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




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



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.