It might not ever happen in the major leagues of today’s nearly spec racing series, but imagine developing a test car that would win just one race – then be put to pasture – or rather in the pasture. Of course that wasn’t the intent of the ironically named Ford X-1, but this was indeed it’s bad end. But before it left this earth (or more accurately got buried in it), the X-1 left a unique legacy.

The aluminum car was developed by Ford at Abbey Panels to test various improvements from Kar Kraft, McLaren and Shelby. In fact it was Shelby that took delivery of the car to run at Sebring 1966. Then as now, the warm climes of Sebring facilitated development while much of Europe and North America still struggle with winter’s dying grip. So the X-1 arrived and was deployed to test suspensions, transmissions (including at least two were automatic) and, oh by the way, qualify for the 12 hour race. It managed a fifth place on the grid at start, and with pilots Lloyd Ruby and Ken Miles it managed to win the event.

Uncrating the model, I imagine what Shelby must have thought when he saw the sleek lines reflecting the warm Florida sun. The paint is a deep Ford competition red violated by arctic white GT striping on the side panel and roundels emblazoned with the proud charcoal black #1. In an age where cars weren’t yet billboards for anything other than the manufacturer, this model has even less accessory and sponsor marketing than usual, with only a simple Autolite spark plug decal (tampo graphic on the model).

Let’s get right to the attraction and that’s the open cockpit – it’s what made the car special and it makes the model one of the tastiest offerings of 2006. The seats are fully detailed, right down to the rings on the seating area being individually machined. The photo etched belts look striking on the cloth harness. While I had always suspected that there was more that meets the eye on my other Exoto GT40 models this new model proves it, with the articulated toggle swtiches, readable guages, and metal shifter and linkage. Something as simple as the door interior is remarkable –look at the drivers side door – clean reflective aluminum/metal with correctly scaled rivets. In fact all rivets on this model appear delightfully genuine. If you own any other Exoto GT40 models this model gives you new appreciation. If you own none, than this model will fuel your desire to get more.

While the cockpit is the star of the show, there are several supporting cast members. At the front of the model is the double sided radiator which is the most prevelant of many assorted photo etched parts that will make your mouth salivate and your heart palpitate. Lift open the front hood and view a mixed media build; the orange scale shock cords rope securing a rubber blue wall Goodyear. Tilt the front bonnet forward and view the fuel cell and a better view of the radiator. Similar experiences await you when the rear bonnet is popped like the massive stormbringing 427 hp engine, completely wired and plumbed. This is probably a good time to bring up the suspension as you can clearly view the arms and coils that gave the GT40 its cornering prowess. Both front and rear suspension are functional.

Okay, that this model is a work of art is perhaps no surprise, but the attention to detail is beyond furious. For example, while the windshield wiper could probably have been fabricated from plastic, it is in fact delicate black metal. The struts that hold secure the split rear wing aren’t stamped metal but actual pin and rod structures. And there are features taken for granted on an Exoto model of this caliber like valve stems, knockoff wheels, number light and remarkably done ‘glass’. There are only two features that seem a little curious: one is the windscreen which is angled at a more upright angle then historic photographs would seem to indicate. That said, the reinforcement posts for the windscreen are remarkably machined. The other is the rear bonnet does require a firm touch followed by absolute tranquility to stay closed. This could be the sample, but owners of the spectacular Exoto Sauber-Mercedes will know what I mean. Neither of these anamolies takes any joy away from viewing this incredible image. Bravo!

-Rusty Hurley