A vintage racer this week, from Rio. Very interesting looking car, some history from the Rio info sheet. In 1902, Henry Ford, who was interested in races, decided to build racing cars and built two cars called "999", and "Arrow" which were almost identical. Of these two only the 999 was preserved. There was a large engine with four cylinders in line fixed on a couple of wooden beams reinforced with metal rods. There was no gear box and the engine was always in direct drive while the clutch was made up by two wooden blocks placed inside the flywheel ; this flywheel was a monstrous object over 60 cm. 24 in. in diameter and in weight - 110 Kg. 242 lbs ! You can see in my photos that the drivers feet is dangerous close to this ! With this car the famous Barney Oldfield took part and won numerous races in the first years ; Henry Ford himself drove this car on an ice covered lake breaking the speed record at an average speed of 147 Km per Hour - 91 mph. The car was without break - Yikes ! Days wen Men were Men !
What's Amazing about this model is the flywheel actual functions with the drive shaft and turns the rear wheels ! Made in Italy in 1978, model features cast chassis and silver motor, tan plastic body parts, brass fittings, silver radiator, maroon seat and spoked hubs, black tires.
A real classic beauty this week from Italy. Probably one of my favorite Rio diecast models, the color scheme of simple black / white really works well on this body shape in my opinion. Who wouldn't dream of driving this on the open roads in the 30's, headed for the Alps for a skiing weekend, or to the Côte d'Azur for a walk on the beach - of course the destination is not important, it's the journey !
Typical Rio quality, this one released in 1985 according to Paolo Rampini's book Modelcars Made in Italy 1900-1990. Features removable engine cover to reveal full detail, plastic wire wheels, rubber tires. Reference number is 84. One of the qualities of Rio models I admire a lot is the attention to detail on the chassis, including motor, drive shaft, axles & suspension, and exhaust pipes, a lot of detail for sure.
Felice Automobilismo ~ Ciao
A nice old classic from Rio this week. A 1906 Bianchi 15/20 Coupe De Ville. This model was made in Italy in 1965, and is one of my personal favorite Rio models. Possibly because of the odd suspension setup, or the interesting green/yellow color combination, it's just such an interesting old motor car.
An attractive gem from the past this week. Rio released this model in 1962, and what a model ! The detailing is nice, not superfine but good, and the wheels are good, something other makes didn't do that well or "cheated" in my opinion with some of these age d'or cars. Rio are particularly noted for having opening engine covers and detailed engines, however not on this Fiat !
Bella Italia ! Off to Italy this week, and what a model from Rio. Nothing beats these Rios' in my opinion, for the look, for class, the quality in paint, and the detail. Made in Italy. Pictures are worth more than my words !
Molto Bello ! Ciao !
