Tamiya 24192 Nissan R390 GT1 1/24 Scale Plastic Model Kit

Tamiya ventured into the modeling business in 1948, with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then, Tamiya has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called 'First in Quality Around the World.' Now Tamiya is offering more than 300 different products, both in the fields of precision static models and high performance radio control vehicles. These products are not only sold in Japan but also exported in vast quantities to the United States, Europe, South East Asia, and to many other parts of the world. The standard of excellence achieved by Tamiya is regarded as among the very finest in the world of model hobbies. This finely detailed plastic model kit requires assembly and painting. Item is brand new and in its original factory packaging. Listing images are stock pictures provided by the manufacturer or the distributor. One of the most prestigious and grueling racing events held in the world is the "Le Mans 24 Hour Endurance Race". It has brought excitement and pleasure to motorsports enthusiasts worldwide, ever since it was first held in 1923. In 1997 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Entered their latest Nissan R390 GT1 which was developed to vie for this renowned racing event. The R390 GT1 took its name from a car, R380, that excited Japanese motor sports enthusiasts over thirty years ago. Jointly developed by Nissan and TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing), the R390 GT1 is the state of the art racing expertise of them. Aerodynamically refined low and sleek body styling is suggestive of Nissan's highly competitive Gr. C machines raced during the 1980's. The 3.5 liter V8 engine, producing an awesome 600 horsepower output, is bolted directly to the carbon composite monocoque and works as a load-carrying element. The tremendous power is delivered to the rear wheels via a transversely mounted, six speed transmission. The four wheel double wishbone suspension system is connected to the horizontally mounted shock absorbers via pushrods and bell cranks to provide optimum road handling performance. Three R390 GT1's were entered in to the 1997 Le Mans event and, among them, the car No. 21 achieved a pole position in the pre-qualifying race. Although the overall result was rather discouraging, the R390's outstanding performance, displayed during the early stage of the race, was something to behold and promising for the year to come.