Hasegawa 20804 - 1:24 Isuzu Gemini JT190 ZZ Handling by Lotus 1988 Blue Color

Plastic model kit of the Isuzu Gemini JT190 ZZ “handling by Lotus” (1988) car in 1:24 scale

Hasegawa 20804 is a kit for self-assembly representing the Japanese Isuzu Gemini (JT190) in its sporting ZZ “handling by Lotus” version from 1988. This version was created in cooperation with the British firm Lotus, which refined the suspension, giving the compact Gemini a distinctly sporting character.

The model reproduces a blue example and has about 108 parts. It is a curbside kit with a detailed interior, underbody and suspension.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with body and interior parts
• Clear parts (windows, lenses)
• Chrome-plated parts
• Rubber tyres
• Window masks
• Waterslide decal sheet (“handling by Lotus” markings, plates)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:24
• Catalogue number: 20804
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Assembled length: approx. 170 mm, width: approx. 76 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

The model is recommended for modellers with some experience. Careful preparation and painting of the body determines the final result; the interior and underbody are best painted before final assembly.

This version is reproduced in blue; the distinctive “handling by Lotus” markings and the plates are reproduced by the decals. Factory chrome-plated parts can be left in their original finish or airbrushed with dedicated chrome-like paints. The body is usually finished with a clear coat, and decals are best applied over a glossy surface to avoid decal silvering.

Tools required:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic, enamel or automotive lacquers)
• Clear coat for finishing the body
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the car – Isuzu Gemini ZZ “handling by Lotus”:

The Isuzu Gemini is a compact car produced by the Japanese marque Isuzu. The JT190 generation stood out for its modern, angular shape designed by the Giugiaro studio.

The sporting ZZ “handling by Lotus” version was created in cooperation with the British firm Lotus, then part of the General Motors group. Lotus thoroughly refined the car's suspension, and under the bonnet sat a lively, high-revving sixteen-valve engine. As a result, the unassuming Gemini gained a reputation as a successful sporting compact.

The Hasegawa model allows this version to be reproduced in its distinctive blue livery.

Original car specifications (Isuzu Gemini JT190 ZZ handling by Lotus):

• Layout: compact passenger car, front-wheel drive
• Engine: twin-cam sixteen-valve inline-four of approx. 1.6 litres
• Suspension: refined by Lotus
• Year: 1988
• Character: sporting variant of a compact car

About the manufacturer – Hasegawa:

Hasegawa is a Japanese manufacturer of model kits based in Shizuoka, a region regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company has operated since 1941; it began with wooden products and from the 1960s focused on plastic models. Alongside its extensive aircraft range, the brand develops a large 1:24 car series covering motoring classics, sports cars and rally and racing machines. Hasegawa models are valued for their accurate shapes, finely reproduced panel lines and good parts fit. The manufacturer regularly releases limited editions of established moulds with new decal sheets and additional parts that reproduce specific versions and liveries. This lets modellers build many variants of the same car. Hasegawa remains one of the most recognisable model brands in the world and is available in many countries.