MINICARS: Custom 1:18 Models by Yordy Kolner

Today’s guest writer is Yordy Kolner, who hails from the Netherlands and, like Luis Aguilar, builds custom scale models of his favorite Japanese cars. However, Yordy starts with 1:18 scale cars made of diecast metal. Here’s his story in his own words. —Ricky

I got into Japanese cars because I always had a thing for Japan, and when I saw a video of AE86s drifting with mismatched wheels I fell in love with these cars, and I thought the drivers also looked so cool. 

I especially like the used/drifted look on cars, because it gives a car character and I love the way these small tuners have all these beautiful cars in such a small place, with all parts lying around. I always wanted an AE86 since that day and I had on for about 5 months, but due to some personal issues I had to sell the car and never got the chance to buy another one (prices here in Holland are getting way too high). I now own a 1996 Honda Civic 4-door. I always look on the internet to see what the new trends are from the various tuners and builders.

The Toyota AE86 and Toyota Aristo (Lexus GS) were offered by Autoart in standard form. Every 1:18 car I buy gets changed, from only a set of wheels to a full respray. The primered AE86 has a bucket seat, front spoiler, new exhaust, new wheels and I put in an engine from a Autoart Honda S2000. The purple Aristo has a drift style body kit, roll cage and a bucket seat, new exhaust, Z-tune air intake on the hood and new wheels. The white AE86 has the original color; I just removed the panda scheme, added new wheels, exhaust and a front spoiler.

I got into 1:18 customizing, because I cannot afford to buy the real thing yet I wanted to do something with Japanese cars. 1:18 cars were the easiest thing for me do what I wanted. There are nowadays a lot of companies who offer wheels or any other items for customizing 1:18 cars.

The Nissan Failrady 240ZG and KPGC10 Nissan Skyline are both made by Kyosho. The Skyline was a race car with Watanabe wheels and slicks, but I like a low hakosuka with nice wheels.

The grey AE86 was originally red and black, but I like the used effect on these cars, so I sprayed the car silver and the front fender is primered. The car has a new exhaust, decals from a 1:24 Aoshima kit, and the front spoiler was custom made by me. The wheels are from Uli Nowak and I added some stretched tires. The light gray Aristo has the original color, but I made it two-tone, added a new exhaust and used Work CR Kai wheels.

I do hope someone will release a few more older Japanese cars, because there aren’t too many models available.