1/43 Model Review: 1987 World Champion Nelson Piquet (Williams FW11B Honda)

Background

The Williams team had the best engine in the Honda, and two great drivers, double world-champion Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell. Both were in contention for the championship in 1986, but for tyre problems at the final race to cost both drivers the title. Although Mansell won 6 races to Piquet's 3 wins, Piquet would score points in 13 of the 15 races he started, 11 of them on the podium. This secured the Brazilian his third and final Drivers' World Championship.

Minichamps

Minichamps 400870006

This model was released as part of the Williams Collection, and is limited to 6,480 pieces. It wasn't easy to come by, but I remember stumbling across a seller on ebay selling his Williams collection at very low prices (£25) and I haven't seen this car at that low a price since. Even today, they are fetching over £50 usually. Anyway, this is a really nice model in my opinion. I'm not too keen on the helmet with the 'clear' visor, but the model does come with some nice details, inside the cockpit, suspension supports and at the rear of the car.

Minichamps 436870006

There is a World Champions Collection version too, which is the same as the Williams Collection but from a different race with small decal differences. I believe the two were released at the same time but I could be wrong.
Score: 8/10

Tameo

Tameo WCT087

This beautiful recreation by Tameo includes removable engine cover and sidepods which reveals a beautifully re-created internals. I love the detail on the internals, but also the detailing on the end plates is a really nice touch, as is the gurney flap on the rear wing. The detail on the suspension connection points and even the wheel nut is all incredibly well done. So this easily gets a perfect score from me.
Score: 10/10

Formula 1 Car Collection/Ixo

This Ixo car is part of the Formula 1 Car Collection, but is available with a driver figure from Eaglemoss in Brazil and Altaya. It's quite a nice budget model but I think the car ought to be longer around the engine area.
Score: 6/10

Heller

I remember buying a pack of three plastic kits from the 1987 season, which included the McLaren, the Ferrari and this Williams FW11B (though it's Mansell's car). They were quite easy to make, and for me at the time, I thought they looked pretty reasonable. Sadly mine got lost a long time ago, but the kits are still available to get.