REVscene Automotive Forum - View Single Post

Pacman808 · 01-18-2017, 10:44 PM

Hi Everyone,

Who remembers UT Models? These guys were big in the late 80's and throughout the 90's. I didn't really pay much attention to them back then, because I was a poor student going through university and couldn't afford them. But mostly, I was more into building model cars from Tamiya and racing RC cars, and I partied my a$$ away.

Anyhow, UT later folded up and was bought by Gateway Global Ltd, and soon was under the AutoART brand. UT produced what was considered high quality models at the time, and they were not cheap. Compared to the old BBurago and Maisto models. UT was top notch. Although I did think BBurago's F40 and Countach were sweet looking. Remember this was the 90's, and mold making and diecasting technology was not as advanced compared to what we have presently.

UT McLaren GTR

BBurago F40

I would like to share with you some pics of a UT Porsche 911 GT1 model that our resident Tofu man recently gave me to take pictures of it. I think it is a great way of documenting of how far the quality of diecast models have evolved.

UT produced quite a few different variations of the 911 GT1 back then. And one of them is the #01 Rohr Motorsports Porsche Team. This was the first Porsche 911 GT1 to be owned by an American racing team. BTW the Porsche 911 GT1 was powered by a 3.2L Twin Turbo, water cooled Flat-6, and produced about 592 Hp. Although it was rumored to produce 630 hp. It competed against the Ferrari F40 GTE II and McLaren F1 GTR at LeMans. It had a top speed of 205 mph.

UT's replica of the 911 GT1 features steerable front wheels, and open doors. The car is diecast metal, with a full detail interior. For a model car that is almost twenty years old, some of the details are pretty good. For example UT added front and rear toe hooks, and rims for the tires are decently replicated. UT actually molded in seat belt details and hand painted the belt buckles. The decals are actually applied quite nicely. There are some flaws, but the overall shape is decent. Tofu kept the car in great condition. The paint is a little bit dull (due to age), but a little buffing with Tamiya's super fine compound should bring the shine out again.

Overall, I am glad I can see how far diecast cars have evolved. I think with a little bit of restoration and some detail work (interior), this good ol' UT model can give some of the modern diecast a good run for the money.

I hope you guys enjoy the pics.

Comments are welcomed.

Happy Collecting!
William

01-18-2017, 10:44 PM	#3376
Pacman808 Proud to be called a RS Regular! Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Burnaby Posts: 143 Thanked 510 Times in 105 Posts Failed 0 Times in 0 Posts	Post AutoART - 1/18 UT Porsche Hi Everyone, Who remembers UT Models? These guys were big in the late 80's and throughout the 90's. I didn't really pay much attention to them back then, because I was a poor student going through university and couldn't afford them. But mostly, I was more into building model cars from Tamiya and racing RC cars, and I partied my a$$ away. Anyhow, UT later folded up and was bought by Gateway Global Ltd, and soon was under the AutoART brand. UT produced what was considered high quality models at the time, and they were not cheap. Compared to the old BBurago and Maisto models. UT was top notch. Although I did think BBurago's F40 and Countach were sweet looking. Remember this was the 90's, and mold making and diecasting technology was not as advanced compared to what we have presently. UT McLaren GTR BBurago F40 I would like to share with you some pics of a UT Porsche 911 GT1 model that our resident Tofu man recently gave me to take pictures of it. I think it is a great way of documenting of how far the quality of diecast models have evolved. UT produced quite a few different variations of the 911 GT1 back then. And one of them is the #01 Rohr Motorsports Porsche Team. This was the first Porsche 911 GT1 to be owned by an American racing team. BTW the Porsche 911 GT1 was powered by a 3.2L Twin Turbo, water cooled Flat-6, and produced about 592 Hp. Although it was rumored to produce 630 hp. It competed against the Ferrari F40 GTE II and McLaren F1 GTR at LeMans. It had a top speed of 205 mph. UT's replica of the 911 GT1 features steerable front wheels, and open doors. The car is diecast metal, with a full detail interior. For a model car that is almost twenty years old, some of the details are pretty good. For example UT added front and rear toe hooks, and rims for the tires are decently replicated. UT actually molded in seat belt details and hand painted the belt buckles. The decals are actually applied quite nicely. There are some flaws, but the overall shape is decent. Tofu kept the car in great condition. The paint is a little bit dull (due to age), but a little buffing with Tamiya's super fine compound should bring the shine out again. Overall, I am glad I can see how far diecast cars have evolved. I think with a little bit of restoration and some detail work (interior), this good ol' UT model can give some of the modern diecast a good run for the money. I hope you guys enjoy the pics. Comments are welcomed. Happy Collecting! William