Are there currently any kits available of Jim Hall’s Chaparral series of racing cars ? I built a Monogram ( ? ) kit of the 2F ( ? ) coupe with the flipper wing somewhere between 25 and 30 years ago. Would love to have the Exoto 1/18 die-cast models, but they are just a tad out of my price range for right now.
I don’t know about “currently available,” but I believe that Monogram kit was a 2D, based on a slot-car body (it was a curb-side, right?)
IMC also made a 2E, subsequently re-released by Testors, and Aurora made a very early Chaparral roadster a LONG time ago (mine is around here someplace…).
Yeah, those Exoto die-casts are nice, aren’t they?
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Motorbooks International “Chaparral,” by Richard Falconer.
Thank you for the info on the book. I can never keep the Chaparral model designations straight. I bet you are right about the Monogram kit being derived from a slot car. There were no lift-up panels or opening doors, and the interior was just a tub with a few details. Still, it looked nice when it was finished.
I found a few of the IMC kits in a hobby shop between 15 & 20 years ago. I might even have one of the Chaparrals. Will have to do some digging. The only one I know I have for sure is the Ford GT-40 Mk. IV ( found it a few weeks ago ).
I do have one of the Exoto models - the “Dan Gurney for President” Cobra Daytona Coupe. That is likely to be the ONLY one of the Exoto models I will ever have !
Oh… I almost forgot… I just found this one in my collection: a 1:28 scale 2H by Otaki. They made a whole series of 1:28 scale Can-Am cars, including the Lola T220, Porsche 917-10, McLaren M8D, Ferrari 712, and the AVS Shadow. Meant to be motorized, the best part of these kits was the box. In a word: disappointing. Trust me on this.[xx(]
I remember an old issue of Car Model Magazine that had some NICE tri-scale plans for the 2F; I’ll have to do some serious digging to come up with this. Lancer also made a 1:24 scale clear body. Combined with the old Cox real magnesium wheels, this could possibly be made into a decent curb-side model.[;)]
I did an internet search for “Chaparral 2D” and a few references to the Monogram kit came up. You are correct about that kit being a 2D, and it was in fact derived from a slot car. I think the 2D is the best looking of the Chaparrals. It looks like Exoto will have it out in 1/18th in December of this year - if only I could afford one (not to mention the other Chaparrals, Ford GT-40’s, Cobras, etc.). Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.