Introduction: I've passed on many Autoart models due to the quality of the paint...it's just my opinion, but oftentimes the paint is too metallic, to the point of being unrealistic and toylike. I've passed on the Subaru Rally cars for this reason, as well as the Lamborghini Murcielago. I bought this 350Z sight unseen, so I was taking a chance on the silver paint on this car having that same unrealistic quality. Fortunately, this is not the case. The 350Z not only features a smooth, realistic-looking metallic silver finish, but it also features many details that make it stand out among diecast models, even those costing more than the 350Z.
Highs: First off, it might have the coolest door handles on a model. You actually use them to open the doors. Just stick a fingernail underneath, and pull. The doors are also spring-loaded, and feature a great design that resembles the hinge system used by Minichamps. No doglegs here. They do spring closed when they reach a certain point in their hinge travel. The interior is fantastic, as you can see from the photo below. Such things as doorsill plates, with the "Z" on them. Excellent detail on the gauges and switchgear, and the steering wheel is very well done. My favorite detail is in the rear, under the trunk lid. Autoart perfectly re-created the rear crossbar, with the aluminum-look detail and again the famous "Z" in the middle. Car is fully carpeted. Also, notice the excellent wheel and brake detail. These wheels look as real as it gets, with gold-colored calipers. Another of my favorite details. Headlights and tail lights very well done, as are the "Nissan" logos. These aren't decals...they're actually 3D raised badges. Fantastic. Stance is correct, and aggressive. Another thing I like is the smoothness of the wheels....they roll more smoothly than any other diecast I own. No wobble, no squeaking, no friction whatsever. Roll the car across a desk, it glides silently and perfectly straight.
Lows: Not much to list here....biggies are hard-feeling seats, rather than soft-feel rubber or something similar. Also, while the rear hatch will stay open on its own, the hood will not. You can't see in the photo below, but I had to hold the hood open to take the picture.
Summary: I've got several models from Autoart's "Millenium Series", and other than the Jaguar XJ13 this 350Z is nicer than all of them, for less money. Fit and finish is superb, shutlines are tight, so many little details like the real Nissan badges and "Z" logo on the rear cross-bar and door sills. And I haven't even mentioned the underbelly, which also features excellent detail especially around the rear suspension and yellow-painted rear sway bar. The 350Z is one of Autoart's best, and really does the real car justice. I much prefer the silver to the orange, however, because again the paint is more realistic. Highly recommended, especially at this price point.
