Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Carlo Brianza 1:14 Scale

"Icon". From the Greek word "Eikon", meaning an object of unusual devotion, or a widely-known symbol. Few Ferrari road cars have ever captured the motoring public's imagination as has the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 from the mid-1960's. Its ultra-sensuous lines echoed elements of its forebears' the 250 GTO and the 250 GT Lusso. But this was an entirely new creature altogether, combining achingly beautiful curves with aggressive quarter panel and C Pillar venting. The "4 Cam", as it came to be known, presented itself as a sophisticated touring machine, with something just a bit dangerous lurking under the skin.

Quite frankly, there's not a bad line on the car anywhere, from its classic eggcrate grill to the up swept cam tail at the rear, it exudes pure harmony of form and purpose.

The 275 GTB was an immediate success with motoring enthusiasts, and with engine and suspension upgrades, it became quite competitive on the world's racing circuits.

Carlo Brianza, the Italian model constructor who sadly passed away in 1994, is something of an icon as well. He was instrumental in making high quality larger scale, limited edition models available to collectors at reasonable prices for the time.

The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 presented here is an early-production 1:14 model that is in a remarkable state of preservation. It is a wonderful representation of the 4 Cam, and is of a large enough size to create quite an impression on the display shelf.

The paint work is outstanding, and the 'shark gill' body panel vents are crisp and precise. The model features opening doors and bonnet, revealing a fully detailed interior and engine bay. Many of these older resin-bodied models exhibit warping on the engine cover and door panels, but our 275 suffers from none of it. Everything is intact, from the miniscule photo-etch exterior badges to the multi-spoke wire wheels, to the dashboard bits it is a time-warp model.

This coming Summer, in June, the Ferrari Club of America will be honoring the 50th anniversary of the 275 GTB at its national meet. Most of us would be rather hard pressed to pony up the roughly two and a half million required to own a 275, but why not acquire a lovely scale representation to take a place of honor in your collection? Even in a reduced size, it is a real pleasure to look at.

The model is supplied with its original wooden base, perspex cover, and brass information plate.