The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a Japanese sports car based on the Nissan Skyline range. The first GT-Rs were produced from 1969 to 1973. After a 16-year hiatus since the KPGC110 in 1972, the GT-R name was revived in 1989 with the Skyline R32 due to its popularity. The Skyline GT-R became the flagship of Nissan’s performance, showcasing many advanced technologies including the ATTESA E-TS AWD system and the Super-HICAS four-wheel steering.
The GT-Rs remained inexpensive compared to its European rivals, with a list price of ¥4,500,000 (US$31,000). Today, the car is popular for import drag racing, circuit track, time attack, and events hosted by tuning magazines. Production of the Skyline GT-R ended in August 2002. The car was replaced by the Nissan GT-R, an independent vehicle not sold as a Skyline.
About the NISMO Clarion GT-R LM ’95
Nissan’s racing division Nismo prepared GT-R LM machines to enter the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. Every component of the machine was modified in order to withstand the rigors of this grueling race, and it was powered by a 2,568cc inline 6-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers that pumped out over 600hp. The two GT-Rs which were entered displayed impressive performance, with the No.22 car finishing in a respectable 10th place while the No.23 car ran as high as 5th place before it was forced to retire due to mechanical trouble.
- Scale: 1/24
- Decals to depict the No.23 car included.
- Interior details such as roll cage, bucket seat, and race-spec dashboard are included.
- Highly-detailed suspension is equipped with slick tires.
- Chassis under tray parts are molded in clear plastic to allow viewing of the chassis underside mechanisms after assembly.
- Out of print at the time of this entry but might still be available thru other channels.
- Kit Number: Tamiya 24161
- MSRP: $34.99 USD
Finally! One day I had to tackle this pending project. This is the 1/24 Nismo Clarion GT-RLM (Le Mans) from Tamiya. Unlike the 1/24 Porsche 911 Taisan and Opel Astra V8 Coupe, this one did not get the decals that came with it to make it represent the Nismo Clarion GT-RLM. As with the latter 2, this is a curbside model meaning that it has no engine and/or hood to be opened. There is enough detail to give the impression that an engine is present if you look at the model from the bottom. This detail however will be covered by the plates covering the underside.
The car body shell on this Nismo was painted with Tamiya TS-30 Silver Leaf spray paint. Many sponsor decals were used around the model and they are surprisingly for Tamiya very good. From the beginning, I did not want to depict it as the Le Mans ’95 version. Although I have no complaints about the provided decals, the rest of the body color decals don’t look to me like they would have done ‘the trick’. They are slightly transparent -in my view- plus there are a few contours that made me decide not to go with them if I wanted a very good overall finish. The other option would be mixing colors. As you can see on the video below of the original Nismo Clarion, this is not a perfect red color but rather on the ‘pinkish side. I added a square piece of ‘Chrome’ Bare Metal Foil on the body exhaust are fr a more realistic look.
Take it for what is worth: I have Testors Acryl Insignia Red FS31136 and *to my eyes* look like a close match. The body shell was then coated twice with Testors Wet Look Clear Gloss.
If you see some imperfections on the Bridgestone Potenza tires featured on the Nismo bear with me. This is the first time I use such decals. You will get an extra one of both, Bridgestone and Potenza in case you damage one. I found that using a cotton swab soaked with saliva (weird isn’t it) does the trick. You might want to use that cotton swab with warm spring water. Whatever you do, don’t slide the paper holder or you will lose your decals. It was a bit tense moment but hey, there’s always a first time.
In all, the kit has that Tamiya quality we are all used to. The fit was impeccable. Since it is not necessary to cement the body shell to the chassis, one can always go back and revisit the cockpit.
Highly Recommended kit!
My sincere thanks to my wallet for the review sample.
