An Alfa Romeo in 1/18 scale

Saw my friend Pete last week. He’s the family friend whom I met through his daughter Pam, who is long-term best buddies with my wife. Pete sold me his Alfa Romeo 10 years ago, in 2013. When I saw him, he generously gifted me a 1/18 scale model he had of an Alfa Giulia coupe. I stopped collecting car models long ago, but as I placed this new Alfa on the shelf with the other models, I saw that I’m back up to eight, most of them presents from others. It’s ok, because this way each model has some emotional attachment, and a story to go along with it.

This Alfa model is labeled a 1965 GTA, but I can’t say I ever saw one of those in black. The GTAs were special lightweight racing models, with aluminum body panels and Perspex windows. Real ones today are worth something in the neighborhood of $200,000 and up (compared to “normal” Giulia coupes which sell between $30k and $60k, very dependent on condition). This model isn’t quite that valuable. Yet the details on it are quite good.

I find that with many car models, getting the exterior proportions correct can be the trickiest. Often, the bumpers are too large, or the wheels and tires are too small, things like that. This car is nicely proportioned. My only beef might be the grille. A true GTA had a silver grille devoid of trim; this grille is rendered in black.

Perhaps on a 1/18 scale model I should not have been surprised about the opening panels, but I was. The hood, trunk, and both doors are hinged. The engine compartment is accurate with the crossover air plenum, side draft carbs, and battery location. The interior detail is a little sparse, but I’ll give them an A for effort with the wood wheel and shift lever. I suspect that the incorrect wood steering stalks speak to the commonality of materials. And although you’re least likely to see this, the most accurate details are in the chassis. They nailed it with the oil pan, exhaust, front A-arms, differential, gas tank, and spare tire well. Kudos to Road Signature, the manufacturer, for this level of attention.

The new-to-me Alfa has taken its place alongside 4 (!) BMW Isettas, 2 Lancia Fulvias, a Fiat 124 Coupe, and a Volvo 1800. It looks especially bizarre because the Alfa is the only one in this scale. The other models are a mix of 1/25 and 1/43 scale. But that’s it. When you’re considering a gift for me, I’m at critical mass with models!