Ferrari F40 

How many times have you read the saying, "I wish Kyosho would make the F40"? Personally, I have hundreds of times!

After years of waiting, Kyosho finally makes the legendary F40 - Who would have thought after everything that has been read about Mattel's Ferrari license?!  The news were so good, I couldn't believe it when I saw it listed as an upcoming release from Kyosho in 2007. I guess I forgot this is Kyosho we're talking about, a company that releases what it announces in a reasonable amount of time.

Companies like Bburago, Polistil and Mattel have replicated it over the years, but it wasn't until the release of Hot Wheels' Elite series that we would see a manufacturer do the F40 justice. Scarred collectors were hesitant about buying it because it was made by Mattel and then there was also the fact the M.S.R.P. was almost twice as much as the regular HW's.  However, the first Elite model proved to be a success.

The big question remains, though: Has Kyosho made the ideal F40?

The following review will try to answer this question.



 

Starting with the interior, Kyosho did a great job here.  Even though, the F40 was never known for having a posh interior, you will appreciate photo-etched pieces like the pedals, belt buckles and shifter.  The dashboard and the center console have received a beautiful treatment of flocking; enough to keep the texture within scale.  I especially liked the stitching found around the instrument cluster and the moveable race seats.  Speaking of which, they are a big improvement over the Elite F40 as the texturing is just right.  The seatbelts are separate pieces but they aren’t the same 6-point Sabelts we’ve become so used to, which leads me to believe this is a later model.  This explains the solid windows and manual lifts on each side. 

Also, unlike the Elite alternative or previous efforts, you can actually find carbon fiber on the visible parts of the chassis and door sides.  The application is first class.

My only complaints are 1) the gauges, which would have been nicer if they had been covered with some sort of clear plastic for a realistic look, 2) the A/C ducts on the dashboard should have been ducts and 3) the sun visors should have been able to fold.  The latter would have been able to compliment the moveable seats well.

 

Looking at the exterior, Kyosho couldn't have captured the appearance of the car better.  The lines and stance are so spot-on, they're head and shoulders above the competition.  Panel gaps have always been somewhat of a weak spot for Kyosho but I am happy to report they aren't a problem with this F40 as the shut lines are consistently tight.  You'll also notice the rear wing is now part of the engine cowling as opposed to a separate piece as seen in previous efforts.

The wheels may not be as shiny as Elite F40's but they are beautifully replicated, showing more detail and fitting the wells better.  Brakes aren't easily seen but the black Brembo calipers are separate pieces, the cross-drilled rotors are photo-etched and rotate independently, and the tire profiles are up to scale.

 

You will notice the model comes with proper pop-up headlights which can be raised with the push of a button found underneath the model.  The lower set of headlights include signal indicators and chrome reflectors, none of which show nasty stubs.  Same goes for the side markers.

Kyosho also included front spoiler just like the real thing has.  The piece may be subtle but it gives the front a complete look.

 

So did Kyosho make the ideal F40?

 

Heck Yes!  This is the best 1:18 scale F40 money can buy, and if you’re lucky, you'll find it for a decent price (paid $70 shipped for mine).  Unlike the Elite F40, which now looks stocky by comparison, Kyosho captured the shape of the car beautifully.  The lines are smoother, the body more solid and the panel gaps tighter.  Not taking anything away from HW, which has come a long way, but if you had to choose one of the two, the decision shouldn’t be difficult – It’s Kyosho, hands down.  We could talk about price difference all day and how good the old Bburago F40 would look after some detailing, but the fact of the matter is this:  This is probably the best F40 we’re going to get in this scale, and if you’re a Ferrari fan who craves quality and accuracy, then the Kyosho alternative is a no-brainer. 

 

That's all for now.  Thanks for reading!