1959 250 TR by Hot Wheels
1962 250 GTO by Maisto
1969 Dino 246 GT by Ertl
1969 365 GTB4 (Daytona) by Maisto
1978 308 GTB by Tomica
1976 BB 512 (Boxer) by Tomica
1989 F40 by Matchbox
1988 Testarossa by Majorette
1995 F50 Spyder by Majorette
1995 F50 Coupe by Matchbox
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1964 250 LM Berlinetta by Husky
1964 250 GT Berlinetta by Matchbox
1969 312P by Hot Wheels
1967 P4 by Corgi
1984 288 GTO by Siku
1980 308 GTS by Hot Wheels (Corgi)
1989 348 tb/GTB by Corgi
1993 456 GT by Matchbox
1993 355 Berlinetta by Yat Ming
1999 360 Modena by Hot Wheels
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1965 275 GTB by Siku (Hungarian)
A Treat for Tiny Tifosi
Fourty Years of Ferrari in Miniature
story by Doug Breithaupt
Every Ferrari production and racing cars has been done at some time as
a model. Over 20 different Ferrari models have been done in 1:18 scale with
as many or more in 1:24 scale. Entire books have been done on the amazing
selection of Ferrari models in 1:43 scale. What model manufacturer can resist
adding a Ferrari to the line-up?
In 1:64 scale, hundreds of Ferrari miniatures have been offered. Unfortunately,
the variety of models is nowhere near as complete as in 1:43 scale. Of the
200 odd small-scale Ferrari models in my collection, only 21 different body
styles can be found. Of course this does not include the Ferrari
Formula 1 cars, the subject of a separate story in an earlier issue.
GT race cars are included in the count. It should not be a surprise that
20 of the 21 have been done at some time in Ferrari Rosso. Only the 275
GTB by Siku, pictured above, is in a color other than red. This silver example
is actually one of the Hungarian Siku production models.
It is likely that I am missing Ferrari models that have been done in 1:64
scale. Since 1959, 66 different Ferrari production models have been produced.
Subtracting the four GT racing cars included in the 21 pictured here, just
only 17 of the 66 Ferrari road cars have been done. Of course, some like
the Testarossa of 1984-92 have been done by just about everyone.
Thank Hot Wheels for finally doing one of the greatest Ferrari models, the
250 TR of the late 1950's. Maisto also deserves credit for offering two
classic Ferrari models, the '62 250 GTO and 1969 365 GTB4 Daytona. Matchbox
offered the beautiful 250 GT Berlinetta and Husky (Corgi) provided the mid-engined
LeMans version. Ertl did collectors a favor with their excellent casting
of a Dino 246 GT. Two GT race cars of the 1960's came from Corgi, with the
P4 and Hot Wheels with the 312P.
Tomica represents the Ferrari models of the 1970's with the BB 512 and the
308 GTB. Complete with opening engine bays, these Japanese gems are prizes
for any collection. While Siku seldom does Italian cars, their 288 GTO is
very nice indeed. Hot Wheels is currently offering a 308 GTS but the credit
for the casting goes to Corgi. Hot Wheels did improve on the wheels. Matchbox
did one of the best of the many F40 models to be made and Majorette wins
the prize for the best Testarossa. Correct engine and interior detail are
further enhanced by rubber tires and Cromadora wheels. One of Majorette's
Deluxe Collection series done in 1990, These 1:60 scale cars may be the
best small-scale models ever done.
Of the various 348tb/GTB models done, only Corgi offered engine detail and
a very nice casting. Matchbox did the 456 GT but the only red version is
one of the Premier Edition cars. Majorette's F50 spyder is the best in red
and Matchbox is the only one to do the F50 with top in place. Yat Ming has
the only red 355 Berlinetta so far and the newest Ferrari, the 360 Modena
is fresh from Hot Wheels.
Speaking of Hot Wheels, Mattel has signed an exclusive licensing agreement
with Ferrari to offer their models in several different scales, including
1:64. Will this mean that other diecast manufacturers must pull current
Ferrari castings? Will we be limited to Hot Wheel Ferrari models in future?
Collectors should voice their concerns if Mattel does have a monopoly on
Modena's finest. Only four of the cars shown here are Hot Wheels even though
ten Hot Wheel Ferrari models have been done to date in 1:64. As Matchbox
is also a Mattel company, some variety should continue. Here's hoping it
does. |