1/43 Collection of transformed and restaured models

Visits

2011-11-15T13:42:00.001-05:00

Ferrari 350 P4 built from a 340 P4

2011-11-15T13:22:00.006-05:00

This model was made by Fabbi with reference 20 representing a Ferrari 340 P4. This was then modified by me to represent the Ferrari 350 P4 that raced in 1967 at Riverside in the CanAm series with #23 and having Chris Amon as driver finishing 8th overall.

This is the original that had the arch in the back cutted and refilled

And this is the final result:

Matra 660 Courte made from a Matra 670B Longue

2011-02-06T18:37:00.009-05:00

This model is made by Solido with reference 14 representing a Matra 670B Longue. This one was modified by me to represent the Matra 660 Courte that raced in 1971 at 300km de Auvergne Gr.:P3.0 Team: Matra with #1 belonging to team Matra and having Gérard Larrouse as driver finishing 3rd overall.

The first thing to do is to cut the metal in the rear, build the support of the rear lights and the small aileron, then profile the front end.

And this is the final result,

This car was built in 1970 with s/n: 670-01, it raced in 1970 and 1971 including ’71 300km de Auvergne represented here

Matra 670C Courte from a Matra 670C Longue

2011-02-06T18:05:00.006-05:00

This model is made by Ixo with reference LMC013 representing a Matra 670C Longue. This one was modified by me to represent the Matra 670C Courte that raced in 1974 at Brands Hatch 1000Km Gr.:S3.0 with #2 belonging to team Gitanes and having Henri Pescarolo and Gérard Larrousse as drivers, they finished 2nd overall.

The first thing to do is to cut the metal, then add the rear facia with the louvers and build the rear aileron.

And this is the final result,

This car was built in 1974 with s/n: 670C-B01, it raced in 1974 including Brands Hatch 1000 Km represented here

Fiat Abarth 2000 SP from a Fiat Abarth 3000 SP

2011-02-06T17:37:00.007-05:00

This Fiat Abarth 3000 SP model made by Politoys with No. 594 was bought in pretty bad state but with possibility of creating a new model, an open rear Fiat Abarth 2000 SP, that does not exist in 1/43.

Location for the headlights had to be created and the open top in the rear had to be closed.

So, this is the final result, a fiat Abarth 2000 SP with an open rear end

Ferrari Sigma GP

2011-02-06T17:14:00.005-05:00

This Ferrari Sigma GP model made by Mercury with Ref.:301 was bought in a poor condition but complete. The color did not represent the real car and because of the age the not painted areas had plenty of oxidation.

All paint was stripped then the metal was debured and polished to remove all oxids.

The final result was a modelof the Ferrari Sigma GP as presented at 1969 F1 premiere presentation. Built on a chassis of a 1966 single-seater F1 Ferrari 312F1 s/n: 011 with a Ferrari engine - V12cyl DOHC 2989cc 400hp at 10500rpm Lucas Fuel Injection CR=11.8:1 5 speed gearbox.

In 1969 Pininfarina, in collaboration with the Revue Automobile, produced this Grand Prix prototype which included various new safety features. This represented an attempt to generate recommendations to reduce the number of fatalities in F1.

Chevrolet Corvette C1 SR2 from a Chevrolet Corvette C1

2011-02-06T13:20:00.012-05:00

This is a Chevrolet Corvette C1 model made by Road Champs with Ref.: 64001 and it was modified by me to represent a Chevrolet Corvette C1 SR2 which is not available in 1/43 scale.

The next 4 pictures show the evolution of the modifications. The first 2 show the placement of the aluminium structure and the second 2 show the filling with epoxy.

This is the final result that represents a Chevrolet Corvette C1 SR2 made in 1956 with a s/n: E56S002532 and a V8cyl engine with 4638cc capacity. 255hp CR=10.3:1 and 3 speed automatic gearbox capable of 242km/h; 1043kg (fiberglass body) 3 built. This s/n raced at Sebring 12hr in 1957 Gr.:S5.0 Team: Lindsay Hopkins with Paul O'Shea and Pete Lovely finishing 16th (31 laps behind the winner).

