Background:

I bought this kit as a started model for £7.50 - the chassis and interior were glued but not painted - and the interior was easily broken down into it's original parts. I'd never considered this car or kit before and I was mainly attracted by the price and a desire to not see something go unfinished. However during the course of building this I've come to appreciate the Murcielago and how it looks very much. Random chance of finding this cheap secondhand kit has brought me into a build I'd never expected and yet enjoyed a lot.

Pros:

Very nicely moulded, almost all of it fits together perfectly. Nice plated wheels, good tyres, brakes, glass parts, interior and decals. The use of screws for certain parts sounds clunky but it's actually a good solution. There is a partial engine, which is better than none, and the engine cover opens.

Cons:

The partial engine is just 4 parts and very much lacking in detail if built as-is. The front wheels are far too inboard and need correcting if the model is to look any way realistic. The assembly and mounting of the exhausts is not very good/secure.

Verdict:

Mostly good enough, although I'm sure the Aoshima kit has a lot more detail with it's engine and opening doors etc. However the Fujimi is almost a simple build, aside from the need to correct the wheels.

Build notes:

Built over the course of 2 weeks in April 2023. Painted with Halfords rattle-can Vauxhall Breeze Blue and clearcoated with Halfords rattle-can lacquer. I've corrected the front wheels by adding 3mm thickness to the steering mounts on either side. The wheel hub and bonnet badges, the number plates and a few engine details are added to what is in the box.I'm happy with the result and Breeze Blue is a colour that for some reason photographs really well.

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