REVIEW: CMC Ferrari 275 GTB/C, 1966 • DiecastSociety.com

REVIEW: CMC Ferrari 275 GTB/C, 1966

It is quite refreshing when we have the opportunity to examine a CMC model under a microscope.  The chance to review what we believe is one of the last remaining premier brands in the hobby comes with much pleasure and little intimidation if we’re honest.  With the slew of resin and static offerings out pacing full 360 access examples and overall definition taking somewhat of a back seat in favour of price.  When CMC’s North American division reached out to the team and asked if we like to review their latest effort, the 1:18 CMC Ferrari 275 GTB/C, 1966 we jumped at the chance. Unless you are relatively new to the hobby, you should already be familiar with the brand CMC, which for the newbies here refers to Classic Model Cars.

CMC has built a solid reputation for the ultimate in-scale model definition, though not without some controversy…  Their assortment primarily focuses on classic specimens, with a mix of street and race automobiles.  Click the active link to learn more about the brand and its current available assortment.  Popular marques are plenty and there are some that are not so well-known, which makes the brand niche and more appealing in various circles.  Each example has been meticulously prepared with layers of detail and definition that are rarely addressed by most other brands.

The model as mentioned is the newly released Ferrari 275 GTB/C.  A notable assortment of colours will be offered in street trim with additional future race versions to arrive as well – though CMC may have taken liberties with the colour palette, the additional fantasy colours are more than welcome.

As for the model itself, our example did not arrive with an outer sleeve/box.  What was presented in addition to the model includes a styrofoam shell and a couple of neat accessories, these are a delicate cleaning cloth and a small tool to help you access the interworking of the model without harming the paint – it has a small suction cup, which you use to adhere to the metal exterior part of your choice (pull to open).  Thank you CMC, it works great!  You should consider selling this as a separate article!

The exterior side of the Ferrari 275 GTB/C is absolutely stunning from a paint application, and let’s not forget to include the additional chrome work.  Consistency was a priority, and the deep tones of Ferrari Red are simply eye-popping in person, in short, our example was flawless exterior wise.

As for the overall look and the team’s ability to capture the essence of the original car, CMC does an excellent job here.  Panel gaps and shut lines are near perfect, and likely better than the original car.  Noting that the original is hand-built and exterior panels hand-forged by craftsmen of the day, variances in productions are likely with these imperfections or soul marking likely not appearing for each additional release.  If there was one complaint, and this has been mentioned by others is their implementation of the exterior window trim.  The bulkiness is somewhat distracting, especially on the rear glass as shown above.

Moving to the front end, the Ferrari 275 GTB/C shows its signature design element with two large primary headlights with covers.  Note the added detailing around the outer cover and headlight behind.  The lower mouth/chin spoiler opens into a fully unclogged metal grille – though our primitive photos don’t fully highlight this detail, it is ever-present.

Moving upwards we are first met with a fully accessible oil flap – operation here is flawless, and one can see the attention to detail priority with the metal gap pin and hinge work underneath.  The forward swing hood unveils additional engine details.  What is delivered to the collector is a wealth of details and layers of motor bits and surrounding components.  Some highlights include the well-executed exposed carburetors, three in total, rivet work on the underside of the bonnet, supporting motor hardware and plumbing, and one can even see the suspension bits from this vantage point too.  The package is solid and when comparing the engine compartment to past featured sales of the 1:1 Ferrari 275 GTB/C on Tom Hartley’s website, we’re convinced.  And maybe one possible miss is the coolant piping exception on the driver-side wall – see image below.

Now the question remains is the current CMC Ferrari 275 GTB/C engine on par with past models offered by CMC?  Well, in comparison to our modest stable of models which include the Bugatti Typ 57 SC Atlantic Coupe, Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione (SWB) and recently purchased Auto Union Type C Bergrenner (Hill Climber), and if one literally gets to the gradual level of every detail, yes, though marginally.

The rear side of the Ferrari 275 GTB/C is wrapped in a fully chromed bumper.  Below this sits a rear middle position clear lense light and quad exhaust tips – the exhaust work is quite intense as one would expect from CMC.  Before we continue with the rear, let’s highlight the undercarriage for its superb craftsmanship and layers of excellence.  We could spend hours dissecting this area but we’ll let the photos do the talking. It definitely begs the question; how long does it take to assemble one of these models?  Incredible.

