REVIEW: Tarmac Works Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR (1998) • DiecastSociety.com

REVIEW: Tarmac Works Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR (1998)

We have something new at DiecastSociety.com, our first review of a Tarmac Works product.  The model under the microscope today is the 1:18 Tarmac Works Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR (1998).  The Lancer Evo is completed in resin with closed body design.  Retail is north of $200CND, and it is currently available in White, Yellow and Silver, with the latter featured here.

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As with the usual protocol, if the item is new to our website, I usually like to start with the packaging.  Nothing really new here, cardboard outter box with styrofoam inner clam-shell.  The unique thing about the packaging is the exterior graphics, the box is made to resemble a metal shipping container, and includes the typical numerical markers and what not.  Very cool!  Each piece also comes with a certificate (limited production), and also includes a plastic display base with badge.  The overall package is sharp, to say the least.

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The exterior of the Lancer Evo is completed in Silver.  Paint is clean and lush, very well executed front to back.  Tarmac Works do a great job at capturing the essence of the original 1:1 – body lines and fine detail is found and crafted meticulously throughout.  This includes some the smaller elements like the orange side indicators, rear wiper (found on the back window) and more.  Now commonplace with all resin/sealed models, shutlines and panel gaps are excellent.  As they should be!

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I also wanted to point out the excellent finish work on the windows throughout the model.  The trim and application of each is done perfectly, it looks authentic, and no gaps exposing ugly glue residue of any kind.

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The front of the Lancer Evo is where the model starts to excel over other brands who offer resin replicas.  Fully perforated grilles raise the bar, even the two intakes on top of the hood are perforated.  Well done Tarmac Works!  Every curve and line are defined sharply  and integrated elements of the front bumper are crafted well.  Excellent sanding technique and no glue residue found anywhere.  Even the headlight, indicators and secondary lighting have quality materials and finish.

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The rear is littered with metal decals.  There is one also for the key/access for the truck (I think it is the lock lol).  Tail light execution is really nice, top-end materials again at play.  Exhaust tip is nicely finished too.  The underbelly is somewhat bare, typical of resin pieces, though Tarmac Works did highlight the drive-train and exhaust elements in silver.

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Wheels and tires are on par with the other exterior bits.  They spin too, which is more than we can say of other brands such as OttOmobile and GT Spirit.  At first glance I thought there was a paint quality control issue with the rims, but in fact the issue turned out to be the script for OZ Racing wheels. So small but they managed to execute on point.

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The interior of the Lancer Evo is where the model stumbles somewhat, definitely not on par with the rest of the model.  Materials are too generic and the finish detail should be more representative of the $200+ price point.  There is no carpeting found either.  On the flip side, fabric seat-belts with metal buckles are found front and rear.  Also the interesting checker pattern found on the interior seating is done well.

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Tarmac Works Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR wins only many levels.  I was very impressed with the exterior detail, some of the best I’ve seen in resin.  Attention to detail is very good.  However the model is less than perfect once you move on to the interior.  More work and attention is definitely required.  A thought for Tarmac Works, consider removing the supplied base and direct the savings into a more fitting interior.  On the whole, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR is highly recommended, a nice addition to any JDM collection.  Enjoy the pics!

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3 Responses to "REVIEW: Tarmac Works Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR (1998)"

  1. Roberto says:

    My favorite era of Evolution! Impressive model with an impressive price tag. Will consider.

  2. slartibartfast229 says:

    Otto and GT Spirit wheels/axles will spin if you apply a little bit of rotational pressure. Glue is used to hold the brake disks in place during assembly, and can be worked loose with no obvious drawbacks. So much so, I often remove the bottom of the model to clear away the glue around the mounting points, and then the floor can be re-attached with rotating axles fully operational. Also – there are plastic mesh pieces in the front intakes of my Mustang GT350R and my Focus RS……

  3. Giorgio says:

    the windows on the side are flat. They are not on the real car. Quite a common flaw on scale models that use that thin plastics for windows. I’d have to love a specific car a lot to buy a model of it and put up with side windows like that.

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