Minichamps 1948 Land Rover
1:18 | $125
These days, Land Rovers are comfy— all frills, fine leather, and modern tech, they coddle occupants with heated cup holders as they bravely venture to Starbucks. But beneath the frou-frou, these trucks have been strong off-road performers since 1948. Those early Rovers were far more basic and bare-knuckled–and Minichamps’ 1:18 model of the seminal mudslinger is proof. This thing is a blast, right out of the box; everything attachable—the door tops, the spare tire, and the lift-off metal hood—comes cleverly folded into the styro clamshell and snicks on effortlessly. The olive green paint is flawless, as is the fit and finish; real hinges are on the doors and the fold-flat windshield, and the pinpoint detailing on the dash and wired engine continues beneath to a full-metal frame hosting driveline and (static) suspension detailing. Work the steering—gently— and the idler arm plays along; the tailgate is cast shut, but the grille is photo-etched and the overall effect is spot-on. The only thing this knobby little brawler is missing is a scale pith helmet. Outstanding. – Joe Kelly Jr.
minichampsna.com
