In yesterday's blog article, the team of ck-modelcars.de has published a hint on the dirty version of the winning trio of Le Mans 1966: Shelby Collectibles delivered modelcars of the Ford GT40 Mk. II in scale 1:18, which replicate the first three of this race: Including the mixture of rubber abrasion, street dust and humidity, because on the Sunday where they crossed the finish line it was rainy at the Sarthe. In relation to the miniatures, we want to point out something: Under the item number 187700, some pieces of the Fiat Bartoletti 306/2 Shelby Cobra racing transporter are available in the matching model size, which were limited to 1,000 units. Although this was already launched with the Shelby Cobras, the Ford GT40 Mk. II is also among the vehicles that can be considered the authentic load of this fascinating commercial vehicle.
The diecast miniatures from Norev, however, are not included in the price of the Fiat Bartoletti. Nevertheless, they offer a lot of fascination for modelling: Steerable front wheels for example; movable loading ramps in wood design that transform the 62 centimeter long miniature from driving mode into 82 centimeters with unfolded loading ramp! The finish that the manufacturer from Vaulx-en-Vaulin near Lyon, has given the modelcars is a real banger! The whole technology around the loading ramps inspires the editorial staff every time we look at it anew! The role model of the racing transporter in the blue, typicall for the American racing stable Shelby, is based on a bus chassis of the Italian car manufacturer Fiat, the type Fiat 642 RN2 from 1956. Its six-cylinder diesel inline engine from type 364A developes 70 kW / 95 hp.
The coachbuilder Bartoletti, located in the Italian Forli, delivered the commercial vehicle to the factory team from Maserati in 1956. There it was used in the Formula 1 until 1958. Carroll Shelby took over the Bartoletti-Fiat in 1962 for transporting his Cobra Daytona coupes to the racing tracks in Europe. Due to the increased load capacity requirements, he built in a further rear axle: What does not fit is made to fit! This is not necessary in 1:18: The proportions of the modelcar perfectly quote the appearance and line management. In the driver's cab there is an interior that was equipped to reflect the zeitgeist of the time. Engravings, headlights as well as the taillights - everything is top notch! And, by the way, to buy cheaper than usual in the winter sale: save 10 percent until March 15th, 2021! Ideal for building up a small collection focused on this topic.