Tamiya 12051 - 1:12 Nissan Fairlady 240ZG Street-Custom

Nissan Fairlady 240ZG Street-Custom plastic model kit in 1:12 scale

The Nissan Fairlady 240ZG was the top Japanese-market version of the famous Z: an extended nose, wider arches and a stronger engine. Tamiya 12051 presents the car in period street-custom trim — with RS Watanabe wheels, a roll cage in the interior and parts for a rear spoiler.

The base mould dates from the 1970s, and the release with new parts appeared in 2014. The kit includes a clear engine cover through which the L24 straight-six with its triple carburettors remains on view without opening the bodywork.

The model features opening doors, engine cover and tailgate, working suspension on metal springs, and a steering wheel that turns the front wheels. The interior can be built with either standard or bucket seats, the latter fitted with photo-etched belt buckles.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues
• Clear parts, including the clear engine cover
• Photo-etched parts: carburettor covers, bucket seat belt buckles
• Metal intake trumpets
• Metal suspension springs
• Semi-pneumatic rubber tyres
• RS Watanabe wheels
• Rear spoiler parts
• Waterslide decals
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:12
• Item number: 12051
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model size: 356 × 151 × 101 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (a large kit with a reproduced engine and photo-etched parts, but a straightforward build)

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

Assembly:

The L24 engine with its triple carburettors stays visible through the clear cover, so it is worth painting and finishing the engine bay before the bodywork is closed up. Cyanoacrylate glue is recommended for the photo-etched carburettor covers, the metal intake trumpets and the belt buckles. Fitting the clear engine cover and the glazing at the very end helps to avoid scratches and marks.

A road car body is finished in gloss; the colour is entirely the modeller's choice, and the Street-Custom theme leaves plenty of room for interpretation. Applying the waterslide decals over a gloss coat limits decal silvering. Engine and suspension parts can be brought out with metallic paints and a wash. The instructions provide Tamiya paint codes.

Tools required:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for photo-etched and metal parts
• Adhesive for clear parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel), including metallic shades
• Gloss clear coat for the bodywork and as a base for the decals
• Decal setting solution
• Modelling wash to emphasise the detail

About the car – Nissan Fairlady 240ZG:

The Nissan Fairlady Z made its debut in 1969 and quickly became one of the most popular Japanese sports cars. The combination of a straight-six engine, a compact coupé body and an approachable design brought it success both at home and in export markets.

The 240ZG version, on sale from 1971, was the top Japanese-market variant. It was distinguished by its extended nose, known as the 'G-nose', and by widened glass-fibre reinforced plastic wheel arches. Under the bonnet sat a 2.4-litre straight-six. The car soon became a favourite base for racing and street modifications, and customised examples still define the aesthetic of 1970s Japanese tuning.

Original car specifications (Nissan Fairlady 240ZG):

• Fairlady Z family debut: 1969
• 240ZG on sale: from 1971
• Engine: 2.4-litre straight-six
• Distinguishing features: extended 'G-nose', widened glass-fibre reinforced plastic wheel arches
• Position in the range: top Japanese-market version of the Fairlady Z

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in the timber trade and wooden model production, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. The brand became known for its precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The large 1:12 car kits are among the most elaborate items in the company's catalogue, combining finely reproduced engines, working suspension on metal springs and photo-etched parts. Many of them were developed from studies of the original cars, carried out in cooperation with the manufacturers. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries today and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.