Moving back to the rear side, the upper lid is functional and provides access to the spare and fire compression system, fuel tank and hood-prop – admirable work on the leather strapping and supporting hardware on the spare.  We need to emphasize the trunk hinge engineering too; these gems are pieces of art and the operation is once again flawless, the movement is truly smooth as silk!

The Campagnolo wheels are fitted on the street cars, spoked wheels will be more present on race versions.  If you’re new to CMC, the added details are sometimes not that obvious, in the case the wheels are fully removable at all four corners, utilizing one single nut.  Tires include the period badging too.  If this wasn’t the icing on the cake, what is found behind is just as delicious!  Layers of suspension bits come to life, so life-like, in fact, you are immediately searching for additional eye candy.

Inside the 275 GTB/C continues to shine, the hybrid street/race interior is fully dressed with the exception of interior flocking, which we suspect removed in favour of the race-inspired interpretation.  The wood steering wheel is matched to a wood panel in the dash – the results are exceptionally good.  Dash itself and seats are executed in leather-like material with the seats providing a full hardness for both chairs, this detail extending to the rear where it is attached to the roll cage.  Completing the interior, door cards provide layers of details – see photos, and we would be failing if we did not mention the beautifully executed door handle and lock on the exterior side.

In typical CMC fashion, the Ferrari 275 GTB/C presents the collector with a level of execution that most other brands cannot offer today.  In an era of resin and static models leading the charge, it is quite refreshing to see something of this calibre in person.  There is no substitute for full access over static, and to those that believe there is, we’re sorry, this is a simple fact.

Priced at just under $700 US, this is asking a lot from the collector base. This a significant amount of money but there is also a considerable amount of detail here too.   CMC’s assortment is not one that is simply measured in dollars and cents.  The passion and lengths to produce the ultimate expression in scale do come at a price.  On the flip side, some may take liberties with CMC’s approach to a hybrid offering of street/race cars and not truly present a perfect or true street variant.  Then there is the question of fantasy colours.  Personally, the more options the better, this is our opinion.  Either way, the model on its own is nothing less than specular, a gem.  What CMC achieves in scale is genuinely magical…  By far the best presentation our team has seen in 2022, and one we are recommending for DiecastSociety.com Model of the Year.  Enjoy the pics!

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48 Responses to "REVIEW: CMC Ferrari 275 GTB/C, 1966"

  1. Jon says:

    One thing I could never understand is fantasy colours on any replica “model”. Who on earth pays for a model like this , with accuracy as well realised as this, and blows it with an “invented” colour. I’d love to know how many non original colours sell. Fantasy colours should be for toys imo. Thanks

    • kenneybee says:

      We all collect different models ,some times i buy because i like the colour or other times i just like the model,fantasy colurs ,great why not you dont have to buy

      • DS Team says:

        Definitely different strokes for different folks… As stated the additional colours are welcomed by our team, and as you have stated others appreciate this too.

  2. Karsten says:

    Thanks for the review. That a CMC almost automatically is bound for the DMOTY-Awards-ballot-paper goes without saying.

    As far as colours go, other manufacturers have fantasy colours too, so the collector will have to choose wisely and be aware whether he picks a model of a particular car that (could have) existed or just because he prefers the colour scheme. Criticism originates from the fact that CMC seems to imply true to original replication.

    As nice and professional as your photos are, on other forums QC issues have surfaced, like interior leather trim not glued on carefully enough etc. CMC´s choices of material and level of functionality lends itself to vintage´cars only that had a rather analogue, robust functionality. I don´t think that CMC would be good for anything post 1970.

    • DS Team says:

      Based on history CMC has had some challenges with QC and also service after the sale… Our example did not show any glaring issues. And yes, their place with classics is a staple and a must, but they have dabbled with modern cars. With the exception of the wheel size, the McLaren SLR was aces!

  3. Atalante says:

    There’s been a learning curve in term of QC with this model as evidenced in the social media and various forums. The latest releases are much better in that front so the lesson here is if possible do not buy the very first models coming our of the CMC assembly line. An example is the rear window trim protruding a bit too much like seen on your copy. That issue has since been mostly fixed on the latest color/releases I have seen. I am looking forward to receive my limited edition Midnight blue very soon and racing version later in the year.

  4. Pier Paolo says:

    I don’t understand: the steering wheel and the dashboard are in “wood”, the tires are branded, the intake horns of the carburetors are in polished aluminum, in short, most of the details are made of a material as close as possible to that of the real car. So, why tare he seat belts made in leather?

