Hot Wheels and Mattel Launch 833-Piece 1971 Nissan Skyline GT-R Kit
If you happen to have a spare $200,000, you might just be lucky enough to track down a first-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R. For the rest of us who lack the bank account of an investment banker, Mattel has cooked up a far more realistic alternative.
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show by Mattel Brick Shop and Hot Wheels, this 833-piece building kit replicates the iconic 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R. Unfortunately, the 1:16-scale model won't arrive in time for Christmas, it will show up at retailers in January for $59.99. Still, it brings one of Japan's most celebrated performance cars to your desk without requiring a second mortgage.
Rather than forcing builders to choose a single look out of the box, the kit includes modular hardware so you can configure the classic "Hakosuka" in either factory-fresh street trim or full vintage racing spec.
In the standard shape, it replicates a clean road-going GT-R finished in white with red accents across the hood, roof, doors, and wing. It has period-correct, fender-mounted black mirrors and classic silver wheels.
If you prefer a more aggressive aesthetic, you can swap parts to transform the Skyline into a proper apex eater. The silver street rollers trade places with Watanabe-style dark wheels wrapped in Yokohama tires; there's a deep red front splitter, a clip-on pair of red headlight covers, and a number plate. The kit even allows you to remove the front grille entirely to mount an external oil cooler with exposed piping. Of course, you can always mix and match.
Pop open the front-hinged hood, and you will find a small replica of Nissan's legendary S20 inline-six engine. Underneath the chassis, an array of functional gears and plastic shafts connects the steering wheel directly to the front tires, giving the scale model working steering.
Inside, there's a complete interior with a detailed dashboard, steering wheel, and bucket seats. Look for it at your favorite store once the calendar flips to 2027.
