Fast Rewind: Nissan Silvia (CSP311)

The Mona Lisa from the Fast and Furious movie Tokyo Drift was played by the Nissan S15 Silvia. As such (and with good decision), Hot Wheels decided to pay homage to this beautiful car using the brethren Silvia of old. The CSP311 was the first Silvia off the line making it’s debut at the Tokyo Auto Show back in 1964. Its original name at the time of introduction? The Datsun Coupe 1500. On paper, the CSP311 didn’t make as much of an impact on the automotive scene at the time. However, as with all things from the past, the modern version of this model wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Silvia (CSP311)

The S15 Spec-S that was used in the movie was a car that you know belonged in the scene. It sported a C-West body kit and a GT-style rear wing and had rolled on Volk Racing GT-7s. The paint job was simple enough with a bold dark blue metallic base paint and an even bolder streak of orange and silver cutting through the solid blue. Some manufacturer stickers that are common in tuner cars were also sparingly used across the car. It was simpler than some of the other liveries shown in the parking lot but it was enough for a hero car. The fact that it was built as a drift car was of little consequence however, since we only ever saw it being driven by Sean in the movie, who we all know didn’t know how to drift in that particular scene. Still, the Silvia was given a fitting ending in this movie, so we can probably leave it at that. Besides, this is not a movie rant … err … review.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Silvia (CSP311)

This paint job was brilliantly emulated on the Hot Wheels casting of the CSP311 Silvia. The paint job alone deserves praise and despite the Fast Rewind not having any other part of the livery copied from the original S15 version, it still makes the car look fantastic. The shape of the CSP311 isn’t as aggressive as the S15 but it is sporty for the era. And I think Mark Jones hit this one perfectly on the head. It combines a blend of sportiness and sophistication and it deserves all of it. The C4SPRR wheels in chrome adds to the authentic old school look of the car as well the generous amounts of chrome on the bumpers. And those bumpers, specially the split rear bumpers are just brilliantly executed. Being of the Premium line, the detailing of this car is top-notch with headlights, taillights, side markers and even door handles.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Silvia (CSP311)

You can tell where I am going with this. The whole of the Fast Rewind set is beautiful and I would love to see it from other people’s collection as well.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Silvia (CSP311)

Fast Rewind: Nissan Fairlady Z

The Fairlady Z is the third Nissan in this set and the best one at that in my opinion. The stellar 240Z in markets outside of Japan, it also pranced around under the Datsun brand. The original 240Z was sold from 1969 with the Japanese version strutting a 2.0L SOHC L20A straight-six making about 130 HP. The US 240Z on the other hand got a 2.4L L24 Inline-six making 151 HP. I have no idea why this is, but that was just how they started. The Fairlady Z was a beautiful car. And in my opinion, this S30 was the best looking of the bunch even beside the current generation 370Z. It was a Jaguar E-type wearing a Japanese Kimono. The long bonnet and fastback profile made it look fast and elegant. And while the Skylines became Nissan’s halo cars, the Fairlady was sitting alongside the Sylvias. Great cars, but a gear behind the GT-Rs.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Fairlady Z

The 350Z in the franchise of the movie was from Tokyo Drift. The grey 350Z with a half tattoo livery looked pretty menacing. And while the bulging lines of the 350Z lent a graceful demeanor to the otherwise villainous role of the car, it’s iteration on a 240Z looks even more evil. The Fairlady Z casting used by Hot Wheels is the design by Jun Imai from 2016. It features an aero kit with the G-nose, a rear spoiler, wide body fenders, and comes in right-hand drive. The livery on this casting makes it look like a Yakuza. It rides on dark grey C4SPRR Real Rider wheels which complements the base grey color of the car nicely. When you see this iteration of the car, you immediately know that this is the anti-hero car. And it does a great job being bad.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Fairlady Z

The Fairlady Z has a soft spot in my heart in the same way as the Corolla AE86. While the AE86 had imprinted itself on me because of its role as a drift machine in the anime/manga of Initial D, the Fairlady Z has its role as a top speed machine from Wangan Midnight. Wangan Midnight is of course, another manga/anime with its story revolving around cars. This time around, the premise is building the fastest street car to drive in the Wangan. Japan’s notorious public expressway loop.

