The Japanese market seems to get something special and exclusive from their home car brands and this Nissan 240 ZG was no exception.  This very rare model was produced to allow the 240 to be homologated in Group 4 (GT and rally).  The 1972 Nissan 240 ZG is characterized by a “G-nose”, featuring special fenders, fiberglass body elements and protected lights which enhance its aerodynamic performance.  It was paired with a 2.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission, built with speed and agility in mind.  While primarily used for racing, a very limited number of them were produced for the Japanese market, making it a rare and sought-after collector car today.  OttOmobile produced a 1:18 scale model of the exact car, and today I am going to review it for you.

This model comes packaged in a white exterior cardboard-style box, with a usual picture of the model placed on the front side to identify which model is inside.  Inside, you will find a styrofoam casing, with the model held tight by mounting screws.  It is worth mentioning that some extra decals and emblems are included (just in case you ever lose one) – this is OttOmobile’s usual trend and is always appreciated. 

This 1972 Nissan Fairlady 240 ZG is finished in “grand prix” red colour, with some additional darker elements including side fenders and front bumper.  Paint execution is smooth and evenly applied on the resin body shell.  Dark grey metallic paint on the front bumper and fenders breaks up the red, giving it somewhat of a two-tone feel.  OttOmobile has done well with all shut lines – grooves are clearly defined with no paint seeping into them.   

Windows fit well all around the model, and I do appreciate all the silver outlines which represent chrome components.  Chrome could have been used instead, but I know in the past some manufacturers had problems with it peeling off over time, so I think silver paint on this model will remedy the issue for longevity.  One thing that I would like to point out is rain grooves, which run on top of the side windows.  Under close inspection, you will notice that the silver paint in this area could use some refinement.  I do appreciate the extra effort OttOmobile put into painting door handles and key locks, which even have a black vertical line where you would insert a key. 

This is also similarly executed in the gas tank door.  Side turning markers are outlined and a radio antenna is present too.  Fairlady 240Z badging on both sides of the front fenders is present, true and accurate to the original.  Speaking of the fenders, there are silver dots all around to simulate all the bolts – this again shows attention to little things.

On the inside, you will find mostly black ambience, and this is indeed true to the pictures of an original I found on the internet.  There are of course, some colourful bits such as a brown steering wheel and the top of the gear lever, which simulate the wood of the original.  There are also some silver bits on the center console and gauges too.  Overall, I think the interior is very acceptable and on par with offerings within budget models in this price range.   

At the front, I do like the large, clear light housings and silver paint surrounding their outline.  After comparing with pictures of the real car online, I do, however, feel they should be extending even lower and touching the bumper.  I do admire the execution of small black mirrors, and the bulge on the hood is accurate too.  The Z logo emblem shows some thickness, and the turning signal lenses are placed correctly.  The selected Nissan branding license plate completes the package.  

At the back, this model does not disappoint.  Taillights are true to the original as there is a dark painted section around and in between them.  The rear spoiler is proportioned well, and the Fairlady 240Z scripts add to the overall realistic appeal.  The rear window defogger lines are vertical and look well placed.  The single exhaust tip shows adequate size and depth.  Simple and to the point, Nissan’s license plate follows the same theme as the one found at the front.

Moving onto the rims and tires, the rims are executed in dark grey metallic with four bolts finished in contrasting silver.  Tires have tread patterns, however, there is no size or manufacturer branding present.  Rotors and brake calipers are on point and valve stems are present too.   Wheels do not steer, and this seems to be the in-line with other resin model manufacturers.   

To summarize things, I think this is a very respectable budget resin model by OttOmobile.  I think they did a good job of capturing real cars in a 1:18th scale.  OttOmobile is doing a great job with their limited number of production-run models at an attractive price point, making them very difficult to pass on… and this one is no exception!