Although I prefer to build accurate motors and chassis, I have a number of curbside kits in the stash. Like this Alfa from Profil 24, they are iconic and unavailable anywhere else, let alone with engine or chassis detail.
So given that the entire value of the build resides in the finish of the body, long one of my weak points, this is an opportunity to work on the paint and trim.
This Art Deco device, designed by Carrozerria Touring, was driven at Le Mans by Raymond Sommer and Clemente Biondetti, where it failed to finish due to a broken valve.
The long, long hood is required by the long and narrow supercharged straight 8, which makes 220 hp from 2.9 litres. At 76 hp/l, this isn't bad, but is surpassed by the 80 hp/l developed by the 1949 Le Mans winning Ferrari 166 MM, a V12 with atmospheric induction. Big bores rule.
There are a few flaws; but it will do. (No, I'm not going to point them out; you'll have to find them yourself). The Profil 24 kit is typical and requires careful fitting and cutting.
My spreadsheet says 144 kits are done, 13 are Works In Progress (a.k.a on the Shelf of Doom), and there are 232 unstarted kits on the shelf. On to the next one!
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