Climax Kits

I know that Climax did some kits back in the 1980's. What did they release? Are they still in business? If any of you out there know about these kits, please tell me about them. I would like to know what their releases were, and if any of the kits are still around.

I don't know what all their releases were ( i guess 360spider can shed some light on that...:-) but the more sought after ones were recently re-released as MFH kits ( the 250GTOs and the 250 LMs as far as i know and possibly some others too ).

I have an unbuilt 427 Cobra. Do not know their current status.

I know that Climax did some kits back in the 1980's. What did they release? Are they still in business? If any of you out there know about these kits, please tell me about them. I would like to know what their releases were, and if any of the kits are still around.

As far as I know 1/24 kits issued under Climax are:
- Cobra 427
- Aston Martin DB2(?)
- 250GTO '62
- 250GTO '64
- 250LM (long & short nose)
- 275GTB Le Man

As far as I know 1/24 kits issued under Climax are:
- Cobra 427
- Aston Martin DB2(?)
- 250GTO '62
- 250GTO '64
- 250LM (long & short nose)
- 275GTB Le Man

That is correct. These are the only kits that were released under Climax brand. 275GTB Le Mans is a Speciale, which was also re-released by MFH. It was also curbside.

>>- Aston Martin DB2(?)
That's DB4GT Zagato.
Minicar shop Kojima is still around, but they haven't released any kits under the Climax brand for a long time.
Here's a list, and some kit names are clickable so you can see photos.
http://www.mini-kojima.co.jp/original/climax/climax.html

I think both the 275 GTB/C and Cobra 427 were engine less kits. I never bought the Climax 427 Cobra since the Monogram Cobra 427 was very good. I think the Monogram is also better than the Fujimi kit since the Monogram was based on a real 427 Cobra and the Fujimi a replica 427 Cobra.


Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

I think both the 275 GTB/C and Cobra 427 were engine less kits. I never bought the Climax 427 Cobra since the Monogram Cobra 427 was very good. I think the Monogram is also better than the Fujimi kit since the Monogram was based on a real 427 Cobra and the Fujimi a replica 427 Cobra.


Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

The 275 GTB kit looks like it has an engine:

http://www.mini-kojima.co.jp/original/climax/275gtb.html

The 275 GTB kit looks like it has an engine:

http://www.mini-kojima.co.jp/original/climax/275gtb.html


Hi,

That was a "special made" 275 GTB/C model with a motor. The Climax 275 GTB/C kits do not have a motor.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

Hi,

That was a "special made" 275 GTB/C model with a motor. The Climax 275 GTB/C kits do not have a motor.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

Thanks for the info Tom. I stand corrected.

>>- Aston Martin DB2(?)
That's DB4GT Zagato.
Minicar shop Kojima is still around, but they haven't released any kits under the Climax brand for a long time.
Here's a list, and some kit names are clickable so you can see photos.
http://www.mini-kojima.co.jp/original/climax/climax.html

Yes, you are correct! It is actually a DB4GT, that is why I put a question mark after the model. Forgive me for not being a big fan of Aston Martin!:evillol:

The 275 GTB kit looks like it has an engine:

http://www.mini-kojima.co.jp/original/climax/275gtb.html

My goodness, don't tempt me on this one! I always consider this 275GTB a pretty Ferrari (though others consider it an ugly Ferrari or at least among standard 275s), but one of the reason why I didn't buy it is because it's a kerkside kit. Now you show me one that is finished with a beautiful engine?? Maybe I should check if there is any more Hiro ones around!:rofl:

Hiros are curbside as well.

Does MFH still make the Climax Ferrari kits?

Does MFH still make the Climax Ferrari kits?

Yes and no. Yes, they own a license and masters and "can/may" release them if they want to. But they are not exactly Climax kits, since they were heavily modified from their original release - different/reworked bodies, major parts, lots more photoetch and turned parts and much more white metal instead of resin. Overall, I think they are better/more accurate than Climax, even though Climax kits were...nicer. Hard to explain, I guess its that special feeling when you open a Climax kit that has all those nice resin parts, all individually packed and hand made, knowing that it was so expensive and rare back then, and even more so now, even though its not a better kit than current MFH offering. Climax kits have very "quality" feel to them, almost like no other kits, maybe only first Q-Model Ferraris were similar.

I agree, there is something special about the old Climax issued kits. I compared my Climax 250LM to a friend's Hiro version and the resin/white metal seemed a bit smoother. The Climax instructions are a stapled book rather than folded sheets issued with the Hiro. The lower chin of the Climax engine cover is resin while the Hiro is whitemetal. Hiro also changed the engine cover hinge to something a bit clunky to make it easier to cast I suppose. Though the Climax is better I wouldn't pay much of a premium for it over a Hiro version.

I agree, there is something special about the old Climax issued kits. I compared my Climax 250LM to a friend's Hiro version and the resin/white metal seemed a bit smoother. The Climax instructions are a stapled book rather than folded sheets issued with the Hiro. The lower chin of the Climax engine cover is resin while the Hiro is whitemetal. Hiro also changed the engine cover hinge to something a bit clunky to make it easier to cast I suppose. Though the Climax is better I wouldn't pay much of a premium for it over a Hiro version.

Climax 250 LM just sold on ebay for $247. That's about $50 less than Hiro LM was selling 3 years ago, and about $250 less than Climax kit was selling originally!

Well I paid a fella $500 for mine back in 2001 and felt very lucky to have it. They were super rare and the only alternative was a plastic curbside kit (EDIT: it was the Sunny kit) that needed everything. Just before the new Hiro kit release became common knowledge I saw a Climax go for nearly $1200 on eBay. (In fact, I think it may be the same kit your talking about...I think his son just sold it as part of an estate sale.) While I was vacillating whether to sell it the Hiro came out and...well, I know I'll enjoy building my Climax LM!

For sale in the US (Texas if not wrong), maybe an Af member...?

http://cgi.ebay.fr/1-24-Climax-FERRARI-250-GTO-64-LM-Extremely-Rare-kit-/120771494752?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1e8ac360&clk_rvr_id=261643231281