Blog

Kyosho has added a classic American muscle car to its ready-to-run lineup: the 1/10 scale 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fazer FZ02 Readyset. The 1/10 scale is a popular size for RC touring cars, balancing visual detail with manageable dimensions. This model marks the debut of a Clipless Body mounting system from Kyosho, designed to eliminate visible hardware for a more realistic appearance while still allowing swift body removal. Factory-assembled and ready to drive out of the box, the Mustang is aimed at both scale enthusiasts and RC drivers. The Readyset package requires no assembly, painting, or complex setup — it is ready to hit the road right away.

Clipless Body in Detail

The clipless mounting system replaces the typical pins and posts that break up a car’s lines. Kyosho instead uses a hidden attachment method that leaves the exterior smooth and uninterrupted. The system balances show-car looks with everyday practicality — the body can be popped off quickly for battery swaps or chassis access. The clipless body offers a clean appearance while still allowing quick removal for maintenance. According to the company, the improvement in scale appearance also contributes to a better driving feel. The hidden mechanism holds the body securely while maintaining the clean exterior.

Under the Shell: FAZER FZ02L Chassis

Beneath the vintage Mustang shell lies the FAZER FZ02L chassis, a shaft-driven four-wheel-drive touring platform that Kyosho describes as proven. The car employs full-time 4WD, with a sealed differential and transmission to keep out dirt and debris. Ball bearings are used throughout the drivetrain to reduce friction, and the G14L motor delivers power to all four wheels. Steering is managed by a KS202W waterproof servo, providing consistent control even in wet conditions. The sealed drivetrain reduces the need for frequent maintenance. The model measures 203mm wide (excluding mirrors) with a 274mm wheelbase, slotting into the compact touring-car class and making it suitable for a range of driving environments. The FAZER FZ02L chassis is a proven platform in Kyosho’s touring car lineup.

Exterior Realism

The bodywork goes beyond the clipless system. Kyosho includes chrome-finished bumpers and injection-molded taillights that give the car a finished, factory-like look. The bumpers are separate pieces that add three-dimensional detail. The body contains light buckets pre-configured for the optional #97054 LED light unit, so modelers can add illuminated headlights and taillights with minimal effort. The shell’s proportions capture the original’s low, wide stance. A set of vintage-style TC tires on low-profile wheels completes the picture, mimicking the alloy designs of the late-1960s Mustang. The injection-molded taillights are individual components that replicate the look of the real car’s rear lights, adding depth to the rear end.

The Mustang Boss Legend

The choice of subject is not accidental. The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 was a NASCAR homologation special — Ford’s high-performance answer to the demands of stock car racing. Built with a massive engine to meet stock-car racing rules, it quickly became a collector’s holy grail. The Mustang’s impact on American culture is immense, as MotorTrend notes; it created the pony car segment, launched a new era of factory performance, and spawned generations of enthusiasts. The Boss 429, in particular, remains one of the most iconic variants. As MotorTrend described earlier this year, the Boss 429’s mystique remains strong, inspiring modern builds such as Revology’s reinterpretation. Revology’s Boss is a clean-sheet design engineered to contemporary standards but retaining the original’s character, a sign of how deeply the Boss 429 has settled into automotive culture. Revology aimed to build the 1969 Mustang that Ford would have produced if technology and budget allowed. Kyosho’s scale version lets enthusiasts capture that same spirit in a small, drivable package. The original Mustang, for all its iconic status, came with compromises in braking, cooling, and steering — as MotorTrend noted — concerns that disappear in a radio-controlled replica.

Pricing and Availability

The Kyosho 1/10 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fazer FZ02 Readyset is identified with part number #34437T1B and is street-priced at €299, approximately $340. It is available through Kyosho distributors and dealers. The model is fully assembled and ready to run out of the box.

If you’re a Matchbox collector in the United Kingdom, the latest Walmart-exclusive drop is likely out of reach. The third batch of 2026, themed Super Cars, has rolled out under the Walmart program, but as the long-running Matchbox Monday blog reports, “the UK does not sell these.”

The blog, hosted on the Wheel Collectors website, notes that the retailer doesn’t stock Walmart exclusives. That forces UK enthusiasts to look further afield, often paying more to track down new models. The author says that while traveling to the USA, Canada, France, and Germany, they were “stunned by just how much can be found” compared to the UK — not just for Matchbox, but for toys in general.

