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Topic starter
04/06/2026 10:08 am
The French Called it "Le Monstre"; the Brits, "The Fearsome Four Nine". This #4 Ferrari 375 Plus packed a powerful 4.9 liter Lampredi designed V12 that produced some 330 HP. For the rain soaked 1954 Le Mans, it was Ferrari power vs Jaguar's nimble and aerodynamic D-Type. The 375 Plus hit top speeds of 174 mph and managed to stay on the course during episodes of torrential rain. It's international notoriety led GM not to create their own V12, but just borrow its egg crate grill especially for the iconic 1955 Chevrolet. The 375 Plus's future? None. The following year engine displacement was reduced to 3.0 liters and the baton was then passed to Mercedes Silver Arrows which were another "one and done" as Mercedes withdrew their factory teams after the horrific crash at the 1955 Le Mans.
Model by BBR:
04/06/2026 11:00 am
I didn't know there was more than one "Le Monstre". Previously I had only heard of this one:
04/06/2026 11:07 am
This Ferrari did an amazing win against the Jaguars in 1954. Beautiful design that unfortunately was short lived. I had forgotten that it shared the monster name in France with the Cunningham Cadillac rebodied racer. Nice post Rich. Wonderful images.
This post was modified 6 days ago by David Green
04/06/2026 11:29 am
It's a gorgeous model expertly photographed.... wow-wee! 🧐 🤓
Topic starter
04/06/2026 11:33 am
@chris If this BBR ain't good enough for you, Amalgam offers a 1/8 model of the #4 car for a mere $25,000!
04/06/2026 11:46 am
@rich-sufficool ...yeah, well.... as I've noted before - THANK GOD - those "big scale manufactures" don't produce, as a rule, American cars. Only once I've been tempted.....someone was doing a 1/8 (1/6? ) 1959 Cadillac but nowhere near the fidelity seen in Amalgam replicas. I posted pics on the Forum.
....and then there's the "space issue." 😮 🙄
04/06/2026 1:49 pm
04/06/2026 6:14 pm
What happened to the modeler that was creating a large scale ‘56 Continental from all parts he’s building? His work/progress was posted here years ago.
04/06/2026 6:16 pm
BBR really knows how to pack in details.
04/06/2026 8:43 pm
"What happened to the modeler that was creating a large scale ‘56 Continental from all parts he’s building?"
You're referring to MY HERO - the modeler I LOOK UP TO - Mr. Roger Zimmermann.
He completed his 1/12 1956 Lincoln Continental years ago; then began a 1/12 1932 V-16 Cadillac - which is still "in progress." Currently, he's fabricating the fenders.
Please remember that on ALL of his 1/12 projects, mostly crafted in brass, Roger creates EVERY part, including the glass, rubber tires, wiring harnesses for eclectic windows & lights, emblems, upholstery work, etc. ....everything except the multitude of tiny hardware - screws, nuts, springs, etc.
In sort, Roger is true artist, master craftsman and my idol. Now THIS is a model builder!
05/06/2026 12:13 am
Chris,
A thousand thank-you’s for all you posted.
That Avanti, to me, is especially spectacular in that color combo. Time for me to do more research.
Steve
05/06/2026 9:11 am
@100ford2003 Roger started working/fabricating that model when he was a young boy....decades later he rebuilt most of it into the 1/12 replica you see today. Yes indeed, it's spectacular!
05/06/2026 1:23 pm
Chris, thnx again. I was up till 5 this morning reading the write-up on the Avanti you’ve pictured. Dayum it, the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum is IN Carlsbad, CA !!! In the 12yrs I worked for A-Vac Industries, located a stones throw from d’land, I’ve been to Carlsbad more times than I can count and I just find out today! 😖 The article about the Avanti and Roger was penned by Craig Libuse. It is fascinating and I recommend investing time to learn about this genius modelmaker. 👍
Steve
This post was modified 5 days ago 2 times by Steve Jacobs