Mitsubishi Canter Safety Car "Cofiroute Duplex A86 Tunnel"

The Mitsubishi Canter safety car in Cofiroute decoration is an interesting looking vehicle, found in the Duplex A86 tunnel and specially modified for the low headroom. VINCI have commissioned Conrad to produce a highly detailed 1:50th scale replica which is exclusive to VINCI and available from their webshop.

The rear of the model houses a folding car recovery arm with pivoting plastic frames which hold the wheels of the vehicle being recovered. There are also storage platforms integrated into the body casting on both sides of the arm and a red plastic emergency cabinet.

For such a small model, the roll up shutter doors on both sides of the model are functional, revealing the internal detailing including hose reels, storage bins and other safety equipment. The printed guages are a nice touch and add to the realism.

The rear wheels are double and have a realistic road tread pattern moulded into the surfaces while the front wheels have working steering which has been cleverly engineered and works well. The front of the model has a crisply molded grill with the Mitsubishi logo and name accurately replicated along with a red chevron pattern and blue emergency lights printed across the front. The cab roof has been modelled shortened to reduce the height of the vehicle with a replicated interior, self fit rear view mirrors and an authentic number plate all adding to the detail.

The model is another good addition to the range of VINCI Group replicas and to give an idea of the small dimensions of the Canter van, it is pictured below alongside the Voltswagen Crafter Greek motorway road safety car from WSI. The paint finish is excellent with crisp printing throughout the model. It is interesting that VINCI have chosen to commission the development of an entire model and I have no doubt that other models based on the Mitsubishi Canter chassis will follow.