Background:

I do love a big VIP-style Japanese 4-door, and though the F50 Cima isn't the prettiest, it does have presence. It also has a fantastically nice interior, which I've decided to try and accent on the build by not making it black. Fortunatly the real car offers a lot of lighter options. I could not find a VIP-bodied version of the kit (although the do exist, just out of production right now) so I have just stuck to putting new wheels on it and lowering it.

Kit review:

Pros:

Correct shape with clean sharp mouldings. Seamlines are so well hidden I didn't find them. Lots of detail on the interior and a decent enough chassis that's not just the common VIP one used on many Aoshima kits. No fitment problems whatsoever. Self-adhesive metal emblems provided and good quality decals too, along with window masks. Great clear parts. The chrome parts are well done and actually useful as-is. This issue of the kit has parts for both the president and the Cima, so you get two boots, bonnets and grilles.

Cons:

As is often the case for Aoshima, the mounting-gluing points for the front and rear bumpers could be bigger. Couple of small sink marks on the bumpers too.

Verdict:

A high quality kit, an easy enjoyable build.

Build notes:

Built in about 3 weeks in April/May 2025. I added some TV screens to the backs of the front seat's headrests, and I changed the wheels for Aoshima K-Break Hybreed Cross Nines. The stance has been lowered a little, other than that it's built out of the box. Much of the brightwork is Bare Metal Foil but some of it is Hasegawa self-adhesive chrome. The colour is Lexus Sunlight Green from a rattle can I had mixed, cleared with Mr Hobby Gloss. Although I wish it had some kind of VIP bodykit, it's very much the kind of car I'd like to own.

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