Matra 650 Longue (central intake) from a 650

2009-07-18T13:32:00.011-04:00

This model is a Matra 650 made by Solido with reference 178 representing a Matra 650/630. This one was modified by me to represent the Matra 650 Longue that raced in 1970 Le Mans with the number 32.

The first thing to do is to cut the metal,

Then fill-up and work it to provide the shape,

And this is the final result,

This car was built in 1970 with s/n: 650-02 and it raced in 1970 Le Mans 24 hours in Gr.:P3.0 with #32 enlisted by team Matra-Elf with Jack Brabham and Francois Cevert, they did not finish DNF due to excessive oil consumption, in total dey did 76 laps versus 343 laps done by the winner. They were 14th in the starting grid.
Technical spec: V12 engine 2999cc 470hp at 11000rpm Lucas FI 5 speed gearbox polyester stratified 740kg 3built.

1970 Ferrari 512S Modulo by Pininfarina

2009-05-26T18:18:00.006-04:00

This is a 1972 model made by Politoys with Ref.: M17 that I bought in a faily poor state, windshield and windows were missing and the canopy had a very poor fitting. The following photos depict the progress of the repairs to achieve the final result,

The final result is a reproduction of the Ferrari 512S Modulo concept car designed by Pininfarina and unveiled at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show.

Ferrari 308 GT/M from a Ferrari 388 GTO Evoluzione

2009-04-25T11:22:00.011-04:00

I could not get a Ferrari 308 GT/M in 1/43. As far as I know the only available model is made by Tron and the few available are awfully expensive for what you get. So I decided to buy a Ferrari 388 GTO Evoluzione made by "joef evolution" and use it as the basis for the Ferrari 308 GT/M.
This is the original Ferrari 388 GTO Evoluzione made by "joef evolution"

The following photo sequence depicts how it was built.

First cut all the required openings to convert the model

Cut he side walls of the cockpit leaving a side bar

Modify the engine (remove turbos and intercoolers)and fill up as required with epoxy.

Then the final result is:

Chaparral 1 from a Maserati birdcage

2009-04-19T11:26:00.019-04:00

This is one of most challenging modifications I have done.
It was not easy to get a Chaparral 1 in 1/43 and the ones that are for sale are expensive. So I decided to buy a “Minichamps” Maserati birdcage and convert my old Maserati birdcage from “Projetto K” into a Chaparral 1.

The following photo sequence depicts how it was built.

The final result is a 1962 Road America 500; #4; Team: Chaparral Cars Inc. with J. Hall and H. Sharp; 1st overall

Chaparral 2D Sebring from a Chaparral 2D LM

2009-04-19T10:03:00.011-04:00

The following pictures depict the original Solido 153 model representing the Caparral 2D that won Nurburgring in 1966. This allows to see how it looked like prior to be modified.

Three areas had to be modified to represent the Chaparral 2D that raced in Sebring 1966, they are:
1 – The engine air inlet box on the top did not exist, instead there were two slots
2 – The side air inlets did not exist in the right side and it was square in the left side
3 – The front end had no headlights in the fenders, they were located in the front of the car
The following pictures depict the steps that were incurred to reach the final result

After the mods it is no longer the Chaparral 2D that was raced in Nurburgring but rather the 2D that was raced in 1966 Sebring 12hrs with #11 Gr.: P+2.0 Team: Chaparral Cars Inc. driven by Jim Hall and Hap Sharp the car did not finished due to rear suspension problems after only 35 laps.
Next, you can see pictures of the final result.

Chaparral 2/2c from a Chaparral 2B

2009-03-24T10:38:00.012-04:00

First it is important to note that the Autoart 66596 version of the Chaparral is a 2B, as the 2A with a full set of vents in the front and in the rear plus the 3 front grid openings and the duct to cool the driver is identified as the 2B. The Autoart 66596 represents the Gr.: S+5.0 car #66, winner of the 1964 Nassau Speed Week with Roger Penske driving for team "Chaparral Cars Inc." and he did the 25laps in 1h 07m 25.12s

The above pictures depict the original Autoart 66596 to see how it looked like prior to be modified.
Chaparral 2B s/n003 was modified to include some of the technical innovations of the 2C. This car became the 2/2C and in the capable hands of Hap Sharp it won every single race it challenged. To note that this version 2/2C of the Chaparral 2 shares the front end with the 2B and the rear is inspired on the 2C, with the full width 'Flipper' wing commanded by the pilot.
Next, the modification affected the rear end of the model.

