The first time I was exposed to the Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) Mono was on the very popular U.K. television series Top Gear. What was this stripped down sports car all about? Semi-open wheel, rear motor, single seater, which defied many conventions of the typical sports car of the day. The Mono uses carbon fibre composite construction over a steel chassis. It is also powered by 2.3-litre four-cylinder Cosworth engine producing 285 bhp and 206 lb/ft of torque. This is good for 2.8 second 0-60 time and a top speed of 274km/h.

The BAC Mono from AUTOart is from their new composite series. I went with the White/Carbon Fiber exterior as it presented the model in the best light based on current colour offerings. Exterior paint is consistent throughout, though I find it a little dull and lacklustre. The sheen on the carbon fibre is lacking as well. Is this a trade-off for incorporating the new composite materials? Was the carbon fibre dulled to match the paint or possibly an option from BAC? I’m not sure.

Overall lines capture the essence of the original car without a doubt. Shutlines are tight, but there isn’t much going on in the access department other than the option to raise the hood on the front section of the model.

The front fascia of the BAC Mono is very simple and executed well. Elements such as the headlight, towing pin, and decals are all created with care and quality materials.

Rear section is much the same. This is your best vantage point to see the inner workings of the suspension and how detailed and intricate it is. There is no access to the motor, definitely a miss, but if the ability to remove the exterior panels was put forward it would have definitely increased the opening price point of this piece.

What is visible is average, definitely doesn’t have the high-end feel of past AUTOart models. I also want to point out the lack of BAC/Mono logo on the rear inlet (non-perforated side). AUTOart miss? Maybe.

The wheels are a strong point with the BAC Mono, especially with the rotors. The entire package does provide the detail collectors are looking for and the over realism right down to the tire pattern.

As mentioned above, there is access to the front suspension workings and related bits. All is executed well and mirrors the original. I do appreciate the use of quality hinge work on the hatch.

The underbelly of the model is quite simple, carbon fibre throughout, mated to a carbon rear diffuser.

The interior of the model is quite simple. All the elements are there, including the red stitching and BAC/Mono logo. The only miss from AUTOart is the lack of fabric for the seat-belts; they went forward with rubber pieces. Very poor!

The BAC Mono is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. It doesn’t fit typical sports car convention, and styling may not be at the same level as a Ferrari 488 GTB. But there is more to the BAC Mono than this. The engineering and outside the box thinking definitely needs a salute. Also, could you imagine driving this thing? Possibly the best driving experience ever! It’s nice to see manufacturers taking risks, something that is void in the hobby today. The AUTOart replica of the BAC Mono isn’t perfect, but hey what model is? Enjoy the pics!