For sure, the Shelby name sounds familiar to every motorhead and everyone know the legend behind the name. And the legend who created the legend, as well. So, when you are so famous everyone keep an eye on you, speak about you and some try to be as close as possible to their famous idol. For the model cars manufacturers I think was the same, because the Shelby modelcar went out in many variations, scales or versions. For me, as a collector, the things are the same, because I had in my hands various Shelby models. I have right now in the front of my eyes and I'll speak about the 1968 Shelby GT 500KR from Exact detail. The model is limited at 1250 pieces, mine is 551 and is quite rare. I bought it half a year ago, took it from its box from some photos and put it back. Until today, when I had the impulse to take the box and give it a look. And what a great moment it was, because the model is quite superb and features some beautiful details.
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The Shelby modelcar comes in a styrofoam box, covered in a second card made package. On its superior part the box reveals a beautiful artwork of Tony Branda about the real car. On the other sides we have photos of the modelcar and its features along with a short introduction of the real deal. A certificate of authenticity, a microfiber cloth and a cowboy hat-guess why?- are coming along with the model.
It is a heavy model, having a lot of metallic parts and it feels solid and well put together. The model was paint in Lime green, a good choice in my opinion, because all the body lines and the car's aggressive look are put in evidence. |
The paint is smooth, applied in a thin and glossy layer, but no more than it should be. The stance and proportion are dead on. All the parts are well fixed together keeping minimal gaps between them. The real car has a lot of chromed parts and the manufacturer replicated them accurate, all the ornaments being well applied and shinny, despite the model's age. The lights are looking very realistic, are fixed clean, without any rivet. The turn indicators are painted, but represent single pieces beautiful surrounded by a thin chromed frame. This is more intriguing on the taillights, where is following all the segments creating a great ensemble.The front grill is covered with a perforated mesh and includes the fog lights with their protections marked and very well detailed.
This model has a lot of air intakes, on its bonnet or in the rear fender zone, that are beautifully modeled into the chassis frame, but still too thin to be covered with real mesh. The bonnet provides safety pins,but lack the cut trough air vents. Some small pieces discover a high level of manufacturing, the delicare wipers or door handles which feature a separate key bolt, as well. All the emblems and lettering are tampo applied, except the lateral stripes that are accurate painted. We don't have real license plates on this model, only the cobra snake logo taking their place. I'll end the body presentation with a detail that catch my eye and is great represented here: the fuel plug. Is very well finished, made like a single part, fixed at the right depth and surrounded by a thin chromed frame. The key bold is there, very delicate and made by its own. To finish the piece, the snake logo was applied on.
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The wheels look beautiful and realistic. We have detailed alloy rims, featuring chromed stud heads and the central piece marked with the brand logo. The air valve is present and the tires are made of real rubber and keep a beautiful profile. Unfortunatelly are not marked. The manufacturer didn't detailed the brake system which can't be observed trough the rim or behind it. The doors are opening on hidden hinges and reveal beautiful detailed panels, with separate pieces and decoration of wood and chrome. The cockpit is amazing, detailed and finished with a great precision. The seats are made by a smooth plastic, the seat belts are textil made and are correctly fixed by the minimal roll cage. On the dash we have replicated the wood trim including here the Carol Shelby's signature and every indicator is surrounded by a thin chromed frame for an incredible and realistic result. Not to forget about the radio, where the scale is legible and the switches chromed. The front seats are folding and the interior has carpet and rubber protection for every seat. The steering wheel is thin and covered in a wood looking like material.
I leave this incredible area, but I don't have too much time to think about it, because opening the engine lid the good things continue to come over. Is opening on small and fine hinges that keep it open without any problem. The engine is made by many separate pieces and all together create a great view. I can see a lot of wires, hoses, containers, chromed and individually painted pieces. Everything was in particularly detailed by wiring, painting or applying labels. The engine block was paint in a nice blue shade and the battery looks amazing with all the wires and labels on it. The trunk lid is opening on the same thin hinges and shows a small compartment featuring the traditional linoleum. Is accessorized with a spare wheel, a red tool box and a car jack. A generous warning label was applied on the lid's inferior part.
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Detailing go further on this model, because underneath nothing was let raw. A little part of the engine, including the oil filter, the gear box and the double exhaust system can be seen along with the fuel tank made as a single piece and the suspension more visible on the rear side. The shaft is working when the rear wheels are turning. We have some metallic wires replicating a system of fine pipes from the real car.
For me this model is a very big and pleasant surprise. Since it wasn't on my wish list the satisfaction to find such a great model is stronger. Is a model made with care and passion, a model made by true lovers of the iconic american cars. This easy could be understand looking at the real signature of G.Lane, the founder of Lane Collectibles, from the Authenticity certificate. Is a model that will satisfy even the greatest expectation of a passionate collector.
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