Description: The Sigma Grand Prix was introduced into the catalogue of the Turin-based manufacturer Mercury at the turn of the 1970s, at a time when the Italian firm had built a reputation for reproducing 1:43 scale Formula 1 single-seater cars. The subject is original, to say the least: Mercury chose not to reproduce a racing car, but a prototype for study purposes. Presented on March 13, 1969, at the Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari Sigma — also called Pininfarina Sigma — was a "show car" designed by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina, in collaboration with the Swiss Revue Automobile and with the support of Enzo Ferrari, Fiat, and Mercedes. Never intended for competition, it addressed a serious concern of its time: the high number of fatal accidents in Formula 1. Built on a Ferrari 312 chassis with a 3-liter V12 engine, it incorporated a battery of safety innovations: a survival cell for the driver, multi-layer fuel tanks, a fire suppression system, seatbelts, and, most importantly, lateral protections extending behind the wheels to prevent single-seater entanglement during collisions. Its name echoed that of an experimental Pininfarina vehicle from 1963. Mercury delivered a meticulous reproduction under reference 301, faithful to the prototype's low and futuristic silhouette: an enveloping body, an open cockpit revealing the molded relief engine block, and a large rear spoiler elevated on its uprights. The model rides on bare cast zamac wheels fitted with black tires and is adorned with a light side stripe running along the body. The model presented here has a few small paint chips on the edges and nose, common and minor defects for this type of toy. Our example is in red with a yellow spoiler, with its clean side stripe and silver engine. The model also exists in an inverted version, with the body in yellow and red. The yellow version with red spoilers is much more common! The set remains complete and original, a pleasant testament to Italian craftsmanship from this period! Take advantage of this low price to acquire the less common of the two variants!