To answer the question then, yes, this car is worth keeping and be on display as part of a collection. Whether you buy it because you like The Fast and The Furious, or you buy it because of your love for JDM cars, it is a car that will look great on your wall.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Fairlady Z

Fast Rewind: Nissan Skyline H/T 2000 GT-X

The Nissan Skyline 2000GT-X is a model from the C10 body made from 1968. This was made famous by the GT-R badge. Yes, the C10 was the first Skyline to don the GT-R moniker and introduced a high performance variant of the model. While the GT-R produced a very healthy (for the time) 160 hp from it’s straight six, the GT-X made 130 hp. Still a potent power plant, but overshadowed by its brother. That’s not to say that the GT-X wasn’t as successful as the GT-R. It still made noise in the motorsport world and has achieved cult status alongside its stablemates.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Skyline H/T 2000 GT-X

Unlike the Mazda RX-3 and Nissan Skyline C210 in this series, the Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-X casting has been around since 2011 and has been designed by none other than Jun Imai. This has been a hot model ever since it came out back then. And while the hype on this car may have dies down a bit (if only because hot Wheels has been hard at releasing new JDM cars as of late), the demand for the car still pops up every now and then, especially when a new variant is introduced.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Skyline H/T 2000 GT-X

This, in particular pays homage to Brian’s Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R from the beginning of the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious. The now iconic GT-R has been ingrained on people’s mind and the livery on the car can’t be missed. In true Fast Rewind fashion, this GT-X has inherited those iconic stripes from the R34, both those on the side and the pair running on the hood. It also has the sponsor decals which is a nice touch. Thankfully they decided not to include the big rear wing from the R34, keeping instead the ducktail spoiler on the GT-X. The black RR8SP wheels also fit this car nicely and is better off than if they decided to use chromes. It retains its classic car look and yet having the livery of the R34 elevates it to cult status.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Skyline H/T 2000 GT-X

I have not really been a fan of the Hako. At least not as much as I am a fan of the RX-7s. But it does hold a place in my heart and in my collection. This variant in particular is a very good addition to the family.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Skyline H/T 2000 GT-X

Fast Rewind: Nissan Skyline C210

The C210 is the fifth generation Skyline. While this generation of the Skyline did not have a GT-R variant, it did still get a performance model in the form of the GT-EX. The GT-EX is the first turbo-charged production passenger car in Japan. There were export models of the car which bore the Datsun name and the 240K-GT designation sold in Europe was fitted with a 2.4L L24 Inline 6 motor.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Skyline C210

The Hot Wheels casting debuted in the Japan Historics series 2. And while it didn’t specify the trim level of the car, it seems to be based on the older car sporting quad-headlights and 2 doors. It does come with flared wheel arches, but not as much as those on the RX-3. The simpler lines and lower stance makes this more of a Shakotan than a track racer. And it works quite nicely. The metal base lends itself to the front and rear bumpers giving them a truly premium feel.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Skyline C210

Similar to the RX-3 in this series, this C210 Skyline also resembles a car from the original The Fast and The Furious movie. This variant is based on Leon’s yellow Nissan R33 Skyline. I liked that R33 casting and variant from the Original Fast set because it was mostly spot on. There were more than enough details on that car to justify its existence in the Premium Fast line. This C210 does the same thing in that it sparks something in the car guy in you. You just get drawn to it. There are some differences, of course, such as this coming in a slightly lighter shade of yellow. To be honest, it makes it slightly more period correct as well in this shade. The side decal is identical and is what makes this recognizable as ‘that’ Fast and Furious car. It has detailed headlamps and taillamps and they even managed to recreate the rear decal arrangement of the R33 that makes this a true JDM. They even have the same number plate. The Greddy decal couldn’t be inserted on the C210 largely being due to the difference in the rear bumper but it doesn’t rally take anything away from the car. The chrome C4SPRR looks great as well and the stance of this car just screams classic JDM.