A limited portfolio by design

This limited availability is part of a broader strategy at parent company Mattel. According to the blog, Mattel manages Matchbox separately from its other brands, chiefly Hot Wheels, to avoid direct competition. Matchbox is intentionally positioned as the “little brother” with a much more limited portfolio. That makes it easier on a collector’s wallet, since there are fewer models to chase, but it also means certain releases simply don’t make it to the UK market.

Matchbox has a long and storied history. It was launched in 1953 by the British company Lesney Products, named after the matchbox-like packaging of its earliest die-cast cars. The brand grew rapidly and by 1968 was the biggest-selling small die-cast car brand worldwide. After Lesney went bankrupt in 1982, the brand passed through Universal Toys and then Tyco Toys before being acquired by Mattel in 1997. Many collectors feared Mattel would fold Matchbox into Hot Wheels, but the company initially promised the brand would remain independent, focusing on realistic, traditional vehicles rather than fantasy themes.

That commitment wavered in 2003 when Mattel introduced the “Hero City” line of fantasy vehicles under the Matchbox name. Collectors reacted strongly, and the line was soon discontinued. Since then, Mattel has returned Matchbox to its roots, emphasizing real-vehicle replicas and classic castings. In 2019, the brand launched the Moving Parts line, featuring models with opening bonnets and doors at a premium price point. In 2021, Matchbox announced a green strategy, pledging to use 100% recycled materials in all cars and packaging by 2030, starting with a Tesla Roadster made of 99% recycled materials.

What’s next for collectors

Despite the challenges, the Matchbox Monday blog continues to document new releases. All reports are available on the Wheel Collectors website, and the author teases that next week’s post will include a certain “Line Preview” — a hint that has already caught the attention of readers. For UK collectors hoping to add the Super Cars to their collection, the hunt will likely require overseas connections, second-hand markets, or a well-timed trip abroad.

Remember when on-road RC meant sliding through a parking lot with a rear-wheel-drive machine that demanded real driving skill? Team Associated has reissued the RC10DS, and it’s bringing that raw, playful feeling back to the asphalt.

The kit, officially the RC10DS w/Rally Body Kit (part #8083), is a faithful recreation of the classic 1990s on-road car that combined the legendary RC10 platform with pavement-ready suspension. Priced at $349.99, it’s a build-it-yourself affair — you’ll need to supply your own electronics, paint, and tools.

What’s in the Box

The RC10DS stays true to its roots with a stamped aluminum tub chassis, the same design that made the original RC10 a 12-time World Champion in off-road racing. That tub is paired with a fully independent suspension, oil-filled shocks, a Stealth transmission with slipper clutch, and front/rear sway bars — a welcome addition that tames body roll.

The kit includes a molded polycarbonate body with window masks, a rear wing, vintage-style chrome wheels with gold inserts, and period-correct tires. Team Associated also added subtle updates: additional servo mounting holes for modern electronics compatibility, an easier-to-build rear bulkhead, and adjustable wheelbase spacers.

The Drive: Skill Over Grip

Unlike today’s grip-and-go four-wheel-drive touring cars, the RC10DS is a 2WD rear-wheel-drive machine that rewards smooth inputs. The review from RC Driver notes that the car has noticeable chassis roll and suspension travel, making every run feel alive. It demands that you work with the chassis rather than relying purely on grip.

One standout feature is the laid-down front shock design, an iconic look that also improves geometry. The oil-filled shocks require full assembly — O-rings, seals, and oil — but the included tool makes it manageable.

For this particular build, the car was equipped with a Reedy brushless ESC and 3300KV motor, a Reedy 1320MG servo, and a 3S LiPo battery. The addition of DVC (Dynamic Vehicle Control) gyro stabilization gave the vintage platform a modern helping hand, though initial gain was too aggressive. After dialing it back, the system improved control without overwhelming the driving experience.

Minor Quirks

It’s not all perfect. The slotted motor plate offers limited rotational adjustment, which can restrict pinion gear choices — something builders should plan for. And those vintage-style tires? They still appear slightly concave across the tread, causing the car to ride on the outer edges at low speeds. At higher speeds the tires balloon for traction, but the reviewer noted the inconsistency after all these years.

