After taking a look at model brands we reviewed in the past, I noticed we do not have a review of any models from LS Collectibles, so when I got my hands on the recently released Maserati Shamal, I thought a review should follow.

The story of LS Collectibles is a bit of a mystery, marked by a sudden disappearance half a decade ago, and an unexpected “ghost” comeback.

In the past, LS Collectibles produced some popular Japanese 1:18 resin models, focusing on 80s and 90s Japanese icons such as the Mitsubishi Starion, Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Acura Integra, and a few others. They did throw in a few German and American cars into the mix as well. What happened after? I was certain the company vanished, as their official website disappeared, and their social media channels went silent.

Some say that LS Collectibles was closely linked to Top Marques, and both brands operated out of the same address with similar production styles. Back then, LS Collectibles faced backlash for quality issues and unfulfilled orders. Fast forward to now, and an unexpected reappearance of LS Collectibles came to light. Could this mean it hasn’t stayed completely dead? Well, for about a year or two now, some new announcements and lists have appeared. I truly hope they still make a long-time announced GMC Typhoon and Dodge Stealth – I have my fingers crossed.

Now let’s take a look at the Maserati Shamal – a car introduced in late 1989 as the ultimate evolution of the Biturbo family. Designed by the legendary Marcello Gandini, the car featured a muscular and aggressive look. It was characterized by signature flares and asymmetric rear wheel arches – a design cue also seen on the Lamborghini Countach, designed by him as well.

Under the hood, the Maserati Shamal was equipped with a newly developed 3.2-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which in turn produced around 326 horsepower. Paired with a six-speed Getrag manual transmission, it could reach a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.3 seconds – quite impressive numbers for the start of the 1990s.

Despite its impressive performance and striking design, the Shamal remains one of Maserati’s most exclusive models, with only 369 units produced between 1990 and 1996. Its luxurious interior featured lavish Connolly leather, wood trim, and an iconic Maserati oval clock on the dashboard.

LS Collectibles Maserati Shamal model comes packaged in an oversized black box on the outside, and a Styrofoam shell on the inside. Unless they plan to produce some massive trucks, I am not sure what the need is for such a large box – it only takes more storage space. The outer box is labelled “LS050A Maserati Shamal red: (please note other colours are also offered) and an individual limited production number out of 500 is displayed.

Now here is where things get interesting. After unscrewing the model and looking underneath, there is no mention of LS Collectibles or the limited production number on the model. What this means is that the actual model is unlabeled, unbranded, and if you lost the box and forgot who made it, this would be an unbranded model. I find this extremely strange. If anyone bought this model, would you be able to check if it is consistent with your example as well?

Out of the box, I can definitely see some shortcomings – this is unfortunate, as this model costs more than better quality models from brands such as GT Spirit. Paint execution of red is mostly smooth, however black painted bits could use some refinement. Trim areas around the side windows are poorly done – they are not properly adhered to both sides and are left hanging. And the window wipers- I am sorry, but they are very inaccurate. The raised aero element that looks like a spoiler running across the width of the front hood (just before the wipers) should be open, but instead it’s just a sealed piece – again not accurate.

At the front, perforation does not exist, and four square lights on the bottom of the bumper have a lot to be desired – they look toyish and are too small. Front light lenses should be clear and not foggy-looking. On the positive side, the Maserati logo and scripted license plate give the model a nice visual look.

At the back, the model is satisfactory. Exhaust pipes are nicely finished and have good depth. Taillights have a smoked look, which is true to the original car. The Maserati emblem looks premium; however top part does not adhere to the model’s trunk. I do appreciate the silver key lock, and the Maserati license plate adds to the overall ambiance.

From the side, the rear wheel arch should be sharper – it is too rounded on the model. I do appreciate the black logo on the fuel door and the inclusion of a silver key lock on the door handle. The Shamal script on the side pillar is present too. The side turning signal is a separate piece of orange plastic – I can definitely appreciate that.

Inside, the model is satisfactory with cloth seat belts and a wooden-looking gear shift knob. Buttons have pictures on them, and the gauge cluster is replicated in the form of a decal.

Rims finished in silver are acceptable, and valve stems are present. Calipers and discs are visible too. Tires have thread patterns, but there is no branding on the sidewall.

So how would I sum everything up? Well, this is a love it and hate it story. I love the subject matter – the Shamal is such an icon of the 90s, but I feel it deserves better. There are a lot of shortcomings here; I feel models priced at half the price are executed better (OttoMobile, as an example). Even Kess, a company that made the Maserati Shamal a decade ago, executed it with more refinement. Maybe this is a lesson for LS Collectibles – read the review and do better next time. You got me on subject matter, but lost me on execution. If they still make the GMC Typhoon and Dodge Stealth and do not improve, it will be another one of those situations where heart battles refinement.