Trofeu — the die-cast specialist founded in 1989 and based in Espinho, Portugal — occupies a unique position in rally modelling: it reproduces exactly the kind of privateer entries that period photography captured but wider-market manufacturers have always overlooked. This piece is one of those releases. The white-and-blue Porsche 911 SC of Team Lopes Correia, car #43, started WRC Round 3 of 1979 in Estoril and ran through 23 special stages before an accident ended its rally on SS24.
The Porsche 911 SC: G-Series Rally Weapon
Introduced for model year 1978, the 911 SC (Super Carrera) replaced both the 911 S and the Carrera within the wider G-series bodyshell. Its 3.0-litre Type 930/03 air-cooled flat-six — 2994 cc, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, 180 bhp at 5500 rpm in road trim — was a de-tuned derivative of the 930 Turbo's normally aspirated unit, which gave it a reputation for structural robustness and considerable tuning headroom. The overall body length of 4291 mm and a 2272 mm wheelbase made the SC a physically substantial competitor on the mixed tarmac and gravel of WRC events.
WRC Round 3, 1979: Forty-Five Stages and a Nocturnal Itinerary
The 1979 Rallye de Portugal – Vinho do Porto ran 6–11 March from Autódromo do Estoril across approximately 737.5 competitive kilometres split over 45 special stages. Of 88 starters, only 16 reached the finish — Hannu Mikkola and Arne Hertz taking overall victory in a Ford Escort RS 1800 MKII. The rally's overnight sections, departing Estoril Park Fermé at 22:00 and running past 05:00, gave the event a particular reputation for attrition. José Gonçalves and co-driver Miguel Oliveira — a pairing that competed together from 1978 through 1980 under Team Lopes Correia — carried registration plate HG-39-89 and were classified 4th in class among 10 class starters before their retirement on SS24.
The Night Version Designation
Trofeu applies the "night version" sub-series designation to models depicting cars in the context of the rally's nocturnal stages. It is a product-series attribute identifying the overnight-stage configuration, and it reflects the atmospheric and historically significant conditions under which these Portuguese rounds were contested.
The 1:43 Scale Model: Trofeu Die-Cast Construction
Trofeu constructs its 1:43 range in die-cast metal mounted on a plastic chassis — a traditional construction format that suits the density and precision required at this scale. The model reproduces car #43 in its documented white-and-blue livery.1:43. Production is strictly limited to 150 units, with delivery scheduled for Q3 2026.
In the Display Cabinet
At 1:43 and approximately 10.0 cm in length, this model fits naturally into a standard single-shelf rally cabinet. The obvious companion pieces are the sibling Trofeu night-version releases from the same 1979 Rally of Portugal: the Porsche 911 Carrera RS Coupe of António Diegues (#24, orange livery) and the Opel Kadett GTE of Anders Kullang (#6). Together they reconstruct a credible slice of the 1979 WRC field. For collectors focused on the air-cooled 911 G-series, this piece bridges the road-car collection with a documented, event-specific rally entry.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the 1:43 scale model?
The Porsche 911 SC has a road-car length of 4291 mm. Divided by 43, that yields approximately 99.8 mm — rounded to 10.0 cm. At that length, it occupies a modest footprint on a standard display shelf, though at 1:43 the proportion of the G-series bodyshell remains immediately recognisable.
Who made this model and how many were produced?
The model is produced by Trofeu, the die-cast brand manufactured by Replicar in Espinho, Portugal, founded in 1989. This specific release is limited to 150 units worldwide, placing it among the tightest production runs in Trofeu's night-version sub-series.
What was the result of car #43 at the 1979 Rally of Portugal?
José Gonçalves and co-driver Miguel Oliveira, entered by Team Lopes Correia as car #43, retired on Special Stage 24 due to an accident. They were classified 4th in class from 10 class starters. The overall event was won by Hannu Mikkola and Arne Hertz in a Ford Escort RS 1800 MKII; only 16 of 88 starters finished.
