Chaparral 1 from a Maserati birdcage

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

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

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.

Chaparral McLaren M-12 built from a McLaren M8B

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

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.