December issue: Diecast Model of the Month - Autoart's Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R

OUR TOP MODEL AS CHOSEN BY THE DIECAST TEAM THIS MONTH

Autoart
Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R
PRICE £126 LIMIT NOT SPECIFIED SCALE 1/18 REF NO 77382

Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson dubbed the GT-R one of the best cars in the world... high praise indeed from the Beeb’s much-loved/loathed auto guru.

And, while he was undoubtedly referring to the later incarnations of this Japanese powerhouse, they have always been popular – particularly with geeky tuners and street racers, as well as those properly embedded in motor sport. 

So, how does Autoart’s 1969 rendition fair? Actually, very well indeed, and its simplicity is possibly its most endearing feature. After the sexy curves of higher-end road-eaters, the original GT-R offers a refreshing change and it looks super in this scale.

Firstly, the high-quality paint finish sets the tone for the remainder of this right-hand drive replica, and is punctuated by sparing, but well-reproduced, chrome trim and bumpers, and black pinned rear arch trims. The black wheels with fine metallic nuts are excellent facsimiles, with the front set having working steering.

Open the doors and you are greeted by an accurate black interior, which is brilliantly-rendered – simple like the real thing but with fine detail on the centre console, dash and steering wheel. Even the inner door covers are spot-on, and elegant little flourishes such as the quarter panel handles and locking buttons aim to please. The boot has a recessed spare wheel, scissor jack and other pleasing features, but lift the bonnet and a truly magnificent engine is the reward. It sports detail in abundance and is surrounded by the expected battery, radiator and fan and other components, which are all finely moulded.

'Top Model' is a regular feature in Diecast Collector.

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