AutoArt 1965 Porsche 911

Making a model of the 1965 Porsche 911 has got to be a bit like managing the New York Yankees; given what you have to work with there is no reason you shouldn’t do well. Yet that’s what makes it so difficult – so well known that even the smallest nuance is familiar – one false move can mean game over. There are no excuses for not getting it right.

And AUTO art has got it right.

Perhaps the single most famous automobile shape in history looks perfectly reduced to 1/18 scale in this handsome deep red. The gold and silver bright work elements glisten against it in any light, giving the model a pop sometimes lacking in today’s more color coded efforts. The only blight here on the sample model being the 911 photo-etched badge on the rear hatch a bit askew – even so the gold badging seems particularly well suited to this color. The chromed waffle grill inset on the rear hatch is another crowd pleaser.

As has become virtually standard with AUTO art models, the shut lines are crisp and tight to the point where a GMP “fingernail” tool is the safest method with which to manipulate the openings. And everything that should open does with exception of the gas cap. Famous as a rear-engine car, the 911 has a modest compartment holding the compact power plant. The engine is acceptable though not spectacular having an unavoidably plastic look. There are some nice elements to it especially the various instructional plates.

Open the front bonnet and an expanse of grey flock carpet greets you – so large is this area it immediately hits you what’s missing: no spare tire. This is a shortcut many manufacturers are beginning to take and while it’s not a deal breaker it would still be nice to have one in place.

The wheels are a nice combination of polish and matte finish surrounded with anonymous but decently treaded tires. The two tone hounds tooth interior is the perfect offset to the red exterior; the dash and fixed seating and visors are serviceable and the same flocking in the storage area carries over to the interior. The chassis is for the most part a straightforward plastic molding

And that is…well, just about it. You see, this is a pretty simple model – and it has more than just beauty, it has authenticity in that nothing seems overdone. It’s straight up brilliant and deceptively simple, like coaching all that talent in the Bronx. Last year Kyosho brought out the Ferrari 250 GTO which was a long overdue image needed in the correct shape and style. In my opinion AUTO art has a similar achievement (done with the same quality) for this German classic. It’s sure to be followed up in a bevy of colors, and any sports car collection needs at least one.

-Rusty Hurley