Test report from CoMod Lotus on the Carrera Evo Chevrolet Bel Air Coupé '57
(27257 and 27258)
There is something new American on the market or in the slot track:
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe
The BEL AIR is not a model designation, but rather a reference to the highest-quality trim level of the '57 Chevrolet model. The simpler models were called "210" and "150." The Chevrolet generates its 140 hp from a 3,856 cc displacement, distributed among six cylinders. Other engines included two eight-cylinder units with 162 hp from 4,342 cc and 185 hp from 4,637 cc (the 4.7 could even produce up to 283 hp depending on the carburetor type). The car was popular with Americans, with exactly 1,499,664 units sold in 1957.
Carrera has released the Bel Air in 2 versions:
First, there's the "civilian version" as a two-door hardtop coupe in the classic two-tone red and white paint scheme, and second, the race version in black with a white roof, starting number, and sponsor logo. The race version isn't made up, by the way; these cars were actually raced in the '60s. And I actually like it better than the Plymouth Fury LEE PETTY, which was released at the same time, because I don't think it looks as toy-like (though that's probably due to the Plymouth's blue color; it has a Matchbox feel). The racer has a really well-executed paint job and appears more premium than the Petty.
About the Chevy itself:
The car's sheer size is impressive; if you compare it to the Opel Steinmetz, for example, you'll immediately notice how long it is. The car's size is also evident in its weight; the cars weigh 119 grams and 116 grams respectively. The weight is also noticeable when driving: The car sits firmly and surprisingly well on the track. The tendency I initially feared, due to the weight and the higher center of gravity compared to the Plymouth, didn't occur; I was pleasantly surprised. Due to their size, these cars already approach the handling of the 1:24 scale models.
Conclusion:
Another excellent vehicle for fans of American metal and a valuable addition to any fleet. By the way, if you're looking for a real Bel Air: www.chromjuwelen.com is currently selling one, so if the car is gone by now, the site is worth a visit anyway!
CoMod Lotus
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Test report from CoMod JoergW on the Carrera Evo Chevrolet Bel Air Coupé '57
(27257 and 27258)
The '75 Chevy is considered by many American enthusiasts to be one of the most beautiful "small road cruisers." Its tail fin and forward-projecting headlights in the fenders, as well as the then-new two-tone paint scheme, gave the vehicle a distinctive look and made it a favorite among the younger generation. The two-door sedan hardtop coupe without B-pillars, in the then-highest trim level available, the "Bel Air," is the 1:32 Carrera model from the Evolution series presented here. I will cover both vehicle variants in one report and discuss the differences accordingly.
Optics:
Both vehicles are very accurate replicas of the real thing and could have come from a brochure from that era. I haven't found a direct example of the "black racer," but the look is in keeping with the contemporary private teams. With the white roof and the appliqués, the black version also stands out well on the track. Personally, I prefer the civilian version of the bumper, the chrome one. But that's a matter of taste.
Technology:
There's nothing new here in either version. The keel angle could be a bit wider, and the restoring forces are okay. While vehicle weight and center of gravity are a popular, ongoing topic, they're not quite as crucial for these vehicles.
Processing:
The pickups were a bit frazzled coming out of the box, so I'm assuming they were inspected in China. However, Christmas buyers might think they've purchased a used car (even if everything else looks brand new). The racer has no front lights, while the red and white one has the light shining through the body. While this is easily fixable, it wasn't necessary.
Driving behavior:
Naturally, top speeds aren't possible for US vehicles with these dimensions and the prototypically high body. However, the vehicles can compete against other US vehicles in an American Historic Race. Otherwise, they make a nice change of pace while cruising around the track.
Conclusion:
I can't judge whether these vehicles will appeal to a sufficient number of buyers in Europe, but they will certainly have their fans in the USA and thus corresponding sales.
CoMod joergW
(27257 and 27258)
There is something new American on the market or in the slot track:
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe
The BEL AIR is not a model designation, but rather a reference to the highest-quality trim level of the '57 Chevrolet model. The simpler models were called "210" and "150." The Chevrolet generates its 140 hp from a 3,856 cc displacement, distributed among six cylinders. Other engines included two eight-cylinder units with 162 hp from 4,342 cc and 185 hp from 4,637 cc (the 4.7 could even produce up to 283 hp depending on the carburetor type). The car was popular with Americans, with exactly 1,499,664 units sold in 1957.
Carrera has released the Bel Air in 2 versions:
First, there's the "civilian version" as a two-door hardtop coupe in the classic two-tone red and white paint scheme, and second, the race version in black with a white roof, starting number, and sponsor logo. The race version isn't made up, by the way; these cars were actually raced in the '60s. And I actually like it better than the Plymouth Fury LEE PETTY, which was released at the same time, because I don't think it looks as toy-like (though that's probably due to the Plymouth's blue color; it has a Matchbox feel). The racer has a really well-executed paint job and appears more premium than the Petty.
About the Chevy itself:
The car's sheer size is impressive; if you compare it to the Opel Steinmetz, for example, you'll immediately notice how long it is. The car's size is also evident in its weight; the cars weigh 119 grams and 116 grams respectively. The weight is also noticeable when driving: The car sits firmly and surprisingly well on the track. The tendency I initially feared, due to the weight and the higher center of gravity compared to the Plymouth, didn't occur; I was pleasantly surprised. Due to their size, these cars already approach the handling of the 1:24 scale models.
Conclusion:
Another excellent vehicle for fans of American metal and a valuable addition to any fleet. By the way, if you're looking for a real Bel Air: www.chromjuwelen.com is currently selling one, so if the car is gone by now, the site is worth a visit anyway!
CoMod Lotus
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test report from CoMod JoergW on the Carrera Evo Chevrolet Bel Air Coupé '57
(27257 and 27258)
The '75 Chevy is considered by many American enthusiasts to be one of the most beautiful "small road cruisers." Its tail fin and forward-projecting headlights in the fenders, as well as the then-new two-tone paint scheme, gave the vehicle a distinctive look and made it a favorite among the younger generation. The two-door sedan hardtop coupe without B-pillars, in the then-highest trim level available, the "Bel Air," is the 1:32 Carrera model from the Evolution series presented here. I will cover both vehicle variants in one report and discuss the differences accordingly.
Optics:
Both vehicles are very accurate replicas of the real thing and could have come from a brochure from that era. I haven't found a direct example of the "black racer," but the look is in keeping with the contemporary private teams. With the white roof and the appliqués, the black version also stands out well on the track. Personally, I prefer the civilian version of the bumper, the chrome one. But that's a matter of taste.
Technology:
There's nothing new here in either version. The keel angle could be a bit wider, and the restoring forces are okay. While vehicle weight and center of gravity are a popular, ongoing topic, they're not quite as crucial for these vehicles.
Processing:
The pickups were a bit frazzled coming out of the box, so I'm assuming they were inspected in China. However, Christmas buyers might think they've purchased a used car (even if everything else looks brand new). The racer has no front lights, while the red and white one has the light shining through the body. While this is easily fixable, it wasn't necessary.
Driving behavior:
Naturally, top speeds aren't possible for US vehicles with these dimensions and the prototypically high body. However, the vehicles can compete against other US vehicles in an American Historic Race. Otherwise, they make a nice change of pace while cruising around the track.
Conclusion:
I can't judge whether these vehicles will appeal to a sufficient number of buyers in Europe, but they will certainly have their fans in the USA and thus corresponding sales.
CoMod joergW
