SPORTS, GT & TOURING CARS

The sports, GT and touring cars in this part of the collection all hold special significance for me as cars I have either owned and enjoyed, or would have liked to have owned. I have arranged them by year of manufacture and I think you will see by the notes which ones are my favorites.

The 1950's
1952 Pegaso Z-102: Pegaso was a Spanish company know for its trucks and buses, but for a brief period, produced interesting sports cars. The Z-102 employed racing-car technology in its chassis and alloy body designed by Touring. Powered by a 3.2 litre DOHC V8 producing 360 hp with optional supercharger. With a top speed of 160 mph, the Z-102 was the world's fastest production car at the time.
Model by ALTAYA/IXO 1/43		 1953 Redele Speciale: Produced by Jean Redele who went on to found Alpine in 1955, these small sports cars were based on the 748 cc Renault 4CV engine, producing a robust 17 hp! The styling of these early "Alpines" was carried over into the first production models. Redele raced one of these cars at LeMans in 1953, but failed to finish due to engine problems.
Model by ELGIOR 1/43		 1953 Maserati A6GCS: Since these cars were designed primarily for races on open roads, Maserati did produce some street versions for select customers. A 2-litre straight-six (120 bhp) was used in the A6 GCS two-seater. These spyders were initially designed by Colombo and later refined by Medardo Fantuzzi and Celestino Fiandri. Fifty-two were made.
Model by da GRANI & PARTNERS 1/43

1954 Fiat Turbina: In 1954 Fiat was the first car manufacturer in Europe to introduce a car propelled by a gas turbine. The engine had two compressor stages, one turbine stage, power turbine was single stage with a geared reduction. The declared power was 300 hp at 22.000 rpm, and the estimated top speed was approximately 155 mph. The Turbina held the record for lowest drag coefficient on an automobile for 30 years.
Model by METRO 1/43		 1956 Fiat Multipla: Then on the other hand... Produced between 1956-1965, the Mulitpla was based on the Fiat 600. It sat 6 people in a footprint just 20" longer than the original Mini Cooper. Its 633 c.c. engine gave it a top speed of 57 mph and a 0-60 speed of 43 seconds! Che cosa posso dire?
Model by NOREV 1/43

1955 Facel Vega FVS: The first Facel Vega production cars appeared in 1954 using Chrysler V8 Hemi engines, the overall engineering was straightforward, with a tubular chassis, double wishbone suspension at the front and a solid driven axle at the back, as in standard American practice. The FVS versions were fitted with a 4.5 litre Hemi V8, paired with either a two-speed automatic transmission or, a four-speed manual. The FVS was capable of 130mph.
Model by IXO 1/43		 :
Model by SOLIDO 1/43		 :
Model by SOLIDO 1/43

1956 MG ZB Magnette: Following up on the ZA which was introduced in 1954, the ZB had a slightly more powerful version of the 1.5L BMC B Series engine than its predecessor. This is a Varitone model, with two-tone paint and slightly larger rear window. I have always liked these cars and with a top speed of 90 mph, a nice Sunday cruiser on the back road two lanes.
Model by OXFORD 1/43		 1956 Renault 4CV: My dad bought one of these new in 1957 in reaction to the Suez fuel crisis. He drove it for three years and traded it in on a 'Mercury wagon. Talk about night and day! A 748 cc engine producing 17 hp, which was coupled to a three-speed manual transmission, made these cars barely able to get out of their own way. I have it the collection for no other reason than nostalgia.
Model by SOLIDO 1/43		 1957 Lancia Aurelia B24 Syder America: Only a handful of these cars were produced (240) between 1957-1958. With a Pininfarinia designed body, luxury interior, a lusty 2.5L V6, 115 mph top speed, superb road holding and handling, the open version of the B24 GT was more than a mere boulevard cruiser. The Lancia Aurelia is considered by many to be the first true Gran Turismo automobile and was designed by Vittorio Jano, of both Alfa and Ferrari fame.
Model by NOREV 1/43

