When this KK-Scale 1982 Lamborghini Jalpa 3500 model was announced in the news section here on Diecast Society, I got very excited. Reading some of the comments from other collectors confirmed I was not the only one. In my opinion Lamborghini Jalpa is an overlooked automobile by scale model car makers. I could not quite pinpoint why no one even attempted to make one in 1:18 scale. After all, it is still a bull – timid or not, still beautiful in my eyes. The wait is finally over – KK-Scale has put that drought to extinction. I would like to applaud them on this forgotten specimen, currently available in 4 colours, subsequently giving us options for that favourite spec or two.

The Lamborghini Jalpa was an underrated predecessor to the Gallardo and Huracan. It seems it was a forgotten Lamborghini of the 80s most likely because Countach took the entire spotlight. Japla was a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car equipped with 3.5 litre V8 engine producing 255 horsepower. Its role was to be a more affordable Lamborghini with better visibility than its flagship big brother Countach. Without any more details, let’s jump into a review of 1:18 KK-Scale 1982 Lamborghini Jalpa 3500 die-cast model

This model is packaged in a familiar KK-Scale 1:18th scale presentation box, with clear plastic exposing views of the specimen from the top, front and both sides. Looking at the model inside a box, I am pleased to see the inclusion of a hard top which is secured in a protective plastic compartment secured to the back wall. I think KK-Scale’s choice of tan interior over the red exterior colour combination creates a good overall contrast.

As with KK-Scale usual choice of material, this model is crafted in die-cast metal, with a little bonus Targa roof reproduced in plastic. There are no opening parts; however, displaying the model topless will ensure good visibility of the interior. Personally, I wish the model had opening pop-up lights as that defines an 80s exotic look to me.

Red glossy paint is applied evenly on the die-cast body shell. On the flip side, plastic targa roof has some issues. First, there is a paint mismatch – it looks darker than the model itself. Its alignment with the model is also not perfect – please take a look at the close-up pictures. Also, when flipped upside down, there is a noticeable amount of sloppy red paint overspray. I know this is a budget model, but this should have never passed the quality control department. On a positive note, if you display the model with the roof on, you will probably never notice it.

As this is a closed body shell model, door shut lines are on point and I do like the inclusion of windows on both doors. They fill the frame tightly and have all the necessary black outlines including little triangle windows at the front of both doors. This gives the model an overall enhanced look and adds to the realism.

Interior of this Jalpa is a blend of tan, black and brown and looks quite welcoming. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a few drawbacks. The shiny brown floor has no carpeting and looks very basic – almost too basic in my opinion. Black bits are on point with buttons showing their purpose symbols. On the flip side, the tan paint application is a little thin in some areas of the console. Maybe applying a second coat would have fixed that.

At the front, I do like the Lamborghini badge and “Jalpa” license plate below – a great way to identify a car. The black coloured bumper is indeed colour correct. Pop-up lights are in the permanently closed position. All the other light lenses are separate plastic pieces and look acceptable. on my example, the driver fog light is a little angled – I am sure this is just a quality control issue. There are no perforated grilles at the front, and that is expected for a model in this price range.

At the back, this model looks very good. Black Lamborghini script, a bull badge and Jalpa 3.5 script are all where they should be. Rear lights are acceptable for a budget model and the Jalpa license plate again identifies the car – this time from the back. I quite like this approach. Exhaust pipes show good depth and are painted black inside too.

Moving on to rims and tires – I think it is worth mentioning tires can be rolled and turned in both directions. The rim design does not allow for any brake caliper or disc visibility. This is accurate with the real car and there is nothing to fault here. I do feel rims could use some refinement as one rim on my example looks like it has curb scrapes. Tires show thread, however there is no tire branding.

To sum things up, this model could not come soon enough. I definitely like this spec chosen by KK-Scale. It is one of those models where I can close my eyes on some imperfections and accept it the way it is. My only wish would be working pop-up lights. In a showcase, it does look good and adapts itself well with other higher-end Lamborghini models. I am happy KK-Scale gave us a forgotten fruit, which will now ripen in collections around the globe.