The Ferrari 250 GTO needs little introduction among serious collectors, but this Kyosho 1:18 die-cast documents a specific and historically grounded moment: Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team running car number 18 at Daytona International Speedway in February 1963. Pedro Rodríguez took the GT category win, one of his most prominent early results on the international stage. At 1:18, Kyosho reproduces the red NART livery and race number in die-cast metal.
A Racing Machine Built for Homologation
Ferrari produced the 250 GTO between 1962 and 1964 to satisfy FIA GT homologation requirements. Power came from the Colombo V12 driving through a five-speed gearbox. The Series I bodywork, penned in Maranello, combined a low nose with pronounced rear haunches to maximise aerodynamic stability on the long Daytona banking and the fast road circuits of the early 1960s GT calendar.
NART, Chinetti and the 1963 Daytona 3 Hours
Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team was the official Ferrari importer and race entrant for the US market, campaigning GTOs regularly in American events between 1962 and 1964. At the February 1963 Daytona 3 Hours — part of the early FIA GT calendar and a curtain-raiser at Daytona International Speedway — Pedro Rodríguez piloted the NART entry, race number 18, to an overall GT class victory. For the Mexican driver, then building his reputation among the sport's elite, it was a result that underlined both his pace and Chinetti's ability to prepare a competitive car far from the factory. NART cars of this era ran in red, with the race number prominently displayed in a contrasting colour on doors and nose.
Kyosho's Die-Cast Interpretation at 1:18
Kyosho renders the 250 GTO in die-cast metal at 1:18 scale, a format that allows the GTO's long bonnet, sweeping flanks and Kamm-influenced tail to read convincingly in miniature. The model reproduces the NART race livery — red bodywork, number 18 — as it appeared at Daytona in 1963. Kyosho's 1:18 GTO series is regarded among Ferrari collectors as a reliable die-cast benchmark, balancing surface detail with the durability that die-cast construction provides.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What race does this model represent?
The 1963 Daytona 3 Hours, held at Daytona International Speedway in February 1963. Pedro Rodríguez drove the NART-entered Ferrari 250 GTO, race number 18, to overall GT category victory.
Who was Pedro Rodríguez?
Pedro Rodríguez was a Mexican racing driver who became one of the most respected sports car pilots of the 1960s. His 1963 Daytona result with NART was among his notable early international victories.
What is NART?
The North American Racing Team, founded by Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari's official US importer. NART entered GTOs in American events regularly between 1962 and 1964 and is one of the most historically significant Ferrari entrants outside the factory.
What material and scale is the Kyosho model?
Die-cast metal at 1:18 scale.
