Reviews, September 1994

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Tony Matthews cutaway prints, from Terrific Stuff.

Retro video specialist Terrific Stuff is branching out. It has just launched a limited edition range of fine art prints featuring Tony Matthews’s excellent cutaway drawings. In keeping with Terrific Stuff custom, the first two subjects are of historic interest, featuring the BRM V16, from 1952, and the D-type Jaguar, from 1955. Signed by the artist, only 250 of each will be available. At £50 a time (plus £5 p&p for overseas orders), they are pricy, but nice.

Details from Terrific Stuff, on 081 891 1872. Credit card orders can be made on 0962 856546.

Recent model releases from SMTS include 1/24 scale lightweight Jaguar E-type coupés and roadsters (below). Produced in collaboration with marque specialist Lynx, they retail at £195 apiece ready built, although a bespoke service is available should you desire a particular colour, wheel design or whatever. Individual requirements may add as much as £20 to the cost, although the dextrously gifted can acquire one in kit form for £78. Also available from SMTS, in both road and race trim, is Boss Models’ 1/43 scale Dodge Challenger. The 1970 TransAm racer was not a huge success. At one point, the roof was acid-dipped in an effort to pare off weight. Unfortunately, it was left in the tank too long, as a result of which it collapsed onto Sam Posey’s head during a qualifying session! The Challenger costs £90 fully built, or £35 in kit form. SMTS can supply further information, on 0424 853353.

Model Aerodrome now has available the first 1/18 scale model of the Ferrari 328 GTS to reach the UK. In die-cast metal with plastic trim, it costs £12.99 (plus £4.00 p&p). From the same source come 1/43 replicas of last year’s BTCC winning BMW 318i (below), complete with accurate, and intricate, logos. Steve Soper and Jo Winkelhock versions are both available, according to taste, at £21.99 apiece or £40 a pair. Add £2 p&p in either case. Model Aerodrome can be contacted on 0483 578682.

• Brooklands Books of PO Box 146, Cobham, Surrey publish some all-embracing history books, featuring reprinted road-test reports and other articles from automotive magazines the world over, MOTOR SPORT included of course. Latest subjects include Fiat 500, 600 and 800, Messerschmitt, Porsche 944 and 356, lso & Bizzarrini and Mini Moke at £11.95 each (postage £1.50). There is also a profile of the Land Rover Discovery at £8.95 (postage £1.00).

• Veloce Publishing PLC has followed its great book on Nuvolari with two more enticing, if different, titles. First, for Alfa Romeo fans, the bible a DIY guide compiled by Pat Braden, who has maintained, repaired and tuned more than 50 of these delectable but complicated cars. In paperback form, with 288 pages and 400 pictures to guide the spanner, it sells for £25 and covers all post-1953 models. Next, a fine tribute to the Citroen DS, in DS Family Album, by André and David Sparrow, an all-colour celebration of these individual cars for £12.99. W B