Given the antiquated Gakken/Entex/Minicraft lineage of the kit, it's as likely to be a design flaw in the model as any faithful representation of a prototype.
The original 40/50 'Silver Ghost' prototype chassis -- plate #AX201 -- is still around...purportedly "the most expensive car in the world." It should be easy enough to find photo references for whatever corrections or alterations you deem suitable.
Cheers