1/8 scale Centauria Ferrari 330P4

I wish they would sell in the USA.

 

Oh snap, this might be worth the effort to get.

What is the best way to get these subscription cars?

 

I have seen them on Ebay Italy. .... or sometimes on Face book. but they come at a huge markup. and doubtful that they will have an entire kit ready now, so they literally manufacture parts as you go. .... so after a year or so, you may find a whole kit for sale. My 917 from Agora was really good, some are good, and some not so good.... but it give you a great base to model from. unlike the Amalgam models, these have openings engines etc, so they can look super realistic given the time.

 

Many of the Amalgam models, especially the vintage race cars do have opening panels, engines, etc.

 

I've only been able to view and touch a few Amalgam models, mostly F1 cars, so not much to open. most have been closed curbside models. I did see a 250 Testa Rossa with removable panels and opening doors, that was very nice. but at $26K... it should have been! I do remember a Bugatti t35 that the engine cover came off, and the engine was exquisitely made.. but again at huge cost.... that is out of my range.

 

I'm not a fan of Amalgam for a combination of reasons. Though they do often appear impressive at first glance, but.... Prices are much too high for where and how they are built along with their use of low end materials and corners cut, iffy build quality (problems) on many, lack of proper thorough research, and way too many in the editions - most of being either 99 or 199 pieces which do not sell out.... And then there is the issue of resale. Most do not sell well on the secondary market (values/selling prices tank 99% of the time).

 

My understanding is that Amalgam evolved from an enthusiasts workshop to a soulless cash making machine (this may be a little harsh, but not by so much)

 

Yes, sort of evolved that way. And I agree with you about being a soulless cash making machine. They were originally part of a model making firm in the UK, Amalgam Modelmaking Limited, who specialize in various prototype models, display models, etc. for corporations, shows, and much more. You should see their website... here's the link. https://amalgam-models.co.uk/ One of the partners, wanted them to get into model cars, which they did with F1 models for teams and the general public. Back around 1998, they approached my company to represent and carry their models in the USA, which I declined. At that time I thought prices were a bit high for what they were making and the quality and detail just was not good enough for me and what I am known for dealing in. Anyway, the one "partner" pushed a lot for expansion into more cars, which for various reasons the other partners were never happy about. At a later point (around 2004), that partner left the firm - a mutual parting of the ways with an agreement to spin off & use the Amalgam name for the "car" model making business, and called it Amalgam. Various backers have also been financially involved in car part.

 

1.Have a cousin in Italy.
2. Find a means whereby you don't have to involve the Italian postal system.

 

I contacted Centauria and they have no interest in sending the subscription to the USA, even for full payment in advance. I wish there was some way to do this - but this model and the GTO are the ones I would like to have ... but alas. I've seen them on ebay for $5K... which is way too steep.

 

If anyone needs contact in Italy to buy this I’ve been getting timely shipments from a contact I have there.

 

I think Agora will eventually offer this model in the USA. I'm currently doing the 250 GTO and it's the same one as Centauria ...

 

Several of the Centauria models have eventually turned up with other companies and have distribution outside of Italy. Fingers crossed although Agora are over-priced now.

 

when they are the only game in town.... price is a bit immaterial.

 

Agora does now offer the 250 GTO. However, after building the Porsche 917, I was disappointed. The two kits are not in the same league.

 

I will say one thing about IXO, they mostly get the shapes correct. Sometimes other hand-built model companies screw that up, although the finish is better. In another scale you can see what I mean with the Top Marques 250 GTO among others. I prefer a model with the correct shape that I can rebuild myself, although in 1/8th it's pretty hard to find decals. You might be able to convince Pattosplace to do a sheet. He normally only goes to 1/10th scale for some reason.

Slot Car and Model Car Decals (pattosplace.com)

 

Maybe IndyCals would do a scale-up order. Looks like they have the basic artwork:

https://indycals.net/decals/lemans/67ferrari330p4spyder.html