EXOTO

While I won't argue shape / appearance with you, one of your comments about the polished finish on the wire wheels of the CMC version of the 500F2 is easily remedied. I've attached a photo of mine to show the wheels refinished in flat silver. Quality of construction and materials, no comparison. CMC is the winner hands down. Like you, I have both the CMC model and the Exoto versions so I've done a side by side comparison. The body shapes are different, but as to which one is correct, we really don't know, I agree. Yes, the Exoto version does appear be in a unrestored finish as opposed to the CMC version but, as with anything else, both versions have their good and bad points, I would totally agree. As for the introduction of new models, don't ever believe the release dates given by Exoto. I, for one, have had two models on order for over 5 years and have Exotos order number confirmations to prove it. I've not even received the courtesy of a reply from Exoto when I ask what happened to them! They've produced some very nice models over the years but, the quality of their newer models, like the 500F2s, doesn't begin to compare to the quality of the models done in the past.
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Sheeze,
I'm glad (sort of) to see I'm not the only one on the waiting list for exotos. I too, have a confirmation number and it's been about 4 years.
I hope it will be worth the wait.

 

Actually, I had a beef with them about their first Ferrari, the 312B. This car changed substantially in detail throughout the period it was in use, and none of the first releases of this model was entirely correct:

--The triangular wing endplates were used only at Spa and Monza, and at Monza, at least, the "Gurney flap" was not used.
--The windshield shape provided was only used by Jacky Ickx; Regazzoni and Andretti used a more open style.
--At Mexico City and Kyalami the front air intake was noticeably deeper than the one on the model.
--In 1971 the Firestone tires were of lower profile than the ones on the model, and the models' appear too square anyway.
--And in comparison to later models, the head on the first-generation driver figure appears to be too big!

Eventually, I bought one of the second releases of this model, Ickx at Spa, which while still not 100% correct, was closer than any of the other versions. And of course, they never answered my letters.....

 

The wheels on your CMC look so much better, well done! Are the tires easily removed from the wheels?

 

Relatively easy to remove tires but, be very careful not to damage the wire wheels by putting too much force on them. Soaking the wheel assembly it hot water will soften the tires to help in removal.

 

And here is some supporting evidence:

--The first photo, of Regazzoni's Monza winner, shows the missing Gurney flaps and the shorter windshield. Also the front tires not only look more rounded than the models', but narrower as well.
--The second photo, of Andretti's Kyalami winner, shows the bigger air intake and also the shorter windshield. Also note the lower profile of the front tires typical for 1971.

And does anyone know what the device is sticking up from the back of the rear wing mount, most noticeable in the first photo? Whatever it is, it's also missing from Exoto's 312B.
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Sadly any mention of the word Exoto that I have ever seen no matter how innocent inevitabley will turn so vitriolic, so negative, and so creepy that it makes me wince. but for what it's worth I like their models. and yes their 500 is more accurate. And my favorite Exoto is yet to come.

 

It appears that Exoto has alienated many loyal customers with false promises about the delivery of specific models. I placed my order for two models in March of 2002, yes that's right, over 5 1/2 years ago! After 4 years +, I e-mailed Exoto and was told the one model, a Aston Martin Vanquish,should be ready to go within a few months. The other model, a Ferrari 250 GTO will be a little bit longer, maybe within 6-8 months. In a later e-mail, I was then told the GTO might show up by Christmas of 2006. Well, here it is, almost Christmas of 2007, no models and now, no answers to my e-mails asking for updates. This hobby has given new meaning to the word "patience" but, at this point in time, my patience has worn out and I'm totally disgusted with Exoto and their lies. Strong emotions? You better believe it. Can you blame me?

In regards to the statement that the Exoto version is "more accurate", what do you mean? Are you referring to the shape, the details, or both and what are you basing your opinion on? Don't misunderstand, I happen to find the body shape on the Exoto more pleasing but it's not based on accuracy, just my personal opinion.

 

Dejavue... like being in Groundhog Day. Have heard your story before. Have a few of my own. I bet mine are way juicier and gruesome than yours. I couldn't give a Flying Wallenda anymore.

More accurate in the way of suspension and body. And in the long run, Exoto wil have the history of Ferrari First World Champion. They've already started it. Tweeking for improvments. adding little extra details ( restrictor plates and other great doodads), adding privateers (love the Rosier version). They'll probably with have Alberto Ascari modelled - maybe Nino Farina- maybe all Four Aces. They'll have alot of fun with the whole series. CMC will have what it has. And thats a very nice model.


and this'll have to be it for me on this Exoto thread. I can see a magilla getting ready to start. I'm sure you'll have some company shortly.

