Franklin Mint 98124 1:48 Lockheed F-104G Starfighter Aeronautica Militare 4-27 Ferrari Red Special Scheme
We are currently away on holiday until Friday, 2 October. Orders can still be placed as normal. Dispatch resumes on Monday, 5 October.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
An exceptionally distinctive and highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of Lockheed F-104G Starfighter MM6546, finished in the spectacular Ferrari-red “4-27” commemorative colour scheme. Released within the Franklin Mint / Armour Collection under model code 98124, also associated with reference B11B285, this substantial collector model recreates one of the most unusual Starfighters ever presented by the Aeronautica Militare Italiana.
The striking scheme dates from 1989 and commemorates the long-standing connection between the Italian Air Force, Ferrari and the famous Prancing Horse emblem. The aircraft was painted entirely in a vivid Ferrari red, creating a dramatic appearance far removed from the operational camouflage and natural-metal finishes normally associated with the F-104.
The number “4-27” carries particular significance. The number 4 represents the Italian Air Force's 4° Stormo, an organisation which itself uses the famous Prancing Horse insignia historically associated with Italian First World War fighter ace Francesco Baracca. The number 27 was selected in honour of Gilles Villeneuve, who famously used the number during his Formula One career with Ferrari.
The connection between Ferrari and the Starfighter was strengthened by a memorable event on 21st November 1981, when Formula One cars and Italian Air Force F-104s took part in a series of acceleration contests at Istrana Air Base. Gilles Villeneuve participated in his Ferrari 126 CK, creating an unusual meeting between two icons of Italian motorsport and military aviation.
On 17th September 1989, F-104G MM6546 was presented in its special red scheme as part of the association between the 4° Stormo and Ferrari Club Italia. The red paint itself was supplied by Ferrari, while the aircraft retained Italian national markings and the distinctive Prancing Horse symbolism connecting the two organisations.
The retired aircraft was subsequently placed at Ferrari's Fiorano test circuit near Maranello, where it became a particularly unusual preserved example of the legendary Starfighter. Its brilliant red finish and large 4-27 markings have made MM6546 instantly recognisable among preserved F-104s.
Designed by Lockheed's Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the F-104 Starfighter first flew in 1954. Its extremely thin wings, powerful General Electric J79 turbojet engine and highly streamlined fuselage were designed around exceptional speed and climbing performance, resulting in one of the most distinctive combat aircraft of the Cold War.
Italy became one of the most important and longest-serving operators of the Starfighter family. Italian-built aircraft were manufactured under licence by FIAT, and successive F-104G, F-104S and upgraded variants remained in Aeronautica Militare service for decades, with Italy becoming the final major military operator to retire the type.
This retired Franklin Mint / Armour Collection release has considerable display presence in its large 1:48 scale. The model features heavyweight diecast construction, the striking all-red commemorative finish, large 4-27 identification markings, Italian national insignia, a detailed cockpit beneath the clear canopy, finely reproduced undercarriage, slender Starfighter wings, characteristic wingtip tanks and detailed engine exhaust section.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Franklin Mint / Armour Collection
Model Code: 98124
Alternative Reference: B11B285 / B285
Aircraft: Lockheed F-104G Starfighter
Military Serial: MM6546
Tactical / Display Markings: 4-27
Operator: Aeronautica Militare Italiana
Associated Unit: 4° Stormo
Special Scheme: Ferrari Red Commemorative Scheme
Associated Organisation: Ferrari / Ferrari Club Italia
Associated Driver: Gilles Villeneuve
Significance of 27: Gilles Villeneuve's Ferrari racing number
Commemorative Event: 4° Stormo and Ferrari association
Date/Period: September 1989
Preservation Location: Fiorano Circuit, Maranello, Italy
Country: Italy
Role: Supersonic fighter / interceptor, later commemorative display aircraft
Scale: 1:48
Status: Retired collector model
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Distinctive Ferrari-red commemorative finish, authentic MM6546 identity, prominent 4-27 markings, Italian national insignia, Prancing Horse association, detailed cockpit with clear canopy, characteristic short Starfighter wings, wingtip fuel tanks, detailed landing gear and engine exhaust section
Model Dimensions
Length: Approximately 14.2" or 36 cm
Width (Wingspan): Approximately 5.9" or 15 cm
Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)
- The model is in very good condition overall, with no breakages present.
- A few concentrated areas of small, clustered paint bubbling are present to the topside of the fuselage, nose, tail section and underside.
- The paint bubbling is generally quite well disguised and can be difficult to capture clearly in photographs, but it is present.
- The side decal on the nose has some wear and has become slightly more opaque with age.
- Despite the noted imperfections, the model still displays very well overall.
Box condition - Excellent (8/10)
- The box is in excellent condition for its age and remains structurally sound.
