1/43 Model Review: 2000 World Champion Michael Schumacher (Ferrari F1-2000)

Background

The 2000 Ferrari was a direct development of the 1999 car, which itself was a development of the 1998 car. With the base of the car refined, with a new engine and improved aerodynamics, Ferrari finally made a car that was a match to Adrian Newey's McLarens. Schumacher finally delivered the team's first Drivers' crown since 1979 and its second Constructors' Title in a row, with 9 wins in the season. It would be the first of four in a row, the beginning of a dominant era. Barrichello in his first year in the team earned his first Grand Prix victory, battling through the field in an impressive race in Germany.

Hot Wheels (Mattel)

Hot Wheels 26748

Hot Wheels 26748

Apologies that my photo is so bad, so I've posted a second clearer photo.

When I heard that Hot Wheels/Mattel had taken the exclusive rights to produce Ferrari F1 models, I wasn't particularly optimistic. The cars produced were not of the quality of Minichamps models at the time. However, having seen some of the other budget options available, this is probably the best budget version available.

I like the multi-element rear wing, though it's a bit big and clunky, I'm impressed with what they have done on that rear wing. The front wing and bargeboards are similarly slightly bulky, but nicely detailed. The main shape itself is not bad, the detail is fairly nicely defined, like the sides of the monocoque and the side and rear head protection.

Hot Wheels also released a three car set with the 2000, 2001 and 2002 cars included in special versions. The 2000 car simply has black rubber decal markings on.
Score: 6/10

Mattel Elite

Mattel Elite P9943

Mattel Elite V8379

This is not the same car as the Hot Wheels model, it is more clear from other angles, but in fact it's the same as the Ixo car (below). The second picture is of the Japanese GP version. The car is smoother than the Hot Wheels one, in that it fits together nicer but the proportions are a bit off, with parts of the car a little too rounded and too exaggerated like the sidepods and the rollover bar from front view. You get a much less detailed rear wing with this version, but the front wing is of a similar quality. Even the bargeboards are not quite as defined, but just smoothed out shape.
Score: 5/10

Ixo

As the car has been reviewed in the Mattel Elite section, I won't repeat what was said there.
Score: 5/10

RBA

I nearly didn't put this one in for how bad it was, but it's so bad I had to include it! Especially when one ebay seller says in the description this is a high quality detailed scale model. Sorry, I can't see any part of this car that remotely resembles the real car.
Score: 1/10

BBR

BBR 105167

This is the launch version, although I have seen Australian GP and Japanese GP versions too. This is a very nice model from BBR, a beautiful shape, good proportions, intricate detailing. A very nice model.
Score: 9/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK293

This Tameo kit is based on the Japanese GP. I'd personally be happy with the BBR version, but this Tameo kit is just slightly more refined and more polished.
Score: 10/10