1/18 Exoto Chaparral 2F

[Rich Chernosky]

Been lusting after this diecast for a very long time and finally got it at a price I can afford. I have noticed the price dropping on these as more and more collections become available. Good for us collectors.  This is Exotos Chaparral 2F and the level of detail is unbelievable. Many working features including, doors, front and rear bonnet removable, steering, working suspension, opening panels for the gas caps, front storage under the headlights, spare tire access. Interior is well detailed including the correct seatbelts , steering wheel and interior tub of fibreglas.  I have a vast collection of diecast (including about 30 Exoto)  and built models but nothing compares to this. A welcome addition to the Chaparral collection. 

Full veiw, panel fir is excellent, amazing how the front and rear attach and stay put. Don't know why the Firestone logo is missing from the decal. It is on both sides so it was apparently deliberate.

Rear 3/4 view, correct Texas licence plate and real screen over the engine

Side veiw, wing is plastic but fits well and the correct angle. Kit was packed well and came from a collector who appreciated fine models. I felt like a kid at Christmas opening it up and assembling it. It is flawless. Business end without the bonnet. Everything is correct including the colour of the exhaust. Much of the detail is not visible in this shot. 

Front end without the bonnet. Level of detail here is incredible

Difficult to get a good shot of the interior. Note the  working door support. There isn't one of the passenger door which is correct. I am told these are often missing on this model. 

My entire collection of Chaparral 2F's. 1/24 is a Fisher Model and Pattern kit I built about 10yrs ago, 1/43 is a really horrible Solido diecast, and the 1/64 is an Aurora Thunderjet slot car with a clear body that was done a long time ago when I could actually see to do these things. The clear acetate the body it is made of yellowed a long time ago...circa 1974.  Engine still works though. 

[Gramps46]

Thanks for sharing these Rich other wise would not have know about the level of detail in the Exoto 2F.  Pretty amazing.

[THarrison351]

What an incredibly beautiful and detailed diecast! 

[ibj40]

On 2/7/2020 at 11:54 AM, Gramps46 said:

Thanks for sharing these Rich other wise would not have know about the level of detail in the Exoto 2F.  Pretty amazing.

At one time, Exoto offered the best detailed models in the 1/18 scale market.  I probably have a dozen of more of their Cobra Daytona's, GT40's, Corvette Grandsports, Porsche 934's and 935's, and Chaparrals.

Then the owner got greedy, and, among other things, took deposits on models that were never produced.

When you can find them in the secondary market at a reasonable price, great add to a collection, but they get pricey quickly on eBay, for example.