 

Well, unless Exoto improves their business ethics, my days of collecting Exoto models is over. I've pretty much given up collecting die cast model cars anyway. I've concentrated now on hand built models, primarily in 1/43rd scale but a number of them in 1/24th and 1/20th scale as well. The sole exception has been CMC which in my opinion, is still the best overall. I have a close friend who is considered one of the finest model builders in the USA, possibly the world, and he became a believer in CMC with their introduction of the Maserati "birdcage". Nothing I have seen comes close to the quality and detail of this superb model. I'm sure any collector who has seen this model themselves will agree. Every brand has its good points and it's faults. IMHO, at this time, CMC is the only company building die casts of the quality I consider acceptable and worthy of a placing in a collection of finest quality model cars.

I find it interesting,and pleasing, that Exoto has admitted the quality of the 500F2 series would not allow them to put it in the "racing legends" line and yet they increased their prices considerably across their entire different series of models, including the Motorbox series. Those of us familiar with the Racing Legend series will attest to the fact that the quality, of the 500F2 is inferior and uses many more plastic components. Nobody has mentioned the tires that appear to be molded plastic rather than rubber and have a unrealistic high gloss finish.

 

The photos and evaluations described in this thread are appreciated and noteworthy.I too have been patiently waiting for my order from Exoto since about March of 03 (I think).I hope my 156 Sharknose arrives before I'm too old to recognize it.

 

I've never ordered in advance from Exoto, so the long delays in producing the product haven't bothered me. And aside from my comments on the 312B noted above, I've been perfectly happy with the others in my collection: 312T, 312T4 and 641/2. Actually I do have one on order, a Williams FW14B (with Mansell driver figure), which is intended as a Christmas present for a friend of mine. Which Christmas? Whichever one occurs after Exoto decides to release the model!

 

Their long-overdue 1:10 Ferrari 330P4 by any chance ?

http://www02.exoto.com/Collectibles/LeMans/Menu.asp

I'm still hoping it will be produced in my lifetime !

 

Wish you luck and long life!

Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky and get your 1/10th 330P4 while you're still breathing but, don't count on it!

 

There are good points on both sides of this topic, however, here are some key points.
1. CMC's model is licensed by Ferrari and Exoto's is not.
2. Because CMC's model is licensed, Ferrari had direct input into the development of their model. At least 3 different prototypes were sent to Ferrari for their input before Ferrari would "sign off" and approve their model.
3. CMC's model is almost all metal, including the chassis. Exoto's is not - their chassis and other parts are plastic.
4. The Fuel/Oil tank on CMC's model is not chrome, it's polished stainless steel. Is this accurate? I cannot say as I have never seen an actual picture of the 500 F2 with the tail cover removed.
5. CMC's wheels are not accurate because the original car had painted steel wheels. CMC & Ferrari felt the machined aluminum wheels were better quality and looked better.
6. CMC's body is 100% accurate based on the long nosed version that Ferrari raced, and the actual car that Ferrari gave CMC access to for measurements and photos.

Both models display well and look good. Though some collectors feel the Exoto model has a more pleasing shape, there is no guarantee that it is accurate, because it was not approved by Ferrari. I guess it all comes down to each persons preference. Happy collecting!!

 

I was hoping you'd reply to the comments made by all of us here on FerrariChat. The bottom line is, both the CMC and Exoto versions of the 500F2 have their own characteristics, both good and bad. Appearance is strictly personal opinion, something you can't argue about. Bottom line? A collector is going to buy the one he finds most appealing overall or, in some cases like mine, he'll buy both versions. The fact that CMC went the proper route and got the model approved, and properly licensed by Ferrari should certainly give some creedance to the body shape that Ferrari approved as being correct. The use of formed sheet metal parts in areas like the hood, which more realistically mimic the thickness of the real car as opposed to die cast components that are way out of scale is another plus for CMC and, to the best of my knowledge, CMC was one of the first if not the first, manufacturer to use this process, is another plus for CMC.

Fine models by the fine folks at CMC for collectors that truly appreciate quality!

 

I find them all the time in Flea Market bins....LOL!

I have a whole bunch of them and at $40 -$50, fairly priced....at the retail level, not so much.......

I don't think I have ever preoredered one, for that reason....it's just a model.....

 

Big Tex,

I assume you're referring to Exoto models, not CMC? The resale value of Exoto models, with a few rare exceptions, has traditionally been pretty poor, a good deal at $40 to $50.

 

The thread says' Exoto'...........yes, I was referring to the Nicki Lauda, Ragazzoni, Andretti driver's versions of the 312T3, T4s........

 

No model is collectible, I spent $25 this weekend to mail a $25 model to Canada.

Luckily, I threw in some extras so the value was a little higher then the freight! LOL!

After I am gone, they'll have to pay the Trash Man to haul my collection away!

 

As so goes any and all Exoto threads.