When a new 1:43 manufacturer hits the market with a great new model like Automodello’s 1964 Griffith 200, last April, two questions immediately arise. How soon will they follow up with a different product and how good will it be? Both questions have been quickly answered by Jim Cowen with his release in July of his outstanding Automodello 1974-6 Bricklin SV1.

Malcolm Bricklin made his fortune in Florida with plumbing supplies. His first venture into automobiles was as the importer of Subaru 360’s. He left there to start up his own car, the Bricklin SV-1 (Safety Vehicle One)first released in 1974. After Bricklin’s demise in 1976, he went on to import Fiat’s, Yugo’s, and made an ill-fated attempt at bringing in Chery automobiles from China.

The Bricklin was assembled in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. Total production was 2,854 units until the company went into receivership owing the province of New Brunswick $23 million. While the price of the car had skyrocketed from $4,000 to $7,490 by the time the first one was bought and to $9,980 the next year, it was costing $16,000 to produce. Initial cars were powered by a 220 bhp AMC 360cid V-8 and later versions had a 175 bhp Ford 351W V-8. The car rode a 96.0 inch wheelbase but weighed a rather high 3,470 pounds because of the various safety equipment that was incorporated in the design. The car was made of bonded color-impregnated acrylic fiberglass body panels and featured powered gull wing doors. It was available in five colors, White, Red, Orange Green, and Suntan.

The Automodello Bricklin has flawless bright paint down to the gull wing bottom where a matte black color takes over encircling the car. The inscribed shut lines of the doors, hood and rear deck look so realistic that you would think they would open but unfortunately they do not as this is a static model. All other detail is complete including a stub antenna on the right rear fender and nicely finished and detailed, slotted bright metal wheels which turn freely. The undercarriage is plain except for an aluminum colored muffler and twin pipes. The interior is a very detailed in tan with a completely instrumented dash and chrome window adjusters on the doors.

The standard model colors, orange and red will each be made in quantities of 399. A green version, with the driver’s side gull wing open will include the designer, Herb Grasse’s, signature and a VIN plate and will be made in a quantity of 192. Fifty-two models will be made in white in an exploded view with the pieces mounted on a board. Additional information may be found on Automodello’s website at: http://www.diecasm.com/bricklin.html.

I thoroughly liked the model and am happy to have it in my collection. The model will appeal to sports car collectors and anyone who likes unusual and rare cars. Don’t wait too long as those low quantities should go fast. PHOTOS BY MATT BOYD