  5. MRM says:

    This is a great model of a car that has never before been released in 1:18 with detailed engine. BBR has offered some resin models and KK has made some sealed diecast models. I am not even counting the AMT/ERTL monstrosity. So it is a very welcome addition to the hobby. Long overdue in my opinion and I am absolutely stunned that Kyosho, Mattel or CMC themselves have not released this model long time ago. Personally I’m not a fan of the looks of the 275 body, but it is undeniably one of the stepping stones in Ferrari’s colorful history.

    This review is nice and would be helpful to a lot of people I am sure. But it is very distracting to read such a mishmash of words thrown in there just for the sake of word count or whatever the reason may be. This car does not have “lower mouth”, as this suggests there is an upper “mouth”. These cars did not have a chin spoilers. The panels were not forged. They were beat by hand from extra thin aluminum on the “C” cars. And yes, they were absolutely perfect, exactly because of the skills of those craftsmen. The car has three carburetors, not six. This is also specific to the 12 cars built for the 1966 season, which have a very specific body, different from the road cars. Which begs the question – why did CMC decide to go this route, as it makes its body inaccurate to the engine detail. Look at the GTO engine and you’ll see six carburetors. The Compagnolo one piece wheels (those would be forged our days) were attached with a wing nut, which was standard on Ferraris from that era. How can the exhaust be intense, whether is by CMC or anyone else? Or are we just throwing words out there that think sound cool? Out of all the detail on this model, the one thing that is probably the same on every 275 made in 1/18 scale is the exhaust. “Moving back to the rear side,”(after we were talking about the rear side)” the upper lid….” wait! There is a lower lid? The hybrid interior is fully dressed…whoa…It’s not a hybrid interior. It’s race interior and it is fully stripped, by 1966 standards. Bare floors, roll cage, bare wood steering wheel and plain door cards with a pull and crank, which by definition could not be layered with detail, as they are literally a flat panel with three pieces glued to it. And then there is the harness which is really a huge WTF moment for me personally. As someone mentioned, its atrocious appearance does not jive with the rest of the model’s execution. Leather seatbelts, with cam lock center (completely period incorrect) with some halfarsed buckles in some unseen perfect cross arrangement. That, together with the crooked “pininfarina” badge and a hood prop on a hood with lightening holes and rivets is the exact opposite of attention to detail.

    The second thing is the “fantasy colors”. especially in this particular case. What is a fantasy color? A color that does not exist. let’s take Azuro California. it is an original Ferrari color, that has been offered by them for decades. Ferrari F50 came out of the factory in pretty much three colors and Azuro California was definitely NOT one of them. So, if a diecast F50 gets released in Azuro California, would that be a fantasy color? The answer is a resounding NO. First of all, because it is a real color offered by the represented brand. And second of all, because back in the nineties there was a Ferrari F50 painted in Azuro Cailfornia for years, which later on got repainted in one of the traditional colors. All the colors that CMC is offering are real Ferrari colors used from that era. And actually there are Ferrari 275 GTB/c in all of them too. So this model does not come with “fantasy colors”. Same goes for my metallic green Pagani Huayra roadster from Autoart. it is a real color offered by Pagani and if I had the real car, I could send it to them and get it painted in that green. It was also available to be ordered that way from the get go. Do you know what are fantasy colors? The electric pink fuscia metallic that Peako likes to slap on everything. Or the chameleon colors on Ferraris and Lambos that MR markets as “limited editions”.

    And before some usual suspects start throwing terms like “trolling”, “attacking”, “bashing” etc., let me say this. This is just criticism. And it is constructive. I like this place and I am glad that it is still around. Keeping this forum running and maintaining it is a lot of work. Believe me, I know. And I appreciate it.

    ** THIS POST WAS EDITED, SELECT COMMENTS DID NOT MEET WITH DS CODA **

    • DS Team says:

      Stellar form, as usual, thank you. Please submit your reviews via email on the website’s main page, bottom right side.

    • MLB says:

      I agree with all that MRM wrote.

      Sorry to say this, but a lot of the review reads like something that Joe Kelly Jr would have written. And that is NOT a positive thing. Also note that Tom Hartley’s web site is not known for showing historically accurate images, etc, etc.

    • MRM says:

      274 GTB/c series I:

      07271 -originally red, repainted metallic blue and currently French Blue
      07517 – originally red, repainted yellow
      07797 – verde pino
      275GTB/c Series II
      09007 – silver
      09027 -yellow, repainted red
      09051 -argento (different silver)
      09057 -originally red with blue nose and stripe, repainted light blue metallic
      09063 -originally painted NART livery, repainted Rosso Cordoba (Burgundy)

      Those are well documented, which in my book is a fact.
      Everything mentioned about the model’s indescrepancies is also factual, which you can check on your own time.

