| |
The next progression from Exoto, of the Shelby Cobra’s transformation from the British AC Bristol roadster, is the 289 cubic inch Ford powered iteration of the Shelby Cobra 260. This one, in Guardsman Blue, is perhaps the most familiar to most of us. Shelby opted to use Ford’s 289 engine as a replacement for the 260, increasing torque and horsepower. This yielded a fantastic sports car, aggressive and nimble and nearly perfectly balanced. Many purists through the years have held that this was the definition of what a sports car should strive to become. Many also feel as though the later 427 S/C cars with their massive power outputs were a handful to drive and toss around curves and the power bulges on the fenders and the scoops on their hoods detracted from the slender and simplistically elegant lines of the 289 roadsters.
As usual, the details won’t disappoint. Exoto offers the best of all scales. The stance is impeccable, yet the rear independent suspension works faultlessly. The undercarriage is well defined and accurate. The metal clamps and rivets holding the exhaust pipes to the chassis are a nice touch. So are the brake calipers, in gold, as easily seen behind the delicately fashioned photoetch wire wheels, a highlight of the piece. The Goodyear tire markings and patterns are sharply detailed. There are even scaled brake lines visible from beneath. The trunk features Exoto’s cool sliding prop rod and the spare is fully removable. Flexible vinyl wiring and tubing is seen here too. The gas cap opens and the license plate is very realistic. It suggests that this is not a fiberglass kit car – “REAL 1”. Neat little photoetch pop rivets for holding the top in place are replicated and so are the photoetch ports on the door tops for securing the side curtains. (Neither top nor side curtains are made for this model) The interior is another Exoto work of art. The fabric belts and photoetch fasteners are extremely well executed and the dash, shifter, rubber floor mats and photoetch “AC” pedals are brilliant to look at.
The engine bay is positively a delight. The carburetor linkage is in place, the plug wiring, in proper looms, is excellent and plumbing is beautifully presented. Wonderful bright work hasn’t been neglected and shows well in the forms of radiator photoetch metal, the Shelby production plate, air filter sticker and “Cobra” moniker on the valve covers and the coolant-overflow cap. The outside air filter element is photoetch metal as well and the battery features well defined cables. As always with Exoto products, the fit and finish work is flawless.
The model is a pleasing blend of a nostalgic subject and modern diecast replication. If you like the legend that is the Cobra, you NEED this model.
(08/25/2003)
|
|
