AutoArt 1:18 2004 Porsche 911 GT3R #1-Kwan- Asian Carrera Cup "Driver Edition"- LE of 2000

Charles Kwan is the quintessential local hero. The Hong Kong native is a legend in Asian sports car racing. Kwan has competed in the Macau Guia Race, Japan GT Championship (JGTC), FIA GT Championship, South East Asia Touring Car Zone Challenge (SEATCZC), the Asian Touring Car Championship and the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. He’s had some experience outside East Asia, most recently as part of efforts to field Hong Kong based teams at Le Mans, but since his participation in the Porsche Cup in 2004 he’s considered himself retired from series racing.

The Porsche Cup Asia is a factory backed spec series that runs Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. The cars run a standard GT3 engine, 3.6-litre flat-six with 400 horses and speeds that attain 160 mph. Kwan finished third in the season standings for 2004 driving the handsome Infineon-Novellus Porsche that is the image for this Auto art model. The “Drivers Edition” designation means that it’s part of a serialized edition of 2,000 that comes with a certificate autographed by Mr. Kwan himself.

The model is a clean presentation of this classic Porsche. Porsche 911’s of any era have a distinctive look and AUTO art does not disappoint. Stance looks correct for a racer and shut lines are clean – you’d almost swear it is a curbside model. This is helped by the gorgeous copper (for Novellus “Cu” connectivity products) and black paint which is richly applied but never too thick. Crisp tampos decorate the model with several unusual trade names for western eyes.

Let your eyes roam over any well executed part of the model. The front has those distinctive headlights, intake screens, hood locks and a tow ring. Open the front bonnet and you will see an excellent representation of the fuel, oil and electrical management systems. Swing open the driver door and you’ll see a spartan interior with most ergonomic elements ripped out in favor of a racing bucket, roll cage, a spaghetti of wires and cut louvered rear windows Then again, there is a fully featured dash - guess hazard lights come in handy if you have a problem on the track. The engine has faux carbon fiber detail and is wired and plumbed. I really like the tire-wheel combination of Michelin rubber, chromed rims that frame alloy wheels and Porsche logo calipers controlling pizza sized brakes.

This is a really sharp model and the signed certificate is something to cherish for years to come. It’s good to see a local hero get his due.

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