      Also, apparently I need to explain to you what “in context” means, so you can better understand what I meant y “not say anything”. So write your review and when you say upper/lower mouth for the grille opening (which for Ferraris is universally known as an egg-crate grille. You’re welcome;))

      ** THIS POST WAS EDITED, SELECT COMMENTS DID NOT MEET WITH DS CODA **

      • Atalante says:

        For completeness let’s add to your list 275 GTB/C Series II s/n 09015 the NART version (Le Mans 66, dnf) that CMC has announced.

      • YT NYC says:

        Most of the colors offered by CMC are original Ferrari colors that COULD HAVE BEEN CHOSEN by real customers even if they ended up not chosen. Your concerns for an “original” color always strike me as “poor man” concerns- when someone bought or buys now one of these cars in real life, they can and often do repaint it into whatever color suits their fancy best as life is too just short to wrap yourself into a pretzel agonizing about such a petty issue. Thus, of course, RL got his Bugatti 57SC painted black & it looks great! Similarly, the owners of 275GTB/C kept painting and repainting their cars as fitted their whims, which is fine, and will continue to happen! CMC also made this model in some truly “fantasy colors” too – like the American market specific “ivory cream”, or the midnight blue for EU market. Those are the priciest of them all, but the funny thing is – those fantasy models are the least likely to end with model/ toy collectors like you and I and MOST LIKELY to turn up as bookshelf decor on a yacht of an actual 275GTB owner… Cheers!

        • MRM says:

          I am not sure who are you addressing your comments to. Some of my comments, which end up heavily edited and now twisted out of context were addressed towards one specific individual, whose comment was removed. However, you are not entirely wrong in what you’re saying. The colors that CMC is releasing this model in are actual colors that exist on the actual cars. Not coulda-woulda-shoulda kinda thing. Here is where I get really confused, as it sounds like you are talking to me, but in the same time you are 100% in agreement with what I was saying about the colors. It is indeed a petty issue and you are indeed correct that it is a “poor man’s concern”. That’s exactly what I have been saying. Not only about this model, but about Paganis and Bugattis etc. You are however getting few other things wrong and that’s OK – it happens. The midnight blue car is actually exclusive for the US MArket from everything I have seen. And it is not a fantasy color. Same goes for the “ivory cream”. The thing is that Ferrari has made a lot of colors standard, so to speak and given them names, while others from back in the day are neither standard nor have a specific name. This is why our-days, when some of these cars are restored, it is so important when the restorers find a piece of metal where the original paint is still present, so they can replicate it or where some piece of original material from the interior is found. You are also absolutely right, that if one of us had the means to own one of these cars in 1:1, nothing would stop us from painting them whatever color you like, which again, brings us to my initial criticism of the use of the term “fantasy colors”. Which by the way in my comment now says “the second thing” while there is no “first thing” which was the nonsical use of the term 360 degree access, which I have to all my models. But that part was edited as it apparently went against somebody’s liking.
          And the people with the real 275 GTB/c acrs in their collections are more the target demographic of companies like Amalgam and BBR. Altho, my personal experience is, that most owners of exotic machines like this, actually buy cheap models, which they consider “cute toys” that compliment their real collectibles.

    • Michael Hawkinson says:

      Radiator overflow tubing could be better ..

  6. Juju says:

    This car crystallizes many antagonisms. Looking at the pictures, many things seem unacceptable. The gaps around the bonnet, the huge gasket around the rear window, the trunk hinges that are too big, the steering wheel rim that is too thick and the anachronisms mentioned above (roll bar, fire extinguisher, harness etc… all these things absent in 1966).

    And then, if you are lucky enough to see it in hand, 90% of these defects disappear. The bonnet alignment is perfect, the hinges or the steering wheel rim seem well proportioned and even that window seal, which is still too big, is less caricatured in person. It’s very disorienting, this miniature is really beautiful, but not photogenic at all.

    There remains the problem of the anachronistic details and on this point, I fear that one will have to live with it, for lack of finding another realization of this quality. This is a common aspect of CMC and their laziness in basing themselves only on restored cars or cars entered in current historical races, without trying to document the period presentation of the car. It’s their bad habit and it won’t change, I think.

    However, after having been very critical of this miniature and having “ejected” it from my “wish list”, according to the presentations on the web, I still had the opportunity to find one and the magic worked. I am, today, delighted. It’s very strange. I have never had such an extreme opposite feeling between the photos of a miniature and its discovery in real life.

