When it comes to legendary race cars, few carry the emotional weight and engineering lore of the Mazda 787B — the car that made history with its rotary engine and stunning underdog victory at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now, CADA has brought this icon to life in an officially licensed 1:10 scale building set, complete with a fully printed body, a newly designed triple-rotor engine, and modular construction ready for static or motorized play.
Unboxing & First Impressions
The Mazda 787B arrives in a premium lift-off lid box adorned with Mazda branding and official licensing badges. Inside, the 1,797 pieces are thoughtfully organized into 26 numbered bags across four build stages. Two instruction booklets guide you through 546 steps — averaging just 3.3 parts per step, making for a relaxed and intuitive build.
What stands out immediately is the exclusive use of printed parts — no stickers in sight. Many of the larger decorated panels are printed after assembly, ensuring perfect alignment and a factory-finished look.
Build Experience & Engineering Highlights
Starting with the triple-rotor Wankel engine, CADA recreates this iconic powerplant using brick-built techniques — a clever design that spins smoothly when the model is pushed or motorized.
The rear suspension uses two small hard shock absorbers mounted horizontally, connected to an extended upper arm with a subtle incline. The result is firm, responsive rebound — ideal for a race-bred model.
Power is routed cleanly into the rear differential, passing through a 28:12 gear set for a final drive ratio of 2.33:1 — optimized for torque and smooth acceleration in the powered version.
Up front, the double-wishbone suspension also uses small hard shocks, this time anchored to the lower control arms. The steering system integrates a servo-ready connection and working steering wheel linkage via 12:20 and 20:12 gear pairs — all with accurate return-to-center behavior.
One of the most impressive aspects is the modular chassis design. The entire model feels robust and logically structured, with key systems — engine, drivetrain, suspension — neatly compartmentalized.
Design & Realism
At 50.4 cm long and weighing 1.56 kg, this is a substantial and satisfying model. The scale works out to 1:9.5, slightly larger than typical 1:10 offerings.
CADA has captured the 787B’s iconic silhouette with remarkable accuracy. The body is almost completely smooth and paneled, with no awkward gaps or exposed studs. Highlights include:
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A clean, rising beltline flowing from the front wheel arch to the rear
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Curved technical panels forming side air intakes
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Distinctive front and rear fender shapes
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Authentic small-front, large-rear wheel hubs — a rare detail even in premium sets
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Gold-colored rear rims, matching certain real-world versions of the car
It’s worth noting: this model replicates the #18 car (which finished 6th at Le Mans), not the winning #55. For purists, a custom rebuild into the orange-and-green livery remains an enticing option.
Features & Playability
Even as a static display piece, the 787B is full of life:
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Front and rear suspension with firm, well-damped travel
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Steering with wheel synchronization
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Opening doors with stable hold positions
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Hood that opens via a push-button lever inside the cockpit
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Smooth-rolling wheels and free-spinning rotary engine
Everything works precisely as intended — no wobbly parts or fragile connections.
Stability & Durability
This is one of the most solid brick-built cars we’ve tested. Key body panels are secured at multiple points, and the underlying chassis is rigid and torsion-resistant. Whether lifted by the front, rear, or sides, the model holds its shape without flex. Even the brick-built sections — nose, doors, wing — stay firmly in place under normal handling.
Dynamic Upgrade Potential
Converting to RC is simple and affordable. You’ll need:
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1 × Servo motor (steering)
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1 × L motor (drive)
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1 × Control unit
Installation takes just minutes, and the model performs beautifully — smooth acceleration, confident steering, and enough torque for lively driving. The sturdy construction also means it can handle more aggressive RC modifications if desired.
Final Verdict
The CADA 1:10 Mazda 787B is a masterclass in licensed automotive modeling. Between the all-printed parts, smooth rotary engine, modular chassis, and robust construction, it delivers a premium building experience and a display-ready result.
Small critiques are minor — one pin connection during motor installation could be easier, and a few axles may have slight molding variations — but neither detracts from the overall excellence.
Overall rating: 9/10
A must-have for motorsport fans and a superb representation of one of racing’s greatest stories.
