1980 Lotus 81 - Mario Andretti : My F1 Cars - The Driver Series

**DriveWRX** · #1 05-01-2022, 10:52 AM

Second in what I call my Driver Series is Mario Andretti's 1980 Lotus 81 (by Rado of Modely F1).

If you missed the first build, 1974 McLaren M23 Yardley - Mike Hailwood, here's a link.

**DriveWRX** · #2 05-01-2022, 10:54 AM

Learning from the Hailwood build, I started with the driver. Again I used PaulEstudios PaperHuman 1/25th scale model. In my opinion, the best figure to use due it's high customization ability.

I built the cockpit and fit the driver to it. In this case, Mario had to lose his lower shins and feet. To get the best fit, I found it easier to situate the body and legs, mount the steering wheel, place the hands in the correct positions and finally fit the arms.

Based on photos I found of Mario and his team mate Elio, I modified PaperHuman pilot suits to resemble Mario's race suit. Don't forget the harness for safety! I encountered a minor problem when fitting Mario in his seat. I didn't account for the bulk of the suit so the fit was even tighter. The sides of the cockpit bulge out slightly. Not too bad though, it's still workable. I will add the helmet later so it won't get damaged during the car build.

**DriveWRX** · #3 05-01-2022, 10:57 AM

Onto the car.
The model isn't very difficult. There were some fiddly bits but nothing crazy.

I did modify the wheels slightly. I wanted to add a lip to the rims and some depth to the spokes. Also, ala Sunny78, I made hybrid tires, one side displays as "stationary" while the other displays as "in motion". It's a nice effect!

I used a Metmania helmet model already in Mario's colors. I did have to add the ESSEX logo on the front.

With that, the model is complete!

Stay tuned as there is more to come in my Driver Series!

**rockpaperscissor** · #4 05-01-2022, 02:54 PM

What a great looking model! Very nice work.

**rmks2000** · #5 05-01-2022, 03:54 PM

Great job but I'm more amazed at how well the driver came out.

**N96HBK** · #6 05-02-2022, 12:34 AM

An extraordinarily smart-looking build, you did another amazing job with this model! Excellent photos, thanks for sharing!

**Bluenoser** · #7 05-02-2022, 05:24 AM

That look great. Driver looks incredible.

**MacSongLi** · #8 05-02-2022, 09:18 AM

Excellent job. It adds nice detailing having Mario in the car.

Gary

**DriveWRX** · #9 05-03-2022, 06:52 PM

Thanks everyone!
I'm really enjoying perfecting the cars and now the drivers. I still need to learn to recolor helmets. Metmania already had Mario's I just had to add the ESSEX logo. Hailwood's helm has the correct(ish) colors but the design is wrong. That's what I need to work on.