In its short 20-year existence this brand has definitely left a mark with fans of automobiles alike.  They are De Tomaso.  Known for their mid-engine sports car and their mix of European styling and American muscle, the marque still carries a strong flame with individuals all over the globe.  The model here is the Kyosho 1:18 scale example of the De Tomaso Pantera GT4.  A rare diecast metal offering from Kyosho that does feature full 360 access with some unique touches too.

The exterior of the Pantera GT4 is completed in Blue/Matt Black finish.  What differentiates this exterior here from Kyoho’s earlier release of the Pantera L is the added fender flares and no-nonsense race-like appearance.  The paint application on our example is very good.  There are some areas (front section of doors) where the paint is a little too thick.  We’re no Pantera authority by any stretch of the imagination, and finding any articles and images of the GT4 is somewhat challenging, to say the least.  Based on what we could find the overall appearance, style and design are here.  Any De Tomaso authorities in the house?  Please comment further.

As for panel gaps and shutlines, decent, but we do have some challenges overall all.  More quality control issues are found here, this is a pickle that has plagued Kyosho since moving factories.  One would think by now they would have found a solution by now or do they choose to ignore a deal with the high volume of returns?

The front of the GT4 is more race-like.  Note the absence of the bumpers on either side and the small, sportier look of the side indicator lights.  Below the open areas are crafted with metal grilles which are a plus!  However, the application of the upper piece is poor with glue exposure and overall fitment.  Someone was rushed at the assembly plant.  A little more care and focus could have offered better results.

You may have noticed the small nipple to the lower right side.  That is the lever to open the pop-up headlights.  Yes, pop-up headlights!  Something that was so commonplace back in the day is now so much more valued.  Our example opened and closed without issue.

Access to the front is provided. The hinge work is somewhat primitive but it works.  Our example was extremely flimsy, so flimsy in fact we thought during initial opening it was a separate piece from the body.  Also, the fitment isn’t great either and the panel gap to the right with shutline is pushing the limits for our liking. Also, note the exposed hinge from the front view.

Inside the detail is quite neat – you’ll find braking apparatus, battery and cooling fans.  One difference we did notice over the Pantera L is the GT4 does not have any flocking.  Not sure is this is spec to the GT4 platform.

The ass-end of the GT4 is all business once again, the race-inspired rear displays an all-Black exhaust with tips pointing downwards.  Note the nice detail of the motor and suspension bits in the lower middle section.  Did we forget to mention, this model comes fully equipped with a working independent suspension!  Taillights are quality pieces as well as the small De Tomaso badge bottom right of the rear hatch.

Speaking about the rear hatch, there is a notable bumper in the upper right-hand section, to the right of the hinge.  We don’t know how QC missed this one!  Inside the motor is revealed.  Hatch is supported by two struts and operation is flawless on our example.

As for the motor, it is basically the same as what is found in the Pantera L.  Exception the motor block is painted Red.  Also, other differences include no rear window is found in the hatch, no upper motor shroud is available, and the removable liner found in the Pantera L is not found with the GT4 version.  Again, possible trademarks of the GT4 platform.  Overall the results here are very good.

The wheels on the GT4 are decent, nothing over the top.  Painted in Silver, the front and rears are different in size.  That’s some serious dish on the rear!  No braking components are revealed most likely due to the bulky wheel design.

The tires are a bone of contention, we don’t like the slicks being used something with a trend pattern is a must, as this vehicle would have been used primarily on the road than track.  Also, the overall tire size/sidewall in the front might be out of spec too. More about the working suspension.  It seems one of our shocks have inspired a leak and requires replacement LOL, as you most likely have noticed in the available photos (see the front view above) the model does lean horribly.

Inside the interior in our opinion is quite good.  Did you notice the race-inspired windows that actually work?  A very cool feature Kyosho!  The added detail to the Silver painted elements throughout the interior is a nice touch too.  However, there are a few items we need to mention.  Seatbelts harness is great on the driver side but there is nothing to show on the passenger side.  And what is more puzzling there are holes with the seats as found on the driver side for the harness.  Is this Kyosho being cheap?  Also, no interior flocking is found either, though this can be attributed to the overall race definition.

We have a real love-hate relationship with the Kyosho De Tomaso Pantera GT4.  We really wanted Kyosho to succeed with this latest release.  The good old feel of a diecast metal replica is definitely found here. This will surely inspire those that will not collect anything other than metal!  The added elements of pop-up headlights, sliding windows and working suspension are a true invitation to buy!  However, their biggest challenge, and is one that has been pointed out prior is QUALITY CONTROL.  It is poor, well below the industry average.  We will still recommend the De Tomaso Pantera GT4, but we highly suggest you inspect the model in person to ensure it meets your standards.  Enjoy the pics!