Hello everybody.
this time I would like to share with you a new project of mine from the very beginning...
I want to make a 1/24 version of the Fiat 128 coupè Gr2.
this car is not so well known but in reality, the sports version of the more popular Fiat 128 sedan,
it was an interesting project and even more effective also in racing, thanks to various improvements. lower profile,
reduced wheelbase, modified suspension and already brighter base engines, etc etc ..



The best-known racing versions are certainly the group 2 cars of the "Filippinetti" team and the elaborate "Trivellato" ones.
I am attaching some photos to get an idea.











...to begin with I evaluated which models of this scale were available to have a good starting point ...
unfortunately there is only one viable option and it is also far from good and comfortable as a choice:
Mebetoys/ Mattel 128 coupè 1/25, produced in Italy in the 70s.



and race version..



However, this model has several problems to be used as a base for my 1/24 body kit.
1) it is extremely rare and expensive, even 120/130 euros if in good condition,
complete with box it can be worth even more than 200 euros ...
2) it is 1/25 and not 1/24 scale
3) its proportions are not exactly correct, it is a little squat.
4) finally, it is made of metal, so to make
the many changes it will be necessary to make a preliminary copy in resin.

To tell the truth there would also be another option that would also already be in resin,
the static kit produced many years ago by Laudoracing, but this too is in 1/25 scale and then
it is substantially unobtainable, too rare.

So your best bet is to look for a Mebetoys ...

After a long search, some time ago I got a half scrap ..
paid an insane price of 40 euros anyway ...
missing parts, broken uprights, deformed, broken glass and totally ruined paint ...



a real wreck !!!

okay, at least I'll have no hesitation in working on it ..

before proceeding I made a precise measurement and
I realized that the part of the cockpit is much more similar to a 1/24 scale,
so perhaps by changing the proportions of the rest, front and rear, width and length ..
maybe yes could achieve an acceptable result!

at that point, after easy disassembly, stripping and rough smoothing ..
I prepared the bodywork for the preliminary copy ...



here is the first resin copy .. suitable to be worked :





soon I will publish the photos of the continuation of the work ...

let's start the carpentry work ...



comparing the resin copy with the drawings of the 1/24 scale profiles,
it is easy to notice the difference in measurement,
both in width and length, fortunately, however, as already mentioned,
the dimensions of the passenger compartment (length) are consistent with the drawing in 1/24 scale.

let's start with the extension of the tail, I cut and then glue a second tail printed separately,
then I will put the parts in line with some putty ...






now I extend the front: I measure and then I cut ...






now I reattach the front at the correct distance using small parallel spacers ...



resin welding .. first I apply tape to the top of the crack and then fill the crack with the two component resin ...





dried resin:



now the hood is the right length ...



now the hood and tail are elongated and the car has the right overall length ...
now it's time to change the width of the entire body and then to modify and reposition the wheel arches ...
in the meantime I supported everything with the wheels of a fiat 124 Abarth ... to get an overview.
the rest to the next episode ...

Hi everyone,
I went a little ahead with the project,
With the same technique I widen the entire bodywork:
I measure, cut, spacing and welding ...














now the overall dimensions and aspect ratio are correctly in 1/24 scale.

we move on to the next chapter ...
repositioning of the wheel arches ...

cut and then reposition ...

we move on to the next chapter ...
repositioning of the wheel arches ...

It's a pleasure to follow. Thanks for presenting the development!

Two years later. Great project, I wish I had your skills. I have recently started driving the Group 245 series. The Fiat is anBernd ideal Group 2 car, would you sell a cast?
Greetings from Bavaria
Bernd