Description
Possibly the most beautiful 1/32 scale model ever built, certainly an extraordinary effort, and one for driving and racing as well.
We thank Pat Dennis, formerly chief designer at Tyco, for the dating information about this model. The information posted here will change as we learn more about its characteristics.
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In late 1965, Gene Wallingford produced one of his finest masterpieces in the 1/32 scale. Using an Auto-Hobbies body kit as a start, he built this incredibly detailed model that also runs great on the track. The engine is all wired and plumbed, the cockpit has incredible detail, and the undercarriage is simply astonishing, considering that this car was built 39 years ago with little more than hand tools and no laser this or EDM that.
The hood pops open and there is a mechanism for locking it in place at it “clicks”. The radiators, oil and water, are connected to lines that go to the engine. The radiator cap is present. There is wire mesh over the dual quad-barrel Holley carbs. The battery has both positive and negative cables properly connected. The sheet aluminum shrouds around the front of the engine are… real super-thin aluminum.
The aluminum spare wheel has a real rubber tire and real leather straps. The driver has a Dunlop suit and correct helmet with separate strap. The steering wheel is a thing of beauty with aluminum spokes and wood-like rim. Note that the open hood has a stay that can be fitted to hold it open, then springs back into its location like the real thing.
Underneath, it is pretty spectacular in spite of the small size of the car. There is a very elegant way in which Gene routed the lead wires just like they were part of oil lines. The pin guide is as discreet as possible. The motor was hand-built from a shortened Mabuchi FT13UO and drives a pair of 48-pitch gears. The mesh is very sweet. The body can be removed to reveal the incredibly complete cockpit with two brass screws.
Inside, the sheet aluminum floor of the real car is perfectly reproduced as well as all the gauges, switches, and ancillaries. The driver has his feet on tiny pedals and the seat is covered in black leather. The windows are open and the clear-plastic air scoops are exactly reproduced.
The headlights’ clear plastic lenses are covered with the usual masking for long distance racing, so as to avoid the accumulation of bugs, oil, and dirt encountered during daylight racing. Even with the poor availability of decals in the day, Gene did a very creditable job of accurately representing the car as it was.
