Ferrari 126 C2

[Philip P]

Hi again,

In one of my previous threads Transmission asked about the two Ferraris that I had built and if I could post a couple of photos of them.....so here we are!

They are both George Turner kits and are based on the 126 C2 cars from infamous Imola 1982 race.









I really liked these builds and the finished look of the cars. I would so like George to make some more cars from this era, but I do not think this is likely to happen.  

Cheers,
Philip

[Transmission]

Hi Philip,

Thanks for the photos, the cars look great!
I have Gilles' car waiting in the wings but first have to finish my pre-wing Ferrari's (and find some spare time..). What wheels and tires did you use? They look good.

The 126 C2 is such a pretty car with so much drama attached to it. I was there at Zolder in 1982. I had a paddock ticket and was standing on top of the Ferrari pit when Gilles had the accident. The emotions and despair in the eyes of the mechanics, Forghieri and most of all, Pironi's wife when it was not clear yet which Ferrari crashed (Gilles' wife Joanne was not present that day). The silence on the track and the overall shock when it became clear it was Villeneuve and that it was very serious. I was 17 back then and he was my hero. I will never forget that day. Still gives me goosebumps.

Sorry, I can't talk about that car without talking about that memory.

Anyway, your builds look great!

Cheers
René

[Philip P]

Hi Rene,

Great to hear your memories of a wonderful era and of such a sad day. To have been there when motor racing history was made is incredible. Are you in the "Pironi was the villain" group, or "Pironi was misunderstood" group?

It has been a couple of years since I made the cars and I cannot remember for sure what wheels and running gear I used. I think it was Slot It. I am pretty sure that either the car came with details of suggested running gear or an e-mail to GTM provided the necessary information. I know for certain that I purchased the bits from Pendles.

I have been tempted to buy another one to make a version with the "Long Beach" double rear wing......

Good luck with yours.

Philip

[Transmission]

Hi Philip,

I remember watching the San Marino race live on the tele and at the time being very happy with the Ferrari double victory like the rest of the tifosi at the track. Although I was a bit surprised Didier won, I did not realize what had actually happened. And when I eventually did, it was clear why Gilles was not looking happy on the podium. I could understand that knowing how Gilles followed team orders in 1979 (Monza). Didier stole the victory and he couldn't understand why he did that.
On the other hand, Pironi propably thought this is my chance to win at Imola in a Ferrari so he ignored the signs and went for it. And in a way, I could understand that too.
So therefore I never was in the "Pironi was a villain" group to be honest. Even if Gilles was my favourite driver. Later that year, I went to Zandvoort and cheered for Didier when he went on to win the Dutch Grand Prix. I thought he was a great driver. And although his action at Imola was not correct, he was not a criminal. It was not his fault Gilles died. At least, I never saw it that way.

Good idea to make a Long Beach version. Very cool!

René