1:18 Nissan Skyline (R34) GT-R JGTC

[Petrolhead]

Here are two 1:18 Nissan Skyline (R34) GT-R JGTC 2002 models by AutoArt.
Both these models are what AutoArt calls 'Commemorative Editions'.Like many racing car models by AutoArt,they are sealed with no opening features.What sets these 'Commemorative Edition' pieces apart is the inclusion of a realistic figurine of the driver behind the wheel as well as the acrylic display case with a base plate.Both models seen below are limited to a production run of 1000 pieces.
The Calsonic #12 car had Kazuyoshi Hoshino in the driver's seat and the Xanavi Nismo #22 racer was driven by Satoshi Motoyama in the Japanese Grand Touring Car (JGTC) Championship in 2002.

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Among the few differences between these two are the wing mirrors and the placement of the roof antenna.Besides the liveries obviously.


Special 'Commemorative Edition' boxes.

And here are the drivers these special models were crafted to celebrate.

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Motoyama on the left.And Hoshino on the right.

And now for some photos of the display set that accompanies each of these.




Parting shot features one of my favourite set of details.Those cool intake scoops at the base of the rear windshield.

[channabasanna]

Nice pics Siddanth i like them both.

[Guggga]

Excellent detailing! Pity they are sealed though.
Nice additions to your Nissan GTR series!

[Petrolhead]

Thanks for looking,guys!!

[Stickshift]

Nice collection for the GTR series. Most impressive.

[srinjayray]

Rare stuff!!! I would really love to have a close look at the details of the figurines by Autoart!!!

[Petrolhead]

Thanks for the encouragement,folks!
Srinjay,the figurines are nicely detailed but since the models are sealed,you cannot even open the doors to take a closer look at them.I should point out that this 'Commemorative Edition' hoopla is just a gimmick by AutoArt to cash in on this mold.You can choose to buy the same model without the fancy box,acrylic display case with base plate and the driver figurine.And the normal versions aren't even limited to 1000 pieces.I wish AutoArt had atleast made the doors openable for these 'Driver Edition' pieces so the figurines could be better viewed.

[winstoncds]

Even though I thoroughly hate Autoart for their gimmicks and stupidity in making sealed models, I have to admit that the finish and attention to detail on the exteriors of these models is absolutely fantastic. I was rather blown away by the details on the Supras and GTRs and Bentleys...but the fact that there would be no engine to see really turned me off. What lost potential!

[Cyrus43]

These cars were available for less than £20 a year ago and I didn't bother. Dammit!!

[Petrolhead]

I agree,Winston.The exterior detailing really is fantastic.I passed on the Supra when it was available only to regret it ever since.But I didn't make the same mistake with the Aston Martin DBR9 and Bentley Speed 8 LeMans both of which I have and absolutely adore.The absence of an engine to look at does annoy but I don't regret picking up any of the (quite a few) sealed 1:18 racing cars by AutoArt I have.And it looks like AutoArt's noticed the lost potential too because they haven't made a sealed body racer in a very long time.But if I'm honest,they haven't made as many racers in a very long time.