1/43 Model Review: 1991 World Champion Ayrton Senna (McLaren MP4/6 Honda)

Background

The new McLaren MP4/6 now housed a V12 Honda engine but was no match to the Williams FW14's. The Williams suffered terribly with reliability problems, and Senna duly took victories at the first four Grand Prix, including an emotional Brazilian Grand Prix where he was stuck in 6th gear. As Williams began to dial their car in, Senna consistently scored podium finishes, ending the season with 7 wins and 5 other podium finishes, clinching his third, and final, Drivers' title and the team their fourth Constructors' Championship.

Minichamps

Minichamps 540914301

This is another early Senna Collection release with a nice but basic version of the McLaren MP4/6.
Score: 6/10

Minichamps 540914391

A later addition to the original Senna Collection is this updated model from the 1991 German GP. This is a nice update, although I found these helmets a little small.

Minichamps 540914301

The updated car featured in the new Senna Collection, though it is back to the generic non-tobacco version, presumably from the British or French GP. Other than the decal changes, I can't see any new updates to the shape. There have been a fair few version of this updated model released over the years:

I don't know too much about this version at all, but it is unique in that it comes with wet tyres and also with blank spaces for the tobacco advertising. 

This fantastic tall box edition with a standing figure is a very nice update from the Brazilian GP mentioned earlier.

There was a very small limited run of 300 for the 50 years of McLaren series recently for the Japanese Euro Sports magazine.
Score: 7/10

Onyx

Here is Onyx's version produced back in 1991. It's a shame that the rear wing decals aren't quite right, but it's hard to complain for the price.
Score: 4/10

Ixo

Ixo have done a nice job in making this budget car, this particular version made for the Brazilian market initially which comes with a driver figure. I think I'd still prefer even the original Minichamps car, but this is not far off in quality.
Score: 6/10

TSM

TSM124333 - Brazilian GP

TSM134324 - Monaco GP

TSM144334 - Japanese GP

True Scale Models have produced a couple of race specific cars, and I do love it when modellers put some effort into some of the differences between races, especially on the shape with the most obvious change being the rear wings. These models are fantastic, you get a great shape, nice decals and good detailing.

Score 9/10

MakeUp Eidolon

FE017A - Monaco GP

FE018A - German GP

FE016A - Japanese GP

This Japanese kit maker have produced some excellent, top quality models and these cars are no different. The level of detail is exquisite, I can't find any faults. I love how they do the gurney flaps, the radiator, the suspension pickup points, the cockpit and the rear end.

I can't find any particularly high resolution of this car, but I've found some detailed shots here:

Score: 10/10