11 replies to this topic

[Mal9444]

I see from my recently arrived Diecasts legends newsletter and from this http://www.diecastle...adori-1-18.html

that "Shelby Collectibles has announced a re-release of its 1:18 diecast model of the #5 Aston Martin DBR1 which Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori drove to victory in the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours. "

But I am correct in thinking, am I not, that while this is a very attractive model of an Aston Martin BBR1 it is not a model of the #5 Aston Martin DBR1 which Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori drove to victory in the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours.? Or if it is, it is not a very accurate model of that car.




Did not the 1959 Le Mans winner have a special used-only-once body with lower-profile front wheel arches, rear wheel spats, raised rear wheel arches and high-profile raised bootlid (for the infamous 'FIA suitcase' of that year)? It also had the high-level streamlined Perspex cover to the passenegr seat, integral with the windscreen, rather than the standard soft tonneau supplied with this Shelby Collectibles version. Is this Shelby Collectibles version not simply a standard-body DBR1 with none of those very distinctive, not to say unique, features and just numbered #5?

This is what the Shelby '59 DBR1 looked like (sort of).




I confess an interest, not to say agenda, in drawing the matter to wider attention having myswelf earlier (albeit in respect of the Moss- rather than the Carol Shelby-driven car) been conned into buying this model and then having, for the sake of simple basic accuracy (as opposed to obsessive rivet-counting) had to modify it and re-number it for another race so as not to be committing a downright mis-representation in my humble bookcase.

Edited by Mal9444, 07 June 2013 - 20:16.

[Tim Murray]

Here's a period photo to confirm your thoughts, Malcolm:

http://images.forum-.../LeMans1959.jpg

[Emery0323]

Here's some nice film footage of the 1959 Le Mans winner:



Your concerns about the model appear to be justified. No doubt, they were looking to help amortize an existing mold of the standard DBR1.

[Mal9444]

No doubt, they were looking to help amortize an existing mold of the standard DBR1.

Thing is: it's worse than that. It is not as if they did not already know. They first produced this model in 2009, to mark the 50th anniversary of the win. It was the first DBR1 they had produced (so far as I can discover) and it was wrong when they released it. Ignorace? Lack of basic research (Shelby's own people didn't have a photograph)? Arrogance? Carelessness? Couldn't-give-a-monkeys-for-the-punter-ness?

It was I believe fairly rapidly pointed out to them (although, intriguingly, at least one so-called expert review published at the time, while nit-picking over the size of the badge, the wrong door hinges, the wrong wheel nuts (!) and the lack of carpet completely failed to mention (notice?) that it was entirely the wrong body) but still they continued to market it as an accurate representation of the 1959 Le Mans winner, even later producing a second version, #4, as the Moss/ Fairman car that retired after 70 laps (which is where I first came in). I actually wrote to them about the discrepancy. Needless to say I received no reply.

Now this re-release, ostensibly (according to the ModelZone website, which is also advertising the product) to mark the 100th Anniversary of Aston Martin:
"Shelby Collectibles 1:18 Aston Martin DBR1 100th Anniversary Le Mans 24 Hrs 1959

"Creating exceptional high performance cars since 1913, Aston Martin is one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands. 2013 marks a significant milestone for Aston Martin, as in January they celebrated their 100th Anniversary

"Aston Martin was founded 100 years ago by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. Their company Bamford & Martin later became Aston Martin, acknowledging Bamford's success at the Aston Clinton Hillclimb in Buckinghamshire, where he had successfully raced their very first cars.

"From the original DB1 through to the current DB9, Aston Martin has long been considered the ultimate British sportscar maker. Its products are sold the world over and are among the most desirable cars on the planet. The carmaker has enjoyed success on both road and track, selling more than 50,000 cars in 100 years and gaining numerous class wins at the grueling Le Mans 24 Hours.

"To commemorate this Aston Martin & Shelby Collectibles have produced this special version of the Aston Martin DBR1 Car 5 in green that won Le Mans in 1959. This limited edition Aston Martin will feature special edition 100 year anniversary packaging. This car is a must have for any Aston Martin collector.: "

This, surely, is cynical disregard for the customer of an outstanding order?

Edited by Mal9444, 08 June 2013 - 09:19.

[Alan Cox]

At least they have got the steering wheel on the correct side - If the late Mr Shelby had any input into the Shelby Collectible series, he would, presumably, have advised them that no racing GT40/Mkll ever appeared in left-hand drive form
http://www.racingmod...sion-6180-p.asp
http://www.racingmod...118-22224-p.asp
http://www.racingmod...118-22205-p.asp

[Mal9444]

At least they have got the steering wheel on the correct side - If the late Mr Shelby had any input into the Shelby Collectible series, he would, presumably, have advised them that no racing GT40/Mkll ever appeared in left-hand drive form
http://www.racingmod...sion-6180-p.asp
http://www.racingmod...118-22224-p.asp
http://www.racingmod...118-22205-p.asp

Extraordinary. And both these very fundamental errors would appear to be the result of straightforward ignorance of the subject rather than the more usual (as is the case with some other manufacturers one might mention) re-hashing of earlier dies and moulds.

Do Shelby Collectibles produce any accurate models?

Do they care?

[Frank S]

Extraordinary. And both these very fundamental errors would appear to be the result of straightforward ignorance of the subject rather than the more usual (as is the case with some other manufacturers one might mention) re-hashing of earlier dies and moulds.

Do Shelby Collectibles produce any accurate models?

Do they care?

I think not.

[tokyonagaremono]

Thanks to Mal9444 for starting this informative thread.

 

I have two of these b*****d models in my (too large) collection, a (signed) Moss DBR1 from a few years ago and a recent buy, the Miles/Hulme LM66 GT40. Wish I'd seen this thread prior to buying the latter, that's for sure! Bought it because I've always had a soft spot for Ken Miles, who was, it appears, royally screwed over at LM66 and went on to die a few weeks later (ditto for Hulme, criminally robbed at LM, though of course his not dying weeks later and instead going on to an F1 WDC and a brace of CanAm titles somewhat mitigates my sympathy...)

My Moss Aston isn't a LM one - was it from a race at the Nurburgring? (or Goodwood?) Can't remember, and it's boxed and stored somewhere in my manlair - will have to dig it out sometime and check whether the body is correct for the race.

 

A lesson to be learned here. Note to self: buy fewer models and check/research each thoroughly.

 

Nevertheless, Shelby Collectibles should be darned ashamed.

[Barry Boor]

But I bet they're not.

[jackreynolds]

The Shelby DBR 1 needs an agressive assault with a rotary tool, As an aside I enjoy comparing my 3 GT 40s from Universal Hobbies, Shelby Collectibles and Exoto. Major differences. I bought the Exoto from their on line ad on a special holiday offer of $98.00. I have seen them advertise the same car with a different paint job for $1000+. Anyone have an idea why?

[Duc-Man]

The Shelby DBR 1 needs an agressive assault with a rotary tool, As an aside I enjoy comparing my 3 GT 40s from Universal Hobbies, Shelby Collectibles and Exoto. Major differences. I bought the Exoto from their on line ad on a special holiday offer of $98.00. I have seen them advertise the same car with a different paint job for $1000+. Anyone have an idea why?

Looking at Exoto's current prices I think they are either insane or just plain greedy.

[Doug Nye]

Pricey they certainly are - but in accuracy terms Exoto should not be mentioned in the same breath as Shelby's rubbish. And Exoto do periodically offer relatively attractive special price cuts.

 

DCN