Parking Lot Racing Reborn

Team Associated originally designed the RC10DS for the “pop-up” tracks of the 1990s — parking lots, cul-de-sacs, and any decent hard surface. That spirit is fully intact here. The reissue is part of Associated’s 60th Anniversary celebration, and the kit carries Anniversary Edition badging along with an etched RC10DS logo on the chassis.

The body itself is an unlicensed “P-car” inspired design, but it perfectly captures the iconic silhouette. Finished in transparent gold with chrome and black accents, it looks period correct while still feeling fresh.

The Verdict?

The RC10DS isn’t trying to compete with modern touring cars. It’s a deliberately old-school experience — and that’s exactly its charm. Whether you owned one back in the day or you’re discovering this slice of RC history for the first time, the build is enjoyable, the handling is distinctive, and the fun factor is high. The kit is available now from Team Associated and retailers like Amain, ready to turn any parking lot into a personal racetrack.

Pop Race is adding two striking new toolings to its 1:64 lineup, both set to arrive in the first quarter of 2027. The diecast specialist has confirmed it will produce a LBWK Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo and an LBWK Truck, with both models initially offered in a black color variant.

The announcement, made via DiecastSociety.com, gives collectors a concrete timeline for these highly anticipated miniatures. The AMG GT3 Evo will carry product number PR640502, while the LBWK Truck is listed as PR640557.

Real-World Racing Pedigree

The real Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo that Pop Race is modeling has its own interesting backstory, as reported by Sportscar365. The Affalterbach-based brand chose to delay the launch of the actual GT3 Evo until its main competitors had revealed their updated cars. According to Stefan Wendl, head of customer racing at Mercedes-AMG, the decision was made to observe how Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini’s new or updated vehicles performed, particularly in relation to Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations.

“For two years we have been thinking about when is the right time to put something in place and make something new,” Wendl explained. “Do we bring in a new car or an Evo kit? We have been constantly selling cars and having our cars successfully out on the track, so we delayed it.”

Wendl noted that the brand had already sold 130 examples of the preceding AMG GT3 by the time the Evo was revealed, with several orders coming in the months leading up to the new model’s debut. Mercedes-AMG informed recent customers about the evolution and offered them a discounted upgrade path. Those who purchased a car from July 2018 onward were eligible for a reduced price on the upgrade kit, a move designed to retain existing customers and keep their cars competitive.

The Real GT3 Evo’s Development Timeline

The updates to the new car, an evolution of the AMG GT3 which debuted in 2016, focused on reducing running costs and protecting vulnerable areas such as the engine and steering. Wendl hinted that the car could make its debut in VLN or Creventic competition, similar to how Porsche debuted its new 911 GT3 R. The official debut was planned for early 2020, either at the Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai in mid-January or the Rolex 24 at Daytona two weeks later. Pre-homologation testing was expected to take place in race series that allowed it, such as VLN SP-X, to get more test mileage under race conditions. Pop Race’s 1:64 scale model captures this exact vehicle, bringing its delayed but calculated racing debut to diecast form.

Product Specifics and Release Window

For collectors tracking the lineup, the LBWK AMG GT3 Evo (PR640502) and LBWK Truck (PR640557) are both described as new tooling pieces by Pop Race. The black color variant is the only finish confirmed so far by the manufacturer through the DiecastSociety.com announcement. The early 2027 release window gives enthusiasts a clear target for adding these models to their collections, though exact pricing has not yet been disclosed in the source materials. Pop Race has been steadily building a reputation for detailed, licensed scale models that capture contemporary automotive culture.

The Q1 2027 timeline means collectors can pencil in the arrival of the LBWK AMG GT3 Evo (PR640502) and the LBWK Truck (PR640557) for the first few months of that year. With the real GT3 Evo’s development story already documented through Wendl’s detailed account of the strategic delay, its 1:64 counterpart offers a miniature tribute to that real-world racing history.

A new action video for the Tamiya Hornet EVO (Item No. 58742) is making the rounds, giving RC enthusiasts a chance to see the updated buggy in motion. The footage, sourced from the channel 陽RC2 and shared via TamiyaBlog, shows the revived off-road racer tearing through terrain.

From 1984 Classic to Modern Revival

The original Hornet first appeared in 1984 as a 2WD off-road RC car and quickly became a hobby staple. The Hornet EVO keeps the iconic bodywork and driver figure that fans remember, but the chassis underneath has been thoroughly reworked.

