Lamley Daily: Shelby Collectibles Aston Martin DBR1 (2009)

Model: Aston Martin DBR1

Release: Shelby Collectibles 50th Anniversary (silver)

eBay link: Shelby Collectibles Aston Martin

Why I am featuring it: Sir Stirling Moss has passed away at the age of 90. When I was growing up in the UK, no one personified motor racing more than Moss, who survived more than 500 competitive races in an era when many of his contemporaries lost their lives in accidents. Moss had his own career-ending crash, at Goodwood in 1962, but recovered and was still competing in historic races right through his 70s. I saw him race an Aston Martin DBR1 at the Goodwood Revival in 1998, still committed at 69 years of age – he’s chasing a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa in the picture below.

I’m looking forward to the Top Gun-related Matchbox DBR1 that’s coming later this year, but until then this silver Shelby Collectibles issue is the only 1:64 DBR1 in my collection. The detail is great, with an opening bonnet (hood) and doors. Carroll Shelby famously won at Le Mans in a DBR1, in 1959. The sister car of Stirling Moss retired after six hours but he won in the car at Goodwood and the Nürburgring. The silver model was issued in 2009 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Shelby and Roy Salvadori’s victory. It’s also available in several British racing green schemes, including an ‘After the Race’ edition with ‘dirty’ wheels, and as a 1:18 model.

(find Shelby Collectibles Aston Martin DBR1 on eBay)