Marsh Models MM357B20 Porsche 908/2 LH Flunder #20 Hart Ski Racing Team ‘Redman - Siffert’ Le Mans 1969

Marsh Models MM357B20 Porsche 908/2 LH Flunder #20 Hart Ski Racing Team ‘Brian Redman - Jo Siffert’ DNF Le Mans 1969, a 1/43rd scale handbuilt resin model.

Description

MODEL OVERVIEW

The Porsche 908/2 Flunder LH (Langheck/Long Tail) represents one of the most successful and iconic racing prototypes of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The "Flunder" (flounder in English) nickname came from its distinctive flat, fish-like aerodynamic profile designed to reduce drag on high-speed circuits.

Technical Specifications:

• Engine: 3.0-liter (2,997cc) Type 771 air-cooled flat-eight
• Power: 350 HP @ 8,400 RPM
• Weight: 648 kg (1,428 lbs) - lightest of the 3-liter prototypes
• Transmission: 5-speed manual transaxle
• Fuel System: Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
• Construction: Ultra-thin fiberglass body on tubular steel frame

The Flunder body featured re-profiled paneling with a cleaner nose, smaller oil-cooler intake, waisted sills, flattened wheel-arch humps, and a more tightly enclosing cockpit. For Le Mans, the Long Tail variant added significant rear bodywork for high-speed stability on the Mulsanne Straight.

MM357B20 - #20 REDMAN/SIFFERT

24 Hours of Le Mans, June 14-15, 1969 - DNF (Retired)

Race Details:

• Race: 37th Grand Prix d'Endurance - 24 Heures du Mans
• Date: June 14-15, 1969
• Circuit: Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France
• Team: Porsche System Engineering (Works Team)
• Drivers: Brian Redman (GBR) / Jo Siffert (SUI)
• Car Number: #20
• Result: Retired - Oil Leak
• Qualifying: 3rd Position (promising grid spot)
• Livery: White/Silver Porsche System Engineering colors

Race Summary

This was the first competitive appearance of the 908/2 Flunder in Long Tail configuration at Le Mans. The LH (Langheck) body was specifically developed for ultra-high speeds on the legendary Mulsanne Straight, featuring extended rear bodywork with prominent tail fins for stability at over 200 mph.

The driver pairing of Brian Redman and Jo Siffert represented Porsche's strongest lineup. Siffert was one of Porsche's fastest and most successful drivers, while Redman was equally accomplished. Together they had won races at Spa, Brands Hatch, Monza, and the Nürburgring 1000km earlier in 1969.

Despite qualifying in the promising third position, the #20 car suffered an oil leak and was forced to retire. This was particularly disappointing as the sister 908 LH Coupe driven by Hans Herrmann and Gérard Larrousse finished just 120 meters behind the winning Ford GT40 of Jacky Ickx in one of Le Mans' closest-ever finishes.

Historical Significance

• First LH Flunder variant at Le Mans
• Part of Porsche's massive 1969 Le Mans assault
• Would have been a strong contender given the driver pairing's previous success
• The 908 LH proved nearly as fast as the Coupe versions in practice

Championship Context

By the time of Le Mans, Porsche had already secured the 1969 World Championship for Makes thanks to the 908's dominance earlier in the season. However, Le Mans victory remained elusive, with Ford's GT40 taking the win.

Driver Biographies

Jo Siffert: Swiss driver known as "Seppi," one of Porsche's most successful and fastest pilots. Won multiple championship races in 1969.

Brian Redman: British driver with exceptional consistency and speed. Formed one of the era's most successful pairings with Siffert.