Explore Mini Cars at Retros.ae
View All →
Two Mazda 787Bs competed at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans, but only one won. The orange-and-green No. 55 took overall victory, while the white-and-blue No. 18 finished sixth. Takara Tomy later made both cars in its Tomica Premium Racing range, with a removable cowl on each.
For UAE collectors comparing the miniatures, the number identifies the race entry, not merely a different paint colour. This guide uses published sources and is not a hands-on review. The featured image is an AI-generated conceptual illustration, not a photograph of either Tomica model; its details may differ.
No. 55 vs No. 18: which Mazda finished where?
| Detail | No. 55 | No. 18 |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 Le Mans finish | First overall | Sixth overall |
| Drivers | Bertrand Gachot, Johnny Herbert and Volker Weidler | David Kennedy, Stefan Johansson and Maurizio Sandro Sala |
| Tomica colour scheme | Orange and green | White and blue |
| Tomica Premium Racing feature | Removable cowl | Removable cowl |
The Le Mans organisers record the two finishing positions and driver line-ups. Takara Tomy’s July 2026 product listing identifies the two Premium Racing models and specifies a removable cowl for each. An independent 2026 review identifies their respective colours. These are existing releases, not announcements of new stock.
Why is No. 55 important?
On 23 June 1991, Mazda became the first Japanese manufacturer to win Le Mans overall. Mazda identifies the winning car as 787B-002, powered by the R26B four-rotor engine, and records 362 laps. Its orange-and-green scheme makes No. 55 easy to recognise, but the race number and the particular model’s packaging are still worth checking before ordering.
Mazda’s winning-car history explains the car and team. The car’s achievement is specific: it was the first Japanese overall winner. It should not be described as the only Japanese winner, since other Japanese manufacturers have won since.
Why does the other car carry No. 18?
The white-and-blue No. 18 was the sister 787B that finished sixth. According to Mazda’s explanation of the numbers, 18 was its World Sportscar Championship series entry number. The organisers assigned 55 and 56 to two extra Le Mans entries. The number therefore helps tell the cars’ stories apart; it does not by itself prove that a particular miniature is authentic.
What should you check when buying the Tomicas?
- Check the number and colours together. The 2026 Tomica Premium Racing No. 55 represents the winning orange-and-green car; No. 18 is the white-and-blue sister car.
- Confirm the series and size. Other brands and Tomica lines have made 787B models. A 787B on the box does not guarantee the same scale or removable cowl. Compare the exact listing with the manufacturer’s information.
- Ask about completeness. For an opened model, ask for close-ups of the removable cowl, rear wing and mounting points. A sealed model may not have been inspected inside its box.
- Check delivery to the UAE. For imports or pre-owned examples, confirm the condition, delivery charges, possible import fees and return terms before you order.
A different 787B at Retros
On 5 November 2026, Retros showed a Hot Wheels Premium Mazda 787B as available. It is a different Hot Wheels release, not either Tomica Premium Racing model. Stock can change, so check the live listing. The broader Retros mini-cars collection has other models to explore.
If Japanese racing history is your focus, see our R32 GT-R racing guide and the Castrol and Loctite R34 Tomica comparison. Our Tomica range guide explains how the lines differ, while the display-case sizing guide helps you check the fit before displaying a low, wide race car.
Which one belongs in your collection? Choose No. 55 for the overall winner, or No. 18 for the less familiar sister car that also finished the race. Together they represent two separate entries from the same historic event.
Explore Mini Cars at Retros.ae
View All →
Leave a Reply