1:24 Nissan Fairlady Z (Z32) 300ZX Twin Turbo 2by2 (1992)

A Japanese coupe that outgrew its class

The fourth generation of the Fairlady Z arrived in 1989 and practically only the name connected it with its predecessors. A low body with recessed headlights, wide fenders and a three-liter V6 with a pair of turbochargers moved it among the sporting elite of the day. The domestic versions respected the Japanese agreement of the time on the highest power figure to be quoted, while the export figures were higher. The longer variant with two emergency seats at the rear carries the expression 2by2 in its designation and differs from the two-seater in a lengthened wheelbase.

It is precisely the wheelbase that gives the car different proportions. In profile the longer roofline is clearly apparent and the model carries this difference over, so next to the two-seat version these are not two identical bodies with a different label.

Assembly and the surface

The 1:24 kit relies on clean body moldings and on an engine which is covered by the hood once assembled, so it pays to think in advance about how much work to invest in it. The smooth flanks will let no mistake in the preparation through: every seam not sanded down will show as a shadow under glossy paint.

The glazing around the rear pillars is extensive and wants patient masking if the frame is to come out sharp. It proves best to mask from inside as well as outside and to finish the frames only after the paint has been polished, because their thin lines are hard to repair. The paints, the glue and the top varnish are not in the price.

The car is rewarding for builders who like changing the production form as well. The Z32 generation became a popular subject for period modifications, so other wheels, a lowered suspension or items from accessory sets can be added to it. Without any intervention at all it works just as well, though, because the whole impression is carried by the shape of the body itself.