New at Old Irish Racing

Replicarz has them in stock as of yesterday.  Mondo may have as well?

Of course the big dag is jaw dropping but that PW really shines for me.

Maranello Tribute - I am showing another new Ferrari edition which was shown in the Forum previously.  This time by David MG back in April as one of his new additions.  The 296 GTS is one of the first production Ferrari's that I have wanted to add to my collection in some time.  To me, it brings back a more "classic" rounded look to Ferrari that seemed to be lost for a time in sharp lines, angles and spoilers.  A Ferrari I would want to own if I could afford it.    The fact that it is a Maranello Concessionaires tribute livery sealed the deal for me.

2023 Ferrari 296 GTS AF Spyder - Looksmart


The 296 GTS was introduced in 2022 as the open-top version of the 296 GTB Coupe. The 296 models replaced the F8 Tributo in the Ferrari production car range and became what some consider the first real Ferrari with just six cylinders. Powered by a 3.0L turbo V6 coupled with a plug-in hybrid electric engine, the car produces a combined 818 HP and 205 MPH (330 KPH) top-speed.





Individually, the turbo V6 in the 296 GTS produces 654 HP and the electric motor an additional 165 HP. The plug-in battery gives the car a range of just over 15 miles (25 Km) of electric only driving, but one doubts that the electric only mode would be used often. The Asseto Fiorano (AF) versions are more competition oriented, being lighter and giving sharper handling and more down force. This car is in the livery said to be inspired by the Maranello Concessionaires 250 LM from 1965.

I agree Jerry, I would happily have one in my 1:1 garage as well.  The 296 has been an instant hit on the race tracks as well - refer this years Nurburgring 24H  .

Seeing More Red:  I recently added a couple of racing footnotes to a couple of sections of my collection, by adding models of cars that have Le Mans history no one else has seemed to model.  Both are handbuilts, which have a real appeal to me over the mass produced models being produced in Asia.  Nothing against those models as I collect them myself and they certainly are more detailed and have excellent fit and finish.  Just something about models like these that really appeal to the modeler in me, especially when they are of largely untouched subjects I have an interest in.  

AC Ace Bristol - Le Mans, 1958 - MeaKit43



Using a John Tojeiro designed chassis and suspension, A.C. Cars unveiled the AC Ace in 1953, powered by AC’s OHC 2.0L in-line six-cylinder engine. In 1956, the 2.0L Bristol engine became an option, increasing the power output of the Ace by 20 HP to 120HP. A four-speed transmission with overdrive gave the car a top speed of 116 MPH (187 KPH). Disc brakes were introduced in 1957, so when this standard production car (BEX 399) was raced at Le Mans in 1958, it was at the pinnacle of AC Ace development. With it at Le Mans was the AC Ace LM prototype.



At Le Mans in 1958, entered by A.C. Cars and in the colors of Ecurie Trois Chevrons, the team of Swiss AC importer Hubert Patthey; it was driven by Patthey and fellow Swiss Georges Berger. A mechanic crashed the car after a Le Mans practice on the way back to the A.C. HQ and was badly damaged. A major rebuild was finished just before the start of the race, so great race results were not expected. However, working up from 34th to 9th place and 3rd in class, the car finished just behind the Ace LM, but was not classified, having just failed to cover the minimum distance.


The term "rustic" is often used when describing the handbuilts from MeaKit43.  So why buy them when they cost more than most high-end ready built models?  For one, with this and the last model I bought from them, I think the quality is actually improving, but still a long ways from Spark or Matrix quality.  Not for everyone.  I can accept that and that I will have to do some detailing of the model to make it look better.   I enjoy that and helping support a cottage industry maker of unique subjects.

Ferrari 312 P - Le Mans, 1970 - Tameo/Grand Prix Model Studios



Starting life as one of the three Ferrari team cars in 1969, its was raced at the Monza (DNF) Spa (2nd) and Nurburgring (DNF) rounds of the World Sportscar Championship, before appearing at Le Mans (DNF). Sold to the North American Racing Team, the car appeared at Daytona (5th) in 1970, then Sebring (DNF) before returning to Le Mans. A lack of sponsorship relegated it as a spare car at Le Mans. Fast, but down on reliability. It had a who’s who of drivers Rodriguez, Amon, Siffert, Andretti, Posey and Redman to name just a few.





After withdrawing from the World Sportscar Championship in 1969, Ferrari sold the three factory 312 Ps to Luigi Chinetti to campaign in Group 6 under his North American Racing Team (NART) banner. This car (Ch. #0870) which was originally a open spyder before being converted to a coupe, was campaigned by NART in 1970 alongside their new 512 S cars. Qualified at Le Mans by Sam Posey, his co-driver Francois Migaurt was to bring sponsorship for his drive. That deal fell apart at the last minute and the car did not start the Le Mans race. After Le Mans, the car was sold to a buyer in France.



Here is the car as it appeared at Monza and Le Mans in 1969, and Sebring and Le Mans in 1970.




An older Tameo white metal kit built by Tameo for Grand Prix Models, when I found it on sale, I couldn't resist adding it to my collection of NART Ferraris.

Great adds Jerry.  I guess you can work out which one speaks to me the most!