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CMC nails sporty 1956 Maserati
Published: January 4, 2013 Maserati is just slightly below Ferrari on the "ooh" and "aah" list of exotic Italian cars that car lovers and race car collectors recognize.
So when CMC, the premier 1/18 diecast car modeler, rolls out a stunning red Maserati 300S, serious collectors will take note. Back in the 1950s, Maserati racers were primo and highly competitive with the likes of Ferrari and Jaguar in sports car competition, and the 300S generally was a success. But equally important, it had - and has - a beautiful shape.
The 1956 model that CMC recently unveiled featured a twin-plug inline 6-cylinder engine with three Weber carbs and a hearty 245 horsepower that could propel it from 0-60 in about five seconds with a top speed of 180 mph. That was moving in the mid-'50s.
The 300S's aluminum body, created by Medardo Fantuzzi, sat on a steel tube frame. There were hydraulic drum brakes front and rear, and it rode on Dunlop tires. The rear-drive racer had unequal wishbone suspension up front and a DeDion rear axle with semielliptical leaf springs in back.
These were sporty little racers, riding on a 90.9-inch wheelbase, similar to today's original Mazda Miata, but only 28 were made and raced between 1955 and '58.
Historically these ran in the World Sportscar Championship and finished second overall in 1956. Among its biggest wins was the 1956 race at the giant German Nurburgring track and World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio's 1955 win in the Venezuelan Grand Prix. Later some of these Maseratis were raced in the U.S.
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There is always a wow factor with any CMC model and this Maserati
is no different. The execution of the Maserati's smooth curves and rich
red paint job make it stunning visually, especially with the Maserati's
pitchforklike Trident logo on the grille.
But the devil is truly
in the details here. CMC hand-assembles hundreds of tiny parts, again
blowing away the competition with its perfect wire-spoked wheels with
tiny air valves. Tires are treaded racing Dunlops, appropriately
labeled.
Headlights are deep-set and realistic-looking, with
three small rivets appearing to hold on the big protective lenses. There
are brown plastic hood and trunk belts to hold those opening elements
in place. In earlier CMC models some of these were still leather, or at
least looked more leather-like.
Another standout, typical of CMC
models, is just how much of the model is functional. There is a small
air vent door that opens on the driver's-side fender and gas caps that
open from small holes on the rear deck. The tiny half-doors with
riveted-on side windscreens also open and securely latch shut with a
click. I used to own a 1:1 Plymouth Duster whose doors didn't sound this
solid.
The CMC Maserati also features knock-off spinners to hold
on the wheels. You can take any of those off for display too, and doing
so reveals the racer's nicely machined drum brakes.
Under the
hood is the straight-six Maserati engine, with the car company's name
engraved on the header, plus other fine detailing, including the Weber
carbs along with all wiring and plumbing. Under the rear bonnet is a
tire and superdetailed gas tank.
Although you may want to use a glove when handling the Maserati to avoid marring its finish, folks will
want to turn it over. The undercarriage is spectacular, with fine
detailing of the entire front and rear suspensions. You can see the
transverse gearbox and DeDion rear axle, and of course, the exhaust
system.
The interior is exquisite too, with a wood-look steering
wheel and unfinished aluminum interior with finely detailed shifter and
linkage, along with cabling in the doors. The black dash face is alive
with readable gauges and detailed buttons and knobs. Seats appear to be
brown leather as is the headrest behind the driver.
One thing is for certain: because of their price, CMC models are not for everyone. If you can afford one and love the gorgeous lines of the Maserati, this is a primo selection.
Vital Stats
Product: 1956 Maserati 300S
Maker: CMC
Scale: 1/18
Stock No.: M-105
MSRP: $449
Rating: 5 stars out of 5 |
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