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If you were limited to just one diecast purchase, a case could be made for this model being the only one you need, especially if the GT 40 is to your liking. It is certainly big enough to be a full collection in itself. The quality of craftsmanship, stance, size and heft of this piece is abundantly evident and literally huge. At approximately 16 ¾ inches long, 7 inches wide and 4 inches high, the model tips the scales at nearly 7 pounds! The 1:1 got its name, GT 40, from its 40-inch height. So 1:10th scale lends the 4-inch height of the diecast. The paint is magnificent. Each graphic, stripe and paint-break has been mastered most artfully. The cost of admission here is high, about $142.50 per pound, but the show is grand. Considering the two main attractions, operating features and the, “Oh man, I can’t believe the detail” factor, this may qualify as a bargain considering it could be an entire collection. Even fat-fingered collectors can enjoy the built-ins on this legendary piece of automotive history.
You may want to first examine the model from below. There you find opulent detail from the photoetch serial number plate, universal joints, operating clutch plate, to every variously formed braid, hose and anodized fitting. Brake ducting and deep-cut tire patterning is clearly visible from here as well. The grillwork, from front to rear, is carried out in great fashion in wire mesh. Perfectly scaled genuine springs are put to good use as exhaust-end tie downs and be sure to catch the springs used as throttle linkage to the carb. Even smaller ones hold down the clear velocity stack. The engine bay affords a fantastic view of the Ford V8 detail. Wire tethers, braided lines and the ‘bundle-of-snakes’ header pipes steal the show while the interior waits its turn to amaze the onlooker. There you feel as though you are peering into 1:1 history itself. Realism is alive and well in this cockpit. The seat texture, belts, incredible toggle switches, working shift lever, awesome dash gauges and overall interior finish offers an accurate glimpse into the real car. From within, a latch may be turned to open the side window vent. Dzus clips hold them in place. There are three more that work; one holds the rear engine hatch in place and two up front hold down the frontal piece enabling you to get to the spare tire area. Once there, you’re rewarded with the wondrous sight of genuine leather straps, photoetch fasteners and clamps, coolant hoses and an operational gas cap.
The hood and rear hatch close with faultless alignment and are secured by accurately depicted chrome latches. The doors, additionally, may be opened with the spring-loaded door handles. Of course the suspension articulates but to get a birds eye look at it, spin those knock-offs and remove the wheels. What a treat; braided brake hoses, metal fluid lines to the calipers, realistic rotors and even a replicated balance weight on the inside of the wheel rim.
As usual, Exoto has thought it all through. And while we may tend to be fascinated by details strictly because of their diminutive size on the smaller scales, they can readily be enjoyed here in the grand scale of 1:10th. This may very well be an example of, bigger IS better.
Photos include details from both the #1 and #2 models.
(08/30/2003)
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