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Mattel Hot Wheels 1:18 Ferrari Super America

Reviewed by: Richard Sufficool

For a mere base price of $320,000, you can be the proud owner of the world's only 200mph convertible. Ooops... sorry. All 559 have been presold. Why only 559 made? Well, the late Enzo Ferrari's philosophy was always produce one less than the market's demand. Where the marketing department came up with 560 is another story.

OK, what's under that Pininfarina styled skin? Start with a front mounted 5.7 liter, 533hp, DOHC V12, linked to the rear end via a paddle operated F1 6-speed semi-manual trans. This combo rockets the Superamerica from 0-60 in a tad over 4 seconds. The interior is classic butternut leather that just looks edible. The techy feature on this car (as if the mechanicals aren't enough) is in the flip back roof that lies flush on the trunk deck. Made of revocromica glass that contains electro-chemical cells that are adjustable by the twist of a knob for five different settings of sunlight blockage from crystal clear to 99% filtration. When exiting the vehicle, the darkest setting is automatically summoned to protect the interior from UV damage. All in all, this car can be whatever you want and are willing to pay for. Beyond that $320K base price are a multitude of performance and luxe options that will probably mean that no two of these cars will be exactly alike. If this car isn't an incentive to become filthy rich, what is?

The Hot Wheels 1/18 model of this fabulous car is now part of the Elite series of upgraded Ferrari models and this will certainly rank as one of the best to date. The body and panel castings are refined, shutlines are tight and even, and the finish is sheer perfection. The windscreen and top are optical quality... as clear and distortion free as is possible. The badging and scripts are fine photoetched metal and the content level and quality of the detailing is a delight. Even the microscopic prancing horse that's embossed on the gas filler cap can be seen when the light is right.

The interior is nicely done and includes cloth retraints with diecut metal hardware. Outside of the upper dash cowling and instrument cluster, the interior is simulated butternut leather with black trim pieces. Here the color separation is a bit ragged, but only obvious under very close scrutiny. Nice little touches include separate floormats and a little custom luggage piece in the carpeted trunk.

The engine compartment looks virtually identical to the 1:1 with the vehicle ID plate, and spec plates all present. Even a tiny chromed horse is set into the intake cover. The scaled 19" 5 spoke wheels really show off what appears to be the GTC package of carbon-ceramic brakes with their red calipers graced hy a photoetched chromed Ferrari script. The wheels should be shod in Brigestones and although they are unmarked, they display the type of intricate directional tread that is found on those super wide street tires.

To my tastes, there's virtually nothing here to disappoint at this pricepoint. It's hard to really describe what a presence this model has. If you're a rabid tifosi or just a collector who appreciates the latest in Italianate design and technology (and you're a bit short on megabucks), this Superamerican treat is definitely a must- have.

(10/09/2006)