The most iconic car of the 80’s was waiting for a proper 1:18 replica for some time. Never too late, Kyosho has come with two versions of the F40, first the street version and some time after they will release the Light weight spec. Some time after, they release a Hi-end upgrade to the existing street F40 and the Le Mans versions arrived the last. We have here the Light spec version of the original F40, packed in the new polystyrene made box covered with a second cardboard printed with the model's images and marked. It was a while since I was looking about a prmium replica of the iconic 90's supercar. The model grabs all your attention from the first moment when open the boxes, especially when it comes in the stunning Rosso Corsa paint job.
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Kyosho put a great effort in crafting this model, the paint is amazing: perfectly applied, thin and uniform and the detailing isn't too far: all the air vents are covered with metallic and perforated grills, the lights look real, even the demister system was replicated on their covers and the pop-up lights are functional and can be operated pressing a button located underneath. All around the “Ferrari” logos are metallic photo etched pieces and even the “F40” mark was moulded on the spoiler sides.
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The rims replicate the original OZ racing and keeps the original look of the real counterparts. Behind the rims, the braking system let visible a good detailing level: disks covered by a metallic coat, crossed drill effect applied on the surface and marked calipers. The tires are made by soft real rubber, having unmarked side walls, but are keeping a realistic profile.
The interior keeps the simple lines of the real deal,but the detailes are on top. The seats replicate the carbon fiber and alcantara cover as the real pieces and provide fabric made seat belts with metallic photo etched buckles. Carbon pattern can be seen on the exposed car structure and the dash is covered in the same alcantara look a like material. One very cool yet subtle feature is the ability to move the seats. They are actually placed on runners and you can move them by pushing or pulling them at their bases. Very neat!
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The front bonnet, in fact all the front part of the model can be opened on hidden hinges and reveals some of the finest craftsmanship of the model: big grills for the brakes to cool, air intakes or the cooling fans of the radiator. There’s even a small rubber pouch which would be a few basic tools and a flat tire help kit on the real car.
What’s even more impressive is the fully working and accurate suspension that manufacturer has used. The front wheels are turning, but the turning radius is very tiny and the tire actually catches on the wheel arch and lifts up the whole panel.
What’s even more impressive is the fully working and accurate suspension that manufacturer has used. The front wheels are turning, but the turning radius is very tiny and the tire actually catches on the wheel arch and lifts up the whole panel.
And now the best for last. The engine bay. Kyosho supply you with a metal rod that is used to prop up the enormous bonnet but you’ll have to find another place to keep it as there isn’t one on the F40 LW. The engine itself is a small masterpiece. Both, the real and the scaled one. If you look close enough you will see the cables for the spark plugs and other small, subtle and cool details. There are some labels that are printed on one side. The fully working rear suspension is also visible as are the gear box and the exhaust system.
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