Need advice on 1:18 models

If you are willing to spend about $300 a model or willing to look for deals, manufacturers like BBR, CMC, and Exoto make ferrari models at are a least as nice (higher in my opinion) than GMP. I would also recommend giving Kyosho models a chance. For about $90-$150, the quality is very impressive for the money. Hot wheels elite models are pretty much hit or miss for $70, and the super elite line ($200) are a complete ripoff for what you get.

Here are the ferraris those above manufacturers have produced:

BBR: Enzo, F430, 375MM (#4 le mans winner and #19 panamerica)
CMC: 156F1 sharknose, 1953 500F2, 250SWB
Exoto: 500F2 (quite a few versions), 312B, 312T, 312T2, 312T4, 641/2

Kyosho (multiple street and race version for most): F40, 250GTO, 365 Daytona, 575GTC, 512BB, Testarossa, 512TR, 308, 328

Hope this helps.

 

Kyosho and HW Elite are nice for the money

 

HotWheels are hotwheels. No matter what you add after HW, be it an Elite or Superelite. They not worth the diecast metal they made of.

 

Now that's waht I call : prejudice

the Elite 599 Fiorano is a nice model

 

wow! thats hardcore.. I personally prefer HW over UT 1:18 F355's.. to each there own I suppose

 

The Hot Wheels Elite series isn't that bad, but I do agree that they are not worth the price they are asking plus they don't seem to ever get the wheels right. $80 to $100 is over priced especially when Kyosho is around the same price. I can't really speak about the Super Elite series because I just can't justify spending $200 for a Hot Wheels. GMP, Exoto or CMC are definately worth the price!

Unfortunately, Kyosho doesn't have a license to make Ferrari an longer so you will be limited in whats available to you.

 

what I find borderline amusing is that the O.P. talks about hose the 1:18 GMP P4 is exactly what a model should be... and then goes on to talk about how some cheaper models' overall shape is a bit off - apparently is he willing and able to completely overlook the fact that the nose on said P4 sits WAY too high. They're models. Buy what you enjoy, leave the rest.

 

Perfectly stated...nuff said.

 

Yikes...tell us how you really feel! Well, to each their own I guess.

I got this Hot Wheels for $45. I think it's a fantastic model for the money.
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I have one also---very nice for $45

 

Would it be possible to add some weight to the nose so that the suspension is compressed?

 

I thought about (and tried) that... the suspension does not appear to work on the front, there is no compression/rebound - it's just stiff and feels like it'd break if forced.

 

The front shocks can be removed and the spring can be shortened. GMP is correcting the newer versions with a shorter spring lowering the ride height.

 

Is this an easy job to do?
Has anyone done it yet and if they have are there any photos?
I would love to have it sitting right but would hate to make a mess of it!!

 

I'm planing on doing this to mine real soon. I'll document the process.

 

Well that's nice of them - though it kind of pisses me off. Perhaps they could retro-fit ours free of charge...