Western Models Lola T87 Formula 3000 1987

1/24 Scale Approx 6.75 ins / 17 cms long

Western Models 1/24 scale white metal factory built promotional model for Cavendish Finance of the Lola T87 driven by Julian Bailey in the 1987 European Formula 3000 Championship - probably the most significant race car of his career as it was his win at Brands Hatch in this car that led to him getting a Tyrrell F1 drive.
Victory at the 1982 Formula Ford Festival in a Lola (sponsored by Western Models) saw Julian Bailey move into F3 in 1983 but with litte funding he couldn't get drives in competitive cars.
 By mid 1986 his racing career seemed to be over but he signed a late season deal with GA Motorsport to compete in Formula 3000 which continued in 1987 with sponsorship from Cavendish Finance allowing him to contest all 7 rounds of the 1987 European F3000 Championship, the highlight of the season being a win at Brands Hatch leading to the offer of a Tyrrell F1 drive for 1988 provided he could bring some money/sponsorship to the team.
He bravely took out a mortgage to realise his F1 dream but the Tyrrell 017 was not competitive and he left the team after 6 races. He drove in one more Grand Prix in 1991 in a Lotus 102B and has continued his career in Touring Cars and GT's.

 Western Models were one of pioneers in the production of 1/43 scale whitemetal kits and handbuilt models for the collectors market and by the late 70's they were one of the leading manufacturers of metal kits and handbuilt models. They also produced promotional models in 1/24 scale exclusively for some of the leading F1 teams particularly Brabham, Williams and Mclaren most of which were never available to the public. Western Models closed recently when owner and founder Mike Stephens decided to retire.

 This is mint in the original box and is brand new old stock which has never been on display. It was made as a sponsors promotional gift and was never available to the public. Models of early Formula 3000 cars are rare and the Formula One connection makes this a particularly desirable item.