lambodiecast

The very first car ever made by Ferruccio Lamborghini (if you don't count the toy car he once made for his son Tonino) was the 350 GTV ... a one off prototype that would evolve into the 350 GT production model, the first Gran Turismo to wear the Raging Bull crest.

Not too many scale models exist of this early Lamborghini so when I found the 1/43 version made by Starline a few years ago I naturally bought it. There first release was silver metallic and the dark green metallic shade the car is finished in these days … both available with either open or close headlights … only recently did Starline offer a re-release finished in bright blue metallic … the one on this page.

I do think it also exists with the headlights closed, but the shop where I got this one from only offered the ‘open headlights' version so this is the version I've added this time, it is nice, especially for the money, but it isn't a head turning masterpiece like some Looksmart or the latest Hotwheels Elite version of the Aventador for instance.

I like this model, if not for the reason I wouldn't be able to have a 350 GTV in my collection it would be for the simple fact this is a lot of model for the money. The first two shades I got a while ago were sold at 12 to 15 Euro, this brand new one is available for 18 Euro … the Hotwheels Elite are at least 40 Euro just like the Norev models … and to be quite honest, the Norev isn't that much better than this Starline.

Do not compare these ‘budget' models with their Looksmart counterparts … it just isn't fair, keep in mind Starline will probably put lots more models on the market compared to Looksmart, and they cater to a different market. I wouldn't go as far as calling the Starline model a toy, but it is an entry level diecast while Looksmart is at the top of the list for most collectors out there.

This specific blue Lamborghini does have a small problem at the front windshield, but after these shots I was able to put it straight with some tlc … so I'm not going to make a big deal out of it, there was an issue, I solved it … case closed.

If you are looking to complete your collection with the very first, official Lamborghini car ever made, this Starline version of the 350 GTV is a very nice addition, and it will not bankrupt you in the process, what more could we ask for ?

our RATING

Overall rating

6/10

Original price : € 18