Time for my first Concours d'Modella post, and what better car to prime the carb than an AUTOart 1:18 scale VW Phaeton purchased at a VW dealership somewhere close to Ulm, Germany!
When I bought this somewhere close to Ulm in March of 2003, I was used to Maisto & Bburago 1:18 scale cars, so I was blown away by AUTOart's quality.
I just pulled this model out of storage, in fact I don't think I've even touched it since before my Navy time. It sat in a box which probably got moved around because, as you can see, there are imperfections. It's missing the driver side mirror, has rubbing marks on the front badge and is missing part of the front plate sticker. There are various paint scuffs and whatnot, but overall, it's really no worse for the wear.
Design & Accuracy: 9/10
It takes a well trained eye to tell this car from the real thing. Even the lights and interior bits are all in place and as they should be. The only thing I can complain about is the plain looking seats, instrument cluster sticker and faux wood paneling but these are small gripes.
Fit & Finish: 9/10
It's hard to dock it points here because, as I'm coming to find out, AUTOart leaves no stone unturned in this department. You cannot see any cast lines, headlight mounting posts or dogleg door attachments.
Features: 7/10
There is lush carpet lining the floors and trunk, all four doors open wide, the steering wheels turns the wheels and there is intricate detail inside and out, but I can't set aside the fact that Maisto can put working suspension on their cars and at this price, AUTOart did not.
Value: 6/10
I remember paying over 100 Euros for this back in 2003 (I know, it was inflated because it was bought at a dealership) and while I can't remember the Euro price, I remember calculating it to around $150. I would never have thought to spend such money on a 1:18 scale model but I wanted something to take home with me that epitomized the trip, so cost was no object.
Rarity: 8/10
An eBay search netted a few examples, and most boxed examples are going for $150-170, with the only black example going for $156, so I would consider it rather rare although the value hasn't appreciated any yet.
Should you get it?
If you're a diehard VW enthusiast and just have to have a diecast version of the magnificent technologically advanced car that failed because it was an $80K vehicle that was visually indistinguishable from a $20K Jetta, then I'd say go for it. For me, it was a chance to bring home another part of German culture (car culture), and again, it epitomized the trip!
TOTAL SCORE: 39/50
I leave you with this: Would you take a ride?