1956 VW (Beetle) 1100 : No collection would be complete without at least one Beetle and it is probably one car that needs little in the way of description. The car was originally known as Käfer, the German word for "beetle". It was not until August 1967 that the Volkswagen corporation itself began using the name Beetle in marketing materials in the US. With a modest 1100cc four (later up to 1600cc), these cars endeared themselves to the auto public from 1938-1980.
Model by DINKY 1/43		 1957 Morris 1000 : The British answer to the Beetle was not the Beatles, it was the Morris Minor. Sir Alec Issigonis is famous for his creation of the Mini, but he became known to the general public for designing the MM. A 948cc engine producing 27 hp, this was the car that a couple of British generations learned to drive on. In production from 1948-1971, truly a British icon.
Model by VANGUARDS 1/43		 1957 MG MGA : Produced from 1955-1962, the MGA replaced the dated T Series MG's. The "envelope" body was built with a body-on-frame design and used the straight-4 "B series" engine of 1489cc, producing 72 hp. Hydraulic drum brakes were used on all wheels and rack and pinion steering helped. It was a very popular car and naturally found its way into racing. In Sports Car Club of America competition the MGA has won numerous regional and national championships.
Model by DINKY 1/43

1957 BMW 507: The 507 was the brainchild of BMW importer Max Hoffman, who in 1954 persuaded the BMW management to produce a roadster that could compete with Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz sports cars. Powered by a 3.2L V8, it was as fast as it was beautiful. Intended to revive BMW's sporting image, its high production costs instead took BMW to the edge of bankruptcy and production was terminated in late 1959 after only 252 were built.
Model by DEL PRADO 1/43		 1959 MG MGA Twin Cam: The MGA Twin Cam was MG's much-anticipated, and valient, but ultimately unsuccessful, attempt at offering a more powerful version of the MGA. Powered by a 1.6-liter engine with 80 hp and though cylinder size was unchanged from the ohv unit, the Twin Cam had its own alloy head with hemispherical combustion chambers and a high-for-the-day 9.9:1 compression ratio. These and assorted other tweaks added 28 hp, boosting top speed to at least 110 mph. Only 2111 examples were built.
Model by STROMBECKER 1/24		 1959 Mercedes Benz 300SL: Not as well known as the Gullwing coupes, the 300SL roadster produced from 1957-63 are great cras in their own right. With the same mechanicals as the coupe on a tube frame chassis, the fuel-injected 3.0L six-cylinder capable of producing 222 bhp, moved the car along to a top speed of 160 mph. Aerodynamics played an important role in the car's speed. This is a model I customized over 30 years ago for a more racer like look.
Model by TEKNO 1/43

The 1960's
1960 Aston Martin DB4: The DB4 was sold by Aston Martin from 1958 until 1963. It was an entirely different car from the DB Mark III it replaced, though the 3.7 L dual overhead cam straight-6 engine producing 240 bhp was externally visually related to the 2.9 L unit found in that car. There were five "series" of DB4s, with the most visible changes being the addition of window frames in Series II and the adoption of a barred (rather than eggcrate) grille in Series IV.
Model by VITESSE 1/43		 1960 Aston Martin DB4
Model by VITESSE 1/43

1961 Aston Martin DB4 Zagato Barchetta: Forty years after the DB4 GT Zagato, a DB4 chassis was shortened and Zagato built a pretty barchetta body for it, giving a look at what could have been had Zagato bodied DB4 production been continued. Powered by an aluminum 4.2L six-cylinder producing 350 bhp, this car is capable of 160 mph.
Model by JOLLY MODEL 1/43		 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato: The Zagato was created by sending a DB4GT chassis to the Zagato factory in Milan to be clothed in the most beautiful lightweight bodies ever designed. Given an even more powerful 3670 cc engine than the standard GT by using a higher ratio. This was able to produce a quoted 314bhp, with impressive performance with a top speed of 153mph.
Model by ROAD SIGNATURE 1/18