Fast Rewind: Nissan Skyline C210

There are more famous Skyline bodies that could have been used for this version but I think that the C210 fits the bill just right. Because while the R33 Skyline is a respectable car, it still lingers in the shadow of its R34 sibling. And that reflects the decision of using the C210 as well instead of, say, the Kenmeri (KPGC110) Skyline GT-R. This will sit proudly in my collection.

’85 Honda CR-X

Again, the Honda CR-X in this series is the 1985 Honda CR-X. The first generation CR-X. It wasn’t nearly as good looking as the odd-looking second generation CR-X, but it was also full of racing potential for what it was.

’85 Honda CR-X

Honda tuning arm Mugen, saw this potential and built a mid-engine CR-X which is what this casting was based from. This explains the obviously 80’s inspired bodykit with those flares and vents and the rather understated wing. Even though it was inspired by the 80’s, thankfully, the paint job was rather tame. It does come in a bright orange hue, but this is immediately masked by generous swathes of black on the car’s roof, bonnet and lower half. This panda style is another 80’s theme and looks perfect on the CR-X. The black RR8SP wheels also really hit the spot on this car. Not to mention the car portrayed as right-hand drive. These details make it a perfect JDM car. And then you peak into the rear hatch and there is sculpted Mugen motor proudly sitting on top of the rear axles.

’85 Honda CR-X

I still prefer the second generation CR-X in terms of overall appeal. But the attention to detail on this casting is really very well placed. It is a definite keeper for the JDM fans. And it is a keeper for me as well.

Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 is a screaming convertible that was produced by Honda from 1999 to 2009. Under the bonnet was the F20C motor, a 2-liter DOHC-VTEC making about 250 bhp. The motor was in a front-midship configuration with a 9000 rpm redline where the VTEC screams like a banshee. It was one of the highest-rated normally aspirated engines of all time with a 124 HP per liter.

Honda S2000

The Hot Wheels version came out in 2011 and was designed by Ryu Asada. The casting was more of a tuner inspired version rather than an outright scale model of the original. Even by the Club Racer version standards, this Hot Wheels casting takes it to a new level. While there has been no re-tooling of the car since it was released, several versions of it have been going around and what I have for this entry is the Street Tuners version.

Honda S2000 front quarter profile

The Street Tuners was released in 2019 and the S2000 on this series came in a simple silver paint job. However, the casting is an original design that is inclusive of a body kit, a rear wing, front canards, vented hood, and even a front splitter and rear valance. Because of this, the uncluttered look of the plain silver simply accentuates the lines, edges, and bulges of the car. This, together with detailing for the headlights, taillights, emblems, and even the Honda nameplate on the rear, make for a very nice looking car. The black MCRR wheels are also a nice contrast to the rest of the car. This is overall a very nice package for the little Honda.

Honda S2000 rear quarter profile

I do have other versions of this car but this is the best of the bunch so far. A definite keeper, and not just for JDM fans.

Hot Wheels Car Culture: Street Tuners

Street Tuners

The Hot Wheels Car Culture series has been continuously churning out pretty good sets. This Street Tuners set feels like another Fast and Furious set, and that’s actually a good thing. A recap for those that may still be new to the die-cast world, Hot Wheels’ Car Culture series are more adult-collector-focused based on car trends or “car cultures”. These sets would come rolling on Real Rider wheels and metal chassis.

Nissan Silvia, Nissan 180SX

The Street Tuners comprise of the Nissan Sylvia S15, the ’95 Mazda RX-7, the ’96 Nissan 180SX Type X, the Honda S2000, and the Pandem Subaru BRZ. As I mentioned at the start, these are cars you would typically find in a Fast and Furious movie. And this set wouldn’t be out of place in that movie either.

