| |
Can-Am racing or 1:43 scale is not my subject matter or scale of preference. So, when GMP said they would send me pre-production samples of 1:43 Penske Lolas, I was a little skeptical and not too excited. The cars I received were the historically significant #16 T70, #7 T70 and the #6 Lola coupe. What first struck me was the incredible paint detailing and tampo printing of sponsor logos. The body of each car was painted a dark blue with yellow pinstripe detail. This is reminiscent of the Navy Blue Angels paint scheme but distinctively Penske of the late 60's. The pin striping is extremely delicate, crisp and very well executed. The #6 car even has the flame pin striping on the deck lid. David Friedman, author of "Lola; Can-Am and Endurance Race Cars", points out that this detail is usually lacking on Penske models. GMP saw fit to include this significant little touch.
Other details include a functional engine body panel that is hinged in the rear. It opens to reveal a tiny, wired engine. Paint detailing is phenomenal in this scale. There are varying shades of metallic to simulate steel and aluminum. Headers on the #16 and #6 cars are painted matte white. On the #7 car, the headers are painted a distinctive Penske matte yellow. In addition to the rolling wheels, the tire sidewalls are tampo printed with Firestone (#6, #16) and Goodyear (#6) logos, along with a distinctive colored sidewall stripe. The interiors on the cars reveal a steering wheel with center hub bolt detail, fire extinguisher and shifter detail. All lenses on these cars are clear or colored appropriately. Additional paint detailing is still being added to the final production pieces. In the accompanying letter from GMP, these cars will be specially packaged in a presentation box.
Since I've had possession of these cars and on display, my interest in the history of Can-Am was piqued. I now have read several books on Can-Am racing and I'm truly amazed at the background of the drivers and in the accounts of the races. What's nice about this Penske set is that Roger Penske and Mark Donahue are PA homeboys and the set makes for a nice addition to my collection. Unfortunately, there is no pricing info at this time since my samples were pre-production. If you're looking for a special collectible, do not pass this one up. This unique set would also make a great gift idea for that difficult "car guy" on your gift list.
(06/07/2001)
|
|
