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This 1999 release is a nice and fairly ambitious release by Maisto and although it lacks the authentic door hinges and tight shutlines of current offerings, it certainly captures the lines and stance of Jaguar's 220mph flagship car. This is the 1992 model, which began a two year run of supposedly 350 cars. It differed from the prototype by scrapping the 4X4 drive and replacing the Jag V12 with a TWR racing engine.
Some suprising features for a Maisto of that era included working suspension with operating A arms, elastic fabric seatbelts, accuate Bridgestone Expedia radials, velvet-like carpeting and interior details that included sill plates, visors, mirrors and crystal clear smoked and clear glazing from widscreen, roof and engine cover. The engine replicates the 3.5L, twin turbo 500bhp V6 well. It's a lot of plastic, but textured and painted to be very presentable, and under that greenhouse bonnet, it makes the car. The body casting finish doesn't quite equal the lapidary type polishing employed by modern manufacturing so subtle remnants of the mold parting seams are just perceptible with the silver and clearcoat finsh of this model which is very smooth and has only a couple of small inclusions. This model was listed at $129.95 on the Maisto website, but can be had for much less. It seems to be still in production and the 1993 model is still pending. Even in 2006, this model offers darned good bang for the buck. The scale is well served with content and will make a striking presentation in any collection.
If nothing else, Jaguar will always be known for its timeless, sensuous lines. The XJ220 follows that tradition.
(01/23/2006)
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