This weekend I found a nice model of the Austin-Healey 3000 BN7 in right-hand
drive that I wasn't aware was available.
It is manufactured by (or for) AutoArtDesign in heavy die-cast parts and
looks similar to some of the earlier 1:18 models, but the detail is better
(e.g.
60-spoke wheels, tires, engine) and detailing more accurate.
The one I bought was Healey Blue over Pale Ivory, though their catalog
indicates that a white with black interior and red/white with black version is
also
available.
The only major fault I found with the car was that the interior was pale
blue, rather than dark blue, though piped in white as original. It also had a
high
tonneau cover (looked like it was originally made for a BJ8).
The model itself is open, and has the right structure for the spare tire and
tonneau shelf, with the tire showing in the trunk area. Lots of neat little
details in the interior, such as the reinforcement plates where the top bows
would fit, neat little seat belts, trim screws on the door panels, correct
gauge
faces, correct shift pattern in white on the black shift knob, black rubber
floor mats, etc.
Trunk lid opens on the actual chrome hinges, hood opens, and both doors open.
The engine has excellent detailing, including spark plug wires, coil, and
even a heater return pipe (which is inaccurately shown as polished copper, but
so
are many in current cars). The carbs are close to accurate, though they are
not tilted as they should be, and the intake manifold isn't mounted quite
right.
But these details don't detract from the overall construction of this model;
it's the best of that scale that I've seen yet.
The price where I bought it was $75. The company's website is
www.autoartmodels.com
Cheers
Gary Anderson
Check out the new British Cars Forum:
http://www.team.net/the-local/tiki-view_forum.php?forumId=8
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