My experience with MRRC has left me with this impression of their products: modern recreations of vintage slot cars. Not reproductions, but recreations, since the vintage metal chassis have been replaced with plastic, a stiff bar magnet inserted, and modern tampo printing in place of decals. All of this is no different that what anyone else in the industry was doing, it's just that MRRC seemed to come across as this more-so than any other manufacturer.

Because I had tested an MRRC Cobra in the past, I wasn't expecting a whole lot different on this car over the last one. I was aware, however, that this new Cobra was now manufactured in China. Would there be any difference? Would this new Cobra be any better?

When I first laid eyes on it I was taken by the color scheme. The finish, though clear-coated over red plastic, doesn't have that "plastic" look about it that often plagues similarly finished models. The red with white and black (and some blue) tampos are very sharp, and look great on display or on your track.

But what are the big differences in this model over previous MRRC Cobras? To my untrained eye, the most noticeable are the welcome hood scoop, The removal of the chrome ring around the front grille opening, the removal of the huge rear bumper, and the addition of the roll bar (YAY!). All of these modifications have made for a more "race" looking Cobra.

Among the notable details, standouts are the painted windshield frame with sun visors and wipers, chrome push bars front and rear, detailed headlamps and running lights, painted tail lights, and chrome gas cap. The interior is among the best I have ever seen, with sharply painted gauges, and what appears to be a new, thinner steering wheel. The driver, though still ever the snob looking down his nose at the other drivers, is expertly painted down to a line separating his lips. This is a fine model, worth of display, but made for the track.

About the only difference on the bottom of this car is the "Made In China" lettering on the rear of the car. But... that motor? It's red, like the car. Does that mean anything? Could this be a warning to onlookers, that this motor is "red hot"? Or is it just a way of color coordinating with the body, to make for a more visually appealing package? I certainly caught my attention, and will do so to the competition as well.

Removing two screws is all it takes to separate the chassis from the body. Inside we see MRRC's standard Cobra chassis, but with that ominous red motor mounted up front. The motor connects to a drive shaft which turns a 9/27 gear arrangement. The whole drive train feels very tight, but you might want to apply a bit of Crazy Glue to the axle and drive shaft bushings, just to be safe. Be sure not to get any Crazy Glue on the shafts or you could lock your car up solid.

Also on this car is a fairly powerful bar magnet. Because it is a fair distance from the track, it doesn't have an overly strong effect. The guide is very basic, and does it's job without flaw. I wish more manufactures would adopt this "K.I.S.S." method and convert their guides to this configuration. It certainly relieves a lot of frustration.

On the track I found this car to be the inspiration of the title of this review: SCARY FAST! This car just SCREAMS! It is so fast it's almost uncontrollable without a little practice. Tire truing is a must, but keep the RPM's down as the soft compound tires WILL leave the rim and make them out of round, or even rub the chassis. I found this out from personal experience. I don't know if it's that blood red motor or what, since there is no writing on the motor what-so-ever, but it seems to be a very hot motor, and I would truly love to know the RPM's on this one.

As I said, this car is SCARY FAST, and you'll find it wants to over power itself with just a hint of too much throttle, much like the real cobra! If ever there was a car that begged for more magnet it's this one. I confess I didn't try this car without magnet, but if you're a magnet lover, have a field day with this one. The other option you might try is to replace the rear tires with lower profile tires to bring the magnet closer to the track. Whatever you choose, you will have a lot of fun trying to tame the beast. This is one beast that NEEDS taming!

Thank you to Fantasy World Toy & Hobbies for sending me this car for review. I highly recommend you check out their site for MRRC or other great slot cars and track.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to eMail me at ken@slotcarillustrated.com.

Ken