REVIEW: DNA Collectibles Mazda R360 • DiecastSociety.com

REVIEW: DNA Collectibles Mazda R360

Continuing with the pace of unique and unusual cars from the past, the team at DNA Collectibles sent us a sample of their latest effort, the 1:18 Mazda R360.  We do see a pattern of microcars from the team, and if you’re a fan you should be eating these unique pieces all up!

Along with getting to review an assortment of models form all shapes and sizes; we get to learn a little too.  Our brief synopsis on the history of the R360 tells us this is Mazda’s first true production vehicle, which first landed back in 1960.  A later B360 was released.  The design here mirrored a pickup truck body style.  Back to the R360, it was powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled 356 cc V-twin engine.  With 16hp and roughly the same for torque, the car was capable of about 52 mph.  Not too shabby.

The footprint of the car in scale is about 6.5″ x 3″ x 3″.  It is nothing over barring for sure and very fitting for a microcar.  Where the car captures your imagination is the pop of colour with the exterior Ivory White and Blue.  This theme also continues into the interior of the car.  DNA Collectibles does are a great job in capturing the design and lines of the original.  Paint work is exceptional throughout.  No issue with shutlines or panel gaps here, this one is crafted in resin with a sealed-body design.

A few elements we did not notice on the exterior are no side markers and front aerial.  We’re not sure if these are dealer options or not.  One miss is the exterior chrome bits.  Other than the photo-etched bits around the window and mid-point pin stripping on either side, the chrome here was reproduced in a matt like Silver finish.  This direction slightly detracts from the original vision.

Front and rear of the model are executed well, fit and finish is top of the class.  We have quality materials used on the headlight and taillights.  We like the defined hinges on the rear hatch too.  The lower section of the rear is nicely defined with the exhaust pipe and various cooling elements.

On the flip side, we did notice the lack of supportive housing for the turn signals in front.  DNA’s definition is sunken in and is missing this piece.  Also from the rear, the centre gismo (not sure how to define it) is missing the supporting Black gasket/seal.  This oversight is nothing too big.

Wheels on the Mazda R360 are sharply defined and crafted with care.  The whitewall tires are classic in appearance.  The mud flaps at all four corners are crafted in a thin metal as opposed to rubber.  We’re sure this was done to extend the lifelong rigidity of the piece.  Good thinking!

The interior of the R360 basically mirrors the exterior.  We like it!  The overall fit and finish are typical DNA, very good.  Paint is used well to define various sections.  Nice definition to the window crank and door release too.  There is also a little splash of Red found within the centre of the steering wheel to boot.  The dash features single tach/gauge and the “holy shit” handle is found in front of the passenger side.  Great job DNA Collectibles!

The package here is once again a quality piece from DNA Collectibles and the specimen is another great piece of microcar history.  The Mazda R360 isn’t going to appeal to the masses, we all know that.  But in the end, there is a market for classics, and those classics that focus on specific themes do attract an audience.  With their dedication to quality and unique subject matter, DNA Collectibles is here is stay.  Check them out.  Enjoy the pics!

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4 Responses to "REVIEW: DNA Collectibles Mazda R360"

  1. Lausambaychua says:

    Yes, finally! I have some of DNA Collectibles models on my (seemingly endless) wishlist, and this is one of them. It’s nice to see a break-away from the usual boring supercars sometimes here on DS.
    Regarding the model, holy hell, imagine the results if these guys actually do die-cast metal. I don’t know how these models hold up in the long term, but I’d definitely consider adding this and the Peel P50 to my collection. Probably my first venture into the 1:18 resin arena.

  2. George K says:

    Interesting piece! But, what is a “holy shit” handle?

    • DS Team says:

      Ha ha, as the Urban dictionary defines… “The handle in most passenger vehicles and trucks that is located in the interior of the vehicle above the door. Used in extreme driving situations where passengers do not wish to be thrown about the interior of the vehicle. Situations that warrant the usage of the “oh shit handle” include hard braking, abrupt cornering, skidding, careening off bridge. It is usually considered polite for driver to warn passengers before they feel obligated to use the “oh shit handle””

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