Welcome Sam. Not sure if you are aware of Maryland Automotive Modelers Assoc. We have several members from NoVA. Here is our website, maybe you would like to come check out a meeting sometime. http://www.mamasboyz.org/
Yea the Ginther kit was molded in red as was the gift set version.
The original Revel release was molded in yellow and a later release was molded in white.
Don't get me wrong the Heller/Union isn't a bad kit, I just think the Fujimi kit captures the shape of the body better. I also prefer the wheels/tires in the Fujimi kit.
Finally found the the race recount reference I was looking for Gene. According to The Cobra-Ferrari Wars recount of the '64 Daytona Continental 2000 KM race the Gurney/Johnson FIA roadster burnt a piston late in the race and dropped a cylinder. When they tore the engine down they determined the burnt piston was caused by "improperly formulated track-side fuel".
I don't own the Heller/Union but I have seen it. I do own the Fujimi. That should tell you which kit I prefer. And if you do want to go the full detail route HRM offers a very nice trans-kit to build-out the Fujimi.