The 1:18-scale Porsche 956 (2nd Place, Le Mans 1984) by Spark is now available for pre-order. Pre-order period closes Friday, November 27, 2026. Manufacturer's estimated release date: April 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 Porsche 956 (2nd Place, 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans) commemorates a fascinating footnote in the history of endurance racing and a defining demonstration of Porsche's dominance during the Group C era. The #26 Porsche 956, entered by Preston Henn's Swap Shop racing operation and driven by John Paul Jr., Jean Rondeau and Preston Henn, finished second overall at the 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans, continuing the Porsche 956's extraordinary run of success at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Finished in its distinctive black Swap Shop competition livery, this privately entered Porsche is an especially interesting example of the customer-team efforts that helped make the 956 one of the most successful sports prototypes ever built.

This 1:18-scale resin model of the Porsche 956 faithfully captures the purposeful proportions and aerodynamic profile of Porsche's legendary Group C prototype. Spark reproduces the car's crisp black Swap Shop 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 Porsche racing cars, historic Le Mans entries and Group C endurance prototypes.

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: Porsche 956
Event: 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans
Drivers: Jean Rondeau, Preston Henn, John Paul Jr.

Color: Black "Swap Shop" Livery
Scale: 1:18
Approximate Length: ~10 inches (25 cm)
Material: Resin
Manufacturer: Spark
Item Number: 18S1366
Display: Acrylic display case
Condition: New in original manufacturer packaging
License: Officially licensed Porsche product

Key Collectible Features

• 1984 Le Mans Porsche 956 (#26): Recreates the Porsche Group C prototype that secured second place overall at the 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans as an entry of the Swap Shop racing team.

• Authentic 1:18-scale resin construction: Captures the low-slung bodywork and aerodynamic design of Porsche's groundbreaking 956 endurance prototype.

• Crisp Swap Shop racing livery: Features the car's distinctive black competition finish with sharply reproduced sponsorship decals, team graphics and period-correct markings.

• Detailed racing cockpit: Reproduces the carefully finished interior of Porsche'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: The Porsche 956 Extends Its Dominance at Le Mans

By 1984, Porsche's 956 had established itself as one of the most dominant sports prototypes in endurance racing history. Yet the remarkable story of the 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans was that Porsche achieved its extraordinary result without entering a factory works team. Instead, the Porsche 956s competing at the Circuit de la Sarthe were fielded entirely by independent privateer customer teams, demonstrating just how competitive and effective Porsche's customer racing program had become...so effective, in fact, that 956s captured eight of the top ten finishing positions. The race was another emphatic demonstration of Porsche's command of the Group C era, with its customer teams effectively accomplishing what many manufacturers struggled to achieve with fully funded factory operations.

Among the most interesting of those privateer entries was the second-place #26 Swap Shop Porsche 956, sponsored by Preston Henn's T-Bird Swap Shop and run in partnership with Le Mans veteran winner John Rondeau. The car's driver lineup also included the controversial and often unpredictable American motorsport figure John Paul Jr., whose considerable speed and complicated career made him one of the more colorful personalities in American sports car racing. The combination of Henn's financial backing, Rondeau's Le Mans experience and the driving talent behind the wheel produced an impressive result against an exceptionally competitive field. Finishing second overall, the Swap Shop Porsche became one of the standout privateer entries in a race that demonstrated the remarkable depth of Porsche's customer racing program. It remains an especially compelling chapter in the history of the Porsche 956 and an excellent example of the independent teams that helped establish the marque's endurance racing legacy.

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

• Porsche motorsport enthusiasts interested in significant competition cars from the marque's legendary endurance racing history.

• 24 Hours of Le Mans collectors seeking historically important entries from the golden age of Group C prototype racing.

• Group C racing enthusiasts who appreciate the remarkable achievements of privateer teams and Porsche's customer racing program in the formula's early years.

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

• Spark Models collectors pursuing distinctive privateer 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