Mazda RX-7

I’m biased towards the Mazda RX-7 of course, but on this set, it’s beaten by that Pandem Subaru BRZ. But, only if you have one that has an unbent wing. Unfortunately, due to how these things are packaged and handled, issues could crop up. Case in point, the wing on my Pandem BRZ is bent out of shape. I knew this could happen because it also happened to my Mazda 787B from the Circuit Legends set. Still, if I can fix that wing, it would be awesome. Next to the BRZ would be Honda S2000. The casting has been around for a while but for some reason, it feels refreshed seeing it here. After the BRZ and S2000 would then be the FD3S. Yes, it’s going to be playing midfield for me on this set, but it can’t be helped. After the FD3S comes the S15 trailed by the 180SX. The S15 is no doubt nice and new, the white color makes its lines stand out but it feels too simple for a “tuner” car. The 180SX is another cool looking casting. But it is let down by the uninspired paint job similar to the S15. They are okay, but they don’t really pop.

Pandem Subaru BRZ

Overall, this is a great set to have for JDM fans and tuner car fans in general. It’s not as flashy as the Fast and Furious sets but it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes, these cars are best enjoyed in their purer forms and this set represents that form quite well.

Nissan 180SX

BMW 3.0 CSL Race Car

The BMW 3.0 CSL was built as a homologation machine in order for BMW to compete with the car in the European Touring Car Championship back in 1972. The CSL was based on the CS and used the same engine, albeit with an increase in displacement to just over 3 litres. This was done in order for them to race in the “over three-litre” racing category. The “L” in CSL had stood for “light”, as in lightweight.

A final version of the CSL was homologated in 1973 which sports an aerodynamic package inclusive of larger front air dams, short fins running across the front fenders, a spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof, and a rear wing. Apparently, with the full aero package installed, the CSL has earned the nickname “the Batmobile”.

The Hot Wheels version is a very nice casting that is close enough to the original as far as model cars go. The aero kit is complete on this car including the small fins on the front fender, vents on the front fender, a centre-mounted wiper on the windshield, and the side-exit exhaust pipes. The paint is your typical Hot Wheels quality which is not too shabby, really. However, it is the Castrol Racing livery that elevates this to the next level of cool. The white base is loyal to the BMW racing colors and the car really feels like it’s a proper race car. The black base is not too bad with the same livery, but it isn’t as striking as the white base car.

Overall, I really like this car. I don’t mind seeing this every day in my small display cabinet.

Old School 4 x 4s

The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Land Rover Series III. Two of the most famous four by fours and the granddaddy of the modern SUVs. One hails from Japan and the other from the UK. I’m not even going to touch on which is better because they are both really good at what they stand for.

This beautiful example of a rugged Land Cruiser FJ40 came from Matchbox and is from their Jungle Explorer series back in 2010. This casting is designed by no other than Ryu Asada. It comes in a matte black finish and splashes of olive green on the roof and decals. It has got excellent front fascia details such as a painted front grill, headlights, and even the turn signals. Anaconda decals and the number 2 on the sides add a touch of flavour to the vehicle. No such detailing on the rear though, but you won’t really mind since this is a well-sculpted casting. The doors are lined up with proper hinges, there is a number plate holder on the rear, the gas cover is carved in, the side vents as well, there are wing mirrors on the doors and the bonnet is pretty much sculpted as well. There are no windows on the front doors but everything else is covered and it gives you a nice view of that brown interior. The wheels are MBX R5002 and come in this nice shade of black. I love this piece.

The Land Rover Series III pickup from Hot Wheels, on the other hand, comes in its signature bright red colour. This one comes from the Hot Wheels Hot Trucks series in 2019 and designed by Dimitriy Shakhmatov who also gave us the Unimog 1300. Another classic four by four, this comes in another beautifully sculpted casting. It has an insane amount of detailing similar to the MBX such as panel lined doors and pick-up bed, tonneau cover latches over the bed, door hinges, wing mirrors, and even the gas cap. The rest of the sculpting comes from the plastic that covers the interior, the front grill, and the spare tire on the pick-up bed. The grey doesn’t really liven it up as much, but it works fine. This is a utility truck after all. It comes with BAJA5 wheels and fits it perfectly. This is another beautiful piece.

These classic four by fours are excellent for what they are. They bring the cars that they represent alive. I would put them in my bag and bring them about just in case a photo shoot opportunity comes along such as this one on the beach. Hopefully, I would retire to owning one (if not both) of these classics.