A rare release from Kyosho in diecast metal with opening bits. Here we present the production images of their latest effort, the 1:18 Detomaso Pantera GT4 – Blue/Black and 1:18 Detomaso Pantera 1975 LM #43 – Red/Black. Both are on sale this month, a little later for us folk in North America. Images present a decent overall effort, however, we’re not too sure how each represents the original. Suggested retail $154 US (street) and $169 US (race).
Product# KS08853BL / KS08853BL
Too bad they didn’t give us the Pantera with a rear spoiler. Now that would get me more excited to get the blue one at least
The good news is that this isn’t a resin model, but a fully-opening diecast, as were earlier Kyosho versions.
I got a yellow one, and it’s the model that’s a model that’s most falling apart of my collection. The paint around headlights, for example was already damaged when i got the model brand new, just from transporting, and every time you pop up the headlights (which won’t stay in place, the mechanism doesn’t work from the factory), you’ll peel off more paint.
Well, I’ve heard some rumours that the real Panteras were also falling apart all the time, so perhaps the model is fairly realistic :P
Still, don’t get why they went for that low accuracy and quality of engine, lights, other numerous small details.
And still the racing version looks very sexy, and that engine with intakes looks great, apart from this plastic-model-kit-alike silver paint.
The front spoiler treatment on the Le Mans car is wrong for either the 1972 or 1975 races (chassis 2860) as can be seen here: https://www.racingsportscars.com/type/photo/De%20Tomaso/Pantera.html
Hopefully Kyosho have painted these models with up to date techniques, there is no excuse for the faults as listed above.