This month continues the F1 onslaught of Spark models to our shores. In the past, the Lotus 33 had been produced in 1/43 scale as a metal model (SMTS or John Day kit... better known as a white metal kit. These kits (for the most part) were rather crudely produced, and took considerable skill to clean up the metal casts, fill any imperfections with putty, and hope while you put the models together, that you didn't superglue your fingers together!
A few years ago, a company called RBA (or Atlas in some corners of the world) produced a nice 1/43 scale model in diecast as well. I reviewed it some time back, and was elated that you could buy this model already assembled. Well, now Spark has upped the ante, and produced their resin beauty in 1/43 glory!
As with all their models, Spark does a fantastic job on the detail (or little bits, as I like to call them) including the glorious cover over the engine trumpets. A nice bit of detail that was amiss on the RBA diecast, is the inclusion of Jim Clark driving the car. This particular version was the winner of the 1965 German Grand Prix. This is one I would strongly recommend picking up, as the Lotus 33 was a rare subject in the diecast realm... and these are produced in limited supplies from Spark. Remember, handmade = small numbers!
Another model that has been released from Spark is the Lotus 25 in BRM colors. This 1/43 scale model is from the 1964 French Grand Prix, and the driver was Chris Amon. Chris, in my opinion, was one of the F1 greats that never won a race. He certainly has had a great career in the automotive racing world, though. Jim Cowen at Diecasm can fix you up with these, and they come mounted on a nice wooden base with an acrylic cover - as do all the Spark Models.
Lastly, Matchbox has re-released the Lotus Evora for 2010 in a Red color. This car is #8 in their Sports Cars series of 15. I understand that there is also now a white Exige, but I have yet to meet it in the toy isle of my local haunts...I'll keep you posted on my progress. Until then, Happy hunting!
