MPC Ford GT40 Mark IV - a redder shade of pink

[Phildaupho]

I started this model in early summer of last year and had it pretty much completed when my painting area was taken over by items for a group garage sale and then I got caught up in a new project. Basically all I had left to do was the exterior paint; devise a hinging arrangement for the engine cover, final assembly and decals. This was a very interesting project as I learnt about the old MPC kit and the real car itself. The 1967 Le Mans race, which it won driven by Dan Gurney and AJ Foyt was the only race, this car ever ran. After the Le Mans victory the car went back to Ford’s facility in Detroit. There the engine was removed for dyno testing and somehow later disappeared. A replacement 427 was installed but that engine has never been started. I did not know this when I helped push it into position for a photo shoot at Monterey Dan Gurney tribute in 2010. Another thing I find intriguing is that a left side mirror is clearly visible in photos from the ’67 Le Mans, the car currently only has the drivers’ side right mirror installed and there does not appear to be any indication on the left front fender that a mirror was ever mounted there. As for the model, MPC did a pretty good job replicating the body although the proportions are a little off and the panels do not fit that well together. The rest of the model kit however was just an approximation. I tried to add as much accurate detail as I could but I did not attempt to duplicate the complex exhaust system.

For final finishing I used Model Gloss Red Lacquer and Fred Cady decals.

The build process was documented On the Bench at

http://www.modelcars...l=&fromsearch=1

and on my Fotki at

http://public.fotki....?cmd=manualsort

Edited April 18, 2012 by Phildaupho

[bbowser]

Wow, that's pink! They should have had Danica running it . Good job on an ill-fitting kit.

[george 53]

Yeah, I gotta agree, that's the PINKEST red I've ever seen!! But you did a GREAT job on that rascal!!!

[Phildaupho]

Yes I see what you mean about it looking pink but the model really is red. I guess the lights I used for taking the pictures changed the shade.

[Scuderia]

Awesome build n great background to boot

[Phildaupho]

Hopefully this looks red

[Silver Foxx]

nice build - you have done a great job on a kit that is not easy to get right.

[bondo bill]

nice

[Jon Cole]

Beautiful GT40. That is a vivid red!