Italeri - FIAT MEFISTOFELE 1/12 Scale

Italeri FIAT Mefistofele 21706 c.c. — 1:12 Scale Model Kit

The FIAT Mefistofele began with the chassis of a 1908 FIAT SB4 racing car. Eldridge lengthened and strengthened it, then installed a 21.7-liter FIAT A.12 Bis inline six-cylinder aircraft engine producing approximately 320 horsepower.

At 1,800 rpm.

On July 12, 1924, Eldridge drove this extraordinary machine to 146.01 mph on a public road near Arpajon, France, establishing a new world land-speed record. It is widely regarded as the final land-speed record set on an ordinary public road—which was probably a sensible place to stop.

Italeri recreates this mechanical experiment in imposing 1:12 scale. With more than 500 components and a completed length of approximately 17.7 inches, it is part automobile model, part aircraft-engine model, and part evidence that the 1920s approached safety rather differently.

The Aircraft Engine Is the Main Event

Almost everything about the Mefistofele was built around its enormous FIAT A.12 Bis powerplant.

The liquid-cooled inline-six displaced 21,706 cc and used four valves and four spark plugs per cylinder. Originally designed for aircraft, it occupied most of the car’s considerable length and required Eldridge to extend the old SB4 chassis to accommodate it.

Italeri devotes approximately 200 parts to the engine and its associated equipment. The assembly includes the massive cylinder block, exposed valve gear, spark plugs, ignition leads, magnetos, intake components, fuel system, cooling pipes, oil lines, and numerous fittings.

All 24 spark-plug leads are individually represented. Vinyl tubing and copper wire reproduce the complicated network of cables and plumbing running around the engine. Separate connectors, rails, and fittings add further layers of detail.

The two long hood panels can be displayed open, allowing the finished engine to remain fully visible. Closing them after assembling all of this would be historically acceptable but emotionally questionable.

Built Like an Edwardian Machine

Beneath the narrow body is a full-length ladder chassis with substantial crossmembers and mechanical components.

The kit reproduces the front and rear axles, leaf springs, friction dampers, steering box, steering linkages, transmission, braking controls, fuel tank, radiator, and enormous rear-wheel chain drive. The chains are assembled from separate components and remain prominent on either side of the rear axle, just as they were on the original car.

Many of the principal assemblies are secured with miniature screws rather than cement alone. Italeri supplies multiple sizes of screws along with springs, tubing, wire, rope, and other multimedia components in a compartmented accessory box.

The steering mechanism is designed to operate, allowing the front wheels to turn through the detailed mechanical linkage. The suspension, controls, and exposed chassis equipment give the finished model the appearance of a machine built before automobiles learned to conceal how they worked.

Four Wheels, Several Hundred Components

The large spoked wheels are constructed from multiple overlapping sections to create convincing depth and a suitably fine appearance.

They are fitted with separate rubber tires carrying raised Dunlop lettering. At 1:12 scale, the narrow tires, tall wheels, leaf springs, and exposed chain drive become substantial modeling subjects rather than details molded somewhere beneath a body shell.

The tall radiator features the prominent white FIAT name. Italeri supplies an adhesive stencil to assist with painting the lettering cleanly—a small provision that may prevent a disproportionately large amount of muttering.

A Cockpit Without Distractions

The driving position is as sparse as one would expect from a car designed for only one purpose.

The kit includes the exposed steering column, pedals, control levers, transmission controls, simple dashboard, instruments, seat, wooden floorboards, and surrounding body structure. Mechanical linkages run through and beneath the cockpit, making the controls visibly connected to the rest of the machine.

Wood-grain surfaces, brass-colored fittings, metal components, and leather details provide welcome contrast to the long red body. Genuine leather material is supplied for the hood straps, complete with finely molded buckles and mounting hardware.

The huge side exhaust includes rope wrapping, which can be stained and weathered to reproduce the heat-darkened appearance of the original. Between the leather, rope, rubber, metal hardware, copper wire, and wood finishes, the model offers considerably more texture than the average plastic car kit.

The Familiar Restored Mefistofele

The surviving Mefistofele was eventually acquired by FIAT and restored for its historic collection. Today it is preserved at the Centro Storico FIAT in Turin.

Italeri’s model captures the car in its familiar restored configuration and red finish. The long hood, high rear body, exposed frame, brass radiator, spoked wheels, and immense exhaust create a silhouette unlike anything produced before or since.

A decal sheet supplies the limited exterior and instrument markings required by the subject. Clear material, painting masks, and the extensive multimedia accessory set complete the presentation.

There are more colorful racing liveries.

There are few cars that look as though they might frighten the building in which they are displayed.

Kit Features

Large 1:12 scale multimedia model kit

More than 500 components

Approximately 17.7 inches (45 cm) long when completed

FIAT Mefistofele in its familiar restored configuration

Highly detailed 21,706 cc FIAT A.12 Bis aircraft engine

Approximately 200 engine components

Detailed exposed valve gear

Individually represented spark plugs and ignition leads

Extensive engine plumbing and wiring

Opening two-piece hood

Full-length ladder chassis

Detailed transmission and rear-wheel chain drive

Separately assembled chain components

Detailed front and rear axles

Leaf-spring suspension and friction dampers

Functional steering mechanism

Multi-piece spoked wheels

Realistic rubber tires with raised Dunlop lettering

Detailed radiator with FIAT painting stencil

Complete driving controls and mechanical linkages

Detailed cockpit and dashboard

Wood-grain floor and trim components

Genuine leather material for the hood straps

Rope material for the wrapped exhaust

Vinyl hoses and insulated wire

Copper wire for pipes and connections

Metal springs and multiple sizes of assembly screws

Compartmented accessory box

Decal sheet and clear parts

Full illustrated assembly instructions

Italeri Skill Level 5

Assembly, paint, and cement are required and sold separately.