Carousel 1 1:18 1972 McLaren M16B #66 Sunoco - Mark Donohue- Indy 500 Winner

I have to confess something right here and now: the day I started collecting 1:18 scale was the day I started hoping this model would be done by a quality manufacturer. That’s because Mark Donohue is not only immortal in terms of accomplishment, but during my early teens he represented what was possible if you lived your life with purpose. He was, as the title of his autobiography states, “The Unfair Advantage”. Every time I think of Mark I get a wistful smile on my face and water in my eyes. Now this diecast model throttles that same response in me.

In 1972, Donohue came to Indianapolis to race Roger Penske’s McLaren M16B. Penske and Donohue had a mutually beneficial relationship, with Roger turning out fast cars and Donohue shattering any reasonable expectations he might have had. It was no different on May 29, 1972 when Donohue wheeled the Mclaren M16B around the famed Brickyard at an average speed of 162.962 mph. In a year dominated by the horror of the Munich Olympiad, it was moments like the Donohue victory at Indy that represented what was good in the world of sport. The Carousel 1 model captures that moment brilliantly.

The model comes in a window box covered by an outer sleeve. Carousel One Indy models generally come with a decorative base and this one has a checkered design symbolic of Victory lane. To complete the diorama, there is artwork suggesting fans, press and crew members that might have been present at the race’s end. This is all very cute, but it only delays my anxious hands in getting the model out where I can see it.

The blue and yellow Sunoco livery is one of the more famous in racing and Carousel One has painted it so that it’s visually stunning. While the navy blue and sunshine yellow are dead on accurate, what impresses me about the finish is the fine red and yellow pin-striping and accents. The graphics appear correct with only the L&M logos missing from the edges of the wing. No doubt the aftermarket will take care of this need. The front and rear wings are plastic (look hard and you can see the seam on the edge of the front wing) but the paint is so well done you only get this by feeling the texture of the parts, not because of some discoloration between the two.

The model’s shape and stance are dead on with photos (and my memory) of the actual car. Detailed steering and suspension might not be Carousel One’s typical calling card, but on this beauty it’s remarkably well done, featuring delicate brake lines and sturdy and intricate tie rods. The car sits on Goodyear slicks with race accurate black four-point wheels sporting chrome trim. Nice to see logo tires, something other manufacturers are increasingly skipping. The cockpit is framed by a “blue blocker” windshield. This not only cut down on the glare, but it fits right in with the livery. The mirrors are acceptably replicated and cockpit has a precise replica of the instrument cluster, pedals, belts and seat. But you didn’t buy this model for the instrument cluster did you?

Nope, you probably bought it more for the Offenhauser engine that dominates the rear of the model. The cockpit and engine sheathing can be gently removed for better viewing and (gulp) what a view it is! In addition to Carousel One’s nice job on the fittings and hoses, notice the miniature bolts, genuine screen on the intakes, clear tubing and flexible braided hoses. The model by Carousel One is without question their best effort yet. This model honors the memory of the man, the builder, the race team owner and one legendary moment in Indianapolis history. It is is limited to 3,508 pieces. There’s no need to add the cajoling line of “get yours soon or they will be gone”. Just divide the amount of models available by the number of Donohue’s faithful fans plus those people that have a warm memory of that sunny day in Indy 33 years ago. You do the math and let me know how it turns out.

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