REVIEW - 1985 Ferrari Testarossa, Tamiya 1/24

 

Background :

                 The Testarossa (Italian for redhead) was a car that made almost as big an impact as the exotic car world as the Countach.  The wide rear end with hidden lights, huge side vents, and pop-up lights made big waves - even though it was not the most exhilarating Ferrari.  The big V12 produced between 380 and 421 (by the time is was retired) and had an intoxicating sound.  Colors included black, red, white and yellow.  The TR became most kid's dream car, ended up in multiple TV shows and movies, and is still pretty coveted today.

Specs : 5.0 Liter, V12, 380hp, 3600lbs
0-60 - 5.4, 1/4 mile - 13.6 @ 105mph  (Road & Track)   
 
                Tamiya is one of the best model car makers out there and I hate to say anything bad about them, but in this case... I must.  The model is very detailed and the instructions are fantastic.  The interior is good, the engine is super detailed and the glass is easy to use.  This is where things go sideways.  The chassis to the right holds the engine, exhaust and wheel wells.  When that set of stuff gets stuffed into the rear of the car, the front doesn't want to stay closed.  There is no tab to hold the front together, so the back stays tight, while the front stays apart.  Another pain in the neck is the rear hatch's fit.  99% of the time, it is too wide, overhangs, or is higher than the roof.  The exhaust is lousy quality and the tires and rims are not only small but average quality.  The fitting is the biggest detractor of the model and can make for a botched attempt. 

The TR can be bought for as little as $15 and face value, its a good deal.  The model is VERY difficult to get right.. just not a difficult model.

TIP :: Make sure to get the color you want so there is no necessity for primer.  Molded in red, yellow, white (for any color) and black.

3/5 Average