Tamiya has adopted the Egress/Avante platform for the new model. That means a bathtub-style chassis with a lower center of gravity and horizontally mounted independent rear suspension. The drive system uses a propeller shaft with differential gears at both the front and rear.

Drivetrain and Suspension Details

The official Tamiya product page describes the Hornet EVO as both a 2WD high-performance off-road racer and a 4WD model with CVA oil dampers. It notes the car is equipped with a 4WD resin chassis and a suspension system that uses independent double wishbones with ball joints, a separate tie rod, and kingpins. The suspension arms have integrated steering tie rods.

For dampening, the car comes with friction dampers as standard. However, the chassis layout is designed to accept optional oil dampers for those who want to upgrade handling. The model rides on large-diameter tires front and rear.

Key Specs and Included Parts

The Hornet EVO measures 430 mm long, 230 mm wide, and 135 mm tall, with a 251 mm wheelbase. Approximate weight is 1,075 g (excluding the RC chassis and battery). The suspension is a 4-wheel double wishbone setup with CVA oil dampers.

Gear ratios are listed as F/R = 21/73 and 49/86, with a final drive ratio of 9.28:1 when using the included 17T pinion gear. A 540-type motor is included in the box.

Pricing and What’s Not Included

The kit is priced at 19,800 yen (approximately 18,000 yen before tax). Builders will need to supply several key components separately. The battery, charger, and electronic speed controller (ESC) are all sold separately. You’ll also need a transmitter, servo, and receiver — none of those come in the box either.

Build and Materials

The Hornet EVO is an easy-to-assemble kit, with the chassis made from injection-molded ABS resin parts. The model features reinforced ball joints designed to handle high-grip tires for tougher driving conditions. An instruction manual is available as a PDF download from the official Tamiya product page.

The action video on TamiyaBlog offers a clear look at the car’s handling and speed. For full build details and the manual, check the official Tamiya listing for Item No. 58742.

Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup victory didn’t just earn the team a trophy on the pitch—it also triggered a new LEGO set. The LEGO Group has revealed the 4000351 FIFA World Cup Official Trophy – Champions Edition, a slightly updated version of the original kit that will be sold exclusively in the winning country.

What’s Different in the Champions Edition

According to the announcement, the Champions Edition is “almost identical” to the March release, but with two small changes: the scene inside the secret compartment has been tweaked, and a special printed plate has been added. The piece count also rises. The original 43020 FIFA World Cup Official Trophy contained 2,842 bricks; the Champions Edition bumps that to 2,845 pieces—three more than before.

The set is priced at €199.99 and is scheduled to launch on October 1st. Pre-orders are open now.

Background: The Original Trophy Kit

The standard version of the LEGO Editions FIFA World Cup Trophy was first announced in December 2025, a collaboration between the LEGO Group and FIFA ahead of the 2026 tournament. It’s a 1:1 replica of the iconic trophy, standing 14.5 inches tall (per the New York Post). Builders can open a hidden compartment in the upper globe section to reveal a removable scene featuring a FIFA World Cup 2026 minifigure holding a mini trophy, with a backdrop displaying the tournament logo.

The set also uses two different gold finishes—drum-lacquered bricks and moulded gold pieces—which LEGO said at the time was “the first time this many gold-coloured pieces haves been used in a LEGO set.” A printed plaque under the base lists all World Cup winners since 1974.

“The FIFA World Cup Trophy stands as a universal symbol of achievement and unity, and now, through the creativity of the LEGO brick, fans everywhere can experience the excitement of it — piece by piece — in true LEGO style,” said Julia Goldin, chief product and marketing officer for the LEGO Group, when the original set debuted.

Romy Gai, FIFA’s chief business officer, added: “It is the first time FIFA and the LEGO Group have teamed up on such a project, and with the biggest, best and most inclusive FIFA World Cup fast approaching — we hope fans take this opportunity to embrace the spirit of the global game’s greatest event, and bring a little piece of the party into their homes to keep forever.”

Exclusive to the Champions

Now that Spain has lifted the real trophy, the Champions Edition locks in that victory. The exclusivity to the winning country means only customers in Spain can purchase the set—an unusual move for a LEGO product that typically remains available globally.

