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Kyosho 1:18 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/ 4 #39- Andruet/Ballot-Lena- Le Mans- Ltd Ed Minichamps Exc

Reviewed by: Rusty Hurley

Kyosho rocked the 1/18 scale model world with Paul Newman’s Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione in 2003. For a $60 asking price, it was a much desired image that introduced a high build quality previously not seen at the price point. To no one’s surprise, it sold out quickly and with each successive run it got a little pricier and tighter on quantity. Four years on, it is rare to find one for sale at any price. As of 6/30/2007, a Chicago seller on ebay has it listed for the rather ambitious price of $599.99 (Auction #330134247261).

This year, two new versions appeared, both participants in the 1972 24 hours of Le Mans. It is said the GT class was the thing to watch at the 24 that year, as the rule changes in the prototype class were unfairly prejudiced in favor of French automaker Matra. The first 2007 model was the “Thomson” car with unapologetic loud block graphics co-driven by Vic Elford. The second is the car at hand, the GT-S class winner and finished fifth overall. The car was entered by Charles Pozzi and piloted by the French duo of Jean-Claude Andruet and Claude Ballot-Léna. Given the driver line-up, it’s logical that the model sports the French tricolor done by Kyosho with deep red and blue bookending the white middle. Unlike the garish graphics on the Elford car, the various sponsor decals are more restrained.

Kyosho has replicated the body with marvelous effect: the low slung frame on big fat tires on five point gold wheels has a menacing look. The aerodynamics on this car are simple, there’s a big front air dam and relatively small aero foils (with extruded rivet detail) along the front fenders.

The model itself is simpler than the previous Competizione version – rules dictating less alteration could be made to the car. Take the glass elements for example: whereas on the Newman car there were special vented side windows, a double strut supported rear window and various windshield fasteners – all those elements here are exactly as they appear on the road car right down to the metal trim.

The interior is fantastically detailed though fabricated almost exclusively in hard plastic with the exception of the nylon harnesses and their delicate buckles. Similar execution is applied to areas like the gas cap fillers and faux hood and trunk tie downs - they look “real” and functional at first glance but are non functioning parts modeled in painted plastic.

Under the smartly hinged hood supported, the engine emulates the crispness of the rest of the model: well replicated but not overdone. Bundled plug wires are a nice touch as is the silver micro printing on the valve covers. Chassis detail is quite good and the front suspension seems functional –this might be more of a happy accident then a true feature, as the rear isn’t moving up and down any time soon. Maybe there’s actual race fuel in that massive cell in the trunk holding it down. And yes, I adore the white exhaust headers!

The build quality, state of the art four years ago, remains impressive though now at double the price maybe not miraculous. Still, when you examine details, it can take your breath away. An example is the lighting array, from the angular greenhouse for the headlights to the small prancing horse logo emblazoned on the grooved running lights to the simple rear clusters – all realistically done.

This Kyosho model is important historically and well executed – an unbeatable combination. It gets my highest recommendation.

(07/06/2007)