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Italeri 1/24 Lancia Delta HF integrale 16v Gr.A |
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Kit Number 3689 |
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Reviewed By John Vitkus, #30013 |
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In October of 1989, a Martini-sponsored Lancia crewed by the team of M. Biasion (driver) and T. Silviero (navigator) won the San Remo
rally for the third year in a row, in the process clinching the 1989 World Rally Championship for both the crew and the
constructor. In anticipation of this historical event, Martini convinced Lancia to paint the car red, a departure from the white
traditionally used for all competition Lancias. San Remo was the first and only appearance for this red Lancia. (This brief
history was provided by the kit, augmented by a brief trip to the internet. By the way, for those of us who are limited in our
Italian, Lancia is pronounced “LAHN-chuh” and not “LAN-sea-uh,” as I learned several years ago from an irritated owner at a
concours! The model of this little 4-door rally car comes in a sturdy 13½” X 9½” X 2¼” (34mm X 24mm X 6mm) top-opening box graced with artwork that looks like a retouched photo of the car as it was on its way to winning the 1989 San Remo Rally. In this kit, “retouched” takes on another meaning as well. On the box art, and indeed on the decals, the sponsor name MARTINI is blocked out by black rectangles. I’m not sure if this is the result of a ban on alcohol advertising or a trademark dispute, but it will sorely disappoint those seeking to reproduce the car as it appeared in 1989. Parts come in three sprues: clear (12 parts), red (27 parts, 8 not used), and black (38 parts), plus 4 vinyl tires. The tires and clear parts are bagged separately. A 7½” X 4½” (19mm X 4½mm) decal sheet provides 86 transfers to depict the San Remo winner in all its glory—minus the sponsor name. Instructions are covered in 12 steps, with painting instructions provided all along the way. Colors are noted using common names as well as FS and ModelMaster numbers. Also included in the instructions are a parts layout, a 4-view drawing for decal placement, and a brief history of the San Remo victory in six languages. The kit comes with a highly detailed exterior, interior, and chassis. For example, small exterior extras like the roof vents and whip antenna are included, and the grille is molded in exquisite fine mesh. Interior details include full inside door panels, drilled-out pedals, and of course a full roll cage. Unfortunately, the conspicuous strapped-down spare in the rear of the interior compartment is not included. Suspension details include full exhaust and drive train, but strangely (to me, at least) no engine. Thus, the model cannot be posed with the separate hood opened, unless one wants to show the subject in the midst of an engine/transaxle pull! Because of the good level of detail and numerous decals to be placed inside and outside, this kit is recommended for modelers with some experience in cars and complex decal schemes, but probably it would be frustrating as one’s first car model. It should appeal to all lovers of rally cars as well as those seeking a diversion from the usual customs or military fare. Thanks to Italeri (via John Noack) for the review kit. |
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