The Champions Edition is part of the LEGO Editions line, a new platform the company describes as “a space to celebrate achievements and talent” with playful, collectible sets aimed at teens and adults. The original trophy kit was the first product in this series. In the LEGO Group’s press release, LEGO Editions is described as a platform that “will connect young people with their icons and passions” and “will include playful, collectible sets that fans can proudly display.” Jay’s Brick Blog noted that LEGO Editions appears to be a brand-new theme akin to LEGO Icons, aimed at an older audience.

With pre-orders already live and a release date set for October 1st, Spanish fans (and collectors) have a limited window to secure the commemorative model. Whether the set will ever see a wider release hasn’t been announced—for now, it’s Spain’s trophy to build.

Fine Works has introduced a 1:64 scale die-cast model of the 2008 Shelby GT500 KR, aimed at Ford enthusiasts and die-cast collectors. The miniature replica is available in two exterior colors: Pearl White and Red. Production is limited to exactly 999 units per color, making this a numbered edition with a strictly controlled run.

The product number for the model is currently listed as TBD, which means that final retail packaging and SKU details have not yet been assigned. The die-cast construction is typical of high-end scale replicas, and the model represents Fine Works’ interpretation of the KR variant. The release was first reported by Diecastsociety.com on July 17, 2026, which noted that the product number remains to be determined. That detail suggests that official listings and distribution channels are still being finalized. Fine Works has not announced a specific release date or a suggested retail price for this model.

Collectors have two color choices: Pearl White or Red. With the 999-unit limit per color, the total production run across both colors is 1,998 units. The limited numbers may appeal to collectors who value rarity in their die-cast collections. The model is a 1:64 scale die-cast, a popular scale for automotive miniatures that allows for detailed replication while remaining compact for display or storage.

A Second 1:64 Shelby Option

Collectors looking for a different finish can also consider the Pop Race Shelby Mustang GT500 in Silver Chrome. That 1:64 die-cast model is sold by Diecast Models Wholesale and is available through Target. It is eligible for contactless Same Day Delivery or Drive Up pickup. The Pop Race model carries a choking hazard warning for small parts and is not intended for children under three years of age. It can also be added to registries and wish lists. As of the product listing, no guest ratings have been submitted yet, indicating that the listing may be new or has not yet received customer feedback. The Pop Race model offers a chrome finish without a stated production cap, unlike the Fine Works edition which is strictly limited. It is available for purchase now, while the Fine Works model is still pending further announcements.

Limited Edition Appeal

The Fine Works model’s production limit of 999 units per color positions it as a collectible item for Ford enthusiasts and die-cast hobbyists. With two color choices — Pearl White and Red — collectors have the option of selecting one or both variants. The limited numbers may increase the model’s desirability, although pricing and availability have not yet been announced by Fine Works. The product number remains TBD, which suggests that final packaging and distribution details are still being finalized. The release was first reported by Diecastsociety.com, which noted that the product number remains to be determined.

What’s Next

Fine Works has not provided a specific release date or price for the 2008 Shelby GT500 KR. The TBD product number indicates that official listings are still forthcoming. In the meantime, the Pop Race Silver Chrome model is already available for purchase through Target. This release adds a new limited-edition entry to the 1:64 Ford Mustang die-cast segment, with Fine Works emphasizing the KR designation and color-specific production limits. Collectors interested in the Pearl White or Red versions will need to watch for further announcements from Fine Works. The model is a 1:64 scale die-cast, a popular scale for automotive miniatures, and the limited production numbers may appeal to collectors who value rarity. The product number is currently listed as TBD, indicating that final retail packaging and SKU details are still pending. The die-cast construction is typical of high-end scale replicas, and the model represents Fine Works’ take on the KR variant.

A fresh wave of classic racing resin is coming for the end of the year. Technomodel has unveiled a new batch of 1:18 scale models featuring the March 811 from the 1981 season and the Matra MS120B from 1971. According to the company, this assortment is due in late Q4 2026.

March 811: Five Grands Prix, Two Drivers

The March 811 lineup covers five distinct races from the 1981 Formula One calendar. Each version is available in two variants: a standard model and a “with driver” edition (identified by the TMD prefix in the catalog numbers).

The standard editions (TM18-419 series) include:

• TM18-419A – 1981 British GP, Driver D.Daly
• TM18-419B – 1981 German GP, Driver D.Daly
• TM18-419C – 1981 USA GP, Driver E.Salazar
• TM18-419D – 1981 Belgian GP, Driver D.Daly
• TM18-419E – 1981 USA GP, Driver D.Daly

The driver-fitted versions (TMD18-440 series) mirror the same events with one addition:

• TMD18-440E – 1981 Long Beach USA GP, Driver D.Daly

That gives collectors ten March 811 options in total, each celebrating a specific moment from the 1981 season.

