Category Archives: Mitsubishi

OttO Mobile July/August 2023

By Maz Woolley

Otto and GT Spirit are produced for the same French based company in China. Otto tends to specialise in out of production models and GT Spirit on the latest sports and performance cars, though there are exceptions to this. Most of Ottos products are to made to 1:18 scale, though GT Spirit produce 1:18, 1:12 and 1:18 scale models. Both firms make sealed resin products with no opening components of any kind and claim that this allows for a much higher quality finish to be achieved. Both are premium priced products when compared to Solido or Norev metal 1:18/1:12 scale models.

The models shown below are all releases announced by Otto for July/August this year. The images are publicity photographs or computer generated mock ups of pre-production models and may differ slightly from the models eventually released later this year.

The most exciting choice for UK Collectors is likely to be the first version from Otto of the MG 160ZR . This was one of the cars still in production the day that the Rover Group Longbridge factory closed and is bound to be a popular model here in the UK especially as the steering appears to be right hand drive and these early 2000s Rover Group cars have been scarcely modelled in any scale. There is a 1:43 scale white metal Kit of the ZR from K&R Replicas but this is not easy to produce to a good standard. The ZR160 was a 1.8 with nearly 160bhp and a top speed of over 130 mph. It was a heavily tweaked and tuned car based on the tamer Rover 25. I expect that a racing green version will follow in due course as that was a popular choice on the real car.


Otto Mobile


OT1003 Toyota Yaris GR Red 2021

OT1006 BMW E46 M3 Convertible Grey 2004

OT1020 BMW E61 M5 Touring Black 2004

OT1021 VW Jetta MK2 Black 1987

OT409 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IV White Rally Catalunya 1997

OT413 VW Golf VIII R Lapiz Blue

OT416 MG 160ZR Blue 2001

OT423 VW Tiguan R Blue 2021
OT430 Renault Espace 3 Green 2001

OT431 Skoda Octavia WRC White Rallye Monte Carlo 2003

OT890 Honda Civic Type R GT FK8 Spec Red 2020

OT998 Renault 4L JP4 Red 1987

We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page or email the Editors at maronlineeditor at gmail.com.

Oh Mitsubishi, Where Art Thou?

By Dillon Taylor

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

In the 1980s, Mitsubishi’s fortunes looked bright. After about a decade of participating in an agreement for Chrysler to sell Mitsubishis as captive imports in United States MoPar dealers, Mitsubishi established a dealer network in 1982 to sell its own, Mitsubishi-branded cars.

In its home market, there was even more reason for optimism. The Japanese Bubble Economy was emerging, and the buying public had more money to spend on cars that were increasingly viewed as status symbols. Similarly fueled by the high octane economy, Japanese manufacturers were also flush with funds, and they were happy to satisfy the public’s thirst by producing more and more expensive cars that contained new and experimental technology to justify their cost.

In 1986, Mitsubishi updated its flagship model, the Debonair, during this heated Japanese economy. Introduced in the 1960s, Mitsubishi originally intended the Debonair for a niche group of elites and moguls in Japan. However, as the general public became more status conscious in the 1980s and benefited from the Economic Bubble, more folks were interested in an exclusive car like the Debonair.

While the earlier generation of the Debonair was conservatively styled and marketed to the older executive class, the new generation car featured angular, de rigueur 1980s styling and Mitsubishi’s first V6 engine. The new Debonair also contained novel technological toys meant to entice the buying public, such as a built-in air purifier that operated automatically when the cigar lighter was pushed, and stereo buttons located on the steering wheel. Underscoring its new mission to appeal to a larger class of younger professionals, Mitsubishi even worked with AMG (yes, that AMG) to provide a special tuned (and decal-ed) version of the Debonair. Sales of the new car increased by nearly 3000% over the previous generation.

This generation of the Debonair lasted until 1990 and would be supplanted in Mitsu’s lineup by a car with which we would be familiar in the U.S., the Diamante. Alas, the Bubble Economy chapter in Japan was closing, and cars such as the Diamente, though less weird than the Debonaire, were also much less ambitious efforts no longer aimed at capturing the public’s imagination.

