The Snijers Sierra Cosworth arrives at your track courtesy of Avant Slot
Few combinations are as evocative for a rally fan as the name of Patrick Snijers behind the wheel of a black and gold Bastos Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4. Avant Slot has captured that moment with its reference AV52506, a 1/32 scale slot car that accurately reproduces the vehicle with which the Belgian driver competed in the 1991 24 Heures d'Ypres, one of the toughest and most beloved asphalt events on the international rally calendar.
Features and highlights
- 1/32 scale, the universal standard in competitive slot racing and collecting.
- Resin body industrially manufactured by Avant Slot, with high-precision paint and tampography that reproduce the Bastos and Castrol livery, race number 6, and details of the real car.
- Inline motor (in line with the rear axle), which places the centre of gravity low and enhances stability in fast corners.
- Light alloy wheels with rally profile tyres.
- Adjustable mechanics that allow the driver to adapt the car's behaviour to different track types and driving styles.
- Detailed chassis with a standard guide compatible with the main track systems on the market.
Scale and level of detail
Avant Slot is recognised in the industry for its 1/32 scale resin work with a level of detail that rivals that of the best static models. In this model, the silhouette of the Sierra Cosworth —with its characteristic Group A aerodynamics, large rear wing, and air intakes— is faithfully recreated. The tampography correctly covers the main sponsors, stripes, and race numbers as they appeared on the original vehicle that raced through the streets and roads flanked by ditches around Ypres.
On-track performance
The inline motor provides a mass distribution that translates into predictable and controllable driving, especially in braking and direction change sections. The alloy wheels help reduce unsprung weight and maintain contact with the track. Avant Slot's adjustable mechanics allow the driver to work on guide pressure, chassis play, and tyre hardness to fine-tune the setup according to the track —whether it be a home setup or a more demanding club track.
Ideal for…
- Collectors looking for miniatures of historic rallies from the nineties with iconic liveries.
- Slot enthusiasts wanting a car with historical character and good on-track performance.
- Lovers of the Ypres Rally and the history of Belgian rallying.
- Fans of Patrick Snijers, one of the most charismatic drivers of Group A in European asphalt.
Considerations
As with all Avant Slot models, the body is made of resin, which ensures an excellent level of detail but requires careful handling both in assembly and on-track use. It is recommended to check the alignment of the guide and the condition of the braids before each session to ensure optimal driving. The model is designed for universal tracks (compatible with Scalextric and Ninco, among others); consult the included guide to verify compatibility with your specific setup.
History: Patrick Snijers and the 1991 Ypres Rally
Patrick Snijers is undoubtedly one of the most beloved figures in Belgian rallying. Born in Antwerp in 1957, he built his career in European asphalt events with a mix of speed and sensitivity that made him a local reference. In the late eighties and early nineties, the Ford Sierra Cosworth —first in its rear-wheel-drive version and later in the 4x4 variant— was his regular tool in the most demanding events on the calendar.
The 24 Heures d'Ypres, popularly known as the Ypres Rally, is a unique event: held entirely on roads around the city of Ypres in West Flanders province, its stages are narrow, winding, and flanked by deep ditches that do not forgive the slightest mistake. For a Belgian driver like Snijers, that event also had a special emotional weight: it was his home race, in front of his audience.
In the 1991 edition, Snijers started alongside his faithful co-driver Dany Colebunders in this Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4 with the striking Bastos livery —the tobacco brand that sponsored several competition teams at that time— complemented by the colours of Castrol. The 1991 season was particularly competitive in the Ypres Rally, with Group A in full swing and cars like the Ford Sierra Cosworth already facing the pressure from the new Subarus and Mitsubishis. Snijers and Colebunders approached the event with the experience of those who know every metre of those roads, leaving a memorable performance that is part of the collective imagination of European asphalt rallying.
This Avant Slot replica is, in that sense, much more than a slot car: it is a fragment of the history of Belgian motorsport, perpetuated at 1/32 scale for those who appreciate what those cars and those drivers meant for modern rallying.
Frequently asked questions
What track systems is this Avant Slot model compatible with?
The model is equipped with a standard guide compatible with universal tracks, such as those from Scalextric and Ninco. If your setup uses another system, check the dimensions of the guide before running.
Is the motor Inline, Sidewinder, or Anglewinder?
It has an inline motor, meaning it is perpendicular to the rear axle and in line with the car's longitudinal axis. This lowers the centre of gravity and enhances stability in corners.
Is the body made of resin or plastic?
The body is made of resin, a common feature in Avant Slot production that allows for a superior level of detail and shape fidelity compared to injected plastic bodies.
Is it suitable for club competition or just for home use?
Avant Slot's adjustable mechanics allow it to be used both on home tracks and in amateur club competitions. For more demanding competitive use, it may be advisable to review and fine-tune the setup (guide pressure, braids, tyres) before each race.
What race number does this model carry?
It reproduces race number 6, as it appeared in the 1991 Ypres Rally.
Who was Snijers' co-driver in the 1991 Ypres Rally?
In that edition, Patrick Snijers had Dany Colebunders as his co-driver, a duo that worked together in numerous events on the European asphalt calendar.
Can I modify or prepare this car to improve its performance?
Yes. Like other Avant Slot models, it allows for the usual hobby modifications: tyre replacement, braid adjustment, motor change, or guide modification. Consult your local store for the most suitable options for your level and type of track.
The Avant Slot AV52506 Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4 Bastos Ypres Rally 1991 Snijers is a must-have 1/32 scale slot car for collectors and rally enthusiasts. Featuring the iconic Bastos and Castrol livery, race number 6, and an inline motor configuration, this resin-bodied model faithfully recreates the car driven by Belgian rally legend Patrick Snijers and co-driver Dany Colebunders at the legendary 24 Heures d'Ypres. Compatible with universal slot car track systems, it combines display-quality finish with genuine on-track performance.
