Newsletter 661: OFFMay 1^st, 2025

We're in Matra's golden age, and as a French team, winning their home race is more than a goal. In the 1973 edition, Matra entered a powerful team with three units of its MS670B, driven by the best French drivers of the time. And although in timed practice they were beaten by the factory Ferrari 312PBs on pure speed, reliability allowed victory to fall to the Matra number 11, while the unit with the number 12 achieved third place. The kit includes parts in white metal, resin, and turned metal, completed with photo-etched sheets, rubber tires, decals, and various types of wiring. Once assembled, both the doors and the front and rear hoods can be removed, revealing the entire interior and mechanical parts. What a gem!

There's no doubt that the Audi Coupé 4x4 Quattro revolutionized the automotive world at the time of its release, forever changing the image and use of four-wheel drive vehicles. Tamiya did the same when it first released the Audi Quattro model kit, which is now back in reissue after 25 years. The kit is modeled with great realism, and it was a revolution that it allowed the powerful inline-5 turbo engine, suspension, and four-wheel drive system to be reproduced. Naturally, elements such as the instruction manual and decals have been updated. The latter include the striped pattern on the seat upholstery, for a perfect reproduction.

New installment of Komakai's Fast Guides series, with a publication full of exquisite photographs that cover in great detail the spectacular Jaguar XJR-9 LM. Includes 32 full color pages with detailed images of the interior, exterior, wheels, etc...

New installment of Komakai's Fast Guides series, with a publication full of exquisite photographs that cover in great detail the spectacular BMW 318i. Includes 32 full color pages with detailed images of the interior, exterior, wheels, etc...

New installment of Komakai's Fast Guides series, with a publication full of exquisite photographs that cover in great detail the spectacular Porsche 956B. Includes 32 full color pages with detailed images of the interior, exterior, wheels, etc...

Fantastic 1/12 scale Profil24 kit of the Matra-Simca MS 670 that dominated the 1972 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, achieving the first two positions. This reference allows to assemble the unit that finished in second place, driven by François Cevert and Howden Ganley, and that had achieved the pole position in the timed practice sessions. This unit had an elongated rear hood, different from the one mounted on the other Matra MS670 unit of the team. The kit also includes the necessary parts to assemble its 3-liter V12 engine and the chassis in detail, and once assembled the driver's door can be left open. In addition, its complete photo-etched sheet allows to increase even more detailing during the assembly of the model. This unit had an elongated rear hood, different from the one mounted on the other Matra MS670 unit of the team.

Fantastic model kit from MFH where, as usual, various materials are combined, including white metal, turned metal parts, photo-etched parts, rubber rims and a decal sheet. Tires feature pre-printed manufacturer logos. The body cover can be removed once the model is assembled, allowing a full view of the detailed interior and mechanical parts. This reference recreates the version used by McLaren in the German GP, with Senna and Prost getting the double in that order, and in Italy, where Alain Prost won, while Senna had to retire. This version A features a rear wing in a high-speed configuration.

Fantastic model kit from MFH where, as usual, various materials are combined, including white metal, turned metal parts, photo-etched parts, rubber rims and a decal sheet. Tires feature pre-printed manufacturer logos. The body cover can be removed once the model is assembled, allowing a full view of the detailed interior and mechanical parts. This reference recreates the version used by McLaren in the Japanese GP, with the famous and controversial maneuver between Prost and Senna, and in Portugal, where Alain Prost obtained second position, while Senna had to leave by accident. This B version features a slightly different rear spoiler.

Fantastic model kit from MFH where, as usual, various materials are combined, including white metal, turned metal parts, photo-etched parts, rubber rims and a decal sheet. Tires feature pre-printed manufacturer logos. The body cover can be removed once the model is assembled, allowing a full view of the detailed interior and mechanical parts. This reference recreates the version used by McLaren in the Spanish GP held in Montmeló, where both drivers were on the podium, with victory for Senna with Prost in third position. This version C has a different rear wing, with the additional flaps used in this low-medium speed circuit.

