[Closed] More help needed with that supposed Duesenberg by John Day. (pics)

Auto Replicas. Early ones had no markings, later ones did. This was Barry Lester's first kit

It's likely that the non-labelled ones were produced for John Day..

as Barry did make models for him. The arrangement didn't last due to payment disputes (so Barry told me). The mould mark across the grille is unfortunately difficult to eradicate! I have both versions. The later Voiturette version by SMTS is more detailed but the two are remarkably similar. Considering its age the Auto Replicas ERA stands up very well and shows just how good a model maker Barry was. My SMTS version sits alongside the two AR ones - Bira's car, a works team car and Raymond Mays hillclimb version with twin rear wheels.

Thanks, John

I should have guessed Auto Replicas!

I have build ups of the Auto Replicas Maserati voiturette from the 1930s, and also their MG K3, which has a removable bonnet and engine detail.

Those early Auto Replicas kits have much fine detail and were far ahead of their time in accuracy, IMO.

Hats off to Barry Lester!

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As I did on my model. There is a question re: wheels however.

They are red on the museum car. However, there is some evidence that the original had blue or black wheels. I say this only based on paintings by the late Peter Helck and others. Ralf Buyer posted a model here in 2017 with blue wheels as well.

I have very few kits left from the old days. But I've held onto one Auto Replicas kit.

It is the Amilcar Italiana, complete with engine detail. Superbly smooth casting. If I ever do get it built, I want it to look like this:
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Thank you, gentlemen. This first kit by Barry Lester, seemingly in October of 1972, is it, the E.R.A Romulus, as driven by Prince
Bira, or one of the other early 1:1 E.R.A. race cars. Early production kits were sold to John Day. This kit remained in production, with improvements, for several years (perhaps twenty). My kit seems to have been one of the earlier production. You all have identified it, and I again thank you.

One of the later kits is now for sale on the 'bay. Now that the fine members of the forum have identified mine, I have no interest in the one up for auction.

And some day I will post my model, hopefully completed. Again, thank you, one and all.

I believe the Amilcar was mastered by Adrian Swain. I too have this one...

along with the chassis version with which Barry enclosed some suggested drawings to make bodies. I also have the very rare HRG Aerodynamic which was cast in clear acetate...shades of the early Acorn Models which Barry mastered. I haven't yet had the courage to try building the HRG!

My pleasure John

Light blue with yellow wheels David for the Bira cars...(PIC) also a yellow chassis would be correct. Works cars were pale green with black wheels and private entries have also appeared in black and also crimson. Gives you a fairly wide choice!
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Here it is again PICs

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Looks good.

It never fails to amaze me the amount of knowledge the members have on this forum. Case in point

Davids quest today . It's just awesome

But at my age I'm lucky to remember half of it.....