    • DS Team says:

      Just so people are aware, outside of the entire body image of the car the close-ups shots are completed with a macro lens. As noted above, the experience in person is definitely less critical.

    • MRM says:

      I think you have hit the nail on the head, Juju. CMC make some amazing models, but I believe their downfall is actually their greatest attribute – using genuine materials. Altho not 100% impossible, real leather will never have a scaled down grain look and certain rubber parts simply could not be produced any thinner in a useful manner (window seals). However, there is really no excuse for the complete disregard for some simple things, like seatbelts. I personally have no problem with the harness and roll bar (altho they could’ve skipped on the fire retardant system). But at least make them to the same standard as the rest of the model. This, like other CMC models, is an outstanding little replica that goes beyond pretty much anything else on the market in terms of detail. And that actually accentuates the silly shortcomings and makes them stand out even more than they would on any other model. The harness looks like the straps that teams used for the spare tires at LeMans at the beginning of the ’60s. And the clearly plastic carburetors look like something borrowed from a Maisto.
      But I think you are right and we would just have to get used to it, as CMC apparently have no intentions changing their ways any time soon.
      I did not get the 250 California or the GTO models when I could, because of their blatantly wrong proportions. And I have to admit that I regret it now. I don’t think I would be making the same mistake with this one. I just wish they had a plain street version with Borani wheels and the much better looking 6 carb engine. when I get mine, one thing is for sure. Those luggage straps on the seats are getting replaced with proper seatbelts.

      • Juju says:

        I’m not sure if this is part of CMC’s plans, after the multitude of versions released. As for the Borani rims, I also think they look better than the Campagnolo ones, but on the GTB/C, the street versions only had Campagnolo rims and only the racing versions had Borani rims. For once (it’s rare enough to be underlined) CMC didn’t make a mistake on this point in terms of authenticity ;-) .

        • Atalante says:

          Twelve 275GTB Competizione Series II were built and all of them were fitted with Borrani wire wheels. These were lightweight race cars developed for privateer and Ferrari special customers involved in racing. The road cars with Campagnolo wheels you are talking about are the 275GTB/4 which is a different animal. Of course CMC is playing with the ressemblance of both cars and offering pseudo 275GTB/C road cars for those who want road cars or don’t like starting numbers on their beloved models. CMC won’t change! Now it is to be noted that I have seen Competizione cars fitted more recently with Campagnolo wheels but they are not original.

          • Juju says:

            It seems to me that there is a misunderstanding.
            The “Competizione” series of the 275 GTB are the series 1 (short nose, ten examples) and GTB2 (in fact transition between GTB2 and GTB4, long nose and twelve examples).
            The GTB/4 (4 overhead camshafts, boss on the bonnet) has not, strictly speaking, known a “Competizione” version, unless I am mistaken.
            As far as Campagnolo wheels are concerned, it is indeed the 275 GTB/C of the second series which were equipped with them in “street” version, and the Borani rims having equipped only “race” versions.
            It is indeed this series of 275 GTB/C that is reproduced by CMC.

            • Atalante says:

              I should have mentioned 275GTB/C (C for for competition) Series II instead of “Competizione” which may have caused confusion with Series I. The GTB/4 is grand touring coupé (not a competion car!) and represents the evolution of the GTB long nose version. On the GTB/4 the Campagnolo magnesium wheels were standard (Borrani in option). The GTB/C reproduced by CMC was launched as a strict competition car with light-weighting pushed to the limit for the time. And all twelve 275 GTB/C Series II have been fitted with Borrani wire wheels and Dunlop R7. There was no such thing as a 275GTB/C street cars with Campagnolo wheels. That’s where CMC is wrong. But but the majority of people buying these models don’t know or don’t care…

              • Atalante says:

                After further verification 275GTB/C s/n 09067 was not sold to a racing team or a gentleman racer but acquired and registered for the road using Bologna plates. It was this third owner, who first raced the car in a minor hill climb. This car was fitted with Borrani wheels. Also s/n 09085 was sold to a US ower who did not race the car. The car was only raced later but its history is hard to find.