Next, the final result for the modified model. This modified Autoart 66596 now represents the s/n: 2A -003 that won the 1965 Nassau Trophy Race with #65 and Hap Sharp driving. The team was “Chaparral Cars Inc.” and he did the 250 miles at an average speed of 166 km/h.

The following two pictures depict the model actual movement of the 'Flipper' wing exactly as the real car.

Ecurie Ecosse Transporter

2009-01-31T15:49:00.007-05:00

This model was bought in an used state but with potential to become a fairly good one.

So, this is the final result

Matra 630 V12

2009-01-23T17:14:00.003-05:00

This dinky-toys 1425E model was bought in a reasonable state but with potential to become a real good model.

Now it represents the Matra 630 that raced in 1969 Le Mans in Gr.:SP with #32 enlisted by team Matra Elt with Guichet and Vaccarella as pilots. It classified 5th overall 3rd in class and 4th at the performance index, having done 4834km at an average of 201km/h arriving after 359 laps 13 laps behind the winner

Matra 630M

2009-01-23T16:42:00.004-05:00

This Politoys M595 model was bought in a very bad state but with potential to become a fairly good one.

So, this is the final result

Now it represents the Matra 630M that raced in the 1968 Le Mans in Gr.:P3.0 with #24 enyered by Team Matra Sports with Henri Pescarolo and Johnny Servoz-Gavin as pilots. The car did not finished due to a puncture and a fire at the 22nd hour, nevertheless he managed to be classified in 19th place with 283 laps versus 331 laps for the winner.

Chaparral McLaren M-12 built from a McLaren M8B

2008-12-25T13:50:00.025-05:00

The following picture depict the original Solido 176 model, a McLaren M8B. This allows to see how it looked like prior of being modified.

To note that the resulting model has a different front end including the radiator inlet and exit also has a NACA inlet in the RHS. The front wheel side panels are not as open. The cockpit is also not as open. The engine top is of a different layout and the rear end is quite different.
The following pictures depict the steps that were incurred to reach the final result

After the mods it is no longer the Can-Am version of the McLaren M8B of Bruce McLaren but instead it is the version of the #7 Chaparral-McLaren M12 that raced in the 1969 Watkins Glen driven by John Surtees classifying 12th overall 9 laps behind the winner. This car was a McLaren sold to customers in 1969, the M12, was an M6B chassis with an M8A body. One of those customers was Jim Hall's Chaparral team. Their own 2H racer wasn't quite ready for the season so they bought an M12 to use in the interim. Chaparral heavily modified the rear bodywork (altered rear spoiler and moved air intakes on sides) and later Jim added their usual high rear wing.
Next, you can see pictures of the final result.

Chaparral 2D Daytona from a Chaparral 2D LM

2008-12-08T13:10:00.019-05:00

The following pictures depict the original Solido 153 model that represent the Chaparral 2D that raced in Nurburgring in 1966. This allows to see how it looked like prior to be modified.

To note that the resulting model is a version of the Chaparral 2D that has the head lights located in a different location in the front. Also, in the rear, the engine cowling is completely different with an open configuration and a rear spoiler like the Chaparral 2C.
Four areas had to be modified to represent the Chaparral 2D that raced in Sebring 1966, they are:
1 – The engine air inlet box on the top did not exist, instead there was an open rear top end
2 – The side air inlets did not exist in the right side and it was square in the left side
3 – The front end had no headlights in the fenders, they were located in the front of the car
4 – The rear end had a 3 piece grid and 2 rear lights instead of a central opening and 4 rear lights

After the mods it is no longer the Nurburgring version but instead it is the first version of the Chaparral 2D that raced in the Daytona 24 hrs in 1966. The car was a Gr.: P+2.0 from team Chaparral Cars Inc. with Phil Hill and Jo Bonnier at the wheel. They did not finish due to a wheel problem; they managed to do 318 laps versus 678 done by the winner.Next, you can see pictures of the final result.

