Words and photos courtesy of Alex Kustov

 

This would be the last chapter in the E21 series. In addition to Minichamps models covered last time, there were several sealed resin E21s made by Spark Models and one car made by a company called CMF. Spark racing E21 models are all 320 Turbos from 1979-80 DRM seasons, and 1980-81 Macau races.

BMW E21 320 Turbo #55 Rodenstock Racing /Sachs Racing. Harald Ertl.

They are nicely proportioned models with great graphics and high-quality overall finish. Being sealed resin pieces, the detailing is limited to what you can see on the outside, with chassis detail being very sparse and, for the most part, inaccurate.

BMW E21 320 Turbo Gr. 5 #2 Dunhill/Dunlop. Hans Stuck.

They look great on the shelf but lack the detail offered by Minichamps replicas. However, what is present is done to a high standard, with many unique details faithfully replicated in scale.

BMW E21 320 Turbo #6 Jägermeister Racing / GS Tuning Team. Marcus Hottinger.

Three of the cars are a limited release of only 300 pieces each for a German model shop Raceland, and they were sold only in that shop. Being the only distributor, Raceland sold them for a bit more what typical Spark models sell for ($170). But overall, they were a decent value, especially considering how prices went up after the models were sold out.

BMW E21 320 Turbo #4 Rodenstock Wurth, Team Schnitzer. Manfred Winkelhock.

These models do represent cars never released by Minichamps and add to the collection in this regard. Cars are nicely packaged in styrofoam clamshell boxes with superb designs on the top and sides and mounted on black wooden bases similar to Spark’s 1:43 scale releases.

Spark BMW E21 320 Turbo lineup.

You have to give credit to Spark for making each model unique – all the subtle differences in the configuration of front wings, splitters, supports, headlights, etc – all were modelled correctly after the prototypes.

Four different cars – four different rear wing designs. Pretty good attention to detail, often not seen on the models from mainstream manufacturers.

Wheels were identical on all four models, but all of the interiors were different. Air ducts, dashboards, instrument setups, and even the correct right-hand steering on Jagermeister car. Outstanding job by Spark.

Curiously, in addition to the traditional E21 320 racing body style, Spark also released couple E21s with outrageous bodywork in Viceroy livery from 1981 Macau Race, and Rodenstock livery ran by team Schnitzer in Division 2 on Nurburgring in 1979.

BMW E21 320 Turbo #4 Rodenstock Wurth, Team Schnitzer. Manfred Winkelhock.

BMW E21 320 Turbo Gr. 5 #1 Team Viceroy — Sime Darby. Manfred Winkelhock.

Not to be outdone, virtual newcomer Chinese-based resin maker CMF made the same car, but from Zolder race of the same year. CMF model is very similar in quality and detail, though not as polished as Spark version and as such, look a bit cheaper when sitting on the shelf next to Spark. They do make a good looking set, though.

BMW E21 320 Turbo #4 Rodenstock Wurth, Team Schnitzer. Manfred Winkelhock.

Spark and CMF E21 320 Turbo lineup.

Minor differences in the car implemented between the races are faithfully reproduced in scale. Different kick-panel design, exhaust configurations, headlights, grilles, etc. Viceroy car has completely different bodywork!

Just like on the earlier cars, wheels are the same on Sparks, but CMF sport a different design. Both CMF and Spark have a similar rear wing on their #4 cars, but Viceroy-liveried cars had a much more elaborated wing design. Terrific attention to detail from both manufacturers.

As of the time of writing, Spark promised a couple of other E21 racing variants, but until this materializes a complete collection of racing E21s would consist of 7 Minichamps models, 6 Sparks, and a CMF for the total of 14 pieces. This concludes the E21 series – until we get new models, that is.

BMW E21 320 Turbo #6 Jägermeister Racing / GS Tuning Team. Marcus Hottinger. Probably my favourite model out of the bunch.