Top Mark 1:32 Jaguar F-type roadster

The F-type has caused quite a stir at Jaguar, finally bringing a true sports car into the line last seen in the E-type. In the diecast world it has caught attention as well, with examples from Matchbox and Welly profiled here before, and more coming later on, yet the common theme seems to be centered on the coupe and not the convertible that arrived a year before the coupe. Well Top Mark is one of the brands that brings the convertible to 1:32 and 1:64 scale, so let's check out the larger 1:32 scale version.

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Top Mark arrived onto the scene at the same time as RMZ City diecast, so it was no surprise to see some common vehicles with almost identical tooling designs. One that comes to mind is the Toyota FT86, but look close and you'll see some differences. On some Top Mark models there are opening hoods that go along with the doors, while most of them have cut-outs for the front headlights and lower speaker for models that have working lights and sounds. This one shown here does not have the feature, yet the body still looks great. Painted in light blue the F-type roadster seems to be basic compared to wilder colors like red or orange or dark blue that would help bring some sport to this car. At the front the headlights have projector beams where the working lights would go, a large center grille with Jaguar and R-logo, and side scoops on the front bumper. The hood has dual vents, as does the matching ones on the front fenders. The profile still looks good on this car and the flat rear decklid of the roadster finally brings in a fresher look to the numerous coupe rooflines that i've seen so far. The 5-spoke wheels are accurate and look good, though they could look really good in a dark gray color.

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The rear have those iconic slot taillights, Jaguar plate, F-type badge, and reverse lamps next to those quad exhaust with that glorious sound. On the roadster there is a visible flap for the rear spoiler that sits flush with the rear trunk, silver rollbars behind a convertible top that sits flush when in the down position. The interior has some goods and bads with it, even after I added some silver trim detail to break up the all-black interior. The front have those supportive bucket seats with the correct pattern detailing, door panels with the correct lines and handles, and a center console with armrest. Since this model has the option of sound the speaker takes up much of the footwell space and is an eyesore here. While the steering wheel and dual pod gagues are accurate why is the steering wheel really tilted down? The center stack has the correct radio, HVAC controls, starter button, and even the shifter, but why is the passenger grab handle missing. The powertrain for this R model is the 5.0L Supercharged V8 that makes 405 horsepower and 572 Ib-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. This is a bit too much power for such a nimble car, so the V6 would be better, and wouldn't it be nice to see a F-type V6 replica that is not the V8 R-trim?