The 1:18-scale Sauber C9 (1987 Le Mans #62) by Spark is now available for pre-order. Pre-order period closes Friday, November 27, 2026. Manufacturer's estimated release date: June 2027. Secure your pre-order with only a 10% deposit due upfront (balance collected upon model release). Deposits are fully refundable, and you may cancel your pre-order at any time with no penalty.

The Spark Models 1:18-scale Sauber C9 (1987 24 Hours of Le Mans, #62) celebrates an important chapter in the development of one of endurance racing's most successful independent manufacturers. The #62 Sauber C9 Group C prototype, entered by Kouros Racing and driven by Johnny Dumfries, Mike Thackwell and Chip Ganassi, represented the continuing evolution of Peter Sauber's sports car racing program as it challenged the established factory teams of international endurance racing. Although the car would not reach the finish of the 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans, its participation marked another important step in the development of a prototype that would go on to achieve extraordinary success. Finished in its distinctive Yves Saint Laurent Kouros dark blue livery, the C9 remains one of the most recognizable and visually striking Group C racers of the 1980s.

This 1:18-scale resin model of the Sauber C9 faithfully captures the sculpted aerodynamic bodywork and purposeful proportions of Sauber's legendary endurance prototype. Spark reproduces the car's elegant dark blue Kouros racing livery and accurately rendered sponsorship decals, complemented by authentic competition wheels and a detailed cockpit. Supplied with a clear acrylic display case, this finely detailed collectible is an excellent addition to collections of historic Le Mans entries, Mercedes-powered sports prototypes and Group C endurance racers.

Pre-orders ship from our California facility within 1–2 business days from arrival from the manufacturer, and every purchase is protected by our 30-day return policy.

Product Overview 

Product Type: Collectible scale model car
Vehicle: Sauber C9
Event: 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans
Drivers: Johnny Dumfries, Mike Thackwell, Chip Ganassi

Color: Dark Blue "Kouros" Livery
Scale: 1:18
Approximate Length: ~10 inches (25 cm)
Material: Resin
Manufacturer: Spark
Item Number: 18S1373
Display: Acrylic display case
Condition: New in original manufacturer packaging
License: Officially licensed Sauber product

Key Collectible Features

• 1987 Sauber C9 (#62) Le Mans entry: Recreates the Kouros Racing-entered Sauber C9 Group C prototype that competed in the 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Johnny Dumfries, Mike Thackwell and Chip Ganassi.

• Authentic 1:18-scale resin construction: Captures the distinctive aerodynamic bodywork, low-slung proportions and purposeful design of Sauber's Mercedes-powered endurance racing prototype.

• Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Kouros livery: Features the car's elegant dark blue competition finish with sharply reproduced sponsorship decals, team graphics and period-correct markings.

• Detailed racing cockpit: Reproduces the carefully finished interior of Sauber's purpose-built Group C prototype.

• Accurate competition wheels: Features finely reproduced racing wheels that complement the model's authentic period Le Mans appearance.

• Acrylic display case included: Provides an attractive presentation while helping protect the model from dust.

Historical Background: Peter Sauber's Rise in Group C Racing

Peter Sauber's racing organization began in Switzerland in the early 1970s, initially building its reputation through sports car competition before establishing itself as an increasingly formidable presence in international endurance racing. By the early 1980s, Sauber had entered the Group C prototype category, where its developing sports cars demonstrated the engineering capabilities and competitive ambition of a small, independent manufacturer taking on the established factory teams. Working with Mercedes-Benz, Sauber steadily refined its designs throughout the decade, progressing from the early C-series prototypes to increasingly sophisticated aerodynamic and mechanical packages. The partnership culminated in the Sauber C9, a purpose-built Group C machine powered by a twin-turbocharged Mercedes-Benz V8 that would ultimately establish itself as one of the dominant sports prototypes of its era.

The 1987 Le Mans entry of the #62 Kouros Racing Sauber C9 represented an important stage in that development. Although the car's race ended prematurely with a retirement, the experience gained during its first competitive Le Mans campaign contributed to the continued evolution of the C9 program. The following years would vindicate Sauber's engineering direction: the C9 became a race-winning force in the World Sports-Prototype Championship, capturing the 1989 championship and delivering Mercedes-Benz its long-awaited overall victory at Le Mans that same year. The #62 car's 1987 appearance is therefore an especially interesting snapshot of the C9's journey from promising newcomer to endurance racing benchmark—and a reminder that even the most successful competition cars have their formative chapters.

Frequently Asked Collector Questions

Does this model have opening parts?

No. This is a sealed resin display model without opening parts, designed to prioritize accurate proportions, exterior detailing, and presentation.

Does it include a display case?
Yes. This model comes with a clear acrylic display case.

Is the model new?
Yes. It is brand new and unopened in Spark’s original packaging.

How quickly does it ship?
Orders ship from our California warehouse within 1–2 business days of arrival from the manufacturer.

Who This Model Is Ideal For

• Sauber motorsport enthusiasts interested in Peter Sauber's evolution from independent Swiss racing constructor to international endurance racing powerhouse.

• Mercedes-Benz racing collectors seeking an early example of the successful Mercedes-Sauber Group C partnership.

• 24 Hours of Le Mans collectors pursuing distinctive entries from the golden age of Group C prototype racing.

• Group C racing enthusiasts who appreciate the engineering evolution of endurance prototypes and the independent teams that challenged established factory manufacturers.

• 1:18-scale resin model collectors looking for finely detailed representations of historically significant sports prototypes.

• Spark Models collectors pursuing distinctive period racing liveries and important Le Mans entries beyond the familiar factory team cars.

• Not intended for children under 14 years - not a toy

✅ Will ship from Model Citizen Diecast's California offices when released
✅ Secure packaging for collectors
✅ 30-day return policy