Mattel Hot Wheels Elite Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

Mattel Hot Wheels Elite Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

Ferrari was on an upswing in the early 1990s, having weathered the storm of emissions vs. performance that had hit the industry throughout the late 70s and early-80s. In 1994, Maranello rolled out the successor to the 348, with a larger V8 engine, mildly smoother styling, and a new name: the F355. The car was a serious performer, with up to 380 horsepower available from the midship V8, now toting a trick 5-valve head, Motronic fuel injection, and exotic internals. The combination was successful, and the wind-tunnel proven Pininfarina design — which ultimately sported the first-ever F1-style shifter in a production automobile — became one of the best selling Ferraris ever. Hot Wheels Elite’s mold set shows some true finesse; the doors, vented and screened rear hatch, and the “frunk” (front trunk … “froot” if you’re on the other side of the pond) all open on great shut lines. With button-activated pop-up headlights, lensed neatly with faux projector bulbs and bezels, neat taillights, and real metal discs passing through the “Ferrari” brake calipers at all four corners, the model pops on display like a much more expensive piece. The proper buff-color interior is crisp, with a deeply-gauged dash, a scale-textured floor, and fabric safety belts; out behind the curvy rear glass partition, the 3.5-liter V8 is very nicely and neatly done with sharp, cleanly painted and built-up castings visible both above and below the model. The hardest decision to make? What color to grab. They’re all sweet. — Joe Kelly, Jr.

1:18 | $120

hotwheels-elite.com

Ferarri-F355-Berlinetta-(2)

Updated: June 4, 2014 — 11:34 AM
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