When Ferrari builds a limited edition V12 supercar, it doesn’t hold back, and the 812 Competizione is living proof. It is the result of Ferrari taking the already outrageous 812 Superfast and dialling everything up to eleven. It serves as a spiritual successor to the insane F12 TDF, continuing the brand’s lineage of front-engined V12 flagships taken to the extreme. Under the hood lies a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine that screams to 9,500 RPM and delivers a whopping 819 BHP. It’s one of the highest revving production V12s ever fitted to a road car. In addition to more power, Ferrari has equipped the car with extensive aerodynamic enhancements. Some of the notable differences include: a redesigned front end; a carbon fibre blade that spans the width of the bonnet and not only extracts heat, but also acts as an aerodynamic device; an active rear diffuser; and a carbon fibre panel with integrated vortex generators in place of the rear window to improve airflow. Production is limited to just 999 coupes and 599 open-top Apertas, making it quite desirable. 

Naturally, the 812 Competizione is a compelling subject for most Ferrari scale model collectors. So when Bburago announced they would be making it, it came as welcome news to many, including me. That said, my expectations weren’t particularly high as the brand hasn’t done enough to satisfy the more serious collectors, despite holding a Ferrari licence for over a decade. Read on to find out how they fare with their latest offering.

The model being reviewed comes from Bburago’s Signature line, which offers slightly more premium packaging and finer details. It is finished in a metallic grey paint job reminiscent of Ferrari’s Grigio Silverstone. A contrasting yellow centre stripe bordered by black pinstriping runs from front to back. At first glance, the paint application appears decent, but upon closer inspection, subtle ripples are noticeable in the paint near the headlights. Furthermore, the yellow stripe could benefit from a smoother and glossier finish.

Bburago does a respectable job of capturing the shape of the car, and the shutlines are reasonably tight. Almost all of the carbon fibre elements are represented using textured plastic. While I’m not a fan of this approach, I must admit it’s done fairly well, arguably better than the textured plastic found on some higher-priced models. The glossy finish can appear like decals from some angles. The tiny boomerangs (vortex generators) on the rear lid are painted black, whereas on the real car, they are exposed carbon fibre.

The Ferrari badges on the front grille and boot lid are photoetched, while the rest of the badges, including the yellow prancing horse crests, are printed onto the body.

The headlights and taillights look quite basic. The bulbs and LED daytime running lights within the headlight housing are painted silver. Similarly, silver paint is used to simulate the clear elements of the taillight assembly.

As expected at this price point, the main grille in the front is a solid piece of plastic that has a moulded mesh texture and comes with integrated parking sensors. The large sculpted vents on the side, just behind the front wheels, have no openings in them. Surprisingly, the vents in the rear bumper are hollowed out and open. Next to these vents, on either side of the rear bumper, there are three shallow indentations which are painted black to give the illusion of the triple slits seen on the real car.

The model features functional suspension and rolling wheels. Although they steer too, they don’t hold their position when turned. The execution of the wheels is decent for the price. The two-tone gunmetal rims pair nicely with the yellow Ferrari-branded brake callipers. The yellow Pirelli P Zero tire branding, however, clashes with the red interior, in my opinion, and is a bit of an eyesore. Although valve stems are included, they are poorly detailed and lack definition. 

With the exterior covered, let’s now explore the opening features on this model, which include the hood, doors, and rear hatch. The opening angle of the doors is quite limited. Also, the model does not come with side windows, which is a shame. Collectors have long voiced complaints about this, but Bburago doesn’t seem to care. Honestly, how hard can it be?

Once the doors are opened, you will notice the interior appears slightly more premium than most Bburago Race & Play models, thanks to the visual interest added by the red colour. Also, some of the interior trim is painted silver, and the buttons are decorated, which further helps elevate the overall appearance. One detail that I wasn’t pleased with is the plastic seatbelts and buckles, which look cheap. 

Furthermore, the floor isn’t flocked, but it has a matte finish that appears a bit more refined than the bare, shiny, plasticky surface typically found in most Bburagos. A fire extinguisher is mounted on the passenger side floor, and Ferrari-branded door sills are also included. Overall, the interior execution is above average but could benefit from some refinement in the paint finish.

Opening the rear hatch reveals a storage compartment that has a matte finish on the bottom similar to the interior.  Apart from a parcel tray, there is not much to see here otherwise.

Under the bonnet, the engine is a single moulded plastic piece that looks rather toyish. The intake manifold cover is painted red, while most of the surrounding components are black and textured to resemble carbon fibre. With the absence of warning labels and proper wiring, the engine bay appears quite crude. To make things worse, the oversized dogleg hinges are hard to miss. Thankfully, they’re painted black, which helps them blend in slightly.

 While this model doesn’t look as toylike as most Bburagos and can hold its own next to some high-end models in a display cabinet from a distance, the price hike is difficult to justify. Especially since the Maisto version of the 812 Competizione will most likely be available for a fraction of the price at your local Costco.

To sum it up, Bburago’s Signature line still lags in execution and quality compared to Hot Wheels Elite, and the 812 Competizione falls short of delivering the refinement and detail that collectors expect. With recent price increases, they are no longer the value-for-money option they once were. The only thing going for this model at the moment is the lack of competition at this price point. Other alternatives from BBR and MR are sealed and significantly more expensive. If you’re particularly drawn to the subject matter and spec, this model may serve as a reasonable placeholder, at least until a better option comes along. Fingers crossed!