Tamiya 1/24 scale BMW 320i racing, kit #24002

This kit is a reissue of one of Tamiya's earliest sports car models. On the inner roof is engraved the year 1977. Packaging is classic Tamiya, with beautiful box art and bagged sprues. The instructions are an eight-page large booklet. Showing its vintage, the instructions advertise other contemporary Tamiya kits like the Lotus 78 F1 car, a Lancia Stratos and a Porsche 935 Turbo, all late 70s era cars.

This subject is the BMW Group 5 racecar that was campaigned in Europe beginning in 1977. The cars ran in several series, against competitors like the Ford Zakspeed Escort and Porsche 935. The kit markings are for the German Racing Championship, when drivers like Eddie Cheever, Manfred Winkelhock and the great Hans Stuck drove it. The paint scheme is all white with the red and blue areas being decals. The car also raced at the 24 Hours of LeMans and other events around the world. Studio 27 has recently issued aftermarket decals for the LeMans and two other versions.

Typical of Japanese kit design of the era, the kit was engineered around an electric motor (not included this time around, although the gear to drive the rear wheels is still molded onto the rear axle). Since it was an action toy it is meant to stay together despite heavy use. So many details are molded in or simplified to increase sturdiness. Such as the molded on wipers and chrome headlights (without clear lenses).

However, this is almost a full detail kit. Unusual for Tamiya kits of this genre, there is a full engine consisting of 18 pieces (molded in gray plastic) under a removable hood.

The interior is complete, with racing seat, console and roll cage. A driver figure is included.

Again because of its motorized design, the chassis and suspension are simple. There is a metal axle in the rear; the front suspension utilizes spindles and a tie rod with working steering. The chrome wheels are disappointing by today's standards, although by running some black paint over the BBS style spokes you can highlight the detail. The tires are typical Tamiya soft rubber with molded on Goodyear sidewall lettering.

The body is one piece with the previously mentioned separate hood. Molded in white, there are separate roof and rear deck wings. The front grille insert is black plastic (as are the chassis and interior parts).
In summary this is a welcome reissue of an interesting racecar. Compared to kits with new tooling it is somewhat crude due to its age and simplified motorized design, but it can build into a decent shelf model. And for those after a more detailed version, Studio 27 has also issued a photo etch detail set to correct many shortcomings of the kit.

One additional note, this kit was apparently a rather limited issue, several internet sites that offered it no longer have any and several otherwise well stocked local hobby outlets either are sold out or could not accquire any in the first place. So if you want one grab it if you see it.