1961 Maserati 3500 GTi: The 3500 GTi and 3500 GTis was introduced in 1961 as the first fuel-injected Italian production car. Powered by a 3.5L in-line six producing 235 bhp, a A 5-speed ZF S5-17 gearbox was standard, as were four wheel disc brakes. The 3500 GT was good for 145 mph. 2000 examples were made between 1958-1964, with most bodies coming from Touring.
Model by da GRANI & PARTNERS 1/43		 1962 Facel Vega II: Facel Vega was a French builder of luxury cars. Their advertising slogan: "For the Few Who Own the Finest". Using Chrysler V8 engines, the overall engineering was straightforward, with a tubular chassis, double wishbone suspension at the front and a solid driven axle at the back, as in standard American practice. Performance was brisk, with an approx 118 mph top speed.
Model by SOLIDO 1/43		 1962 Facel Vega II: The bodywork was beautifully styled, making the Facel Vega an enduring classic. Most cars were 2-door hardtops with no centre pillar, but a few convertibles were built. The Facel ll was powered by a 6.3L V8 which produced 390 hp and could reach over 135 mph. Produced from 1962-64, the Facel ll is now amongst the rarest and most sought-after of all 1960s Grand Tourers
Model by SOLIDO 1/43

1963 MG MGB: The MGB was in May 1962 to replace the MGA and manufactured until October 1980. The 3-bearing 1798 cc B-Series engine produced 95 hp, giving the light car brisk performance and handling via rack and pinion steering. The preferred transmission was the four-speed with electric overdrive. I have owned a number of B's and they are cars I have a great fondness for.
Model by KYOSHO 1/18		 1964 Aston Martin DB5: Great lines, powered by a 4.0L, six-cylinder DOHC engine and three SU carburettors, producing 282 bhp and propelling the car to 141 mph, coupled with a with a new five-speed transmission, made the DB5 the ultimate British high performance sports car. The DB5 helped solidify Aston Martin's reputation as a premier luxury car maker.
Model by UNIVERSAL HOBBIES 1/43		 1964 Aston Martin DB5: The DB5 is famous for being the first and most recognised James Bond car. It has been featured in several films, most notably Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Casino Royale. Standard equipment on the DB5 included reclining seats, pile carpets, electric windows and a fire extinguisher. Machine guns, bullet shields, ejector seats and other spy gadgets were extra.
Model by CORGI 1/43

1965 Shelby Ford AC Cobra: The Cobra was losing its supremacy in racing, so a new chassis was developed and designated the Mark III. A whole new chassis was built which featured 4" main chassis tubes and coil spring suspension all around. The new car also had wide fenders and was powered by the famed "side oiler" Ford 427 engine (7.0 L) developing 485 bhp, with a top speed of 180 mph. Production of the 427 Cobra was from 1965-1967.
Model by ERTL 1/18		 1965 Fiat 1600S Cabriolet: Seldom seen on the US side of the Atlantic, the 1600S is an attractive Pininfarinia designed convertible containing Fiat mechanical components with a racing heritage. The Maserati brothers at OSCA engineered the 1.6L four-cylinder, DOHC engine and it produced 90 bhp, for a top speed of just under 100 mph. With four wheel disc brakes, a five-speed transmission and decent performance, it is a very nice four-seat open touring car.
Model by NOREV 1/43

1965 Shelby Mustang GT350: Street versions of the GT350 were produced to homologate the car for racing. Producing 306 hp with its High Performance V8, the Shelby Mustang was a "vision" to me as a lad and seeing one in the dealer showroom as I walked home from school. For a time, our Ford dealer had a Cobra, a GT350 and a GT40 in their big showroom, nirvana! This blue is actually a 1966 model year color.
Model by KYOSHO 1/43		 1967 MG MGB: In 1967, the Mark II version of the B was introduced. Changes included synchromesh on all 4 gears with revised ratios, a new rear axle and an alternator in place of the dynamo. The engine had already been upgraded in 1964 to a five-bearing crankshaft in an effort to improve reliability. To meet US safety regulations, B's received a plastic and foam rubber covered "safety" dashboard, dubbed the "Abingdon pillow".
Model by JOEAUF 1/43

