Packed full of options, the Tamiya 1/24 scale Nissan Fairlady 240Z Street Custom plastic model kit can be built as either left or right-hand drive, so don’t expect to use all 180 parts that come in the box. Also, some of the parts are from the Tamiya Nissan Fairlady 240ZG—optional and not shown in the instructions. A new cowl, firewall and wipers, and dashboard are provided for the left-hand drive (LHD) version, and a high-performance exhaust has been added along with the two-piece Watanabe wheels and standard front end. You can finish the 240Z without the fender flares, and you’ll find different mirror and gas-filler door options for both versions. Even both bumper sets for Japanese and U.S. spec are included.
Several items under the hood are new for the LHD version, but the master cylinder is shared, and it has a depression on one side of the main reservoir that should be filled if you're building the U.S. version. The kit also comes with new suspension struts that lower the car (the stock ones are still in the box).
In addition to the decals, you’ll find a sheet of chrome self-adhesive transfers for mirror faces, scripts, and trim details for the interior and exterior. The Datsun, Fairlady, and 240Z scripts are provided as decals, too. You’ll also find decals specific to LHD and RHD interior and engine compartment covered.
The instructions couldn’t be easier to follow and provide color callouts for two distinct color combinations. I followed the guide for the North American version and went with Tamiya Brilliant Orange (No. TS-56) for the exterior instead of blue. The detail painting info is thorough.
Building the Nissan Fairlady 240Z Street Custom was straightforward, but here's one tip: Due to the delicate A-pillars, leave the sprue sections molded to the side-window openings connected until after you’ve painted the body and the side windows and chrome trim are ready to be installed. The well-engineered sprue attachment points shouldn’t mar your paint job so long as you take a bit of care trimming them. I found a photo-etched metal saw helpful for removing them.
A new steering wheel is included with this kit, and the suspension struts with the wheels make for a wider and lower stance.
I made a few changes in the recommended color callouts, like gunmetal on the flares and spoiler. I also blacked out the side window trim. Those are plated and fit great, just like the front and rear windows and trim. The typically fiddly clear and chrome parts have been designed to be assembled and then cemented so they come out cleanly. In fact, some of them don't even use cement.
The overall fit of the Tamiya 1/24 scale Nissan Fairlady 240Z Street Custom plastic model kit is impeccable, although some of the parts are on the delicate side. A little care during assembly will yield excellent results. I think this kit is so nice it warrants consideration for nomination as a possible model car kit of the year.