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There is a wide variety of RC cars, trucks, boats, helicopters and planes. But some people really don’t need the thrill of sending a 1:8 scale monster truck over a jump at 50mph. Some people just like cars and their models. For these people, there are die-cast models. Models range from basic die-cast toys intended for children to completely accurate replicas of some of today’s most popular cars, made with extreme precision and attention to detail. For the serious collector there are also some special models.
A fun model is the No. 28 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500. This is a 1:18 scale model from Jada that replicates the famous 1967 Shelby Mustang. As any Ford enthusiast knows, 1967 was a good year for Mustangs. The 1967 models still have the original body structure, but were the first model to receive some styling changes and additional safety features. It was also the last year before Ford switched to the 302 V8 engine, which was only built because emissions standards now existed. This particular model has yellow paint with black racing stripes, and the car had a distressed finish to replicate a car that has actually been in a race. It’s also adorned with sponsorship decals and a large No. 28. The model sports a high-gloss finish and rubber tires.
From Minichamps comes an incredible 1:18 scale model of the white Maserati Type 61 that won the 1000km Nürburgring in 1961. This model is made in extremely fine detail and is a chance to own a piece of motoring history. The car’s design was based on a minitubular structure concept that allowed for a light and rigid chassis. The Tipo 61 was powered by a 2.9-litre 4-cylinder engine making 250hp, and was just one of many Tipo models produced by my Maserati. It was one of only two models with the 1000km Nürburgring, the other being the previous year’s Type 60. Minichamps has really outdone itself in the diecast model and it really is a beauty. It even has a fully functional address.
No model collection would be complete without a ridiculous Ferrari, and Mattel’s Eilte Ferrari FXX fits the bill nicely. One look at this model and it will be hard not to physically need it. The FXX is a brilliant car to launch a model in the first place. It’s the balls-to-the-wall race car version of the downright crazy Ferrari Enzo. People who buy the real thing they are only allowed to drive it on special Ferrari-approved track days, and pay $1.8 million for the privilege. This car is so special that people who own one can’t even drive it. Only 29 have been made, plus a special one that Ferrari gave to Michael Schumacher. The model itself is amazing, featuring fully working steering, details including the correct rotors and brake pads, and a finely sculpted engine that can be seen through the FXX’s rear windshield.
Ferraris are nice, but those with real class know that nothing can replace a Bentley. The 1:18 scale Bentley Continental GT 2008 model from Minichamps is the most impressive model. The recognizable Bentley interior is faithfully reproduced down to the last detail, and the 13-spoke wheels are impressive. The Bentley Continental GT is Bentley’s 2-door coupe that debuted in 2003. It’s essentially a Volkswagen Phaeton with the best interior humanly possible and a W12 engine. For those unfamiliar with the W12, it’s essentially two V6 engines bolted together. Why bolt two V6 engines together, you ask? Well, when you can afford a Bentley, why not? Oh, and they also put in two turbochargers. They managed to squeeze a mind blowing 552bhp out of this particular engine.