1/43 Model Review: 1996 Sauber C15 Ford

Background

This was the third season Heinz-Harold Frentzen drove for the Sauber team, having impressed many with some strong finishes over these seasons, securing him a drive with the best team at the time, Williams for 1997. Ford had to produce a V10 engine for the first time having ran a V8 engine for many years, but they struggled in their first year. Frentzen managed to score two fourth place finishes and ended the season with a sixth place, leading the team to 5th in the Constructors' Championship.

Johnny Herbert was dropped by Benetton at the end of 1995 and raced with Sauber for 1996 where he earned the team's only podium that year at the Monaco GP where only 4 cars finished.

Minichamps

Minichamps 511964315

This car is third car in the Heinz-Harold Frentzen collection, the whole collection going to eight models. After the 1995 car, the 1996 showcar was the second in the collection. Showcars are not for me to be honest, but because they are limited in production, some of them are fairly well sought after, particularly in Japan, but I digress. This is the Minichamps model of the C15, and after two years of being the only team to run high cockpit sides, the FIA made it mandatory for all teams in 1996. The model is well proportioned and I like the metallic livery that Minichamps have applied. I really have no complaints over this model, a good job.
Score: 8/10

BBR

BBR Met65

The BBR kit comes from the season opening Australian Grand Prix, before they applied the iconic yellow nose tip of Red Bull. There's not too many pictures around of this car fully made up, but for all the additional details it adds compared to the Minichamps model, I do prefer the professional finish, for example the metallic blue, the black headrest, and the additional lower rear wing over the top of the rear suspension is better on the Minichamps model.
Score: 8/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK226

The Tameo model is from the German Grand Prix, and for me, I love the novelty of the skinny wings and the winglets by the rear wheels removed. As mentioned above, Sauber added the yellow nose-cone for additional Red Bull branding that is still there today. The kit itself is brilliant, perfectly capturing the car.

Score: 10/10

To read more reviews from the 1996 season, click here: https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/p/1996-model-review.html