- Some shelf wear is present.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Holiday dispatch update
We are currently away on holiday until Friday, 2 October. Orders can still be placed as normal. Dispatch resumes on Monday, 5 October. Please see below for further general information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
Choose options
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
An exceptionally distinctive and highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of Lockheed F-104G Starfighter MM6546, finished in the spectacular Ferrari-red “4-27” commemorative colour scheme. Released within the Franklin Mint / Armour Collection under model code 98124, also associated with reference B11B285, this substantial collector model recreates one of the most unusual Starfighters ever presented by the Aeronautica Militare Italiana.
The striking scheme dates from 1989 and commemorates the long-standing connection between the Italian Air Force, Ferrari and the famous Prancing Horse emblem. The aircraft was painted entirely in a vivid Ferrari red, creating a dramatic appearance far removed from the operational camouflage and natural-metal finishes normally associated with the F-104.
The number “4-27” carries particular significance. The number 4 represents the Italian Air Force's 4° Stormo, an organisation which itself uses the famous Prancing Horse insignia historically associated with Italian First World War fighter ace Francesco Baracca. The number 27 was selected in honour of Gilles Villeneuve, who famously used the number during his Formula One career with Ferrari.
The connection between Ferrari and the Starfighter was strengthened by a memorable event on 21st November 1981, when Formula One cars and Italian Air Force F-104s took part in a series of acceleration contests at Istrana Air Base. Gilles Villeneuve participated in his Ferrari 126 CK, creating an unusual meeting between two icons of Italian motorsport and military aviation.
On 17th September 1989, F-104G MM6546 was presented in its special red scheme as part of the association between the 4° Stormo and Ferrari Club Italia. The red paint itself was supplied by Ferrari, while the aircraft retained Italian national markings and the distinctive Prancing Horse symbolism connecting the two organisations.
The retired aircraft was subsequently placed at Ferrari's Fiorano test circuit near Maranello, where it became a particularly unusual preserved example of the legendary Starfighter. Its brilliant red finish and large 4-27 markings have made MM6546 instantly recognisable among preserved F-104s.
Designed by Lockheed's Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the F-104 Starfighter first flew in 1954. Its extremely thin wings, powerful General Electric J79 turbojet engine and highly streamlined fuselage were designed around exceptional speed and climbing performance, resulting in one of the most distinctive combat aircraft of the Cold War.
Italy became one of the most important and longest-serving operators of the Starfighter family. Italian-built aircraft were manufactured under licence by FIAT, and successive F-104G, F-104S and upgraded variants remained in Aeronautica Militare service for decades, with Italy becoming the final major military operator to retire the type.
This retired Franklin Mint / Armour Collection release has considerable display presence in its large 1:48 scale. The model features heavyweight diecast construction, the striking all-red commemorative finish, large 4-27 identification markings, Italian national insignia, a detailed cockpit beneath the clear canopy, finely reproduced undercarriage, slender Starfighter wings, characteristic wingtip tanks and detailed engine exhaust section.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Franklin Mint / Armour Collection
Model Code: 98124
Alternative Reference: B11B285 / B285
Aircraft: Lockheed F-104G Starfighter
Military Serial: MM6546
Tactical / Display Markings: 4-27
Operator: Aeronautica Militare Italiana
Associated Unit: 4° Stormo
Special Scheme: Ferrari Red Commemorative Scheme
Associated Organisation: Ferrari / Ferrari Club Italia
Associated Driver: Gilles Villeneuve
Significance of 27: Gilles Villeneuve's Ferrari racing number
Commemorative Event: 4° Stormo and Ferrari association
Date/Period: September 1989
Preservation Location: Fiorano Circuit, Maranello, Italy
Country: Italy
Role: Supersonic fighter / interceptor, later commemorative display aircraft
Scale: 1:48
Status: Retired collector model
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Distinctive Ferrari-red commemorative finish, authentic MM6546 identity, prominent 4-27 markings, Italian national insignia, Prancing Horse association, detailed cockpit with clear canopy, characteristic short Starfighter wings, wingtip fuel tanks, detailed landing gear and engine exhaust section
Model Dimensions
Length: Approximately 14.2" or 36 cm
Width (Wingspan): Approximately 5.9" or 15 cm
Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)
- The model is in very good condition overall, with no breakages present.
- A few concentrated areas of small, clustered paint bubbling are present to the topside of the fuselage, nose, tail section and underside.
- The paint bubbling is generally quite well disguised and can be difficult to capture clearly in photographs, but it is present.
- The side decal on the nose has some wear and has become slightly more opaque with age.
- Despite the noted imperfections, the model still displays very well overall.
Box condition - Excellent (8/10)
- The box is in excellent condition for its age and remains structurally sound.
- Some shelf wear is present.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Holiday dispatch update
We are currently away on holiday until Friday, 2 October. Orders can still be placed as normal. Dispatch resumes on Monday, 5 October. Please see below for further general information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
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