              • MRM says:

                Actually, what exactly CMC are trying to replicate is a complete mystery. Technically, the 275 model arguably has seven different variations. First you have the regular street cars, from which there were two different wheel bases and short and long nose designs. Then you have the Series one 275 GTB/C cars, of which 11 were made.
                They are followed by the 275 GTBerlinetta Specialle Competicione, which were very special cars with a completely different bodies than the street cars or what CMC is making. Then in ’66 there were the 16 275 GTB/C Series II cars, which due to clerical error were not showing as available as 6 carburetor cars and therefore all 16 cars had 3 carb engines. The final series was the dual cam 275 GTB/4. At the end of their production, a handful of cars were used for the 365 “Daytona” prototypes. So that is seven variations of the GTB, not counting the open tops. What seems to be the cars that CMC is trying to reproduce, are the Series II GTB/C. Those however had bodies that had shorter noses and wider fenders and altho they look the same as standard 275 to most people, every panel on their bodies was different.
                In my opinion, at this price point what CMC is doing sucks and should not be happening. They should have made the street 275 GTB true to the original and then later on follow it up with a GTB/C cars, with different body and engine detail, just like they did back in the day with their 250 GT SWB. Instead, what we have now is a greatly detailed model, that is not true to any one original car.

    • YT NYC says:

      CMC uses real rubber and real metal in their model window trims, real materials which your brain recognizes as real when you’re handling the model. In my eyes, it ALWAYS beats the better looking but fakey-feeling plastic wondow surrounds in Autoart models, as CMC is always a much more tactile experience and not only visual one – just like with the Exotos of old and the pre-resin-cast BBR… If you have been judging models based on pictures alone, why bother buying models in the first place?? – Just keep looking at the pictures if pictures alone are sufficient! When it comes to 3D models, CMC is certainly in a different league from others though it has not always been perfect either, and it got some models somewhat wrong or at least not entirely right. Luckily, this model is one ot the better ones. Cheers!

      • MRM says:

        I would have to respectfully disagree with most of your comment.
        What you are saying is that pretty much how a model feels in your hand is more important than how a model looks on display. If I am doing 200mph it would be definitely extremely important to me how good of a material my cockpit and roll cage are made of, as it affects my safety. If I was shopping for a car that I wanted to read a book in, while sipping on hot tea behind my chauffeur, with 90mph, it would be very important to me how heavy that car is, as it would affect the ride.
        Now, hoe heavy a model is, in my personal opinion is absolutely irrelevant to its quality. Actually, I would prefer my models to be as light as possible. This way there would less stress on their suspension components and therefore they would less prone to sagging , bowing, bending or downright failing over time, if they are on display. Because like you said, why buy models if you are just going to look at pictures. And the same goes if you are going to keep them in boxes under your bed.
        Their use of certain materials makes no sense in certain applications. Just like on many other models, photo etched parts are not always the best option. Windshield wipers on BBR models come to mind. Or the photo etched grilles on some Mattel Elite Ferraris, which look considerably more realistic good ole’ plastic. And same goes for wheels. It is really great when you have a nice polished aluminum wheel with spokes on your Ferrari Daytona. But GTOs had painted rims, just like the Ferrari 500s and the sharknosed 156. They were not shiny on the real cars. and if I had to chose between plastic rims with metal spokes that were properly painted and authentic looking and the shiny aluminum rims that CMC models actually come with, I would always chose the authentic look. I don’t know if this is one of CMC’s better models. I would be able to compare it to my other CMC Ferraris in about two months. Until then I can rely on various pictures and reviews on the internets. And from what I see so far, it is falling short in the engine compartment, interior and chassis. But if you evaluate the quality of your models per pound, it may just be the greatest ever, I don’t know yet.

        • Peter says:

          I completely agree with the statements in your comment, actually you’ve put into words everything that’s going through my mind when I’m looking at the huge grain on these leather seats, or the awkward leather-wrapped steering wheel on the race models.

          That being said, I think what YT NYC meant here was not the sheer weight of ‘real’ materials, but the fact that the easiest way to resemble the look and feel of certain material is to use one and the experience of interacting with a model (cue the flimsy doors and lids on composite Autoarts). As much as I agree with you, I think one cannot disagree with the fact that there is more to these models than just appearance.

          Whether the value added when interacting with the model is worth coming to terms with inaccuracies it inevitably brings is for everyone to individually decide. CMC has chosen this route and they stick to it for better or worse. I can’t look past this comical window seal.

  7. WS says:

    Apart from semantics on the usage of words, I am quite happy with my Blue 275.

    It goes well with my California. While it is true that CMC models aren’t precise as a lot of wish they could be, they are more or less accurate and well made (apply your semantics here). I’m sure that CMC could take it to the next level, but I am also sure that I will have to start selling my organs or timeshare them to a third party as CMC models already command a high price (and forget places like eBay for past issued models – those second hand prices are just insane!).

