Chris Craft Racer Mahogany Runabout Model Kit 1:8

Classic mahogany runabout Chris-Craft Racer from 1949 RC model kit from Dumas

History of the original:

The 1949 Chris-Craft Racer is one of the most significant and impressive examples of classic American boat building. Manufactured by the long-established Chris-Craft company, this model represents the heyday of luxurious mahogany motorboats, which were particularly popular in the United States in the late 1940s. At that time, Chris-Craft was not only the leading boat builder for the American upper class, but also a symbol of style, performance and craftsmanship.

After the end of the Second World War, the leisure industry in the United States experienced an enormous boom. People longed for independence, mobility and an active lifestyle – and boats became an integral part of this new freedom. In this social context, Chris-Craft developed the ‘Racer’ as a sporty and elegant leisure boat for wealthy buyers who not only wanted to be out on the water, but wanted to do so with style and speed.

The 1949 model year is considered particularly attractive by connoisseurs, as it still embodies the classic, all-mahogany boat construction before new materials such as fibreglass increasingly found their way into boat building in the 1950s. The hull and deck of the Chris-Craft Racer are made of high-quality Honduran mahogany, which has been painstakingly glued, varnished and polished by hand. The elegant shape, low-lying seating area and clearly defined bow profile made the Racer not only an eye-catcher in any harbour, but also a true high-performance boat of its time.

The racer was typically powered by a powerful engine, such as the Chris-Craft KBL or KLC, both 6-cylinder in-line engines with outputs between 95 and 131 hp. This motorisation enabled speeds that were considered quite sporty at the time. The flat hull shape was designed for speed and ensured a dynamic driving experience with precise handling.

Another outstanding feature was the equipment: chrome fittings, a lovingly designed dashboard with analogue round instruments and the finest workmanship down to the smallest detail. Each boat was handcrafted – no two were completely alike.

Production numbers for this model were relatively low, making the 1949 Chris-Craft Racer an extremely sought-after collector's item today. Restored boats that have been preserved as faithfully as possible to the original can fetch prices ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand euros at auctions or from specialist dealers, depending on their condition, history and originality.

From a historical perspective, the Chris-Craft Racer represents a time when technology, design and lifestyle merged into a style-defining whole. It embodies not just a vehicle, but a way of life – the pursuit of freedom, elegance and technical sophistication on the water. No wonder, then, that this type of boat continues to play a very special role in museums, among classic boat enthusiasts and at international vintage boat events.

Immerse yourself in the golden age of classic boat building with our detailed model of the 1949 Chris-Craft Racer.

Description of the kit:

Like the original, the Racer is built with double planking made of US birch and fine mahogany. The bottom planking consists of a layer of plastic, which significantly reduces the construction time and makes the model watertight. Mahogany wood planks are applied as a second layer of planking, making the model not only visually appealing but also a fine piece of craftsmanship. Windows, seats, steering wheel, chrome fittings, rudder and drive shaft with propeller are included in the kit.

We strongly recommend replacing the supplied shaft assembly with a mounted shaft and installing a nice brass screw for the required propulsion.
 

Who is this kit suitable for?

The model is also suitable for less experienced model builders, but experience in producing shiny surfaces is necessary.

What else is needed?

Paints, adhesives and tools are required and can be found in our product range.

What do the assembly instructions look like?

The assembly instructions are text-based step-by-step instructions with supplementary drawings. The dimensions are given in inches and inches. A German translation is included. A large construction plan and parts lists are included.

Languages: German, English

The construction manual is not available for download.

Technical data:

Scale: 1:8
Length: 710 mm
Width: 230 mm