Citroën has unveiled a World Rally Championship diorama to celebrate Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena’s unrivalled nine FIA World Rally Championship titles. The model was revealed at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on 18 February and will remain on show at the venue until 01 March.
From the snow and ice of Rally Finland to the iconic ruins of the Acropolis Rally, the 1:43-scale model, which has been moulded to a Citroën DS3 – the same model with which Loeb and Elena won their ninth title – showcases nine different rally terrains; one for every championship win.
The eye-catching model has been finished to the highest quality, with the utmost attention to detail. Each rally terrain features a 1:43 scale model of one of the duo’s championship-winning cars, dating back to 2004 and the Citroën Xsara.
Nothing has been left to the imagination as ice and dust clouds provide a sense of speed, while flowers, shrubbery, cameramen and spectators complete the scene.
Designed and built by Kieron Barter of Funky Lemon Design, the model took two months to complete.
Barter and his team of model-makers have been part of the project from the very beginning, from taking the initial moulds to putting the final touches to the entirely unique and staggeringly intricate artwork.
Describing the model-making process, Barter said how keen he was to be part of it, saying: “When I was initially approached by Citroën about this, I was really excited. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience so I jumped at the chance. The most enjoyable, and perhaps most challenging part was working with a DS3 to get the mould for the car, purely because it’s not something that I’ve done before and it was very important to get the mould right.”
Marc Raven, Communications Director at Citroën UK said: “Sébastien and Daniel have a fantastic history with Citroën and have achieved an incredible feat that is unlikely to be replicated. To celebrate, we wanted to create something that was as equally unique as their achievements. We were keen for this to involve a DS3; the car that underpins their continuing success in the WRC, and this was the result! It’s a fantastic piece of art and truly befitting of Seb and Daniel’s amazing track record.”
The model will be on show at the SMMT until 01 March. Citroën is planning a dealer tour later in the year and the model will also be on show at various events throughout the summer.
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