5-4-U: Super-detail 1/43 diecast with full engines

December 6, 2017January 10, 2019 fittiLotus72 4292 Views 1/43 scale engines, 1/43rd scale model cars, 1/43rd scale race cars, dan gurney lola t70 bridgehampton, ebbro nissan, F1, fly lola t70 can-am, Formula 1, Formula One, Gift Guide, gmp mclaren m8, john surtees lola t70, jouef ferrari 330p4, LeMans, minichamps mclaren m23, model car magazine, Model cars, Models, Motorhead Gift, old cars, peter revson lola t70 can-am, racerhead, the racerhead, theracerhead.com

From the collector file: Super-detail 1/43

Super-detail 1/43 scale model cars exist with features common on 1/18th scale models, but not normally seen in 1/43. This is because of higher production costs due to overall complexity and the labor-intensive work needed to assemble it (which tends to limit super-detailing in this scale). Still, there are many examples of opening features, full engines and extra detailing. Herewith are five excellent examples in no particular order:

Fly Lola T70

This series of Lolas was an attempt by Fly to get into the 1/43 market. Fly is best known for detailed 1/32 scale slot cars, considered model reproductions that run on a track.

The diecast Can-Am Lolas have an abundance of photo-etched parts, wired dash and engine (top photo). The rear deck lifts to show all of the engine compartment detail.

Four versions were made: John Surtees (champ 1966), Dan Gurney (winner Bridgehampton 1966), Peter Revson (Laguna Seca 1967), and Roger McClusky (Mosport 1967). All have different liveries and obvious detail changes. Out of production.

Jouef Ferrari 330P4

Winner of the Daytona 24 Hours, 1967. Sweeping the top 3 places with their 330P4 V12 cars, this was the last Daytona 24 they would win outright until 1998.

Opening doors and rear deck. Lots of photo-etched detail and full engine with super fine engine wiring. One of 4 Jouef Ferrari models; this is the only one with race numbers. Note: Jouef also released these same cars with no opening details. However, you want the original “Evolution” series, presented in a larger box. Out of production.

Ebbro Nissan R89C

These cars ran at LeMans in 1989, part of the Japanese invasion aimed at beating the Porsche 956/962. Fantastically quick but ultimately unreliable. The #24 was highest placed of three Nissans entered.

Apparently there is no fine photo-etch used whatsoever. Ultimately the diecast metal and molded plastic detail is great anyhow. The engine compartment, rear suspension and rads/turbos/diffuser detail is all there. Good use of black/grey/chrome/silver/red color makes a great engine presentation. No need to ever put the deck back on the model. Antennas, marker lights and number panel illumination detail are not forgotten. Careful inspection of the cockpit reveals blue belts and a dash with tiny switchgear. Nice. Out of production.

GMP McLaren M8A

This series of McLarens duplicates similar Can-Am cars GMP made in 1/18th. All are nice, with removable rear decks and fully wired engines. Transaxle/rad/exhaust/battery detail also. The factory M8B also features the unique high wing that only appeared on that car.

GMP made the M8A and B in this scale for the factory drivers. The later low-wing version of the M8B for Koveleski and Motschenbacher is available also. Nice tampo-printed sponsor decals. The lack of seatbelts is the only glaring omission. It is a major one, but easily fixed if you like. Out of production.

Minichamps McLaren M23

Minichamps raised detail in 1/43 to a whole new level in the 80s. This series of cars in the McLaren Collection feature removable bodywork, full engines, cockpit detail and fully detailed drivers.

There are a few versions, from the 1973, 74, 76 and 77 seasons. All have Marlboro paintwork, except the 1973 cars. They have Yardley sponsorship, courtesy of Peter Revson’s Revlon connection. Engine wiring is omitted on all the cars. Out of production.

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