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What you see is what you get. Not much hidden here. This is one of the newer AutoArt 'sealed body shell' models. Hood and doors are non-functioning. Only the bottom of that delicious V-10 is exposed to view. The race-bred interior is seen from the open windows and the fuel cell detail is evident as you peer through the fixed rear glasswork.
Image-wise, the model exhibits breathtakenly accurate stance and fidelity to the real car's shape and proportions. And for its price point, the value seems good to me as I consider the level of refinement of its parts. But before we go there let's examine what the eye first sees, the paint. This is one of two versions done in a limited edition of 3000 pieces; black and red. On this black iteration the paint is flawless. It is evenly applied, glossy and smooth to the touch. The only graphics are also painted on, no appliques here, in contrasting white. The car sits low on its white-lettered Hoosier® racing slicks, mounted in wonderfully detailed BBS® wheels. The rims are suitably polished while the centers are not, just like the real articles. The race fittings all over the purpose-built race machine are nicely fashioned. The wire mesh grillwork in the back adds a welcome touch as are the connector fitting points and lower tow bracket, done in hi-visibility yellow. up front you will enjoy the four hood clamp-downs, done in chrome and the fittings used to adjust the rake of the carbon fiber air foil. The simulated yellow toe strap is pretty cool. The hood's louvers are cut through but do not offer an engine view, obviously.
The interior has plenty of detail, even if somewhat difficult to take in in its entirety. The safety netting is soft to the touch and the steering wheel is covered in simulated suede. If you can get your finger in the tight quarters you will steer the front wheels. The view of the fuel cell with all its lines and simulated anodized connectors is very well carried out.
As a display piece the sealed body shell moel comes across as a striking image of a stiking car. Does the inaccessability to engine and interior drop the model's desirability? Only the buyer can answer that but I, for one, love the image replication, especially for its pricing value.
(08/31/2006)
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