AMT 1/24 Ferrari 250 GT SWB

One of the most notable GT racers of its time, the 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB used a short (2,400 mm (94.5 in)) wheelbase for better handling. Of the 176 examples built, both steel and aluminum bodies were used in various road ("lusso") and racing trims. Engine output ranged from 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) to 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). The "lusso" road car version was originally fitted with 185VR15 Pirelli Cinturato (CA67).

Development of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was handled by Giotto Bizzarrini, Carlo Chiti, and young Mauro Forghieri, the same team that later produced the 250 GTO. Disc brakes were a first on a Ferrari GT, and the combination of low weight, high power, and well-sorted suspension made it competitive. It was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October and quickly began selling and racing. The SWB Berlinetta won Ferrari the GT class of the 1961 Constructor's Championship.

In 2004, Sports Car International placed the 250 GT SWB seventh on a list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s, and Motor Trend Classic placed it fifth on a list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".

This kit is from 1989 and is one I've had in my stash a long time. Deciding I 'might' actually build it, I removed the shrink wrap and took at look in the box. First thing I noticed is that the bags had 'Made in Italy' on them so this leads me to believe it may well be an Italeri mold. (Thanks to car guy Alan, I can report that this is actually an ESCI mold so even older than I thought). I also noticed that there are not a ton of sprues. Two large ones in black and grey, one chrome sprue, one clear sprue and a white body along with four vinyl tires pretty well completes the parts picture. One thing a bit interesting is that the grille, wheels and bumpers are duplicated in both chrome and standard plastic.

The kit is not a curbside and comes with a complete three liter Ferrari engine. Not a ton of detail, but enough for most modelers. The chassis is pretty bare and one attached both the front and rear suspension bits ot it. There are flat areas on there which provide the basis for the interior.

The interior has a separate floor section into which the inside door panels and the rear inner fender section are fitted. The seats are also attached to this section. Up front is a firewall piece onto which the front inner fenders and the dash are attached. To this dash is attached the steering wheel. There are decals for the instruments. You are provided with pedals, gear shift and parking brake as well.

The wheels have both inner and outer spokes to try to duplicate the Borrani wire wheels fitted to most Ferraris at the time. These slip into the vinyl tires. Sharp eyed readers will notice that the hood is not separate. True, as you'll have to cut it open to show the engine, though forward mounted hood hinges are offered (non-movable). Most will paint the body before applying the gits on it like the grille, clear bits, lights, bumpers, mirrors and wipers to name a few. The dual exhaust system is one of the last things added to the chassis and this whole chassis/interior assembly is then slipped into the body.

Instructions are well drawn with 16 construction steps. Color information is provided with generic and FS 595 color references. There is a small decal sheet that has logos, instruments and license plates. Most will probably paint their car red as on the box art, but these did come in a variety of colors. A google will provide lots of inspiration.

To my knowledge, this is the only mainstream injected kit of this car. While it doesn't look exactly like the real thing (a look at the bumpers in relation to the grille shows this), it is still a nice kit that does not appear to be all that complex and will put a classic Ferrari on your display shelves.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_250#250_GT_Berlinetta_SWB

December 2014 

Thanks to me for picking this one up.