Eric,
Sounds like a 1/43 scale model. Does it have a white metal body? Probably.
I've built a lot of 1/43 F-1 cars - mainly Provence-Moulage.
Easy to build - I usually use automotive acrylics to paint them - it dries very hard and very thin. I buy use these automotive acrylics in spray cans and spray them into my airbrush jar. These spray cans come in just about all the colors that F-1 cars do.
Clean up the body and prime - then inspect for blemishes - clean them up and prime again.
Don't forget to keep test fitting the photo etched bits - if you put too much paint on, they might not fit.
I use Bare Metal Foil to mask the different colors - it's very thin and I end up with almost mask line. Always paint lighter colors first, then darker ones. If you use a white primer, you need fewer color coats to develop full, deep color (like reds and blues)
The only adhesive to use is super glue, and Future works great for the high gloss - it also dries very thin.
They're really very delicate looking, but quite strong little models. They're a little fiddly, though, because of the small parts.
Anyway, if you want more answers, just ask.
Cheers
LeeTree