The Type 57 might be one of the most famous Bugatti's ever made. Designed by Ettore's son, Jean Bugatti the Type 57 was one of the most beautiful pre-war cars. In 6 years (1936-1940) Bugatti made 710 Type 57s. But none of the 57s were the same, a lot of different versions were made; a 57T, 57C, 57S, 57SC and probably the most famous of them all, the Type 57 Atlantic. Today we're taking a look at the 57SC Roadster Corsica.
The Type 57SC Roadster was powered by a 3,3 L inline 8. This Corsica Roadster was a coachbuild made by the English company, Corsica. In total, Corsica made 8 different coachbuilds on the Type 57, but this dark blue one with crocodile skin upholstery, chassis number 57593. But this car didn't always have the dark blue paintjob, when it was delivered to the owner (Godfrey Giles) in 1938, this car had a light blue paint. In the mid 1980's the car got in the hands of John Mozart, who restored to car. He didn't only give the car a new colour, he also gave the car a new interior, that looks even better then it was as original.
The model we're looking at today is made by the French High-End resin model manufacturer, Ilaro. Ilario is a new brand for me and I can already say, it's the best of the best. They make (hand made!) very high quality limited edition models. Unlike almost all other brands Ilaro doesn't cheap out on getting their models made in China, no this model is handmade in the country of the wine and baguette, France.
I also asked the owner why he started making modelcars; 'I discovered the world of miniature when I was 18, by chance.
I bought my first kit (a Ferrari 288 GTO Record), I assembled it and I went back to the store to show my work and get advice.
They liked my work and offered me to assemble kits for them. This is how the adventure began.
I built kits for about a year before deciding to create my own models. Thus was born the brand Ilario, which is also my name.
It was 35 years ago'.
I also asked the owner why he started making modelcars; 'I discovered the world of miniature when I was 18, by chance.
I bought my first kit (a Ferrari 288 GTO Record), I assembled it and I went back to the store to show my work and get advice.
They liked my work and offered me to assemble kits for them. This is how the adventure began.
I built kits for about a year before deciding to create my own models. Thus was born the brand Ilario, which is also my name.
It was 35 years ago'.
Since the brand is new to me, and probably to most of you collectors too, I will show you a little unboxing. The model comes in a cardboard box in the same style as Looksmart, MR and BBR.
Ilaro's boxes have a gold underside and a leather like top part, with the golden Ilario lettering. When lifting up the top part and flipping down the flip down front, we can see the model in full glory. |
All 1:43 Ilario models come on a wooden base with an acrylic display cover. On the front of the base is a little metal plaque telling you which model you have. I like that can see the serial number of the real car, that makes it easy to find the real car the model is based on. Sadly there is nowhere you can see which number the model itself is (Model is limited to just 70 pcs). But that's immediatly forgotten when looking at the model itself, can I just say WOW! This is such a highly detailed piece.
When taking out the 2 screws on the bottom of the base we're left with the beautiful model itself. The dark blue paint looks flat in the first place, but when taking it under the light we can see the beautiful deep metallic sparkle.
Let's start off at the front of the model. The front is dominated by the big chrome horseshoe grill. The insides of the grill are as to be excpected metal etched. Next to the grill we have 2 headlights, covered by a thin clear plastic piece and a chrome surround. On top of the grill we see the Bugatti emblem, the emblem has all the needed details but the letters are a little too thick, but I can't blame Ilaro for it, it's really difficult to make the logo in such a small scale. On the front of the fenders there are 2 indicator lights, again with a little chrome surround topped by a thin plastic layer. From the front side we can see all metal etched parts to keep the engine cover in place, thumbs up for replicating them all! All little struts on the front are perfectly replicated, nothing missed there. The inside of the wheels also feauture the drum brakes. Enjoy the pictures!
Moving over to my favourite side of the model. We can see the beautiful lines of this T57SC. The side has so much tiny details, it's incredible. But first the wheels, the wheels are made out of metal and feature metal struts with a chrome inside. All struts are even and none is missing, Ilaro has even put time into add details to the rubber tires.
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Behind the front arches we see the most detail, on the passenger side there are 2 metal etched grills, and a metal etched handle for opening up the engine cover. But this side is less detailed then the driver side, the driver side has a bit of a different shape. Because there is a steering axle going from the side of the model to the front axle. That is just an amazing detail and makes this car even more realistic.
On the front of the rear fender the chrome front is present. The chrome front has a great shine to it you can even use it as a mirror. The rest of the rear fender is not too exciting, but I must mention the underside of the fender has 2 little metal etched points, which are used to keep the wheel cover in place.
The rear of the model, famous for it's six exhaust pipes. Here finished in grey, with a black inside. For the rest the only other details are the metal stripe and surround of the license plate. And the little taillights, again covered under a little layer of thin plastic.
Before going to the interior I need to mention the top of the engine cover and the windscreen. The enigine cover top has 4 metal etched points, and a middle separator piece, which is there because the engine cover is openable from 2 sides. The windscreen are placed between chrome edges. Notice the very thin windscreen wiper, it looks amazing!
Moving over to the best part of the model, the interior. First of all the seats, both in perfect shape and covered in the 'crocodile leather'. Same goes for the inner door parts. The dashboard is also covered in the same material, but every single gage is surrounded by chrome and placed under a thin plastic layer, it's just wow. Above the dashboard is the rear view mirror, neat little detail. The steering wheels has been done in metal. Coming up under the dashboard are the perfectly replicated shiftknob and handbrake. Last but not least is to mention the pedals coming up from the beige floor.
'The most detailed model I've ever reviewed'
It's time for the conclusion, and all I can say is wow what a great model. Everything is perfect, from the beautiful outside to the magnificent inside. Metal etched parts, meshed grills, lot's of chrome.
Yes, it has a price of almost €290,- but it's worth every single penny!
The only thing I would've liked to see is somewhere I can see what number my model is.
It's impossible to give a model a 10, but this is as close as I can get!
Yes, it has a price of almost €290,- but it's worth every single penny!
The only thing I would've liked to see is somewhere I can see what number my model is.
It's impossible to give a model a 10, but this is as close as I can get!
Rating: 9,9/10
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my review.
Do you want to buy an Ilario model?
www.ilariostore.com/en/
For more model car content:
www.instagram.com/diecast._cars/
www.youtube.com/channel/UCmk8WU9bOGzYI4Omdim5K-A?view_as=subscriber
Do you want to buy an Ilario model?
www.ilariostore.com/en/
For more model car content:
www.instagram.com/diecast._cars/
www.youtube.com/channel/UCmk8WU9bOGzYI4Omdim5K-A?view_as=subscriber