REVIEW: Kyosho Lamborghini Miura SVR • DiecastSociety.com

REVIEW: Kyosho Lamborghini Miura SVR

One issue that has plagued collectors forever is missing out on that one model.  Waiting too long and finding out there are no more available, and having to pay a premium on the secondary market to get one.  Well, at times manufacturers do dip into their bag of goodies.  And one manufacturer that has many gems from what we consider glory days of collecting is making this somewhat of trend of late.  This is great for many reasons, one of which allows you to finally get that special piece into your collection.

The brand is Kyosho, and their latest re-production is the 1:18 Lamborghini Miura SVR.  We as many others would agree, the Lamborghini Miura is one of the sexiest cars ever developed; within the top three of all-time for sure!  This example is still crafted in good old diecast metal.  This should appeal to some that do not collection resin or composite based.

The packaging has changed from their initial release but has the model?  It now ships in a simple Black box with internal styrofoam shell.  Please read on…

Our example is finished in exterior Red/Black with most of the Black elements relegated to the lower bodywork and rear window area.  As for the painting technique good marks to Kyosho here, colour is consistent, deep and rich throughout.  The coolness factor is amplified with the SVR’s exterior rivet work, which is visible throughout the various exterior elements.  Delightful to see Kyosho maintained this level of detail.

As for shutlines and panel gaps, the model does show its age here, it appears as Kyosho hasn’t improved on the moulds. No bun intended, but there is a slight gap in the level of perfection found in most replicas of the day.  That being said, the model here still performs admirably well in this department.

Starting with the front fascia the integrated headlights do take centre stage.  Craftsmanship is sharp and defined, along with the 3D Lamborghini logo in the centre of the hood.  Lower lighting parts also afford quality materials and perforated grille is present too.

The Lamborghini Miura SVR is a full 360 access reproduction, and this example from Kyosho goes a little bit further more on this below.  In full open exhibition mode, the model is transformer like.  If it doesn’t render you with a grin of satisfaction, we don’t know what will LOL.

The forward sweeping hood provides a wealth of detail inside.  The car’s multiple horns, fuel box, suspension and various other components are carefully defined.  Even the filler cap that protrudes through the hood is accessible.  Also, the two cooling ducts are on top are vented to the outside, however side cooling vents are not.

Moving to the rear section you’ll first notice the top wing.  This example has the small side fins painted to match the car’s exterior.  In past examples, some were released in Black.  Mounting details are shown too.  Note, back in the heyday this model was also produced with the rear wing deleted.  Our hope is Kyosho has a few colours for a re-production release in the works here too.

The rear hood is accessible with a backward sweeping motion.  Before we go inside, we need to note the small storage area integrated into the hood.  As per the original release, access is whatever challenging but with a little determination, you’ll get you inside.  What is presented is executed in plastic, with no flocking available.

Back to the motor, the level detail still astounds even with today’s standards or lack of…  The 12 carburetors are a symphony for the senses, and the related backup hardware is on par too.  Without hesitation, this is one of the coolest motors we experienced in scale ever.

There is even more eye candy from the underside of the model.  This includes the rear and front sections.  Exceptional detail, definitely worth the price of admission.  On the flip side, we did notice the absence of a small reservoir.  The last frame structural bar (Black), in the centre, is missing a small vessel that is found on the older release.

Stance on the Lamborghini Miura SVR is uber cool and the related wheel and tires are stunningly executed too with the exception of one.  The driver’s side is awkwardly attached to a slight angle. Hinting again to quality control absence at the factory.

The meat on the rear shoes are mouth-watering and the tires tucked underneath the fender is on point in our books.  There is no tire script, however, Kyosho does provide a little more in the wheel department, note the small air valve stem at all four corners.  Additionally, the Miura SVR comes fully equipped with an active suspension.  Pretty cool!

The interior is well-appointed and definitely on par with specimens of the past.  The theme here is all Black, the only hint of colour is found within the seat-belt racing harness and a few chrome bits throughout the interior.  Overall, our team is satisfied with the results.  If there was one criticism it would be the material used to execute the seat-belt harness, somewhat thin to the look.

Maybe we’re somewhat biased but we absolutely adore the Kyosho Lamborghini Miura SVR.  We’re excited by it now as well as we were then.  The model does provide the level of realism we believe collectors gravitate too.  Plus, sticks with tried and proven methods of an all diecast metal exterior.  Mated to the full 360 access the Lamborghini Miura SVR does provide an impactful showpiece in open or closed form.

Is the model perfect, no.  We did denote a few minor problems with the model as a whole.  Quality control is a lot better but not yet 100% based on the wheel aligned.  Hopefully, Kyosho will continue to engage its factories here.  In the end, there isn’t anything like this available on the market today.  If you missed out on the last batch, we highly suggested you place the Lamborghini Miura SVR on your shopping list soon.  Enjoy the pics!

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35 Responses to "REVIEW: Kyosho Lamborghini Miura SVR"

  1. James Tanns says:

    I have never understood why the Miura SVR was ever made…take arguably the prettiest car ever made and make it look as ugly as possible! The Miura SVR is absolutely hideous.

