Introduction: For me personally, this car couldn't have come soon enough. The Ferrari 308 series was always one of my favorites. I did, after all, grow up in the 70's and 80's, and frankly if I watched Magnum PI it wasn't to watch Tom Selleck. I just loved that red 308 GTSi. So when Kyosho announced that they would do the 308, I pretty much counted days if not hours until the car was released. I'm happy to report that the end result was well worth the wait....
Highs: Oh, is it beautiful. First of all, for those of you who don't like yellow, you have to see this car in person to really appreciate it. This is actually my first yellow Ferrari diecast, as I've never cared for yellow on any car other than the 355 series (not sure why, just preference). But, as the proud owner of a red 308 GTB and a yellow 308 GTB QV, I actually like the yellow better. As I said, you need to see it to understand. It helps that the paint on this diecast is thick, glossy, and lustrous. There are no weak or thin spots in the paint...it looks like they used several thick coats. And it's not a lemon yellow, either. My photos might not show it, but it's a tiny bit darker and deeper than lemon yellow. Plus, the combination of yellow paint, yellow wheel center-caps, and yellow Cavallino logos on the side mirrors make for a great presentation. As for the car itself, the stance and proportions look perfect to me, and it sits right. No floppy wheels (someone please show Lane how to put wheels on straight, for crying out loud!?$%#), and the car rolls smoothly, silently, and straight as an arrow. The interior is well done, with soft-feel rubber seats, carpeting, seat belts and authentic looking buckles, and Kyosho got the colors and finishes right on the center console and parking brake: the shift gate is chrome, while the parking brake has the correct titanium look to it. I also like the steering wheel, which looks as good as the real thing. Doors open and close smoothly, with proper springing action so they snap tightly shut. Under the rear engine cover sits a beautiful "red-head" 32-valve V8, with red spark plug wires, complete VIN and engine information plaques, and a carpeted luggage compartment. One particular detail that might be easy to overlook is the radio antenna bud on the right rear quarter, with a little faux rubber gasket and antenna head popping out. The engine cover vents are fully pass-through, by the way. You'll also notice the rear spoiler/wing...that was an option on these cars in that particular year. It's well done, but I think the car's styling doesn't need it. Finally, the car does have working suspension all around, with solid recoil so crooked posture won't be a problem.
Lows: While the front lid will stay up on its own, the engine lid on mine will not. The rear lights are well done, but they are lacking the black rubber gaskets which create the seal between the lights and the rear panel of the car. Side air intakes are not true pass-throughs.
Summary: I'm not sure these are selling well, which would be surprising. I've not seen many (any at all?) reviews for them on other diecast sites, and there's not much "buzz" about the car. If my observations are accurate, there are a lot of collectors missing out on a fantastic diecast. The term "diecast" is accurate in this case, because unlike the Autoarts this Kyosho is quite heavy and substantial. Build quality is excellent, fit and finish is first-rate. It's a great reproduction of a historically significant Ferrari, a Ferrari that many of us grew up with, and a car that was critical to Ferrari's financial success in the '70s.
NOTE: I do have an extra 308 GTB QV available, that came in with very minor paint damage. The spoiler came loose during shipping, and caused a very tiny paint chip on the front near the hood. The spoiler has been glued back on, and you can't tell it ever came off. You can see pix of the car here. If you're interested, the price is $35 plus shipping, email me.
