just on models
In this second edition of Just on Models I’m looking at a 1:43rd Spark brand model of the gorgeous and extremely rare (only twenty-one were built) 1960 Porsche 356B 1600 GTL Carrera Abarth.
The Carrera Abarth came about because of a loophole in the FIA’s rules which defined a car on the basis of its chassis and running gear, and not its bodywork. This meant that Porsche could replace the heavy production steel Reutter-made body on its fourcam engined 356B with a specially designed smaller, aluminium body.
After Porsche had considered numerous Italian companies they commissioned Abarth, the Turin-based racing specialist, to produce the sleeker, more aerodynamic lightweight bodies. This was the first time that Porsche had used a designer outside of Germany. Famous Italian designer Franco Scaglione penned the lines of the car, which reduced the frontal area of the donor 356, and lowered the roofline five inches, thus reducing drag from 0.398 Cd to 0.365 Cd. Combining all this with a stripped-out, lightweight interior, the weight was reduced considerably to under 800kg, giving the little GTL performance figures of 0-60mph in 8.8 seconds, and a top speed of 138mph.
Powered by a tuned version of the magnificent, but complex, 1582cc four-cam engine, the Carrera Abarth was an instant success, scoring class wins on race tracks all over Europe.
Its first event was in May 1960 in the Targa Florio where the German pairing of Paul Strähle and Herbert Linge won their class, and finishing an impressive sixth overall.
Following success in Sicily, and at the Nürburgring 1000km, the same Carrera Abarth was entered at the Le Mans 24-Hour in June. Reaching a top speed of 138 mph on the Mulsanne straight, Herbert Linge and Heini Walter went on to win their class, and finish 10th overall.
1961 and 1962 resulted in more class victories at Le Mans, proving the car to be both fast and reliable.
During the 1961/63 seasons the Carrera Abarth scored further class wins in the Targa Florio, Nürburgring 1000km, Daytona and Sebring 12 Hour.
Sparks’ beautifully detailed 1:43rd scale replica captures the lines of the little 1960 Carrera Abarth perfectly. Injection moulded resin is used for the body, which results in extremely fine lines around doors, bonnet, and rear engine cover. The hand-polished silver paint is flawless, and Spark has used a number of photo-etched parts to complete the exterior, including window frames, windscreen wipers, and the rear engine air scoop. Most model manufacturers still use out-of-scale chrome-plated plastic for these items. Even the tiny individual letters of the Porsche bonnet badge are photo-etched, instead of the usual decal. Spark has also done a great job modelling the rear engine cover with its 48 minute louvres. The model is mounted on a wooden plinth, and is protected by a clear acrylic display case.
This 1:43rd Porsche 356B 1600 GTL Carrera Abarth, along with the rest of the Spark range, is available direct from the SPR Models online store or from specialist hobby shops.
For more information about the Spark, Bizarre, TrueScale, Brumm or ARMCO ranges, phone John on 09414 5959, or visit www.spr-models.co.