1/43 Model Review: 1999 Stewart SF3 Ford

Background

The third Stewart saw a new car design philosophy that appeared to copy much of the successful McLaren's of Adrian Newey. Johnny Herbert was brought in as the second driver alongside Rubens Barrichello. The car was competitive, though fragile in terms of reliability, with the highlight of the year being a first and third place finish at the Nurburgring, with Herbert claiming the teams first and only win in F1.

However it was Barrichello who was usually the more competitive, claiming further podium finishes and a pole position, and could have had more but for reliability issues. The team finished a credible 4th place in the Constructors' Championship.

Hot Wheels (Mattel)

Hot Wheels 24527

Hot Wheels produced the Stewart car. Again I like the treatment of the wings, though it looks quite plasticy in white. The fins just in front of the sidepod lack definition, as does the rollover bar and the sidepod flip up winglet. It's not my favourite Hot Wheels car of the 1999 batch to be honest, but it could be worse, it's not that bad really.
Score: 6/10

Ixo / Formula 1 Car Collection

I am pretty certain this is from the same mould as the Hot Wheels car, so the differences lay primarily in the finish, the wheels and the driver and helmet. Whilst I prefer the Hot wheels tyre and rims, I prefer this clean and smooth looking helmet.
Score: 6/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK282

This is the European GP, with the high exhaust exits that were all the rage in 1999. This is an excellent version of the Stewart, in my opinion one of the nicest cars on the grid that year. It's a shame they reverted to a straightened sidepod opening, as the angled one looked much more aggressive. This was of course the race in which Stewart won their only Grand Prix, albeit Herbert's green number 17 rather than Barrichello's. The model has some great detailing, like the rivet marks on the exhaust, the blue steering wheel, nicely sculpted mirrors and rollover bar, just a masterclass in modelling from Tameo here.