...and "The Legend" live forever.

Brand: Minichamps

Model: 1992 McLaren Honda MP4/7, Aryton Senna

Scale: 1:18

Pricetag (date of purchase): $500 (January 2008)

The McLaren MP4/7A was McLaren International's Formula One entry for 1992, and follow-up to their successful MP4/6 from the previous season.

This was the first McLaren to use a semi-automatic transmission; it was a McLaren-designed electro-hydraulic unit with semi-automatic activation.

TAG Electronic System (a technology partner with McLaren) helped with development. This system allowed the driver to keep his foot on the pedal, without lifting from it, since the throttle cable was replaced with an electronic sensor. It also controlled engine speed automatically during gear changes.


For the first time since 1987, McLaren failed to capture the Constructors' or Drivers' Championship title. It was therefore the first time the team had failed to win the championships with Honda power, as the years 1988 to 1991 had all been successful in this respect.

This model are some of which could be categorized as "Most wanted" by hardcore F1 or rare model collectors. The legendary driver Aryton Senna will always be remembered in the world of high profile F1 racing.

My version of McLaren Honda MP4/7 also comes with full "Marlboro" livery. Most recent model instead of "Marlboro", the engine cover has a "barcode" type logo in place, (which is actually how the car appeared for the British and German Grand Prix), to get around local bans on tobacco advertising on TV.

On this model there is no engine detail (the engine cover is not removable), but there is a driver figure representing Senna, and the finish of the model is generally good.

The wheels and tires look good and there is reasonable brake detail (although the callipers are fixed to the discs and do not rotate with the wheels).

This model is one of many F1 cars made by Minichamps. It is part of the Ayrton Senna collection, which to date (Feb 2004) includes most of his Formula 1 cars, including several Lotus, McLaren cars, and his unfortunate Williams-Renault FW16 the car he died in).