Samurai 2000GT admired by Shihomi Hosoya, Team Toyota captain
The 2000GT model car was released by Kyosho in November of 2015. Created from a resin mold, it exhibited exquisitely detailed proportions despite its large 1/12 size, which were accentuated with various fittings. Legendary Team Toyota captain, Shihomi Hosoya now holds the samurai 2000GT model of the Toyota 2000GT he drove with such distinction and helped create as part of the Toyota development team.
“It’s definitely a 2000GT,” were the words that escaped Mr. Shihomi Hosoya after first laying eyes on the personally delivered model car. These words meant a great deal, considering he was involved in the development of the actual Toyota 2000GT. After seeing the new product information of the samurai 2000GT on the magazine’s model car corner, he immediately called Kyosho, the manufacturer. Even from such a small picture, something about the model appealed to Mr. Hosoya.
For someone like Mr. Hosoya who was involved in the development of the original car to express an interest was a great honour. It was decided to present a model car to Mr. Hosoya. This was not only an honor but also a valuable opportunity to hear opinions of stakeholders with intimate knowledge of the actual car.
Officials gathered at Rocky Auto, the factory that produces and sells the Rocky 3000GT replica of the Toyota 2000GT under the supervision of Mr. Hosoya. Discussion naturally turned to comparisons with the 1/1 size replica cars.
Mr. Hosoya had a smile from ear to ear when handed the 1/12 model car, but soon his focus shifted for careful evaluation of the model. The words Mr. Hosoya’s spoke matched the broad smile on his face.
The resin mold process used in Kyosho’s 2000GT accurately recreates the form of the body panel joins, press lines, bonnet, fender, doors, etc. Using 3D CAD data, model cars of precise accuracy are produced. When scaling down, various parts can be arranged and added depending on the type of model. However, with the 2000GT no corrections or arrangements were added. The beautiful body of the 2000GT maintains its balance, even in its scaled down form. Accordingly, Mr. Hosoya admired, “The beautiful body lines drawn by Mr. Satoru Nozaki which I refer to as the Nozaki line, can be seen perfectly with no faults.” Finally, when asking where he planned on placing the two 2000GT models in his home, he answered, “I want to gaze at it whenever I feel like it so I’m placing it in the study,” but immediately he changed his mind, “I’ll put them in the front entrance. The front entrance is the area that everyone sees when they first come and I would like everyone to see it. I’ve got two models, so they’ll make a great display,” he said with a mischievous smile.
Placing it in a spot where he and others can always see it, hold it, and admire it… the 2000GT from the samurai series allowed Mr. Hosoya to know and love the 2000GT more than ever before.
【photo collection】
There are not many cars that show the distinctive centre line on the bonnet like the 2000GT. Kyosho’s ability to replicate the beautiful press line left a great impression on Mr. Hosoya.
A classic feature of the 2000GT is the way the bodyline flows unbroken down the sides. I was able to confirm that the bodyline was indeed beautifully replicated when I compared it to the actual car.
The interior is also impressively recreated.
Mr. Hosoya exchanged opinions with Akihiro Okabe, leader of product design and manufacturing of Kyosho’s Die Cast Group.
Naturally there were many questions while reviewing photos of the product development process and materials. Mr. Hosoya understood the challenges well as he was directly involved in the development of the original vehicle.
When Mr Hosoya saw the 3D CAD data reproduced from the measurement data, he spoke with admiration, “It is accurate and has been beautifully reproduced.”