Quality and perfect results are guaranteed when painting the windows and headlights of the different references of the Tamiya Porsche 962C kit thanks to Decalcas' pre-cut masks.

We believe that the different versions and evolutions of the Lancer are almost cult models beyond any doubt. In fact, many of them have special editions and liveries that refer to Mitsubishi Motors' competition department, Ralliart, as is the case with the scale model presented to us by Fujimi. Starting from the base of the Evo VIII, a version that simulates the colors used in the world rally by the Lancer WRC, with its sides, roof and hoods in silver, easily reproducible thanks to the decal sheet, and with other specific elements such as the 5-spoke wheels in black. A model that can give a lot of play.

One of the classic Hasegawa kits, with a more than interesting and complete exploded view, with the engine totally detailed, and the decals to recreate the car that won the Tour de Corse in 1984 with Markku Alén at the wheel, the last victory of the Lancia 037 in the World Rally Championship.

What memories Kevin Schwantz brings to mind, with his spectacular braking and skidding. And Fujimi brings us the model to make the motorcycle with the Schwantz achieved its first two victories in the world championship in 1988. A model full of fabulous details that any modeler will enjoy.

The gorgeous Martini livery on one of the most famous Italian rally cars. The kit includes photo-etched parts with the bonnet latches and harness buckles, asphalt rims with wind vents and slick tires, and a complete decal sheet to complete either of the two versions that finished on the podium, with Didier Auriol winning or Philippe Bugalski as third.

The 1970 LeMans winner, now reedited by Fujimi in one of their classic and most renowned kits without any doubts. Reminder: the kit does NOT include a detailed engine.

One of the most iconic Le Mans cars, the Porsche 917, finally reedited by Fujimi using the Gulf decoration during 1970. Without any doubts, this is one the classics and most renowned kits of the brand, and every proper scale modeler should built at least one in a lifetime. This kit does not include a detailed engine.

Scale model belonging to the "Scale Plastic Model Kit Historic Car Series" recreating the Volkswagen Type 2 van "pick up" version. For a really low price you will be able to take with you a model with many possibilities, with an extensive parts list, and with a thousand formulas to create a great piece for your bookshelf. Irresistible!!

Pleasantly surprised. This is how we have been when we saw the exploded view of Hasegawa's model of the Nissan R32 GT-R. What a number of pieces, and what a definition! The detailing on the interior and underside of the car is incredible, and the settings are simply fantastic. We have fun for a while!

Hasegawa has surprised us with a much improved reinterpretation of the Toyota Supra Gr.A compared to the existing ones from Fujimi and even Tamiya. A detailed interior and chassis, with perfect fit, will delight the most demanding modellers. Let yourself be surprised by the new Hasegawa kits!

Limited edition Subaru Legacy RS Group A kit with livery used in the 1990 New Zealand Rally, where Peter 'Possum' Bourne achieved a creditable fifth place. The rims included in the kit do not correspond to those that appear on the cover of the box.

The original Mini lived its last years of production when it was decided to give the Cooper version an even sportier touch, with an accessory package called Sport, which included wide wings, auxiliary headlight pod and wider wheels. All these elements have been included in this new Hasegawa kit, with which you can assemble what is perhaps the most "vitaminized" street version of the Mini Cooper. What a bomb!

Easy kit to assemble the powerful Nissan Skyline R32 in its street version without excessive complications.

Limited edition of the Hasegawa Porsche 962C kit, this time with the livery used by the Kremer Porsche Racing team in the 1987 Fuji 1000 Km race, also scoring for the World Endurance Championship (WSPC), ending in the twelfth position. The kit does not have new parts compared to other versions of the Hasegawa 962C, except for the new decal sheet.

In 1968 the Mini Cooper managed to win the British Touring Car Championship, and on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of that date, Rover launched a commemorative version called BSCC Limited, of which only 750 units were produced. Hasegawa also brings us a limited edition of its Mini Cooper kit, where new front and rear seats have been included.

