The Deliciously Detailed Japan-Exclusive Matchbox Nissan GT-R Nismo

I can’t fathom why Matchbox continues to make one of their best castings so hard to find.  This Nissan GT-R Nismo debuted in the Collectors series at only one per case, making it nearly impossible to find.  Then they released this fantastic red version…in a Moving Parts series that was sold exclusively in Japan.  Then they released another premium version to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Matchbox…that was part of a box set that wasn’t available at retail.

Not to worry!  A short Ebay trip later, and I have the Japan exclusive red version (the best looking of the bunch) in hand, where it looks even better than the pictures I’d seen online.  This model feels chunky.  Not heavy, but solid and substantial, just as the GT-R is in 1:1.  It’s no secret that Matchbox’s basic wheels are far superior to any of their premium wheels, so I actually prefer this “less premium” Moving Parts version to either of the Collectors releases. 

I can’t get over the detailing on the grille section of this casting.  The benefit of making this section plastic is the crazy level of depth and detail in the mash pattern, which likely wouldn’t be possible if the front end of this casting had all been metal.  The red pinstriping helps identify this GT-R as the Nismo version, but luckily they also included a Nismo badge on the grille in case you forget.  Perhaps the only place this model is missing detailing is the daytime running lights, though they are at least molded into the plastic. 

This casting uses the window section to form the headlights – a rarity in modern Matcbox castings, though it is also present on the Hot Wheels 2017 GT-R.  

The color match on the opening doors is among the best I’ve seen on a Moving Parts model, though I still dislike the panel gaps they create.  The detailed vents above and behind the front wheel are a nice touch, as is the printed side skirt.  Of course, none of those details stand out as much as the Nismo’s giant rear wing. 

In fact, that wing is quite a unique and surprising feature.  Bear with me, while I embrace my inner angry old man.  Back in my day, it was common to see Matchbox and Hot Wheels models with plastic rear wings, as they allowed for more detail and a color break.  However, as the models have been cost-cut over the years, the more complicated plastic rear wings become part of the diecast body, rather than a separate piece.  Here we have a new casting, designed like the models from decades ago.  Perhaps that’s why this model is released in such limited quantities – it may just be too expensive and complicated to produce…

That possibly-expensive rear wing is definitely appreciated though, as it’s quite imposing when looking at the back of the GT-R Nismo.  Of course, the GT-R’s distinctive circular brake lights are accounted for, as are the rear badges and license plate featuring the Japanese Matchbox logo.  I particularly like the red Nismo pinstriping that continues across the rear bumper, helping to draw attention to this car’s distinctively shaped exhaust tips.  

Oddly, the dashboard sits far too low relative to the windshield.  It’s not too noticeable through the windshield, but it’s painfully clear when looking through the open side windows.  I suspect this has to do with the moving doors, as it seems like there would otherwise be plenty of room to elevate the dashboard.  

That minor quirk doesn’t change the fact that this is an epic model, though.  It strikes me as a major oversight that Matchbox hasn’t made more use of this casting, especially given all the JDM hype in the diecast world.  Take the recent releases of the Mitsubishi Evo and Lexus LFA as an example: they are always the first to be purchased when a new case hits the pegs, and they have new collectors excited about the brand.  It seems obvious that a GT-R like this could generate just as much hype and help to grow the Matchbox brand, so all I can think is that producing this model is cost-prohibitive, given its above-average level of detailing.  If so, that’s a shame, because more people should be able to get a great model like this for their collection.