1/43 Model Review: 1972 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi (Lotus 72 Ford Cosworth)

Background

The Lotus 72 was first raced in 1970 and led Jochen Rindt to four straight victories before his death at Monza. It was enough for him to still became World Champion, whilst Emerson Fittipaldi took his place in the team, immediately winning in the USA. 1971 was a development year and in 1972, Fittipaldi became the youngest driver at the time to claim the Drivers' Championship and the car its second Constructors' Championship. Fittipaldi and new team-mate Peterson were competitive in the 72 during the 1973 season but for some failures to finish let Stewart to clinch the title. Fittipaldi would leave to be with McLaren for 1974 where he became World Champion, whilst Lotus scrapped the Lotus 76 and again ran the 72. Again in 1975 the team ran the Lotus 72 but the car was finally beginning to show its age. However it was remarkable that the car ran for so long and was so successful for the most part.

1972 was the first year that we saw the iconic JPS livery that the team would run these colours for over a decade (except in 1979 when the ran a Martini livery).

Minichamps 

Minichamps 430720008

I got the original release from Minichamps of the 72D from the British Grand Prix (if I'm not mistaken) and someone had added JPS decals to the livery. It was one of those cars that were getting a bit long for the old Minichamps shorter cases. It's a fairly basic but well proportioned car. It would have been nice for the driver to sit higher in the car, but at least he could see out the visor.
Score: 6/10

Minichamps 436720006

I also got myself the updated version from the World Champions Collection, this version from the Italian Grand Prix. It comes with an updated driver figure and also a new airbox. They made the cylinders on the engine silver, but it shows up how plastic and low detailed they actually are. They've changed the gold slightly to a lighter version on this model as well, and personally I prefer the original.
Score: 7/10

Other Versions

Spark

Spark S2149

Spark have recently released their version of the 72D this particular one from the Argentine GP, and it is a nice model. Although I prefer Minichamps helmet and tyres, Spark do a better job at the driver figure itself. The attention to detail on the engine is what wins me over on their version. I feel their rear wing and airbox is just a bit better defined.
Score: 8/10

Spark S4282

Spark have also done this Spanish Grand Prix version, with a yellow visor, different rear wing and different airbox. I love the 70s for such big changes from race to race. Similar to the Argentine GP version, this is a great effort from Spark again.
Score: 8/10

Quartzo

Quartzo 4022

Quartzo have done their version, and whilst it's a cheaper option, their work on the engine surpasses the detail on the Minichamps version for me. It does feel a bit plastic (that's because it is) and it just takes away a bit from the reality of the model for me.
Score: 6/10

Ixo/Altaya/Formula 1 Car Collection

Ixo's car comes in various guises and thus varying qualities of finish, some with and others without a drive figure. The quality is similar to Quartzo's, but the car looks a little short to me. 
Score: 6/10

RBA

There is an RBA version, which somewhat bears a resemblance to the 72, but there are much better budget options around. This is one to avoid.
Score: 4/10


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