27072 M8 Race Car Model Building Set | 481 Pcs

Mould King 27072 BMW M8 GTE — The "Big M8" That Won Daytona

BMW's return to top-level GT endurance racing produced one of the most striking race cars of the modern era. This 481-piece model captures the M8 GTE — affectionately nicknamed "Big M8" for its imposing size — that won the 24 Hours of Daytona and earned five IMSA GTLM victories across a successful four-year campaign.

The Real Machine

The BMW M8 GTE was unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show as BMW Motorsport's most ambitious GT racing project in years, marking the brand's return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans after a six-year absence. Unlike most GT race cars that begin as road cars adapted for racing, the M8 GTE was designed as a complete LM GTE-spec race car from the ground up — the first BMW Motorsport had manufactured in this way. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, derived from road car engines, produced over 500 horsepower through a six-speed sequential transmission, propelling a chassis that weighed just 1,220 kg despite stretching nearly 5 meters long. That size earned it the internet nickname "Big M8" and generated a surprisingly affectionate following. The results justified the ambition: five IMSA GTLM class victories over four seasons, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona. The M8 GTE competed at Le Mans, battled Porsche 911 RSRs and Ford GTs in IMSA, and established BMW as a serious force in GT endurance racing before the program concluded at the end of 2021.

Design & Accuracy

The model captures the M8 GTE's distinctive racing silhouette — the aggressive front splitter, wide fender extensions, massive rear wing, and that characteristically large footprint that earned it the "Big M8" nickname. The BMW Motorsport racing livery with its distinctive color scheme makes this immediately identifiable on any shelf. At 481 pieces — one of the higher counts in the speed-champion series — there's room for meaningful detail in the aero elements, front grille, and overall body surfacing.

Build Experience

A satisfying 55 to 85 minute build that offers good complexity for its class. The higher piece count compared to many speed-champion models means more detailed construction, particularly around the aerodynamic bodywork and racing-specific elements. The build quality is good throughout, and the included display case provides the standard stackable, dust-free presentation.

What Builders Love

• Higher piece count — at 481 pieces, this offers more detail and a more engaging build than many speed-champion-scale models
• Racing livery impact — BMW Motorsport colors create a striking, colorful display piece
• Unique representation — BMW race cars are underrepresented in brick form; this fills an important gap for German motorsport fans
• Daytona winner pedigree — a genuine Le Mans and IMSA competitor with real racing victories to its name

Worth Considering

• GT race car niche — casual viewers may not immediately distinguish a GT race car from a road car at this scale
• Short racing career — the M8 GTE competed for only four years before retirement, limiting its historical recognition
• Static model — no functional features at this scale despite the higher piece count

Specifications

The Bottom Line

The Mould King 27072 brings German endurance racing excellence to the collection. The M8 GTE may not have the decades-long heritage of a Ferrari or Porsche race car, but its Daytona victory, Le Mans appearances, and distinctive "Big M8" presence give it genuine character. With its higher piece count delivering noticeably richer detail than many models in the series, and the BMW Motorsport livery adding visual punch, this is a strong choice for racing enthusiasts looking beyond the usual suspects.