Ferrari 275 GTS NART Spider - McQueen's Machine in 1/24

[mattbacon]

This is Steve McQueen's NART Spider, bought in 1967 after he fell for the one driven by Faye Dunawaye in The Thomas Crown Affair. It didn't last long: it was rear-ended when McQueen stopped to talk to a couple of pretty girls in bikinis on the PCH. After that he sold it on, and his wife bought him a Berlinetta...

McQueen's mods to the original included a more aggressive rear spoiler, racing fuel cap and Tony Nancy re-upholstered seats. I've tried to capture all of those. I didn't build the aftermarket "radio console" because I have no idea what it looks like...

Anyway... on with the pics:






Here are a few from what I call the "people-sized" perspective, which give more realistic proportions:




And finally... these are intended to match the two pictures of the real car in the book "McQueen's Machines" as closely as I can:



And here's the evidence:


I think this is a great kit (formerly Protar, I believe), and the mods to give it that distinctive McQueen look are not that challenging. I could wish that the windscreen frame hadn't broken quite so often! Full build thread (with better interior pics) is here:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul....php?t=1065679

bestest,
M.

[Tompidom]

Overal a pretty nice model! I like the mods McQueen mande to the car!

[BVC500]

Very nice job, and attention to detail! Renaissance still captures the look of the 275 better than Protar/Italeri.

[mattbacon]

Originally Posted by BVC500

Very nice job, and attention to detail! Renaissance still captures the look of the 275 better than Protar/Italeri.

Thanks, guys! But I should blinkin’ hope that the Renaissance one is better at the best part of €200/$300 versus the €16/$25 I paid for this one! I don’t think the shape of the Revell/Protar is far off, and replacing the wheels with Herb Deeks wires and making a slightly nicer grille would go a long way and STILL leave you with change from $50...

bestest,
M.

[MidMazar]

Its a beau-t-ee.