In 1976, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, or FIA, introduced a new Group 5 section reserved for “special” production cars in motor racing. The new rules imposed a body width like that of regular series production, though it allowed dimensionally larger mudguards for tracks, wider-than-normal streets, and bigger tires. BMW participated in Group 5 competitions with a dedicated version of its then-new E21 or 320. The aerodynamic profile integrated large fenders and was fitted with a powerful 300-horsepower engine. The car was successfully used by the official BMW team and served as a developmental platform for young, emerging drivers.
The Italeri 1/24 scale BMW 320 Gr.5 plastic model kit is a re-boxing of the ESCI kit, and as such, you should expect some challenges. However, this kit hasn’t seen the light of day for many years, making it an exciting build. The instructions include painting suggestions for the entire kit.
The engine consists of nine parts. Engine halves and a bottom section complete the block, while the front has molded-on pulleys and belts. Complete the engine before painting it.
With only 11 parts, the chassis is a snap. However, test-fit the parts before applying glue, and eliminate mold lines for a correct fit. The front wheels are supposed to be posable, so avoid adding glue where it might compromise the movement — unless you want it static, in which case, glue away.
The interior is another simple affair, with only 11 parts. I did find the roll bar finicky to install. Only faint marks provide guides for placement, so be careful to make it look structurally correct. Decals provide the racing harness and six gauges. Door panels are separate and fit accurately with the sides of the dash.
The radiator and cooling ducts mount outside of the interior door panels. This is important for mating the chassis to the body, so use strong adhesive when attaching them.
You’ll need to clean up a few mold seams around the body, but it was smooth overall. The rear valance fits poorly on the main body — more evidence of the tooling’s age. Glue it firmly in place and sand it down to make sure all panel lines align correctly. The two-part front fascia fits nicely. The decal sheet provides reflectors for the rearview mirrors, but I painted mine with Molotow Liquid Chrome.
Goodyear logo decals decorate the tires, and all-black vinyl parts fit the rims easily and look convincing.
Mating the chassis to the body was easy, but it bothered me that the rear wheels were not centered correctly inside the wheel wells. I was also a little disappointed with the body height at the front and thought it should be lower. These small issues can be addressed with a few modifications, but it will take some experience or guidance to perform well.
Overall, I enjoyed building the Italeri 1/24 scale BMW 320 Gr.5, and it has the potential to make a really cool model. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, but there were instances where parts would have benefited from positive locators for a sturdier build. The kit includes an extensive decal sheet with thin, strong markings. They were a pleasure to apply and the highlight of this kit.