Matra MS120B: Four 1971 Races

Technomodel is also releasing four versions of the Matra MS120B, the car that competed in the 1971 season. These come exclusively as driver-fitted models (TMD18-476 series):

• TMD18-476A – 1971 Monaco GP, Driver G.P. Beltoise
• TMD18-476B – 1971 Spanish GP, Driver C. Amon
• TMD18-476C – 1971 French GP, Driver C. Amon
• TMD18-476D – 1971 Dutch GP, Driver G.P. Beltoise

The Spanish GP edition carries extra historical weight. Chris Amon finished third in that race, scoring his only podium of the season, according to product listings from Diecast Legends. Retailers such as Toronto Motorsports list this specific model with a release date of August 2026, though the date is marked as subject to change and Technomodel’s official window is Q4 2026. Mint Models shows a price of $319.95 for the same 1971 Spanish GP version.

Materials, Packaging, and Pre-Order Details

All models are hand-made in composite material and are issued as limited editions, according to extra product pages. Each model comes with a display case – both Diecast Legends and Toronto Motorsports confirm this inclusion. The March 811 and Matra MS120B sets are built in 1:18 scale and are targeted at collectors who appreciate high-end resin replicas.

Pre-orders are open through multiple retailers. Toronto Motorsports notes that no payment is taken until the item is ready to ship, and customers will be charged the correct retail price at the time of release. Diecast Legends similarly states that card will not be charged until the order is processed for despatch. The product images used on retailer sites are visual representations and may change before final production.

Looking Ahead

Technomodel’s official release window remains late Q4 2026, so deliveries probably fall between October and December. The conflicting August date from one retailer for the Matra MS120B Spanish GP edition could mean earlier availability for that specific model, but collectors should rely on official communications. With two iconic Formula One cars, multiple driver-and-circuit combinations, and the option of a driver figure for most March 811 variants, this batch offers plenty of variety for 1:18 scale racing fans. Those wanting to secure a specific Grand Prix moment should contact site sponsors or diecast retailers to place pre-orders now.

LC Racing EMB-1 and LC12B1 owners looking to add a layer of armor and a bit of aero to the front end now have a new option from Scale Speed. The company has released a polyurethane front shock tower cover that not only protects the shocks and tower but also includes an integrated wing.

A Tougher, Smarter Design

The cover is molded from high-durometer polyurethane, giving it a flexible yet impact-resistant character. It wraps around both sides of the shock tower and secures with a single screw and nut, leaving both shock mounting holes fully accessible for tuning. The mounting kit includes all necessary hardware for aluminum or carbon shock towers. Scale Speed recommends tightening the hardware until the screw end sits about 1 mm from flush with the nut and using a washer between the nut and protector to help spread the clamping force.

What sets this version apart is the integrated wing molded into the protector. According to the Scale Speed product announcement, the wing adds “additional front downforce.”

Built on Real-World Testing

This is not Scale Speed’s first shock tower protector. The company previously offered a nylon version (part no. 14102) that it described as the most durable part it made from nylon. That original cover, made from nylon 11 using multi-jet fusion technology, clamped around the tower and included stainless steel hardware. It was announced in March 2025. After more than 10 months of use in its rental fleet and personal driving, Scale Speed decided to improve it.

In a blog post announcing the V2, the company wrote: “After over 10 months of being on the market, with extreme use within our rental fleet (and my personal driving), we can say without a doubt that our 14102 shock tower cover has been the most durable part we make from nylon. Still, we decided to make it even better.”

The V2 polyurethane version introduced impact absorption and full coverage of the top and sides of the shocks, used less hardware, and became a one-piece design. The company explained that while the nylon cover was durable, the shock tower beneath it still took abuse that could lead to unnoticed cracks and failures during a race. The polyurethane material was chosen to absorb impacts better and prevent that damage.

The new front shock tower cover with wing builds on that V2 design, adding the aerodynamic element while retaining the polyurethane construction and one-piece, single-screw mounting.

