1998 Safari Rally Kenya Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Lancer Evolution 4 driven by Tommi Makinen and co driver Risto Mannisenmaki done by Vitesse.

One thing I noticed with Vitesse in this model is that the front suspension is too lowered, it wouldn't last the real Safari race with this set-up.

Lancia Delta S4 Lombard Rally

photo courtesy of www.rallybuzz.com

The Lancia Delta S4 made its WRC debut on the 1985 Lombard RAC. Henri Toivonen finished 1st & Markku Alen 2nd, on its second outing Henri Toivonen won the 1986 Monte Carlo. May 1986 on the Tour of Corsica Henri Toivonen and Sergio Cresto were killed causing the banning of Group B rally series.

The Delta S4 won a further 3 times during 1986 once with Massimo Biasion and twice with Markku Alen, one of these being the now infamous Sanremo Rally. After the season ended all Group B cars where put into early retirement.

This 1985 Lobard rally had 3507km with 880km over 63 special stages. Henri Toivonen and co-driver Neil Wilson won with a total time of 9:32:05

This 1:43 scale diecast was unbranded and I am not sure if there are missing mudflaps, anyway I might custom some mudflaps specially for the rear of the car.

My 1:18 scale Valentino Rossi MotoGP Collection

Finally I had the chance to take pictures of my 1:18scale MotoGP bikes by the best rider that ever lived, namely Valentino Rossi. The eight time world champion is seeking another world championship this year and is presently leading the score sheets.

photo courtesy of www.nndb.com

These 2 Honda NSR500 Team Nastro Azzurro Honda year 2000( made by Saico)

2002 with Team Honda HRC riding a Honda RC211V (made by Maisto)

the special edition MotoGP Valencia bike Honda RC211V

2004 with team Yamaha with Go!!! sponsor YZR-M1 made by Newray

and with a YZR-M1 made by Maisto

In 2006 Yamaha had a new major sponsor which was Camel Cigarettes which wasn't shown in the diecast bikes since cigarette sponsorships where not allowed.

The Yamaha YZR-M1 Team Camel made by Maisto

In 2007 Yamaha tied up with the Italian car manufacturer Fiat. and bikes are at the 800cc limit.

The 2007 Yamaha YZR-M1 800cc made by Maisto.

And finally, I just got my 2008 world championship bike by Valentino Rossi made by Maisto.

I am still looking for the Yamaha Laguna Seca test bikes in 1:18 scale by Guiloy, I think there are about 2 version and the flat black test bike, let me know if you've seen one, thank you!

Castrol Toyota Celica ST205

Presenting the Toyota Celica GT Four ST205 team Castrol from the 39th Tour de Corse which was a 1228km race with 489km of special stages. Driver Didier Auriol and co driver Denis Giraudet finished first overall with a total time of 5:14.49.

diecast in 1:43 by M Smart

Subaru Impreza WRC Night Version

Hi everyone!

Ive' been very busy lately with work and its only now that I have a chance to take some pictures of my collection.

Presenting the Subaru Impreza WRC
Rallye Lyon Charbonnieres 2002
driven by Benoit Rousselot with co driver Gilles Mondesir
diecast made by Ixo.