Ferrari California (Open Top) 1:24 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4291 Review

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20150928*
Ferrari California (Open Top) 1:24 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4291 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

The California is a GT sports car produced by Ferrari. It is a two door “2+2” hard top convertible. The California was launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. According to industry rumors, the California originally started as a concept for a new Maserati, but the resulting expense to produce the car led the Fiat Group to badge it as a Ferrari in order to justify the high cost of purchase; the company denies this, however. The California represents a new, fourth model range for the company and revives the “California” name used for the late-1950s Ferrari 250 GT and the 1960s Ferrari 365. When originally released, the California was powered by a front-mid mounted gasoline direct injection 4.3 L V8. The existing production line produces 27 cars per day, or 6,000 per year. Throughout California’s production, only 2 cars have been built with manual transmission.

 

 

For the Modeler: This review covers the Revell re-release (Re-Pop) of the Ferrari California. This is Kit #85-4291 in the current catalog and was released in 2010, it has been discontinued but is still available in online stores. The kit is 1/24 scale and Revell rates this as a Skill Level 2 for intermediate builders. There have been different box art versions in both Revell USA and Revell Germany versions. There are 111 parts molded in White, Chrome, Clear and includes Rubber tires. The build has a complete motor that represents the 4.3L V8 and is well detailed. The interior is a multiple part assembly and has full decals for all details. The body is a good representation of the car and there are few if any mold lines or blemishes. The chassis is typical Ferrari and a full plate. The instructions are in Revell book format and assembly sequences are clearly defined. The decal sheet has USA markings and is a cut down version of the Germany version with a collection of European tags. Overall dimensions are: Length: 7-1/2” Width: 2-3/4”, Height: 2-1/4”.

Covered in this Review: If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; detailing the engine bay; highlighting the dashboard; authentic interior color scheme; wheel spindle installation; front suspension build sequence; using flocking to simulate carpeting; making custom floor mats and license plates; dashboard detailing; Euro vs. US version considerations; gauge deal map; flocking the carpet for optional interior realism; modifying the hood for function; how to detail the turn signal lenses; using “clear” glue for window glass installation; front/rear tire differentiation; mold seam identification and repair; correct brake caliper orientation; chassis installation; painting the shocks for realism; where NOT to use glue; correctly orienting directional tires; a hassle free chassis to body installation technique; using decal setting solutions for that “painted on” look; window surround detailing; making realistic tires; a ‘crystal clear’ window glass treatment; hood hinge considerations; complete engine construction and finishing; suspension construction and detailing; are all fully examined in this 18 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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