Back in the 1960s, Ford was a dominant power on the sports car racing circuit.

Competing against companies such as Ferrari, Chaparral, Alfa Romeo and Matra, Ford's legendary GT 40 carried not only the blue oval colors but America's colors on many a racetrack.

Ford's racing efforts with the GT 40 started with its development in 1963. By 1966, the car began a four-year winning streak at the famed 24 hours of Le Mans race in France.

The Mark IV, powered by a 500-horsepower, 427-cubic-inch behemoth of an engine, was one of the best known of the GT 40s. It won the 12 hours of Sebring in Florida in 1967, and some of the world's most famous drivers, including A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti and Bruce McLaren, piloted it to victory after victory.

This week, history came alive for me as I had a chance to examine GMP's 1/12th scale model of the 1967 Ford GT 40 Mark IV, the car driven to victory at Sebring by Mr. Andretti and Mr. McClaren.

As you might suspect, this model isn't cheap. Only 500 copies are available worldwide and each sells for $500.

But the degree of accuracy and detail on this bright yellow racer are staggering -- and well worth the asking price.

It has a functional suspension and steering system, with working coil springs and shock absorbers, an opening fuel door, front and rear body panels that lift to reveal the highly detailed engine, steering mechanism, battery, brake ducting and front suspension.

Lift a hatch panel in the back and you'll see the huge spare tire. The tires, by the way, are "weighted," which means that when the model is displayed, you'll see visible sidewall "give" for a more realistic appearance.

The silver metal exhaust system has copper colored "burn" marks on it from engine heat and even the most intricate tubes and hoses that are part of the powerplant and drivetrain have been replicated.

Needless to say, this is an extremely valuable model. Because it's clearly destined to be sought after in years to come, and due to its limited production and clear investment potential, if you buy one, you'll want to care for it well. Thankfully, GMP provides instruction covering polishing, cleaning, displaying and dusting.

I also suggest using only a tool provided by GMP for operating everything, even for the sturdier parts and especially the extremely fragile hinge system on the front shell.

One suggestion for GMP: Given the bewildering number of engine parts, hoses, pipes, etc., it would be good to provide a diagram as to what everything is on this car. That would add to the enjoyment of the model -- as it would on almost every model GMP and other model makers produce.

For more information, go to www.gmpdiecast.com.