Marsh Models MM357B5 Porsche 908/2 LH Flunder #5 ‘Elford -Herrmann’ Imola 500km 1969

Marsh Models MM357B5 Porsche 908/2 LH Flunder #5 ‘Vic Elford -Hans Herrmann’ DNF Imola 500km 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.

MM357B5 - #5 ELFORD/HERRMANN

500km of Imola, September 28, 1969 - DNF (Retired)

Race Details:

• Race: 500 Chilometri di Imola
• Date: September 28, 1969
• Circuit: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy
• Team: Porsche Salzburg
• Drivers: Vic Elford (GBR) / Hans Herrmann (GER)
• Car Number: #5
• Result: 13th Overall - Retired (Did Not Finish)
• Livery: White with Porsche Salzburg colors

Race Summary

The 500km of Imola was a non-championship sports car race held on the challenging Italian circuit. Vic "Quick Vic" Elford and Hans Herrmann were paired in the #5 Porsche 908/2 Flunder LH entered by Porsche Salzburg, the Austrian-based semi-works team that functioned as Porsche's factory extension.

Elford was one of Porsche's most versatile drivers, having won four endurance races with the 908 between 1968 and 1971. Herrmann, a veteran German driver, would go on to score Porsche's historic first Le Mans victory the following year in a 917.

The #5 car unfortunately retired from the race, classified 13th overall. Despite this disappointment, both drivers continued their successful partnership throughout the 1969-1970 seasons.

Driver Biographies

Vic Elford: British all-rounder who excelled in rallying and circuit racing. Known for his smooth driving style and versatility across different disciplines.

Hans Herrmann: Veteran German racer who came agonizingly close to Le Mans victory in 1969 (2nd place by seconds) before finally winning in 1970.