Marsh Models MM357B27 Porsche 908/2 LH Flunder #27 Martini Racing Team 'Marko - Lins' 3rd pl oa Le Mans 1969

Marsh Models MM357B27 Porsche 908/2 LH Flunder #27 Martini Racing Team 'Helmut Marko - Rudi Lins' 3rd pl oa 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.

MM357B27 - #27 MARKO/LINS

24 Hours of Le Mans, June 13-14, 1970 - 3rd Overall

Race Details:

• Race: 38th Grand Prix d'Endurance - 24 Heures du Mans
• Date: June 13-14, 1970
• Circuit: Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France
• Team: Martini International Racing Team
• Drivers: Helmut Marko (AUT) / Rudi Lins (AUT)
• Car Number: #27
• Result: 3rd Overall / 1st in Class (3.0L Prototype) / Winner - Index of Performance
• Chassis: 908/02-005
• Livery: White with red and blue Martini Racing stripes

Race Summary

This represents the finest achievement for the Porsche 908/2 Flunder LH at Le Mans. Helmut Marko and Rudi Lins piloted the Martini-liveried #27 car to a remarkable third-place finish overall, behind two Porsche 917s. This was an extraordinary result considering they were competing against 5-liter prototypes with nearly 600 HP.

The car was the lightest 3-liter prototype in the race, weighing only 648 kg at the official weigh-in. Porsche System Engineering assisted Martini International Racing Team in fitting chassis 005 with new Long Tail Flunder rear bodywork and a special transmission oil cooler for enhanced reliability.

By midnight, Marko and Lins had moved up to sixth place and were leading their class. They drove the spyder quickly and consistently throughout the 24 hours, showcasing the 908's legendary reliability. Their victory in the Index of Performance award demonstrated the car's exceptional efficiency - covering maximum distance relative to engine capacity.

Race Statistics

• Finishing Position: 3rd Overall (of 16 classified finishers)
• Class Winner: P3.0 (3-Liter Prototype)
• Special Award: Index of Performance (Efficiency Trophy)
• Distance Behind Winners: 8 laps behind the winning #23 Porsche 917K
• Notable Achievement: Beat all Ferrari 512S entries

Historical Context

The 1970 Le Mans marked Porsche's first-ever victory at the Circuit de la Sarthe, with the #23 917K of Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood taking the overall win. The #27 908 provided crucial support, ensuring Porsche dominated the podium. This race also served as the filming location for Steve McQueen's "Le Mans" movie.

Of the 51 competitors, Porsche was the most represented manufacturer with 24 cars. The race saw intense battles between Porsche 917s and Ferrari 512S prototypes, with the smaller 908 proving its worth through consistency and reliability.

Driver Biographies

Helmut Marko: Austrian driver who would go on to win Le Mans overall in 1971 (in a 917K). Later became a successful team manager and current advisor to Red Bull Racing F1.

Rudi Lins: Austrian driver and Porsche Salzburg regular. Among the most frequent 908 pilots with 20 race starts. Known for steady, consistent driving.

Technical Details

The special Long Tail bodywork featured:

• Extended rear deck for high-speed stability on Mulsanne Straight
• Twin vertical fins for directional control
• Special transmission oil cooler for 24-hour reliability
• Ultra-lightweight fiberglass construction
• Modified cockpit enclosure for aerodynamic efficiency