Gilles Villeneuve Ferrari 126CK race car Monaco Grand Prix 1981 season
Gilles Villeneuve – Ferrari 126CK – Monaco Grand Prix 1981
The Ferrari 126CK from the Monaco Grand Prix 1981 captures one of the most unforgettable wins in Ferrari history — and one of Gilles Villeneuve’s finest drives.
It was the Canadian’s first victory in a turbocharged car, achieved on a circuit where precision, patience, and courage decide everything.
A Heroic Win on the Streets of Monte Carlo
The 1981 Monaco Grand Prix was a race of attrition, strategy, and skill. Qualifying second on the grid, Villeneuve started alongside Nelson Piquet in the lightning-fast Brabham.
At the start, he held position and shadowed Piquet for much of the early laps, never more than a second behind.
On lap 54, everything changed — Piquet retired with a blown engine, handing Villeneuve the lead. But the race was far from over: Alan Jones in the Williams was charging hard from behind. Villeneuve, calm under pressure, managed his tyres and turbo boost perfectly, keeping Jones at bay around Monaco’s twisting streets.
After 76 laps, he crossed the finish line first, securing Ferrari’s first turbo-era victory and their first win in over a year. The roar of the Tifosi echoed through the harbour — Villeneuve had once again done the impossible.
About the Ferrari 126CK
Equipped with Ferrari’s pioneering 1.5-litre V6 turbo engine, producing up to 580 hp.
Though tricky to handle, the car’s straight-line power gave Villeneuve a vital advantage on Monaco’s short bursts between corners.
The win proved that Ferrari’s new turbo project could triumph even on tight, technical circuits — a major milestone for the Scuderia.
About Gilles Villeneuve
Gilles Villeneuve’s passion, bravery, and instinctive car control made him one of the most beloved Ferrari drivers of all time.
The Monaco 1981 victory symbolised everything fans adored about him — relentless pressure, total commitment, and the ability to seize opportunity the moment it appeared.
From his breathtaking defensive win in Spain to his home podium in Canada, 1981 became the season that cemented his legend. Tragically, his career was cut short the following year, but his spirit still lives on in every Ferrari fan’s heart — and on the very track that now bears his name.
Why Collect This Model
This beautifully detailed 1:18 replica of the Ferrari 126CK – Monaco Grand Prix 1981 immortalises one of the most dramatic and emotional victories in F1 history.
It’s a tribute to the courage of Gilles Villeneuve and the beginning of Ferrari’s turbocharged success story.
✨ A must-have for serious collectors and true fans of Formula 1 heritage.
in store now!
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!