This month, we start with a 1/43 scale release (roughly 3 1/2 inches) from a manufacturer from Spain, DelPrado. While relatively new to the diecast realm, DelPrado none the less has produced quite a few exotic cars in their collection. This marks the first time that they have focused on the Lotus marque, and it's a welcome change from the Esprits, Elises, and Exige's that have been flooding the market of late. DelPrado chose to focus on the Lotus Elan hardtop ... complete with 70's harvest gold (yellow) paint scheme! What I really like about this model (apart from the affordable price point), is that the base includes a union jack flag on one end, and the lotus emblem on the other. I am not sure if this is a retool from the Kyosho line a few years back, but the quality is very good! Currently, yellow is the only option that one has in this color, so get it while you can!
A few months ago, I discussed the 1:100 scale G-bodied Esprit and Europa that I had obtained. They were part of a promotion in Japan for the Boss coffee line, and roughly the size of a quarter. Well, Kyosho has decided to go full out and release several cars from the Lotus marque in his size! They are the Esprit S1, Esprit V8, Europa, Elan, Elise S2, and the Exige. There are 18
total cars in the series, differentiated by color variations. Here is an image of the full set from Kyosho:
And here are a few individual images of the cars released .... keep in mind these are the size of a quarter!
The Esprit V8 - Released in Red, Blue, and Yellow.
The Europa - Released in Black, Yellow, and Green, complete with gold pinstriping!
The Exige - Released in Silver, Blue, and Chrome Orange.
Having covered my current Lotus collection in 1:64 scale, I don't think that you will be disappointed in these. I think there's something for everyone in this collection, so head to Japan (or Ebay!), and get them before they're gone!
Happy Hunting!
