Gilles Villeneuve Ferrari 126CK race car Canadian Grand Prix 1981 season
Gilles Villeneuve – Ferrari 126CK – Canadian Grand Prix 1981
The Ferrari 126CK represents one of the most thrilling and raw eras in Formula 1 — and few drivers embodied that spirit better than Gilles Villeneuve.
This 1:18 scale model captures the car Villeneuve drove during his home race at the Canadian Grand Prix 1981, a weekend remembered for its chaos, rain, and the sheer determination of a driver who refused to give up.
A Rain-Soaked Battle in Montreal
The 1981 Canadian Grand Prix, held at Montreal’s Île Notre-Dame Circuit (now the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve), was one of the most dramatic races of the season. Heavy rain turned the track into a slippery battlefield, testing every driver’s control and bravery.
Villeneuve, cheered on by an entire nation, started from 11th on the grid. Despite visibility near zero and a damaged front wing that lifted straight into his line of sight, he refused to pit. Driving almost blind, he pushed the limits of the Ferrari 126CK and somehow brought the car home in 3rd place, earning a heroic podium on home soil.
It was a drive that defined Villeneuve’s legend — fearless, relentless, and wildly spectacular.
About the Ferrari 126CK
The 126CK marked Ferrari’s transition into the turbocharged era, powered by a 1.5-litre V6 turbo engine producing nearly 600 hp.
While notoriously difficult to handle, it gave Villeneuve the tools to fight — and win — in Spain and Monaco that same year.
Its distinctive wide sidepods and exposed rear suspension made it one of the most aggressive designs of its time.
The “K” in its name stands for “Kompresor”, referring to its turbocharging system — a hint at the technological arms race that defined early 1980s Formula 1.
About Gilles Villeneuve
Born in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Gilles Villeneuve remains one of the most beloved figures in Ferrari history. Known for his fearless style, loyalty, and charisma, he captured the hearts of fans worldwide during his short but unforgettable career.
Between 1977 and 1982, he won six Grands Prix, but it was his spectacular driving and never-say-die attitude that made him a legend. Even today, his name lives on — literally — at the very circuit where he achieved that famous podium in 1981.
Why Collect This Model
This beautifully detailed replica of the Ferrari 126CK – Canadian Grand Prix 1981 commemorates a defining moment in Formula 1 history. It combines technical innovation, racing drama, and emotional storytelling in one collectible piece.
✨ A true must-have for Ferrari enthusiasts and classic F1 collectors alike.
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this new line of modelcars is from a person
i know a little, he owns an FB page called,
"F1 Models Value" a person with a lot of
passion, he joined the team of GP Replica's
and very special, this modelcar is build the
way he tought the way it should be build,
please check the pictures, enjoy!