1968 Ford Mustang Fastback: Marketeers hyped the 1968 Ford Mustang as "The Great Original" and "the most exciting car on the American road." Its 390 cu in. V8 produced 330 hp in this great icon of the muscle car era. Not a Shelby like we once had, but it reminds me of Bullitt's car. Long live the memory of Steve McQueen!
Model by MINICHAMPS 1/43 		1968 Lamborghini Miura P400S: The Miura was a trendsetter, the one that made the mid-engined layout de rigueur among two-seater high performance sports cars. Early Miuras, were powered by a version of the 3.9 L Lamborghini V12 engine used in the 400GT at the time, only mounted transversely and producing 365 hp. About 338 P400S Miura were produced between December 1968 and March 1971.
Model by RIO 1/43		 1968 Abarth 695 SS: Based on the Fiat 500 chassis, the Abarth 695 differed from a standard Fiat not only in displacement (700cc versus 500cc), but in numerous other details. Available options included wider fenders, disc brakes, 10" Campagnolo wheels and a five speed gearbox. Tuned, the engine would produce 50 bhp. These cars were dominant in their class of racing and a great deal of fun to drive.
Model by VITESSE 1/43

The 1970's
1972 BMW 2002 Tii: I used to have one just like it, only more rust, the paint wasn't as good and it was a different color. The 2002 is one of BMW's most famous models. With its fuel-injected 1990cc engine, it produced 130 bhp in the high-performance 2002tii and had a top speed of 115 mph. The 2002 was produced from 1968 to 1976.
Model by ANSON 1/18		 1972 Rover 3500S: The 3500 was produced from 1968-77. Rover saw Buick's compact 3.5 L V8 as a way to differentiate the P6 from its chief rival, the Triumph 2000. They purchased the rights to the innovative aluminium engine in 1965 and it continued in production for 40 years in several British cars. The V8 produced 200 hp. This is a Series II model and it benefitted from updated interior and exterior styling.
Model by VANGUARDS 1/43		 1972 Volvo P1800 ES: For two years Volvo produced this attractive hatchback version of its venerable P1800S sports car. With a 1985 cc, four-cylinder OHV engine, it could easily top 110 mph, while carrying two adults and several bages of groceries. With a four-speed and overdrive, disc brakes on all four wheels, these are nicely styled touring cars with rugged Volvo components. Only 8,078 units of the 1800ES were produced.
Model by DEL PRADO 1/43

1973 Toyota Corolla SR5: In 1973, Toyota introduced the SR5 as part of the Corolla range. SR5 stood for "sport racer 5-speed" and the cars produced in 1973-74 were all out boy racers. With bolt-on fender flares and stiffer suspension, they were the grandfather of today's high-performance Japanese cars. US versions only received the 1.6L OHV four, which produced 105 bhp. Home market cars however had the 1.6L twin-cam and dual side-draft carbs and were good for over 120 mph. I cut my teeth in racing with a '74 SR5 and wish I had a 1/1 scale one still today - great fun!
Model by EBBRO 1/43		 1974 Toyota Corolla SR5: This is a picture of my trusty SR5.
Model by TOYOTA 1/1		 1973 Levin J TE27: The 'home market' name for what was known as Corolla in most of the world, was Levin J.
Model by EBBRO 1/43

1974 BMW 2002 Turbo: The ultimate 2002 model was the Turbo. A limited production (1,672) model, it was launched at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was the company's first turbocharged production car and power was raised to 170 hp at full boost. Never exported to the USA, the fuel crisis in the mid-70's killed the market for the car.
Model by MINICHAMPS 1/43 		1976 Mercedes Benz 280E: Produced for ten years between 1975-85, these 2.8L six-cylinder cars with all the refinements of the larger MB sedans were immensely popular. Fuel injection, four wheel disc brakes, 177 bhp, good for 120 mph on the Autoban, makes these early performance sedans from Stuttgart worthy of inclusion in our collection.
Model by SOLIDO 1/43 		1978 Porsche 928: A break from the rear-engine, air-cooled Porsche 911 variants, the 928 broke convention for Porsche with its water cooled front engine 4.5L SOHC eight cylinder engine. Porsche's flagship model, the 928 fir Ferdinand Porsche's vision of a luxury touring car. I have never been a fan of the styling.
Model by SOLIDO 1/43

