1961 Jaguar E-Type Coupe 1:18 Scale Diecast Model by Bburago

Overall, this is a nice one from Bburago. There have been some compromises to hold the line on price, but the overall presence of the model doesn’t suffer too much. My likes: the beautiful paint job; great ice-blue color well applied over a smooth diecast surface. Fine scale metallic, no paint rash, and compares favorably with models costing much more. Nicely detailed interior, with decent instrument faces and well-done seats and dash (leather texture even). The distinctive rear hatch opens to the side like the prototype. No spare is included, but the desirable covered headlights like the prototype are here. Good looking wire wheels (with a caveat). They’re molded in two pieces; an inner and outer ring. When they are aligned properly, the thinner spokes on the inner layer are visible through the openings between the thicker spokes in the outer layer, and the effect is very good. When they are NOT, as is the case on two of mine, the thicker outer spokes obscure some of the detail on those inner spokes, and the effect is of a wheel with not all the spokes in place. Is this nit-picking? For some, but not for me. I’m going to take off the offending wheels and see if there is anything that can be done. If not, I live with it. Less likable: Windshield wipers that are “printed” on the inside of the windshield, rather than being molded parts, as they should be. The effect of the distinctive triple wipers on the Jag is lost here, and I hope this isn’t a trend in manufacturing. No suspension; I had hoped for the independent suspension of my 1959 Jaguar Mark II Saloon from Bburago. That model is older however, and not manufactured under today’s cost constraints. The wire wheels on the saloon are also better. Doors don’t have the side window frames attached like the prototype (frames are just molded into the body) and this looks somewhat weird when the door opens. But they do open nicely, and with all the resin stuff with NO opening features (and high prices), this is good. Panel gaps throughout are even. Engine is totally chromed, however, and I will be painting some individual parts for a better effect. To sum up: A fine model for a reasonable price, as has been the Bburago tradition. I’m just grateful that there are manufacturers producing new diecast models today. This XKE provides good company for my red ’59 saloon, and under display conditions in an acrylic case, most of the compromises disappear. I’m keeping mine, and keep ‘em coming Bburago.