Although Mitsubishi made a halfhearted effort to resurrect the Debonair with a new generation in 1992, the fortunes of Debonair and, more generally, Mitsubishi, would fade as the 90s progressed. Many Mitsubishi models would disappear in the 90s and 00s. Today, there are few Mitsubishi models available for sale abroad or even in Japan.

This 1:43 Mitsubishi Debonair by Hi Story reminds me of happier days for the company. The styling of this Debonair is also reminiscent of my dad’s Mitsubishi Tredia (I’d love to find one of those in 1/43) that he owned in the 1980s. Finished to Hi Story’s typically excellent standards, all the details on this model are excellent and to scale.


We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page or email the Editors at maronlineeditor at gmail.com.

A Fictitious Mitsubishi Pajero

By Frank Koh

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Diapet T-94 Off-Road Rally-Car, 1:40 scale

From the 1960s thru the early ’90s, the Diapet diecast model vehicle division of Japanese toy giant Yonezawa came out with some really brilliant cars and trucks, replete with play value but at the same time characterized by exceptional accuracy and realism. This 1:40 scale, first generation Mitsubishi Pajero fictitious rally vehicle (intentionally) mis-labeled as an “Off-Road-Rally Car” is certainly not one of them.

In the early nineties, Yonezawa Toys must have taken its excellent 1:40 scale casting of the first generation 1982-91 Mitsubishi Pajero 3-door SUV and modified it into this comical blob. This was a miserably failed attempt to replicate a second generation Paris-Dakar-type rally version of the second generation 1992-99 Pajero. Even the Mitsubishi name disappeared from the packaging, presumably to forestall any intellectual property issues.

“Powerd” by the spelling bee champion! And where are the taillights? Don’tcha just love toy vehicles that were designed as manufacturing afterthoughts?

A quartet of high “powerd” driving lights, but where are the headlights? From this angle, the cowl, windshield and doors of the first generation Pajero can be clearly picked out, but the rest of the unit is styled after the second generation Pajero. This is last-minute repurposing in its rawest form.

The best of the bunch is always the first one. Just look at the astounding realism and accuracy of Yonezawa Diapet’s black “original” Mitsubishi Pajero as it was first released around 1982. The subsequent “Ralliart” Pajero in the center would have looked a lot more convincing if Yonezawa didn’t use those toy-like oversize wheels and tires. But still, the overall look is still that of the first generation Pajero, because the body casting of the original issue was carried over in its totality. And those graphics are what makes the piece so desirable.

Perhaps the designer of the repurposed/recycled yellow unit had too much to drink when the final renderings were submitted to the equally inebriated/stoned production committee. This is what diecast model industry dreams (rather, nightmares) are made of…

The end result is a fictitious but nonetheless quaint and entertaining take on what would have been an “Off Road Rally Car Sponsored by Diapet”. The graphic artist who finalized the lettering was either intoxicated out of his gourd, unable to read and write simple English words, or both. What an outlandish concept. I love it.


We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page or email the Editors at maronlineeditor at gmail.com.

AutoWorld 2022

By Maz Woolley

Round 2 produce many well known American model brands. From slot cars from AW, Johnny Lightning and AW diecasts to classic American kit brands like Lindberg and MPC. This article looks at some Auto World new releases in 1:64 due in the course of 2022 .

The AutoWorld brand prides itself on making true to scale 1:64 scale models – a reference to competitors such as Hot Wheels which are only about 1:64 scale in many cases.

1986-89 MITSUBISHI STARION

This pre-production sample shows that this vehicle from the 1980s has been well captured by the toolmakers. The single flat colour is used to help the engineers to assess any changes needed to the model unimpeded by printing. This model is expected later in 2022 after minor amendments when it will be issued with surface printing to recreate the Starion in detail.


2017 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED CHIEF EDITION

Another pre-production sample subject to minor changes on release. This introduces an updated Wrangler for the AW range. This has the new Power Dome hood, revised wheels, and is liveried in the Chief package. This will be available in Rhino colour (Dark Grey) and in Acid Yellow. Both feature a white roof. This model is expected to ship in Q3 2022.


