Welcome again to Forty 3rd which tackles models within the 1/43 scale and smaller. A few weeks ago I posted on Sunday a blue Datsun pickup. Today we have another Datsun but it is neither black nor blue and should be a favorite among JDM fans and LaLDers.
Hot Wheels recently have their custom Datsun Fugu Z but Lesney was ahead of its time before the JDM craze. Here is the K-52 Datsun 240Z Rally Car by Matchbox in their Speed Kings series.
One of the non-missing (surviving) model found at my parents place, the Datsun also known as Fairlady Z features a trailer hitch, RHD and chromed headlights and bumpers. Both body and chassis are metal. It has plastic tires most likely due to reasons of it being marketed as a toy and to make it roll faster. One thing missing is color on the rear lights. Love the combination of body colors and design on the stickers used in this model as well.
The hood opens to reveal the engine but you must move the plastic thumb switch beneath the chassis to release the latch on the hood.
So for play value I will give it 5 out of 5 for both adults and kids since they will appreciate the opening hood and a hitch for towing. Plus it rolls pretty fast and has suspension on the wheels when you pressed the body which sadly seems to be missing more or less around the 1/43 models these days for a lot more money. It seems it can survive rough play for kids just as long as they’re careful not to hit the front bumper with lights so many times due to it made out of plastic. I give it 4.3 for detail as even if it is not as detail as those made for adult collectors it is still good enough to be displayed. I will also give it a 5 for quality as it has survived from me for all these years.