Key Features at a Glance

• Material: High-durometer polyurethane (flexible, tough)
• Fit: LC Racing EMB-1 and LC12B1 front shock towers (aluminum or carbon)
• Mounting: Single screw/nut, includes all hardware
• Installation tip: Tighten screw until ~1 mm from flush with nut; use washer to spread clamping force
• Tuning access: Both shock mounting holes remain usable
• Wing: Integrated for additional front downforce
• Part number: #SCSP14117
• Price: $8.99

Related Product: Rear Shock Tower Cover

Scale Speed also produces a rear shock tower cover made from the same ultra-durable polyurethane. It fits the LC Racing EMB-1, EMB-TG, and LC12B1 models. The rear cover uses a similar single-screw clamping design, keeps both shock mounting positions available, and includes all necessary hardware. It is also manufactured from tough, flexible high-durometer polyurethane.

Available Now

The new front shock tower cover with wing is available directly from Scale Speed’s website under part number SCSP14117 for $8.99. The product includes all necessary hardware for installation.

“Wow, it looks like a jet fighter—like a surface-to-surface missile ready to launch.” That’s how the reviewer on DiecastSociety.com describes the Pagani Imola. The Imola pushes the Huayra design to an extreme, with a body covered in aggressive aerodynamic features, including numerous vents, fins, and sculpted panels. Only five owners received the real car in 2019, making it one of Pagani’s most exclusive creations. LCD Models has now recreated this hypercar in 1:18 scale, and early impressions suggest it could be among the brand’s best efforts.

Design and Finish

The paint finish is a standout feature. Rather than a typical high-gloss finish, LCD opted for a more subdued, luminous coat that suits the Imola’s aggressive character. The silver paint appears to glow depending on the lighting, subtly emphasizing every contour. The DiecastSociety review notes that the finish looks even better in person than in photographs—a rare compliment in the digital-review age.

Interior

Inside, the dashboard is rich with replicated carbon-fiber textures. The seats are trimmed with white stitching and fabric racing harnesses, faithfully echoing the real car’s luxurious, track-focused interior. The level of detail extends to the silver bodywork, which perfectly complements the cabin’s high-end appearance.

Functionality and Mechanics

This model is highly functional. The front and rear clamshells, gullwing doors, and side luggage compartments all open smoothly, with panel gaps and shut lines that are tight and consistent. This marks a noticeable step forward from earlier LCD releases, such as the Huayra Roadster, which drew criticism for its build quality. The mechanical details are just as impressive. Behind the multi-spoke wheels sit massive carbon-ceramic brake discs, accurately detailed calipers, and realistic rubber tires with sidewall branding. LCD has also equipped the Imola with a fully functional suspension system that compresses under pressure, adding a surprising sense of realism and weight. The review explicitly states this feature “significantly enhances the overall experience and demonstrates the manufacturer’s attention to detail.” The review sample arrived virtually flawless, with only microscopic paint imperfections visible under extreme magnification.

Value and Pricing

For collectors, the cost is a major part of the appeal. The model is available for approximately $270 USD shipped, placing it in a highly competitive segment of the premium 1:18 market. The review describes this as delivering “tremendous value” and states that LCD has once again proven that “premium features do not necessarily require a premium price tag.” The combination of high-end detail and a relatively accessible price point makes it a compelling acquisition.

A Polarizing Track Record

LCD Models maintains a “hit or miss” reputation in the die-cast community. Their Zonda Barchetta was widely praised, but the Huayra Roadster was a notable disappointment. The Huayra BC Roadster, in its full carbon skin, surprised critics in a good way, but the Imola remained a wild card. Early production sample images drew sharp criticism from forum users, who expressed concern over the final quality. Commentator Mozzi flagged specific issues on the DiecastSociety.com preview: the rear exhaust looked “lame and cheap,” the aluminum dash trim resembled “plain gray plastic,” and the overall stance seemed off compared to the Barchetta. The inconsistency of the carbon-fiber application was also questioned, highlighting the brand’s ongoing struggle with quality control.

The Final Verdict

The final production model, however, appears to have addressed many of these criticisms. The full review concludes that the strengths—stunning paint, excellent build quality, tight shut lines, and a rich interior—outweigh any earlier sample concerns. The reviewer’s closing statement is a powerful endorsement, calling this Pagani Imola a serious contender for the site’s coveted Model of the Year award, a bold claim that underscores the leap forward LCD has made with this release.