Exoto 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II Roadster - Shelby American Sebring Prototype

If a pre-production prototype is any indication, and with Exoto, it always is, we have another major hit here ladies and gentlemen. No, strike that, a grand slam. For an open-air, in-your-face thrill ride, could there be any more exiting steed than this badass boy racer? Exoto captures that very feeling with the MKII Roadster with exuberance. Space constraints do not permit a deserving review; there are just far too many details to cover. But here are some highlights. Sans roof, the interior is no longer a hidden mystery of replication. The seats reveal all their intricate styling, the belts show off their fabric and photoetch fasteners, the pedals and door panel fabrication is now evident and the battery displays its tiny cable hookups for the world to see. The doors have unseen hinges and open and close faultlessly. As with the previous GT40 MKII models, this diecast makes fantastic use of materials. Wire mesh in the grill and engine air-ducting, photo-etch pieces all over the car, braided fabric to simulate bungee cord in the trunk well and the ever-incredible engine bay is a work of art unto itself. A little more on that later.

Upgrades appear to my eyes in a couple of places. I notice that the gas filler cap now opens. My early production prototype Coupe did not have that feature. The wiper, in delicately formed photoetch metal, is far more realistic and the Dzus clips are a two-pronged affair instead of the previous straight pin. Of course the prior details are still abundant everywhere you look; head and taillight wiring, working suspension, metal rear hatch tethers, and unbelievable under carriage treatment. The transaxle for instance is replete with braided lines in anodized red and blue connectors.

But as hinted to above, the engine still steals the show. Big time. More braided lines, this time, fuel lines, and metal accelerator springs lend to the extraordinary realism of the heart of the beast. The nest of snakes exhaust pipes are made from flexible vinyl and look terrific with their color coating. They lighten in shade as they transverse rearward to silver as they exit the car. They are held in place with four wire springs. The look of the roadster is awesome and rare and not as familiar a sight as the more oft seen coupe. It makes the model ever so more desirable in many ways. In bright red, with dual white center stripes, this Prototype MKII would not only turn heads but also possibly break some necks and hearts as it sailed past. Five well-earned stars for this magnificent effort.

-Tony Perrone