    Ideally, a lot of the Hot Wheels Elites were quite nice but the time and effort it could take to modify / enhance details depend on your modeling skills, remaining eyesight and of course, making the time to do it. I am thankful for those wonderful little hands that make something my sausage stubs cannot even begin to negotiate.

    …so there’s that…

  8. Wayne says:

    I own one of the original red CMC Ferrari 275s. In fact I have owned 4 altogether-that’s how many it took to get an acceptable model that was reasonably free of QC issues. Almost unbelievably, one of them shipped from the factory missing a carburetor intake! Another one had gobs of the trademark white CMC glue smeared on the passenger door frame near the “latch” and the drivers side windshield wiper hinge was full of glue, and there is no glue used in that assembly, go figure. Another had a massively deformed rear window frame. All these errors were instantly apparent, and all passed QC.I kept sending them back to my retailer until I finally got a good-not perfect-copy. It is a beautiful model, but CMC has completely dropped the ball on QC, at our expense.

    Woe to anyone buying one of these second hand or from a retailer that doesn’t offer returns. A beautiful model if you can find a choice copy, but also an extremely frustrating collecting experience, that we are expected to pay top dollar for.

    • Juju says:

      Your feedback is distressing. It is all the more difficult to accept that the same difficulties occurred when the Mercedes 600 LWB (W100) was released, causing many returns. It is incomprehensible that CMC did not take this bad experience into account so that it does not happen again. The manufacturer’s image of excellence is once again tarnished.

      • DS Team says:

        What we’ve learned is no brand is perfect. More likely than not people will voice their negative experiences, and positive ones usually take a back seat. Our experience with speaking with a few retailers in North America is there are some challenges on this side of the pond. These conversations did take place a number of years ago, so, hopefully, there has been some progress.

        • Peter says:

          Sorry guys, this is the kind of reply that could maybe work back in 2008 for Autoarts and Kyoshos of the time. Of course people are more likely to voice their negative experiences, the point is that for ***nearly 500 euro a piece*** one should not be at all concerned whether or not their model is missing any parts or if some part of it has been irreversibly damaged. This should be off the table in this price territory, I cannot comprehend that anyone could argue with that statement.

          • DS Team says:

            Agreed. It’s how they deal with issues that are the key. Service after the sale for customers and dealers is a pickle for them.

            • Peter says:

              So I got my copy and… the black outline of the windshield’s seal is smeared over the roof. Although maybe not a huge qc issue, it’s immediately visible and cannot be unseen. Plus there is a paint chip/unpainted or damaged bit near chrome insert over the door frame. I can’t see it clearly, but it seems that yours had a similar issue. It’s a stunning model, even those chrome seals don’t stick out like a sore thumb in person (although the rear does protrude more than it should). But the misses in qc grind my gears.

  9. John Tacon says:

    I bought my plain red version from DieCastModelsWholesale for delivery to NYC where my brother collected it to bring it back to England for my birthday. Fortunately it didn’t have any of the grossly obvious defects others have described, but inside the ‘clamshell’ there was a tiny steel nut. I don’t know if it came off my model (nothing is obviously loose) or just got in there by accident … and there was a tiny piece of hard plastic debris as well.

    Given the very high list price, just shy of US$700 before discounts, CMC really should be doing a whole lot better with their quality control. Nevertheless, it’s an amazingly detailed model and I remain a fan of the brand. I just wish the models I missed first time around weren’t so incredibly expensive on eBay.

  10. TCL says:

    I just now noticed this review and found the comments and the experiences with models already received very interesting. I originally pre-ordered one of these models with a race livery then cancelled it after seeing some early production photos of other versions. I’m now rethinking that decision and considering getting one after all. Based on what I gathered here, the good news is that the photos exaggerate the weak points of the car and it looks better in person. The worst news seems to be a high probability of receiving a model with QC issues, at least from the earlier runs.

    I’ll probably take the risk and order one. If anyone is still folowing this thread and knows of a good reason not to make the purchase that hasn’t already been mentioned please post it. Thank you.

