Today, I will illustrate the difference between two theoratically similar models which are not. Not clones such as AnE vs. Antonette43, but simply the same model by the same maker, but at some years of distance.
It has been reported that lately FB models are down in quality (try to find recent 8C2300s with a decent level of assembly and/or paint...
), but even a rather correct model I bought new a few years ago looks poor alongside its brother of the 90s.
So this is an early FB. I recall that I once got a catalogue, maybe around 1997, where this particular 8C2900B with brown/cream scheme was illustrated. I have no longer the catalogue, I think lost in a computer crash, but at that time I recall that even a 8C2900 engine on stands could be ordered from Mr Borin.
Check photoetched parts: there are plenty and they are accurate.
The grille is especially spectacular: very thin mesh, of the proper shape, enhanced with the horns behind it.
Now here, compare with the same car (in MM trim) of 2004 vintage:
The grille is now gross, brake air intakes have lost their proper shape (are those the photoetched horns which now replace the intakes??
)
Also obvious that the upper louvres are omitted, the bonnet hinge is now a sticker, all detaails are gone and even the bucket seats are now a single seat. Yet the body shape show it's the same casting (see the identical bottom here below)
More pics and comparisons