2020 SHELBY GT500

This pre-production sample is a brand new 2020 Shelby GT500 Carbon Fiber Track Pack. It will be available in Grabber Lime or Rapid Red. And will replicate all the options like carbon fibre spoiler and wheels. It will even features considerable detail on the modelled engine – a 760hp V8. Unusually in this scale considerable detail will be included in side the car as well as out. This is due in Q2 2022.


1984-1990 DODGE CARAVAN & PLYMOUTH VOYAGER

These models are due late in 2022 and so are currently at an earlier development stage. The prototypes are 3D printed from the data to be used to create the moulds. This is intended to forma whole family of vans marketed as both Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. These were front-drive unibody designs which were part of the trend for popular suburban utilities with lots of space for family activities. Four different front ends will allow the vans to be released in both brands and in early and later turbo versions.


1973 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1

This model should be available about now. This is a development of the existing Mustang Mach 1 casting. This has been facelifted for 1973 with revised front end features. This will be available in medium copper and ivy bronze poly colours,


1991-93 MITSUBISHI 3000GT

The Dodge Stealth R/T from the 1990s entered the AW range last year. Now the ‘sister’ Mitsubishi 3000 GT is to be produced. The opening hood highlights the twin turbo engine. This complex sports car will be appearing in the range later in 2022.


We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page or email the Editors at maronlineeditor at gmail.com.

Some More New Models for 2022

By Maz Woolley

Model Car Group

Model Car Group (MCG) of Germany have models diecast to 1:18 scale in China. They have recently announced some new models for 2022 including some ‘old timers’. As ever these pictures are based on samples and the final production models will be subject to improvements and changes.

18160 BMW 730i (E32) Metallic Blue 1992 7 Series
18161 BMW 730i (E32) Metallic Grey 1992 7 Series
18162 BMW 730i (E32) Metallic Black 1992 7 Series
18286 Citroen 5 CV Red 1922
18287 Opel 4 PS Blue 1922
18290 BMW 2000 (Typ 121) Silver 1966
18291 BMW 2000 (Typ 121) Dark Blue 1966

Para64

Paragon are perhaps best known for their range of 1:18 scale models. They introduced a 1:64 scale range last year and have announced several new models expected to arrive in Q1 2022. These are premium 1:64 models with a lot of detail, accurate wheels, and quality paint and finish. They are a similar level of quality to TSM’s Mini GT range. Like Mini GT many models are issued in LHD and RHD form and only single images are issued to cover both ‘handed’ versions.

55143 Liberty Walk BMW i8 Peppermint Green/Black (LHD)
55146 Liberty Walk BMW i8 Black and Grey (LHD)
65331 Audi e-tron GT Daytona Grey (RHD) – 55331 Audi e-tron GT Daytona Grey (LHD)
65332 Audi e-tron GT Tango Red (RHD) – 55332 Audi e-tron GT Tango Red (LHD)
65371 RUF CTR2 (Based on Type 993 generation 911) Silver (RHD) – 55371 RUF CTR2 Silver (LHD)
PAR 65372 RUF CTR2 (based on Type 993 generation 911) Blossom Yellow (RHD) – PAR 55372 RUF CTR2 Blossom Yellow (LHD)
PAR 65137 Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO Martinique Yellow Pearl (RHD) – PAR 55137 Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO Martinique Yellow Pearl (LHD)
PAR 65138 Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO Mariana Blue Metallic (RHD) – PAR 55138 Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO Mariana Blue Metallic (LHD)

We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page or email the Editors at maronlineeditor at gmail.com.

Paragon Para 64

By Maz Woolley

Paragon is a brand of Jaditoys who appear to be based in Hong Kong. They produce diecast models to 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64 scales. The models shown below are all in their 1:64 scale and were originally announced for late in 2020 but which UK importers now suggest will arrive in UK in 2021. The 1:64 scale models are in the 64Para range and appear to be of a similar standard to the TSM MiniGT range.

Like TSM 1:64 models the Paragon ones usually come in both left and right hand drive.