  11. Bill E. says:

    I recently broke down and ordered the #4 Pedro Rodriguez Nassau Speed Week version. Expect to receive mine next week. I feel it’ll probably be the preferred iteration as it depicts an actual period racing version. Or at least as close as CMC bothers to make it.
    In looking at pictures of the most recent and presumably final version, it’s nice to see CMC correcting the protruding rear window issue. Red cloth seat belts are a mixed bag, being a more realistic cloth material instead of the previous, wildly inaccurate leather. They really ought to lay flat on the seats but that might be correctable. Also interesting to see that CMC changed the carburettor arrangement from the pre-production six webers to three, as on the other versions. Not sure which is correct for this specific car. The added tampos are a nice touch too and hopefully are accurate to the Nassau race.
    Fingers crossed on on getting one without any significant QC issues…

    • TCL says:

      This is the reason for the switch to 3 carbs that CMC gave in a Facebook post: “At the 1966 Nassau TT race, the 275GTB/C #09063 driven by Pedro Rodriguez was equipped with three double carbs. Only AFTER an accident and a full restoration made in Padua, Italy by Giuliano Michelotto and Dino Cognolato (1992-1994) , the car was equipped with six double carbs which was not the original specification.”

      The #4 car is the one I had originally pre-ordered though I expect many to go for the version with the Le Mans livery. My problem now is that I saw some good photos of the silver #98 car and that color really brings out the body lines. Don’t want to order two so I’ll make my final decision this week.

  12. Bill E. says:

    Thanks so much for the info. My initial knee-jerk assumption was that CMC was again engaging in cost cutting and failing to make an accurate model. Refreshing to hear that’s not the case here.

    You are probably right about the Le mans version, even though it was a DNF. My choice was made due to the appealing color and that I’ve a bit of an affinity for Pedro Rodriguez, deerstalker hat affectations and all.

    Although the model is stupid expensive, it’ll probably be a wise investment for those who care about such things. Even so, it’s getting harder to justify. Sometimes feels like being a frog in ever hotter water…

    I hope you enjoy whichever version you choose!

    • TCL says:

      Thanks Bill. I decided to go with the Rodriguez car and just placed the order. Its color was a draw for me as well. I might display it next to the GMP Ferrari 412P #25 NART car that he raced at Le Mans in 1967. This 275 GTB/C is now the most expensive 1/18th model I’ve ever purchased. I also have a BBR 275 GTB/C so it will be interesting to compare them side by side.
      Tom

  13. Peter says:

    I guess this might be interesting to some people as window seals (or chrome seal inserts to be precise) have been pointed out (also by me) from the very beginning.

    So I went to the Louwman museum last week. They have a 275 GTB there. It’s original, unrestored. The seals protrude like crazy, I have never seen anything like that on any other car. They might not be true to scale if you’re very picky, but are generally correct.

  14. George Macdonald says:

    Can you not just like the model for what it is, really beutiful, the only thing i didnt like in the old racing cars is that the leather bonnet straps were far too big in width, but they are still stunning models. Geoege

  15. Michael Bauer says:

    I want to the previous confirmation that the rear window seals are pretty much exactly as on the original competition version. I thought it was awkward, too, so I pulled out some photographs of the original cars, as raced, and they all had the protruding seals. The non-competition version’s seals were more flush, but not these. Kudos to CMC for getting it right.

  16. tim hodges says:

    tim hodges says:
    November 25, 2022 at 7:51 PM

    I would like to post this comment on your current posting of CMC 275.gtb-c’s models to get members feedback on the process of changing wire wheels to disc wheels between m-210 and m-212. I am one of the collectors of cmc’s 275 gtb-c’s that requested that CMC engineer the wires and disc wheels to be exchangeable. Unfortunately m-210 red version slotted disc wheels will not thread onto m-212 blue #55 shafts, and conversely mounting m-212 wire wheels on m-210 will not thread on to the front disc shafts. I have found that the threaded wheel hubs model specific have different length to meet each wheel type off set position and are specific to each type wheel design. I am guessing two solutions might be successful to accomplish the disc wheel wire wheel switch. 1. Remove the disc brake threaded assembly and exchange by unscrewing the tiny screw at the center of each hub that has the correct thread length and is used for the wheel you want to change. The brake lines would need to be separated and reattached after the switch. 2. Or unscrew the chassis on both vehicles and exchange each model body onto the wheel set up desired. M-210 red version does have a wood grain steering wheel which seems to be the only interior difference between m-210 and m-212. I don’t know yet if the tiny Philips screws strip out or can to removed especially the tiny ones in the center wheel hubs. I f anyone has a better approach to suggest or has successfully accomplished this exchange, please post how they accomplished it. On CMC Models Enthusiasts there is a picture of the blue m-212 #55 with slotted disc wheels and I have seen the red m-210 with wires on line, both are exceptionally appealing.

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