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This discontinued replica captures all the flash of the very sexy boat-tailed original, and is one of the most admired models in my collection-by visitors and myself alike. Despite weak interior detail and indifferent door fit, prime examples bring upwards of $400 on the secondary market!
The white finish is nicely set off by red side stripes. The bullet fenders house finely detailed chrome wire wheels, and almost all chrome work is carried out wit h crisply defined separate parts. Under the hood, the supercharged L-head Lycoming straight 8 is nicely represented, though devoid of wiring (typical of a 1990 model). A pair of air horns mount to the radiator support rods, but what really gives this model sizzle are the flowing, flex-tube exhaust pipes, wrapping their way out of the hood ports and under the chassis.
A removable red softtop is included-along with locating holes for same in the bodywork; an annoying trait even with some much more recent FM models. The outside rearview mirrors, integral with the windshield frame, are vulnerable, and I once clumsily broke one off. I was able to repair it, but had concluded from several photos of 851s that few were equipped with outside mirrors. You just might be able to find a bargain model with missing mirrors, that could be made quite presentable. The issue price was $120. DISCONTINUED 1999. (07/25/1998)
(12/31/1998)
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