1/18th scale 1972 VPJ Colt Conversion

[harveythedog2]

Okay, this isn't a diecast but rather the Replicarz 1971 Al Unser resin winner converted into Mario Andretti's 1972 Colt as raced in the 1st race of the year at Phoenix in 1972. The radical dihedral winged 1972 VPJ Indycar was not yet ready for the 1st race in 1972 so the VPJ Super Team had no choice but to repaint their old Colts used in 1970 & 1971 in the new VICEROY livery. My first hurdle other than getting the car apart without breaking was that the 71 Al Unser winner came with a DOHC Ford V8. That engine had to go because 72 cars ran Offy engines. I took a spare Offy from a Carousel 1 Eagle and modified it to fit the Colt chassis. All decals are homemade other than the gold stripes that were kindly provided by Gary at GWS Decals. Scratch built oil cooler/radiator housing. After the 1st race of the year the Colts were retired and used in the VICEROY cigarette ads.  Mario finished 2nd to Bobby Unser in the all new Eagle in the Phoenix race.

The Goal:







Made the side housing from sheet plastic and JB Weld.

[clm1545]

WOW! great work, Stu, super sweet.

[2lapsdown]

Fantastic!

[pje]

So happy for you Stu that you’ve finally gotten this project to come together. Bet we’ve been talking about this one on and off for 10 years or more.
Great job and well done my friend. Your first completion in your new model room!

Paul Erlendson

[SWT500]

We will get that signed in May! Beautiful!!!

[Gary Davis]

You've done outstanding work here Stu. That car really looks...well...REAL.

[harveythedog2]

Forgot to mention Lance Sellers! Lance vacu-formed the windscreen for me! The donor car windscreen was blue and Lance made me clear ones. Without them I could have never made it. Thanks Lance!

[indy]

Stu, that is a good looking replica. You have been knocking out these one of a kinds lately and they are stunning.

Jordan

[loranjr]

Stu, once again you leave me in awe. Absolutely amazing.