Mazda RX-7 FC3S Initial D

Brand: Kyosho
Material: Resin
Type: Sealed
Model: Mazda RX-7 Savanna FC-3S Initial D
Limited Edition: 700 runs
Release RRP: 20,000 Yen
Extras: Ryosuke Takahashi figure

Straight out of the box..

So when I resumed my collection, these had been out about a year and being a big fan of the Initial D anime films and the live action film, meant getting all three are on my agenda. AutoArt versions of Initial D models are really expensive so getting the Kyosho versions is the more affordable option for me at this time. So its clear from the box type that these may be made in the same place that Otto-Mobile models are made, the box has a nice Initial D themed artwork, even though all three models have exactly the same box they do have a label on the end of the box. Same polystyrene innards as Otto-Mobile but with a hollowed out recess for the figure. The model is very nicely finished and overall has the attention to detail that you’d expect for the price point.

In detail the exterior.

The exterior of this 1:18 Resin model is from first impressions a good representation of this generation of RX-7 so the front view of the models presents you with clean lines, the bumper has a large lip / splitter colour coded in the white to match the bodywork, the offset Japanese plate is a nice touch. I always like the JDM models to sport the proper road going number plate. The bonnet feature the scoop, which from above looks less imposing than when viewed form the front setting a slightly more aggressive look. The main headlights are in the down position which if it was a possibility I would have liked them to have the ability to pop up!

The side of the RX-7 to me resembles slightly a Porsche 924, probably the overall shape and the rear hatch lines. You’ll find the Redsuns graphic on the rear quarter and some sponsors on the front door under the non standard racing type wing mirrors. The door lines and panel gaps are quite deep and under zoom on the camera they look slightly ‘rough’ but under normal viewing that isn’t too noticeable.

The rear sports the Standard Spoiler which according to my research may have been a factory option, personally I really like the way it wraps round the rear quarters. The wiper is glued in the up position and I wonder it that is true to the real car? the roof has a small rear wash jet, which is nice touch of detail. The rear ;lights are a faithful reproduction of the real car, the rear RX-D Savanna & Mazda decals are nice and straight and the number plate sits nicely between the two rear lights, finally the rear is finished with a single large Jap can exhaust, you can see that they original car would have had a dual exit exhaust as the bumper cut-out is empty on the left.

The rear on the model you’ll find those distinctive R34 GT-R lights, that has been a trademark since the early GT-R’s where made, is a nice trait to continue on most car manufactures don’t carry forward such design elements, you’ll always know a skyline from its rear lights! These lights on the model are fantastic even the details on the reverse and fog lights are excellent.

The wheels are 5 spoke unbranded with a rather fat tyre profile, at first I thought they were a let down but then for the ear of car and the series this wheel would have been lightweight and strong, finished in silver the moulding is very good though, despite the single colour and size they do suit the car are correct for the subject matter. The callipers are nothing great but they are okay, not awful not bad.

In detail the interior space.

The interior on this model sports blue racing seats, which as in most sealed resin models are just painted rather than flocked effect, they are well moulded and looks great with with black interior, the dashboard is well finished depicting all the center dash controls and stereo. The small window switches, cigarette light have been carefully painted to. So compared to other resin models of his price this interior is well detailed with crisp mouldings a a dash of colour.

Verdict?

Priced at 20,000 Yen on Kyosho’s website (approximately £138 at time of writing this) slightly more than a GT Spirit , but it does come with the figure, which I think will make it a desirable purchase for fans coupled with a relatively low run of 700 models. Its good for the money if its a model you want and you can get it at the original price, packaging is nice, the figure is good and displays well with the model. There are two reasons for me to have this model, mainly its a JDM model and its also one of my favourite amines.