Racer Redux: The Acme Ford GT40 Mk II

If you ever get to see a Ford GT40, you might be surprised at how small this car truly is. It’s so low to the ground and compact in every dimension (except maybe the width at the rear fenders). Now, consider this GT40 model from Acme’s Masterpiece Collection.

of many such details that make this model special. Before you do, take a moment to marvel at the suspension and the brake setup, with rotors that spin inside the calipers. There are all sorts of ducts and tubes running through the space as well, things that seldom get seen on a model. The number of parts in different colors and finishes is indicative of the rest of the car.

There are so many tiny details on the exterior of the car that, in the right lighting, it looks incredibly real. All vents and scoops are open. The hood pins have working cables to lock them down. Screens are made out of fine mesh. The tiniest decals and emblems are all readable, but you may need to use a magnifying glass for some of them.

The small hatch up front comes off, as does the entire front bodywork if desired. From the straps and buckles that lock down the spare tire to the multisectional tubing that sits behind it, everything appears to have been shrunken down from a real car. Pop open the rear cover and marvel at the wild array of colorful surfaces. The exhaust pipes have fine color shifts to represent the bluing that comes with high temperatures. There are braided wires, tiny tubes with caps and nozzles, and retaining chains to keep the deck lid from flipping all the way down to the ground. The interior is stunning, with silver grommets popped through the seat surfaces. Seatbelts and buckles are scaled to the tiniest proportions, and every bit of the gauges is readable. There are lots of lumps and folds in the simulated soft surfaces to further enhance the realism.

Priced at $600, this replica redux is not cheap, but such intense commitment to detail will be worth it for many high-end collectors, especially those who missed the GMP version the first time around.

Out of the box, you have to bolt the wheels on with the functional spinners. Before you do, take a moment to admire the brake detail. The silver grommets are a real treat for the eye in the interior. The simulated padding on the seat bolsters and other soft surfaces includes realistic lumps and creases. A 1:12 model offers extra opportunity for detail in the engine bay, especially items like braided wires, tiny fuel tubing, retaining chains for the deck cover, and realistic bluing on the exhaust pipes.