KYOSHO ORIGINAL 1/18scale Ferrari 250GTO 1962 LM #20(LIGHT GREEN) [No.KS08438E]

This latest addition to the Kyosho Original Mini Car Series is a 1/18 scale Ferrari 250 GTO. The full-size vehicle on which it is based is the legendary competition model developed by Ferrari, the world-renowned Italian sports car manufacturer, for the purpose of winning the World Sportscar Championship.

The "250" designation refers to the displacement of each cylinder, while "GTO" stands for the Italian phrase "Gran Turismo Omologato," meaning a GT-class homologated car. Developed as the evolutionary successor to the 250 GT SWB, the 250 GTO represents what would today be called an evolution model.

The Ferrari 250 GTO made its debut in the 1962 World Sportscar Championship. Built on a tubular steel frame, it was powered by a 3.0-liter dry-sump V12 SOHC engine producing approximately 300 horsepower. Combining impressive performance with a lightweight aluminum body designed by Sergio Scaglietti for exceptional aerodynamic efficiency, the 250 GTO quickly established itself as a dominant force on race circuits around the world. As one of the ultimate front-engine, rear-wheel-drive competition cars of its era, it fulfilled Ferrari's ambitions by securing consecutive World Sportscar Championship titles in 1962 and 1963.

Interestingly, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) regulations at the time required a GT-class competition car to have a production run of at least 100 units within a consecutive 12-month period in order to qualify for homologation. However, only 36 examples of the 250 GTO were ever built. Ferrari successfully argued that the 250 GTO was simply an evolutionary version of the 250 GT SWB, and that the combined production numbers of both models exceeded the required 100 units, thereby satisfying the homologation requirements.

Its exceptional rarity, remarkable achievement of back-to-back World Sportscar Championship titles, and its breathtaking yet aggressive styling have made the Ferrari 250 GTO one of the most iconic and celebrated models in Ferrari's history.

・Scale: 1/18
・Model Dimensions: 241 mm (L)
・Materials: Die-cast zinc alloy, ABS resin, PVC (phthalate-free), and polystyrene
・Features: Opening left and right doors, opening engine hood and trunk lid, steerable front wheels
・Package Dimensions: 320 × 170 × 150 mm (L × W × H)
・Release Date: April 2, 2025
・Available at: Authorized die-cast model retailers nationwide
・Manufacturer: Kyosho Corporation (https://dc.kyosho.com/en/)

The Kyosho Original Mini Car Series was first introduced in 1991, making 2025 its 34th anniversary. As its name suggests, it is one of Kyosho's flagship die-cast model car series with a long and distinguished history.

Today, the series is available in multiple scales, including 1/12, 1/18, and 1/43, but it originally debuted in 1/18 scale. Taking advantage of this relatively large scale, the series has been recognized from the very beginning for faithfully reproducing the proportions of the full-size vehicles while capturing intricate details such as the engine, interior, and other fine features to an exceptionally high standard.

Die-cast models are produced by injecting molten non-ferrous metal alloys into precision molds, making them ideal for mass production. While they cannot achieve the same level of intricate detail as resin models, they offer the distinctive weight, durability, and long-term stability that only metal construction can provide.