Exterior Features, Quality:
Ford's legendary GT40 was the answer to the German and Italian competition at Le Mans; it is arguably the most famous American race car ever made, and probably the most successful one as well. The 2004 Ford GT is then a continuation of the GT40 dynasty; however, it is a car for today, with modern technology, ergonomics and aerodynamics. Yet, park the two side by side and one can hardly tell the difference. The GT40 is reborn. And now there's the model.
One could say that Hot Wheels is arguably the best budget modelmaker out there - after defunct UT, Hot Wheels carries the same torch, signifying value and detail for a low price. Hot Wheels is a resounding success - their releases are extremely popular because they make the models people want. And I wanted this one. It's a pretty heavy 1/18, and it feels substantial. It doesn't look to be a budget model. The only thing that gives it away are the curiously wide shutlines. The scale of the model is spot on and the paint is pretty good. Pretty good, not great. It's a little bit rough and inaccurate around the edges but still manages to look awesome.
Starting with the front, the headlights are really well done. No mounting posts, wobbly lenses. Just great detail, and superb realism. The fog lights are excellent as well, with absolutely clear lenses, and realistic lights. The lower air vent is not perforated but textured - it has a realistic feel to it but doesn't really look quite right. Badging is actually done with separate pieces, a first for a budget model, and truly impressive. The six-spoke wheels are a complete change from the race car, but they still look great, with tiny Ford GT wording in the center. Tires are well done also: they're branded Goodyear Eagle and feature a very realistic tread pattern. Brake discs and calipers are nicely detailed, with the discs featuring a fake drilled pattern.
While quality control (QC) has improved in the past years, there are still mistakes, and here's one: the misapplication of a mirror decal onto a mirror. Then there are the cost-cutting measures that are just unacceptable, like the completely non-textured air ducts behind the passenger compartment, and underneath the stripes on the rear of the model. Rear lights are really nicely detailed, with even some texture. The rear vent is of the same material and feel as that in the front - again, it feels realistic, but the look is somewhat off. The exhaust pipes are very neatly chromed, but not hollow. Overall, very good, but not setting any records.
22/25
Interior Features, Quality:
I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened up the doors of this model and saw what was inside. It reminded me of my Exoto Shelby Cobra Daytona replica, what with the chrome rings around the instruments, the feel of quality, and the immense detail. While it doesn't go as far as the Exoto, it seriously sets a new standard in the budget market: the instrument panel is just incredibly detailed, there is really no question. The gearshift is done neatly in chrome, and the aluminum trim around it looks absolutely cool. The seat trim is in the style of the old GT40, albeit updated for today's levels of comfort. Hot Wheels did a good job replicating this feature, and more. The seatbelts are really nicely done, and quite realistic: this was sort of a shock to me because typically, you never even see seatbelts in budget models. The seats themselves are rubbery and soft-feeling. The floor has floor mats, but they lack the feel of the seats, and are, in fact, quite hard. Otherwise, Hot Wheels really does set new standards. Truly great.
24/25
Features:
The GT features opening doors, and an opening rear engine cover. However, the front compartment doesn't open, the model's major failing. Otherwise, the Hot Wheels GT is standard fare. The doors swing out on almost unnoticeable hinges, which fit perfectly to the doors' unique design. The rear engine cover opens up to reveal what is a fairly detailed reproduction of the 5.4-liter V-8 that is found in the 1:1. I wish that it was more exciting to look at, but it's accurate as far as I know. Most of the details are replicated quite well, although no wiring is included.
22/25
Value:
I consider Hot Wheels models to be the best value models on the market, now that UT has passed on. Why? Well, Hot Wheels consistently offers high detail for a relatively low price, while manufacturing interesting and worthy models. You just can't go wrong with that. And, while Hot Wheels's impressive distribution means that their models will never be rare, they are incredibly desirable. At this point, no one else manufactures the GT in 1/18 scale, although Motorbox has announced that they will be producing a "precision" model of the GT, albeit at premium pricing. Considering that the Hot Wheels GT matches the quality of the far more expensive Motorbox models at this moment, Hot Wheels will undoubtedly be the value leader, even if Motorbox does a better job on the GT. Hot Wheels also offers a variety of colors, other than white: yellow, blue #4 and red #1.
24/25
Overall:
There's a reason I really like this model: it's an honest and truly excellent replica of the real thing. The truth is that Hot Wheels did a really good job; the consistency of the quality of their replicas is just mind-boggling. The GT is no exception. True, the model does have its disadvantages, such as the non-opening front compartment, a few quality control issues, and the bad-looking air ducts behind the passenger compartment and underneath the stripes on the rear engine cover. Still, this model gets all the good stuff right, and looks simply amazing - believe me, no one will be able to tell the difference between this model and something costing twice as much, as long as they don't look really close and find the few quality niggles there are. Like I said, this is an excellent model, and worthy of anyone's collection. You really won't be disappointed with this one.
