I don't know how many of you are racing fans or not, however, you can realize that racing is in a constant state of flux. Last year's or even last week's car is often not up to competitive specs in the high end branches of racing.

The Porsche 956 and 962 were the most successful sports-racing cars in history. At least, some think this to be the case. I'm sure that there are others who might disagree, but it would be hard to make a good case for any other dedicate sports-racer.  From 1982 and the introduction of the 956 through the release of the 962 in 1984 to the  somewhat lessened success of derivatives of the two designs into the late 1990s, the 956/962 definitely left its stamp on the motorsports world.

These cars were particularly dominant during the mid 1980s in both Group C racing in Europe and IMSA racing in the US. In fact, one could argue the point that this period of time was one of the finest in the sports car racing world. Not since then have we seen such large fields of cars at professional sports car events. Nowadays, most of these events have to combine several classes of cars to have a decent grid. Top league sports car races in 2005 usually have only about a half dozen really competitive cars, who tend to dominate the events. Back in the hey-day of the 956/962, it was not uncommon to have dozens of competitive racers. True, most of them drove the Porsche, but the battles were legendary and the races exciting.

This is basically a toy as much as it is a serious kit. The parts count is minimal and there is a friction motor so that there is some play value to be provided. You get a four part body that is already in the appropriate color for a Jaegermeister Porsche. No interior is provided as you wouldn't be able to see it through the windscreen and having one wouldn't provide the room needed for the friction motor.

You get four rubber tires and four chrome plated plastic wheels to put them on. These are then pushed onto the axles. A chassis of sorts is provided to house the motor and the front axle. A smaller bag with the front axle, three screws and a lock washer is also included.

Instructions are actually for a BMW 635, but the basics are all there so it shouldn't be too difficult to follow. Mitsuwa provide both decals and stickers for the 956. A placement guide is provided on the sides of the box. The decals have yellowed a touch, but since they are standard Japanese decals, they should work just fine. The stickers are quite colorful and more appropriate if you are helping a youngster build the kit as it will have him 'racing' in minimal time. Apparently this is not an 'officially licensed' product as the word 'Porsche' has been marked over with a black magic marker!