Audi RS Q8 (LHD) Dragon Orange
Audi RS Q8 (RHD) Dragon Orange

Audi RS Q8 (LHD) White
Audi RS Q8 (RHD) White


BMW M8 Coupe (LHD) Donington Grey Metallic
BMW M8 Coupe (RHD) Donington Grey Metallic

BMW M8 Coupe (LHD) White
BMW M8 Coupe (RHD) White

Mitsubishi GTO #3 1996 ‘Puma’ N1 Endurance Series
Suzuka 1000km Green/White

We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page or email the Editors at maronlineeditor at gmail.com.

News From the Continent – Norev – August 2019

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

Norev have vehicles diecast in China for France to a variety of scales and to various levels of detail. This article looks at the models planned for June and July so all should now be available.

June Releases

1:18 Scale

188484 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1977 – white


1:43 Scale

151395 Citroen 2CV Dagonet 1956 – red

151396 Citroen 2CV Dagonet Rallye des Charentes 1956

800173 Mitsubishi Galant GTO 1970 – orange

800168 Mitsubishi Galant FTO GSR 1973 – light green

800192 Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR 1973 – dark green

517417 Renault Twingo 2019 – Pistache green

517587 Renault Clio 2019 – Flame red

517588 Renault Clio R.S. Line 2019 – pearl white

July Releases

1:18 Scale

182753 AC Cobra 289 1963 – blue metallic

183262 BMW M535i 1986 – red

181523 Citroen CX 2000 saloon 1974 – Delta blue metallic

187577 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 1978 – silvergreen metallic

187578 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 1978 -light blue


1:43 Scale

351311 Mercedes-Benz GLC 2015 – black

351312 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2015 – black

870017 Volvo V60 2018 – bright silver

We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page or email the Editors at maronlineeditor at gmail.com.

A Bronze Mystery

By Frank Koh

All text and photographs are copyright of the author.

I have owned this “bronzed” Yonezawa Diapet 1/40 scale Mitsubishi Galant A-II coupe from the early seventies for two years now, but I have yet to find out what material it is made out of.  Could it be some specially treated zamac (zinc) alloy, white metal, brass or brushed anodized aluminum?  And what would be the logic behind the production of this rare and special piece?  Was it some sort of special dealer promotional model, or simply the product of a creative imagination?

The finish is unpainted, and there does not appear to be any form of “clearcoat” to protect the surface of the metal. If it were unpainted zamac (zinc), the finish would have been well-oxidized after more than 45 years sitting totally untouched in its mint box.  Brass oxidizes too, so could it be some sort of brushed anodized aluminum?

Just like the “regular” painted variants of this Diapet Galant A-II, the lines and proportions are very, very convincing. Why this particular model was rendered in this esoteric treated metal alloy of still-undetermined origin remains a mystery.

And like most Yonezawa Diapet models of the sixties thru the very early nineties, this proudly Japan-made piece features opening doors, hood and trunk, plus reclining front seats! Tremendous play value for what was originally intended to be a toy car, but hey, when rendered in this mystery material, was it some sort of special dealer promotional model or just the product of a creative imagination, resulting in an interesting, if not frivolous adult conversation piece?

A friend who knows how to read Japanese said the literal translation of what’s written on the box is “Antique Color (Bronze)”.   The photo on the box is the exact same “bronzed” piece as the actual model, whereas the “regular” painted Diapet Galant A-II variants had a painted car in the photo. What is the real intent of the manufacturer in producing this bewildering model?


We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page,  or email us at maronlineeditor at gmail.com.

Coca-Cola Miniature Delivery Cars promotion

By Jerry J. Broz

All text and photographs by, and copyright of, the Author. Translation from Japanese by Fumiaki Ishihama.

These Miniature Delivery Cars were introduced by Japan Coca-Cola Promotion in July 2016. They were available as a free promotional item with purchase of a bottle of Coke or Diet Coke at local convenience stores and lasted until all these promo cars were gone, usually within one or two weeks.

The promotional toy cars were, and still are, common within the  Japanese beverage. The promotional campaigns start suddenly and are gone from the stores in a couple of weeks. One of the past Coca-Cola promo items was four delivery cars with a strap for mobile phones. In recent years there were some more promo items with Coca-Cola logo. One of them was a set of 6 types of pull-back model cars with removable key rings. In 2006 at their 120 anniversary, the Coca-Cola Japan company introduced 24 types of key rings with assorted objects, six of them were models of Coca Cola Delivery Cars.

