Exoto 1:18 1961 Ferrari Tipo 156 F1 "Sharknose" If you go to the full review, you'll find over 20 photos. Once you've read this week's Magneto, you'll understand why that still isn't enough.... Review by Rusty Hurley

Overview

Ferrari developed the 156 to combat the lithe British cars from BRM, Lotus and others: Chief engineer Carlo Chiti moved the engine to the rear and instead of a four banger, he devised a V6 engine with a 120 degree V-angle. This freed up more space for the intakes and lowered the center of gravity. Add the iconic front nostrils, and you had a car that did a complete route of the field in 1961, giving the championship to American Phil Hill – in fact it is the Hill car that is modeled here as it raced in Monza. The daring and imagination that lead to this breakthrough at Ferrari is emulated in the way Exoto has engineered this model. This model kicks off the XS series using a high degree of metal content, precision movements and accurate renderings from their purpose built factory in the UAE.

Here’s the headline: the leap forward Exoto has made here is equivalent to what the 156 did for the Scuderia; no one is modeling on this level for under $1000.

The questions is, how do I write this so you can comprehend the change?

I could unleash a full frontal vocabulary assault however that's not going to do much to help you understand the difference. I would also exceed the word count of Moby Dick, So let’s compare it to what some called the 2008 Model of the Year – the CMC 156.

Let’s start with something simple – the middle fuel tank in front of the steering wheel. On the CMC, this is a chromed stationary plastic piece with riveted beading on the edges. The tank is wrapped by a rubber band and has a connected fuel line.

In the Exoto, the tank has a realistic bare metal look. Further, it’s completely removable, giving unprecedented views to the steering and the functional pedals. It has actual steel banding. The rivets on the Exoto, as they are on the entire model, are crisp, better scaled and less obtrusive. While the Exoto lacks the fuel line, it’s more than made up by the fabrication and functionality.

Now, apply the same degree of difference not only to the fuel/oil/air/water matrix but to the entire model and you start to grasp the enormity of the achievement.

I’ve included several comparison photos and similar variations in execution become obvious. The CMC seat is more “finished” but the Exoto is more accurately shaped, magnetic and removable. The Exoto rivets on the body are better scaled and show more realistic color variation. The Exoto suspension utilizes nuts and bolts while the CMC relies on rivets. The raw metal roll bar is slightly leaned back on the Exoto where on the CMC it is chromed and stands straight up. The dash is more stark (good) yet the gauges more refined. The delicate metal screens covering the velocity stacks are more streamlined on the Exoto. The gated gear shift on the Exoto works.

The CMC 156 has one of the best engines ever modeled. The Exoto takes on the challenge and is maybe the best ever. We’re talking high metal content and significant mixed media – fully plumbed and wired is an understatement because even components like clamps are well thought out, not just metal or plastic lumps. Press the accelerator, and the working throttle and carburetor linkage means you see the butterfly valves move in the machined velocity stacks. Roll the car forward and ball bearings smoothly rotate the half-shafts and gear mechanisms. Both front and rear suspensions use ball joint/bearing architecture to facilitate functional independent suspension. The brakes are so exquisitely accurate as to be a revelation.

Getting out of the detail, the Exoto has a better shape, the body curvature is svelte and the stance visibly lower slung. The rear engine fairing is hinged off of the rear axles and the front clip is just that – it clips on firmly where the CMC requires jewelers screws. Those famed front nostrils look a bit more menacing and, according to race day film and photos, realistic on the Exoto with mounting rivets surrounding the windscreen.

It’s not all beer and skittles; the rear engine fairing on the Exoto sample has some fitment problems being slightly (1/16 inch) proud on the right side. I talked to two people that had the model, one had this issue and one didn’t, so I’m attributing this to the sample. The rear view mirrors seem oddly angled and the oxidation effect on the tailpipes is overdone for my taste. Wheels and tires on the Exoto sample are hard to judge - they are unfinished samples, but the same friend who confirmed the rear fairing issue also said the Exoto wheels were more accurate, less bright and looked more race-ready. The Exoto has left and right purpose-made lugs and a mounting tool to help solidly plant them.

So, let’s get to the question on everyone’s mind - is the Exoto worth $200 more than the CMC?

I’m not going to answer that directly, because $200 for some people is a game of golf (or maybe just the skin for the 18th hole) and for others it’s the rent.

But when it comes to realism, it’s not even a fair fight despite the fact that the CMC is a rich, well executed diecast by any standard. It is an excellent model and I'm proud to own it. However, just as the real Sharknose raised the bar in the world of Grand Prix, Exoto innovations here establish new ground.

A line of demarcation in model making has been elegantly and forcefully drawn.

All that come after will find it difficult if not impossible to match this replica in 1/18. Yet hopefully many will aspire to achieve. After all, racing is about the competition...