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Compared to other successful Group A cars, the Toyota Celica GT4 suffered a disadvantage in its dimensions and the driver's limited visibility. Ove Anderson, Toyota's Team Europe Manager, an ex-rally driver himself, spent years trying to convince Toyota Japan that the Corolla was more suited to the World Rally Championship (WRC). With new WRC regulations in force as of January 1997, he succeeded in developing the WRC version of the Corolla. This model replicates the 1998 Rallye De Portugal car #9, driven by Freddie Loix and Sven Smeets. This isn't merely a stock Corolla with racing graphics; it's an all out rally car. And so is this AUTOart diecast. Details abound everywhere you look. The paint, in typical AA fashion, is splendid. The graphics are precisely placed and authentic to the real thing. Both the interior and engine bay is alive with detail. Such niceties are a complete roll cage and fire extinguisher and wiring on the multi detailed and colorful engine. The spokes of the wheels display perfect miniature graphics. Even the lug nuts are easily seen on the wheels and the brake rotors turn within the brake calipers. The doors, hood and hatchback open and close with unbelievable precision. They are almost totally devoid of gaps and a business card may be needed to open the car up for you to fully appreciate what is inside. AUTOart continues to amaze me with the diversity of their product and the consistent quality in each of their models. This fun little diecast is certainly no exception! (07/12/2000)
(07/12/2000)
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