The Japanese promo cars in small scales, as well as die-cast or plastic model cars in larger scales, are rare finds for collectors outside of Japan.

These miniature cars in Coca-Cola livery, as well as other promotional cars are not available on the open model car market in Japan, the USA, or rest of the world. They are extremely rare to find, especially in a complete sets, even on the eBay or at the swap meets.

The title of the promotion was “Coca-Cola Delivery Miniature Car Collection” and consisted of 12 small, interesting model cars, vans, and trucks, from the year 1913 to the year 2003. The models are made in China to no particular scales, but with a more details than one would expected in the models of this size.

 

(See a few of them in comparison with the size of the US Quarter coin.)

All models, including the wheels and tires, are made from ABS resin with exceptional details.  Each car has clear windows, simulated, simplified interiors, and some of the models have a rows of the simulated Coca-Cola bottles. The very fine, clean and sharp tampo prints and thin stickers of the Coca-Cola corporate, promotional logos and slogans are superior to most of larger die-cast or plastic model cars.

The model cars were: 1913 Ford Model T, 1920 Ford Model AA Truck, 1930 Ford Model A Sedan Delivery.

Second Picture: 1938 Dodge Airflow Refrigerated Van, 1940 Ford Sedan Delivery Commercial Car, 1956 Ford F-100 Pickup.

Third Picture: 1958 Nissan Coball, 1962 Daihatsu Midget, 1965 Dodge A-100.

Fourth Picture: 1990 Ford Econoline Van, 1996,
Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great, and 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab.

Twelve models of assorted delivery cars, vans, trucks in Coca-Cola liveries, were inserted into clear blisters (built to conform to the shape of each individual model) to be clearly seen when on display.

 

By folded tabs, the blisters were then attached to the front of the cards (identical for all 12 models). The card itself was then folded such that the ends formed a ring by which the card was attached to the neck of the Coke bottle to boost the promotional value of Coca-Cola Drinks.

 

 

The blister card effectively communicated the name of the promotion and the product’s use and features, while attracting the consumer with a visible model car, blue sky with white clouds background and colourful graphics.

Centered on top of the front side of the blister card is a line “It’s Summer! Be Refreshed!” with on each side of which is “Enjoy Coca-Cola” logo and the “Coke Please!“. line. Under this is the name of the promotion: “Coca-Cola Delivery Miniature Car Collection” with a yellow starburst listing “12 TYPES“. At the bottom of the blister card is line in English “Delivery miniature car collection” printed white on black back ground.

On the top of the back side of the card, in the red box, is a warning: “Caution < to parents> please be sure to read“. This is followed by 10 suggestions on how to safely handle the product. Additional information, (black on the blue background), lists the material from which the model is made. The bottom of the back side of the card, in the white box, lists how to reach the Coca-Cola Promotion Office and the days and hours of business, following by the statement that this product was produced under license from featured car manufacturer and Coca-Cola. The line at the bottom of the card says “For Age Over 6” followed by MADE IN CHINA and in a very small box “Not For Sale“.

Folded and included into the card is a small catalog sheet. The front side (beside the “It’s Summer! Be Refreshed!” “Delivery miniature car collection” and “Coca-Cola Delivery Miniature Car Collection” with a yellow starburst listing “12 TYPES“) the catalogue sheet lists all 12 cars in collection with year and marque description. On the left side of the front page is a detailed description and picture of the featured car.

In the sheet shown, it’s the “1958 Nissan Coball” and under the picture of the truck is brief description of the role the Nissan Coball played in Coca-Cola delivery cars: “Coball is the first domestic Coca-Cola delivery truck that played an active role when sales dramatically increased“.The initial colour of the car was Yellow, but since 1964 it has changed to the Coca-Cola’s Red. The miniature car can be displayed in a diorama setting by placing the catalogue sheet’s back side photo behind the car. The last line says ” This product is made under license by Nissan Motor“.


We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page,  or email us at maronlineeditor at gmail.com.