A "first time car modeler"?
Hmmm....I would think that Italeri's kits are going to be a bit complex for a "noob". The decals alone on this kit might be formidable?
I would hone your skills on a standard few AMT/Revell 1/24 kits first--some that you wouldn't mind half-ruining if you do.
I myself am in the same boat--I've mostly done armor and figures, but have started 3 different cars so far, and finished one. Two others are 80% done.
YOu have to learn to work with gloss paints, which can be a pain....then there's applying Bare Metal foil....Detailing the engines with plumbing and wires. Doing flocking (simulated carpeting) on the interior....depending on what genre you're used to building, your learning curve will be on a varying curve of progression. For me, these car models have really been a learning experience. I can hardly wait to get back into an "easy" tank build!
Gotta say though; the Charger 500 I finfished looks great sitting on the shelf! Good luck!