Some people refer to the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) as the German equivalent of NASCAR. There are certain similarities these days, but in 1993, DTM racers were far more linked to their road-going counterparts than were their NASCAR contemporaries from the States. Say what you will, AUTOart’s 155V6 Ti, patterned after the car that won at Hockenheim in 1993 with the remarkable Alessandro Nannini at the wheel, is a sweet take on one of the most successful of the breed, a purpose-built race car with a megawatt V6 engine and four-wheel-drive. As we’ve more or less come to expect from this maker, the paint and bodywork is flawless, the stance is spot-on, and the shut lines are tight and even on the car’s four opening doors and lift-off deck and hood. All the little details, like the gaskets around the glass, are executed beautifully, and peppered with small metal bits for the various hold downs and links on the body. In between, the race day graphics are all done using a pad printer (tampos), and the durability and crispness of detail is amazing. Pop the one- piece bonnet and the massively ducted engine compartment is very convincing; peel those doors open, or lift the rear deck (carefully) and the same holds true for the interior and boot. One beef: the rubbery quality of the driver’s racing harness. Something fabric-based would have been a big improvement. But overall, this is an extremely good – and good-looking – model with crisp and tidy detail everywhere. Highly recommended. – Bill Bennett
1:18 | $275