New livery for the 2005 Subaru Impreza WRC Hasegawa kit, with which the Polish driver Michal Solowow finished in thirty-third position in the 2006 Rally Sweden. The kit does not have new parts compared to other versions of the 2005 Impreza WRC by Hasegawa, except for the new decal sheet.

New version of the complete and detailed Hasegawa kit of the Nissan Skyline R32 Group A, in this case with the Unisia Jecs livery used by the Champion car of the 1992 season. Although they did not manage to repeat the success of the previous campaign, they achieved at least victory in the fourth round of the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) held at the Suzuka circuit. This reference includes new exterior rearview mirrors as new parts compared to other references. A real pleasure to build the new generation of Hasegawa kits!

Tech21 is a well-known men's cosmetics brand launched by Shiseido in the 1980s, and which took advantage of the competition to make itself known in the Japanese market, seeing itself as a sponsor on the fairings of various motorcycles for several seasons. This Hasegawa reference reproduces the version that achieved victory in the fourteenth race of the 1988 Japanese Motorcycle Championship in the 500 cc class.

Limited re-edition of the Hasegawa Benetton Ford B190B kit at 1/24 scale. Regarding the 1990 season, the decoration of the Benetton used in 1991 turned towards a striking yellow color, in addition to starting to use Pirelli tires and OZ rims. The decals on the kit allow us to reproduce the decoration of the car with which Nelson Piquet achieved third position in the 1991 United States Grand Prix, held at the Phoenix street circuit.

Andrea Aghini could not miss the World Rally Championship event held in Italy. In the 2000 edition he participated with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI of Group A, also called by Mitsubishi as Carisma GT, achieving fifteenth final position and third among the drivers of the Italian Championship. This is precisely the version chosen by Hasegawa for this reference, which includes a photo-etched plate for details such as the pedals, the windshield wipers, the bonnet latches or the harness buckles, as well as a mask template for painting the windows..

This Hasegawa kit will allow you to reproduce the machine with which Wayne Rainey obtained second position in the 1989 500cc Japanese Grand Prix held at the Suzuka circuit, after a fierce battle with Kevin Schwantz in which they exchanged the lead up to 13 times throughout the race. A kit with an incredible part list so you can enjoy all its details.

New reissue for a limited time of this very interesting Fujimi scale model of the Porsche 911 R Coupe. It belongs to the "Enthusiast" series. It includes all the detailed and exploded engine, as it happens with the front compartment, being able to choose to open the hood exposing all its elements.

Re-edition of the fantastic Porsche 911 Turbo kit from Fujimi's Enthusiast series, highly appreciated for including both the complete engine and the necessary parts to detail the compartment under the front hood. Indispensable for all modelers who love legendary sports cars, and those who want a much more detailed kit of the Porsche 911.

Re-edition of the decal sheet for the Tamiya kit of the 1985 Dakar-winning BMW R80G/S. This decal set also includes the decals needed to equip the driver's overalls, in case the kit you have in your closet includes the necessary parts for assembly... or you decide to incorporate a figure from another manufacturer.

Replacement decals for the veteran 1/12 scale Tamiya kit. It includes several numbers and additional logos to recreate the versions used in various Grand Prix not included in the original decoration of the kit. Decals have also been added with size corrections and others that were omitted, such as the fire extinguisher insignia.

Replacement decals for the beautiful Tamiya 1/20 scale kit of the Ferrari 312T3. This new reference replaces and improves the previous SHK-D174 reference, which already included the stripes that allowed the white parts of the body to be completed with paint. This new reference includes the decals to make the versions of the car number 11 of the British GP of 1978, which is the one that most closely resembles that of Tamiya's own kit, that of the car number 12 of the Canadian GP of 1978, in which Gilles Villeneuve achieved his first victory , and cars 11 and 12 of the 1979 Brazilian Grand Prix, in what was the last 312T3 race. The decals are still designed so that the white parts are painted separately.