CMC Ferrari 250 LM, winner 24H France 1965, #21 M-263

CMC Ferrari 250 LM, winner 24H France 1965, #21, the most popular Ferrari 250 LM from the CMC series.

Which historical details are reproduced particularly accurately in this model?

The CMC model of the Ferrari 250 LM with the starting number #21 represents a piece of motorsport history of outstanding significance, as it marks the last overall victory of Ferrari in the 24 Hours of Le Mans by a customer team. The car with chassis number 5893 was entered by the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) of the legendary Luigi Chinetti. At the race in June 1965, it was sensationally driven to victory by the Austrian Jochen Rindt and the American Masten Gregory. This triumph was unexpected, as the 250 LM was an older model and outperformed the more powerful factory prototypes from Ferrari and Ford. The drive was dramatic, as the hard-used car only retired with gearbox damage on the final lap after crossing the finish line. Historically correct, this model has the right-hand drive (RHD) configuration and aerodynamic longnose bodywork of the original car specification. Today, the winning car, chassis 5893, is on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

  • Vehicle configuration: The model is right-hand drive (RHD), which corresponds to the original specification of the N.A.R.T. vehicle (North American Racing Team, chassis 5893).
  • Body design: This is the longnose version, an aerodynamically optimised version of the body. This is complemented by the silver headlight recesses, which give the face of the 250 LM a striking and sporty touch.
  • Starting number: The #21 is the historic number that has gone down in the annals of the 24-hour race.

What are the highlights of this model that particularly catch the eye?

Highlights of the CMC Ferrari 250 LM (#21)

  • Paintwork and markings: The top paintwork in racing red is a real eye-catcher, with the starting number #21 very well painted in - a sign of high modelling quality.
  • Tyres: The tyres with blue stripes and the striking Goodyear lettering are particularly eye-catching and underline the authentic appearance of the historic racing car.
  • Bonnet fastening: The leather straps for the bonnets (bonnet and boot) are finely crafted details that are both visually appealing and demonstrate the high precision of the model, as they are often functionally replicated.
  • Interior: In the cockpit, the light-coloured seat covers stand out, providing a nice contrast to the darker racing car interior.

Why is this model particularly attractive for collectors?

The CMC Ferrari 250 LM (#21) is an outstanding collector's item that impresses with three decisive factors. Firstly, it is of immense historical importance as it represents Ferrari's last overall victory at Le Mans by a customer team in 1965. Secondly, it is regarded as one of the first outstanding die-cast miniatures in 1:18 scale, this Ferrari setting a new, extremely high standard in terms of detail and workmanship and thus representing a pioneering achievement in modelling. Thirdly, the extreme market scarcity emphasises its value, as the model was often sold out before it was even delivered due to its iconicity and limited edition, making it one of the most sought-after collector's items.

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