The 1980's to present
1987 Porsche 911 Carrera Clubsport (CS): Powered by the 3.2L horizontally opposed flat 6 cylinder, producing 231 bhp, the 911 Carrera Club Sport (CS) is a reduced weight version of the standard Carrera that, with engine and suspension modifications, was purpose built for club racing. The CS had a blueprinted engine with hollow intake valves and a higher rev limit, with enough equipment and material removed to save an estimated 155 lb in weight. A total of 340 examples were built.
Model by HIGH SPEED 1/43		 1989 Aston Martin Virage: Produced between 1989-94, the Virage was the first new Aston in 20 years. Featuring a powerful 5.3L V8, producing 330 hp, it was intended as the company's top model. While the DB7 V12 ultimately had better performance, the Virage remained the exclusive, expensive, and hand-built king of Astons. It was replaced in 2000 with the Vanquish.
Model by UNKNOWN 1/40		 1992 Toyota Celica GT-Four: The Celica GT-Four is a high performance model of the Celica liftback, with a potent 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 bhp, and full-time AWD. It was created to compete in the World Rally Championship, whose regulations dictate that a manufacturer must build road-going versions of the vehicle in sufficient numbers.
Model by TROFEAU 1/43

1999 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage: Luxury in a fast wrapper. The V12 Vantage with its 6.0 litre, all-alloy engine, delivers 420 bhp, and Aston Martin claims it has a top speed of 186 mph. The first V-12 Aston Martin produced, in 2002, a new variant was launched, named V12 GT with styling cues taken from the Jaguar XK8, its V12 engine produced 435 bhp and an exciting way to get groceries.
Model by AUTOART 1/43		 2002 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato: The Aston Martin DB7 Zagato is a limited-edition grand tourer bodied by Zagato. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October, 2002, the Zagato was immediately sold out. Only 99 examples were sold to the public, though one extra was produced for the Aston Martin museum. Like the DB7 on which it is based, the Zagato is powered by a 6.0 L V12 engine and controlled via a 6-speed manual transmission. It has a top speed of 186 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds
Model by IXO 1/43		 2004 Aston Martin DB9: Replacing the Jaguar inspired BD7, the DB9 comes in two variants; coupé and ""Volante"" convertible, each producing 470 bhp from a 6.0L V12 engine and either 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions.. The DB9 has been adapted for use in sports car racing, running in the ACO and FIA's GT1 class. The DBR9 won in its debut at the 2005 12 Hours of Sebring, and has gone on to take many wins in FIA GT Championship, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Model by MINICHAMPS 1/18

2005 Mini Convertible: At the 2004 Salon International de l'Auto, Mini introduced a convertible model which was released in the 2005 model year and available in One, Cooper and Cooper S versions. Featuring a fully automatic convertible roof which can be opened partially to act as a sunroof. Using a 1.6L supercharged four on the Cooper S model, the Mini has a top speed of 134 mph..
Model by MINICHAMPS 1/43		 2005 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren: The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an Anglo-German sports car jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, Mercedes owns 40% of the McLaren Group. This is MB's entry into the top echelon of GT cars with SLR standing for "Sport, Leicht, Rennsport" (sport, light, racing). Mercedes-Benz has stated that they will build 3500 SLRs in a span of 7 years, with an annual production of only 500 cars. The SLR sports a hand-built 5.4-litre, supercharged, all-aluminium, SOHC V8 engine which produces 617 hp and a top speed of 210 mph.
Model by IXO 1/43 		2007 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT: With a Ferrari-designed and built 4.2 liter V8 engine to further exploit the exceptional handling and balance of this sensational Pininfarinia styled sedan. Producing 400 bhp, the V8 engine pushes the Quattroporte Sport GT to a top speed of 170 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.6 seconds. A six-speed dual mode ZF transmission with paddle shifters, 20"" wheels, Brembo brakes and an interior trimmed in rich leather with carbon fiber accents, who wouldn't want to own one?
Model by IXO 1/43

To continue to another collection room or to go back, select one of the following:
JAGUAR RACING Pre-1980
JAGUAR RACING (1980-1990)
JAGUAR RACING (1991 on)
JAGUAR PRODUCTION CARS to 1979
JAGUAR PRODUCTION CARS from 1980
FERRARI
PORSCHE RACING
AUSTIN HEALEY
ALFA ROMEO
MERCEDES W196 & 300SLR
RACING CARS to 1969
RACING CARS from 1970
SPORTS & GT CARS
PRE-WAR to 1950
THE LEGENDS OF RACING HOF
THE RACING ROOM
NEW MODELS & RESTORATION

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