Stock #LCM004
 

CB's Die Cast Review:  July 29, 2002

IXO Models
Ford Mk IV

This release by IXO models represents the first 1:43 scale model of the Ford GT-40 MK IV racer driven by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt that won Le Mans in 1967.

The GT-40 series was designed by Ford to compete against the European car manufacturers in the endurance races during the 1960s.  Ford was inspired to compete at Le Mans and other endurance races after a bid to buy Ferrari fell through at a late stage due to Ferrari pulling out of negotiations.  The effort was spent to produce a vehicle that could be competitive against Ferrari at Le Mans.  The GT-40 was the final result, so named because the roof height was a mere 40 inches above ground.  Ford’s efforts were realized in grand fashion, as permutations of the GT-40 won Le Mans four straight years, from 1966 through 1969.  The fourth generation of the GT-40, better known as the Ford Mk IV, took first and fourth place at Le Mans in 1967.

The IXO model is an affordable representation of the 1967 Le Mans winner.  The die cast body wears an even coat of gloss red enamel paint, with both decals and tampos comprising the body decorations.  The headlight covers and cockpit glass are formed from clear plastic and edged in black and silver paint representing the seams and bolts, and fit snugly into the body.  The dual headlights and marker lights are prominent underneath the headlight covers, and appear to be clear and orange translucent plastic respectively.  The body also includes freestanding details such as a windshield wiper and side-view mirrors.  The mirrors are chrome plated plastic, and the faces are smooth enough to reflect images.  The four rear lights are red translucent plastic and trimmed in chrome.  The spare tire sits next to the exhaust pipes inside the rear lid, and is a soft rubber-like plastic.  The interior is black plastic, and many of the details are different plastic parts decorated accordingly.

The wheels are chrome plated plastic, and you can see daylight through the openings between the spokes.  The wing nuts are separate plastic components, and the tires are a rubber-like plastic with the Good Year logo tamped in white on the sides.  The only disappointment of the model is that the chassis is black plastic instead of diecast metal.  The chassis is held to the body with two screws.  The car is manufactured in China and retails for $30, although it can be found for less.

This is a very nice model of the Mark IV.  The decal film is thin and the decals conform very well to the body details.  All the tampos are in registration, crisp and opaque.  The car displays well next to more expensive models.  It’s nice to see this model appear on the market. IXO also has released versions of the other three MK IVs from the `67 Le Mans – the yellow #2 that finished in 4th place, the bronze #3 and the dark blue #4.  All four of the models appear to be decorated authentically. All of the models produced by IXO are assembled and decorated by hand.  This model is one of the first to appear in IXO’s new “Classic Le Mans and GT” series, and based on this offering, it should be a successful line for them.