    • DS Team says:

      “The Miura SVR is absolutely hideous.”

      No.

      • flathead says:

        Hate to break the news: This is not a Muria SVR; it is the Muria Jota. Major differences are faired-in headlights under plastic covers (Muria SVR has pop ups), wing, and engine detail.

        • DS Team says:

          Something is not adding up… We’re online with Kyosho to clear classification. As our photos are noted with the “jota” in the name, but Kyosho does “Kyosho Lamborghini Miura SVR Red M# 08319R”. A team member’s original from 2010 states the description as “Jota SVR w/ Rear Wing”. TBC, thanks.

        • DS Team says:

          Update. So, as per Kyosho, this is their explanation on the official name.

          “Miura SVR is correct. We previously said JOTA upon approval of Lamborghini but they changed guidelines. Following latest instruction of Lamborghini, we changed to Miura SVR”

      • marco says:

        The model is beautiful, but the plastic support is a headache, the screws have flat heads. How did you guys remove them? thanks.

  2. Marcel171281 says:

    Mmmmmm, looks good… AA has announced the SVR as well, so go for this or wait for AA to release it? The AA will have better panel gaps, but doubt the engine details will be better. Difficult choice.

  3. Robert Chambers says:

    I have to agree that this Miura is pretty ugly. Why do this to a beautiful car?

  4. Roger Lodge says:

    “No. LOL.”

    Franklly, that is all you can say to counter that kind of crap. Thanks for the review!!!!! I just ordered this and am looking forward to seeing it in person. So glad to not have to pay $300 for it on Ebay.

    Now Kyosho…time to reproduce the F40, F355, Testarossa, and 512TR! If anyone has anything against you doing that, they are greedy-ass resellers! They will sell like hotcakes.

    • DS Team says:

      Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We are on the team that appreircates the updates to the standard Miura. No need to to get angry, all good fun here.

      • Roger Lodge says:

        No anger here! Just glad to see a glimmer of hope in the diecast world other than Almost Real. Thanks again for the review. :)

  5. KAI HO LAM says:

    I had over 15 years ago and brought it for my dad from my work. It cost between £49.99 and 54.99 (I can’t remember exactly which) at the time and I think my version was the Jota one.

    My god, was it a heavy piece and the detail was amazing – especially the engine!

    It is nice to see the return of the Muira in this form but I figure the price will be at least double or triple that I paid all those years ago. And would the quality be as good? Times have moved on yes and we expect it to, but with time comes complacency and cost cutting at the expense of the collector

    • DS Team says:

      The model is as good as it was then, not perfect but very good. Price is definitely not on par but this is a common thread in the hobby. Read the review.

  6. Peter Robins says:

    I have to say that the Miura SVR…Jota…Super-Hyper-Techno or whatever it is called should of gone striaght into the bin from the sketch board….what a hideous abomination of the wondeful classic Miura. Buts lets not forgot that many years ago there was also the hideous monstrosity that was the…Walter Wolf Countach!

  7. SolarPros says:

    Find the complete insides on developing the real car (including pictures) here: https://www.heinzsteber.com/jota-svr

    Mr. Steber also claims to be involved in the replicas creation.

    Unfortunately, the site is only available in German.

  8. Peter Artur says:

    I wouldn’t say that I hate the SVR but I do agree that the mods done to the original Miura to create it are pretty ugly. The front chin spoiler is absolutely hilarious and bad…makes the car look as though it has a very bad looking thin beard.

  9. Jay says:

    I understand why there’s a dislike of the real car but Kyosho returning to fully opening diecast manufacturing at a reasonable (hopefully) price can only be a good thing for collectors in the longer term.
    Let’s not forget they’ve also announced the P400S Miura so hopefully we’ll see more colours and more options.

  10. Antonio Balboa says:

    I have this one and the P400S in pre-order. I do not see the moment to have in my hands. It is a good new the return of Kyosho to make full opening diecast models. Also we have to think that the price of these models are reasonable if we compare the actual situation of prices in our hobby.

  11. Karsten says:

    Thanks for the review. It’s definitely good to see Kyosho return to full access diecast. I am in the camp for the purist original uncluttered Miura, though, and encouraged by the review have found me a green SV in mint condition for 250€.

  12. Roger jl says:

    J’aimerais bien que kiosho réalise une belle Honda s800 coupé au 1/18 le cabriolet existe déjà elle aura du succès.

  13. DIEGO says:

    Great review!
    I have this model from the first series, in black with golden stripes and beige interior, and the truth is that after so many years, now it is still a high-quality model. Good for Kyosho in bringing him back to life. It would be nice if Kosho not only recovers old molds but starts making new models as well.

  14. Benz says:

    I have this exact same model received a few weeks ago. When I unboxed it, I discovered that the rear wing was not attached which made me wonder whether it was actually optional until I saw that it had broken off. Glued it back on & luckily no other issues. It has some nice weight to it too, not too heavy but sufficient heft. The best part was the price, it was higher (but not significantly so) than LCD’s Huayra Roadster and cheaper than AUTOart’s composite Aventadors with free shipping to boot

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