I'm not an avid Ferrari collector , but I totally agree that some of their replicas can't be missed. The 599GTB model with its aggressive lines, front mounted engine and impressive road capabilities is a true grand tourer and meets in the same time all the condition to have a scale representative in my collection. I still consider that the Elite series from Hot Wheels is the best compromise between price and details you can find on a model, sometimes you can receive more than you gave. In this moment their offer suits better my requests so I took the decision to go a little bit further over the classic specs and choose for my collection the “Rare collection” edition of the Ferrari 599GTB.
This version comes with a special paint job and a different designed black painted rims, being a scale replica of the real car that Jean Todt owned back in the days. Is just the paint job to give it a particular touch, the final effect recording the polished aluminium. This shade suits the model very well, putting better in evidence the curves of its elegant body. Some nice details are coming out quickly: real mesh for the front air intake, a good chrome effect for the front grill , both front and rear badges of “Cavallino rampante” perfectly made of metallic photo etched parts. Together with the “Pininfarina” signature on the side of the car, replicated in the same way, are looking great. |
The only disturbing issue is the front lights, well reproduced, but wrong put in place by a shaky hand. On the rear side, the things are much better, the taillights are nicely done, with visible LED bulbs inside. The third stop light is only painted. Another disturbing fact, at least for me, are the blister windows , but I can pass over thanks of the great metallic photo etched screen wipers that come along.
On the doors the key bolt is represented by photo etched pieces , a nice detail when you came across and always on the side of the car the manufacturer used stickers to replicate the brand well known badge. For more realism, I would like to have real chrome on the final exhaust pipes, not the same silver paint used on budget models . The rims are painted in glossy black, except the studs and have the yellow logo in the center.
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Are accurate and leave enough view for the brake system, reproduced exemplary. The brake disks are covered for more realism, with a metallic part, keeping the cross drilled effect and to have the perfect end, the calipers wear the Ferrari inscription.
At a first sight, the things in cockpit don't show a great care for details or for the quality of materials. For example, they tried to reproduce the leather effect on the seats, but the result is over sized and no specific pattern was used to replicate the carbon fiber. Some shiny plastic tooks its place and doesn't look good. The steering wheel keeps the real design and the house logo in the middle, the correct position and color for the switches, but over sized gear paddles. Maybe the best thing inside here is on the floor, the carpet has the rubber protection and the foot resting place replicated. Both seats, feature real fabric made belts and metallic photo etched buckles. This time the rear lid is opening on dog legs hinges and reveals a carpeted compartment and two removable black suitcases wearing the "Cavallino" badge. |
The same huge hinges can be found under the engine hood,that once ooened let visible the engine bay, decently done, having beautiful photo etched logo lettering applied on. The few plastic parts are not great finished, but all ensemble reminds the real thing and keeps the original color scheme.
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