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Revell/Monogram Shelby Cobra Daytona

Vintage car

The Shelby Cobra Daytona is a vintage car of a company that re-entered the market. Some of you will remember that Monogram was the industry leader in slot car racing many years ago. Monogram and Revell were as famous as Strombecker and Scalextric in the sixties.

History

Monogram started the production of 1/24 and 1/32-scale slot cars in 1964 with modified versions of their static models. Scalextric and Monogram were the market leaders in the early days of slot car racing. At the end of the sixties Monogram ceased the production of slot cars and went back in making die-cast models.
Revell is known around the world for the production of model kits. In the sixties the model racing kits of Revell were sold by many enthusiasts. Revell stopped the production of 1/24-scale slot cars in 1967.

Three liveries

After forty years many things have changed. No more decals but currently the race specific graphics (colors, stripes and race numbers) are printed on the models. Due to new design methods the models can have better details as windshields, lights, rims and tires. Revell/Monogram has done a perfect job. The three liveries (Le Mans '64, Nurburgring '65 and Daytona '65, all blue) of the Shelby Cobra Daytona are beautiful models.

Technique and performance

The models are designed in the United States but made in China. The designers of Revell/Monogram have taken a close look to the cars of Carrera, for the chassis is a copy of that make. The adjustable (sliding) magnet attracts the attention immediately. The model has an inline chassis with a front-mounted motor to allow space for a full interior and driver-figure (the guy looks if he is expecting an accident). The model runs like a model train and breaks poorly. The looks of the tires are great with the blue line and the Good Year print. The compound is hard and does not give the grip that racers like. Of course, the performance of the model will differ from the kind of track you use.

Conclusions

The Shelby Cobra Daytona is highly recommended for collectors but not for racers. The tires look great but aren't that good and the car breaks poorly. It is not the best car you can buy, but it is certainly one of the better-detailed model cars of the year 2003. This cobra is a very well put together slot car with one of the best paint jobs. Although the model is a huge success, it is not sure that Revell/Monogram will become the industry leader again.

Jan Willem van Capelleveen