Subaru Brat- DNA Collectibles 1:43

We had a great start with our reviews for the new year, the first one being already published and a step ahead of our experience with the 1:43 scale models. For today we have a newcomer, a cousin of our first 1:43 model ever reviewed by us, the Subaru Leone.

The first experience was a great one, the model surprised me by its quality and details. Now, I have in front of me the Subaru Brat, an evolution of the Leone, if I can say so, a very interesting car for the time of its release back in 1978, many years before of the born of a new species, the fancy SUV's.

The model is made by the DNA Collectibles, in the same high quality manner and belongs to a very limited edition of 320 pieces. As we already have been accustomed, this model is their original choice to be replicated in scale for the first time. Besides the usual extravagant package, the model appears to have a great appeal, once brought out from his box. I will insist a little bit on its design, because like I said, the Brat was an unusual release back in the 70's, easy to understand when you'll despite his name: "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter" and developed as a four wheel drive coupe utility.

Watching the scale replica you'll find in the perfect captured silhouette, a bit of everything: a 4x4, a pick-up or a sportive impulse given by the rear cabin pillar, very nice designed. Our model is made by resin and full of beautiful details. From the first look, the Brat's essence is easy visible, all the original body lines were followed to perfection and the correct stance is just the essence of the entire view. The paint job is flawless, including here the main color, the side stripes and inscription, replicated in the paint process and not with decals. Everywhere you are looking you'll find an interesting detail, developed with such a great precision for the respective size.

Let's start from the front: the bull bar is discrete, but nice finished , followed by the front spoiler, a dead on replica of the original, covered in a perfect chrome, the lights were fixed without stubs and keep a very detailed interior, even the light bulb is visible without a major effort. On the front grill the Subaru's logo is legible and painted in the original blue color, together with the "4WD" badge, all of this on a surface of a one millimeter, maybe.

All the accessories fixed on the front grill are surrounded by a thin chromed frame, just to conclude that every detail from the original car found its place on our replica, too. Very nice job here!

For a better realism the vent grills on the bonnet area have received a black wash and the first Subaru badge is a metallic and legible one, of course. The screen wipers are an act of love from the manufacturer for all of us in searching of exclusive details on our models, are very thin-just made in 1:43 scale, awesome detailed and I dare to say, are metallic photo etched pieces- I had not enough courage to touch them many times. The same thin and chromed frame was replicated around the front window, we have the metallic antena as well, and just imagine all around, all the ornaments were replicated by metallic photo etched pieces and are looking amazing! Around the side windows, wheel arches, along the skirts and surrounding the pick-up area where are really sensational, the photo etched pieces are clear cut and has

different sizes. What amazes me is the way they fixed them, a clean job without any single glue residue everywhere, the biggest prove of the dedication for a superior result. The door handles, the vent grills on the pillars or even the key bold were made in the same way, I've just counted 18 photo etched pieces on a 1:43 replica....fantastic!

Observed from the rear side, this model is even more beautiful, the lights are superb and keep the clear glass for the reverse lights, the Subaru badge is a metallic one, of course, the bumper is chromed and the other two badges are legible and perfectly applied. The roll bar and the external seats were great molded, a very qualitative plastic was used for the last mentioned pieces.

I forget to say, the side turn signals are made by plastic, developed as single pieces together with their respective frames, easy to be ignored, but not by our team. The wheels are the same from the Leone, great replicas of the original counterparts, with a visible lug nut due to the real piece and detailed in the center with the Subaru badge, again a fine detail that must be mentioned. For every wheel, we have the mud protection and the brake system visible behind and I will remember again, this model has a perfect stance, that makes him to look very, very nice in real.

If for the exterior manufacturing, we can end in a glorious way, is easy to understand what will follow when we are to speak about the cockpit. Is not easy to observe all the details, but using a strong light and find the good angle every one of us, avid for good models and details, will be well rewarded. All the pieces inside are exemplary finished, the seats were covered in a true to real textured decal to replicate the upholstery and on the dash board all the buttons and switches from the radio and heating system were molded and individually marked. The steering wheel is a correct replica of the real one and wears in the center a visible badge. All the indicators are legible and the two tone dash is looking really beautiful. Must be remembered the presence of the rollcage and the back window separated in two pieces like the original one.
Underneath, all the transmission and the exhaust pipes were molded, only the final exhaust pipe is made by an individual piece. Here is visible, too, the individual number for every model made of the 320 pieces edition.

What remain to be said, is this one is a fantastic made model car! Not many 1:43 scale representatives passed on my desk, but from far this is one of the best. It is the unique example of the perfect detailing and finishing and the result of a great passion for the model cars.