Fiat Abarth 3000 SP

2008-11-07T11:14:00.015-05:00

This Fiat Abarth 3000 SP model made by Politoys with No. 594 was bought in a deplorable state but with potential to become a fairly good one.

So, this is the final result

Chaparral 2A from a Chaparral 2B

2008-10-31T12:55:00.016-04:00

The following pictures depict next to the modified model the original Autoart 66596 to see how it looked like prior to be modified. To note that this version of the Chaparral 2A has no vents in the front and in the rear, less front openings (1 vs. 3), no duct to cool the driver and a smaller rear spoiler.

This is the modified Autoart 66596 that now represents the s/n: 2A -002 that won the GP of Canada at Mosport in 1965 with Jim Hall driving. The team was “Chaparral Cars Inc.” and he did the 100 laps at an average speed of 163 km/h.

Matra MS-5 from a Renault Alpine 310 F3

2008-10-30T15:31:00.033-04:00

The following picture depicts the original Renault Alpine 310 F3 model from Solido ref. 142 . This allows to see how it looked like prior to be modified.

Four areas had to be modified to represent the Matra MS 5 that raced in the mid 60's, they are:
1 – The air inlet front of the windshield did not exist, it had to be created
2 – The shape of the rear cowling is squared instead of in two levels
3 – The rear end is open with a view of the gearbox and rear bulkhead
4 – The air inlet to the carburetors is in the left not in the right hand side
The following pictures depict the steps that were incurred to reach the final result,

After the mods it is no longer the Renault Alpine 310 F3 but instead it is the version of the Matra MS 5 that raced in the 1966 F1/F2 German GP driven by J.P. Beltoise 8thOA 1stF2

Chaparral 2D Sebring 1967 from a Chaparral 2D Nurburgring

2008-10-29T16:22:00.024-04:00

The following pictures depict the original Minichamps 436 661407 model. This allows to see how it looked like prior to be modified.

Most of the changes concentrated on the rear cowling, but also the front end was extensively modified.

After the mods it is no longer the model of the 1966 Nurburgring winner but instead represents the last race of a 2D (Sebring'67) after the incorporation of a 7 Lts engine. Two Chaparral 2D were built but only one was converted to a 7 Lts engine.
1967; s/n: 2D-001; 1967 Sebring 12 hrs Gr.P+2.0 Team Chaparral Cars Inc with Bruce Jennings and Bob Johnson did not finished due to ignition failure at the 128th lap (winner did 238 laps) ended classified in 41st position OA.
engine is a Chevy-V8cyl dohc 6998cc 525hp at 6000 rpm 3 speeds automatic gearbox 781kg.
Next, you can see pictures of the final result.

Changes included:

In the front: 1 - Cut the front just below the edge as the intake is much bigger due to cooling requirements for such bigger engine. 2 - Make (using aluminium sheet metal) the lower end of the radiator intake as well as the 2 intakes to cool the front brakes and paint it black. 3 - Add 2 air deflectors in front of the front fenders. 4 - Close the 2 openings in the front used for the 3rd and 4th headlights. Cover the headlights with white decal. 5 - Remove the periscope mirror.

Under the hood: 1 - Reroute (widening) the 2 exhaust pipes and mufflers. 2 - Add the oil tank and the pipe with cover all the way up to the opening in the wood. 3 - Add in the left side a transmission oil tank.

In the rear: 1 - Open top of the left rear fender. 2 - Increase the inlet and open the top in the right rear fender. 3 - Open round hole to access the oil refill pipe. 4 - Install air deflector all across the rear edge. 5 - Open holes to pass exhaust pipes. 6 - Make (using aluminium sheet metal) the rectangular box to suck the air from the engine compartment. 7 - Relocate the inboard rear lights under the outboard ones. 8 - Paint the central rear area black and remove the licence plate.