A Brief Critique of the GMP/Emitome WE4 Turbo T

[Rayk]

I've waited for this last in the 3 car series for a long time and finally the wait is over. This model is a beauty! The paint is nearly flawless and the detail is excellent for a model in this price range. It's a very, very close, although not quite exact replica of the factory Turbo T WE4. The interior, engine bay, and undercarriage have lots of detail to admire.

For the sake of historical accuracy, I'll list a few of the detail items that are incorrect or a bit off starting from the most serious (IMO) to the more trivial:

1) The "Regal" insignia on the rear quarter panels should not be there. They were ommited at the factory for all GNs and WE4s. A good QC check should have caught this one.
2) The "T" badges on the front quarters are too large and placed too high.
3) The tri-shield emblem on the center hub of the steering whel is wrong for the WE4. It should be the "T" emblem.
4) The bucket seat head rests are a bit too large.

As a side note, I think the packaging should have incorporated the "Turbo T" name in addition to the WE4 option code. After all, the WE4 was the only true Turbo T. This nickname didn't evern exist until the "Turbo T WE4" was introduced in December of 1986. The Turbo T moniker is often used to refer to all 1987 Regals with the turbo package but it's not actually correct. I've got lots of backup material available from 1987 if anyone wants to see it.

Here are a few pics I shot for your viewing pleasure. If anyone has any ideas as to how I can remove the "Regal" insignia from the rear quarters, I'd appreciate hearing them. That's the one detail I've gotta change to make this model suitable for my tastes. Thanks for looking.

 

[my85grandnation]

They cant ever seem to get everything right when they make a diecast car for us. I have the 85 Grand National GMP diecast car and some of the problems with it are, there is too many chromed vertical bars in the grill, it has the split type front air dam like the intercooled cars had instead of the solid one piece like the hot air cars had, and the major thing is that it has no rear spoiler on the trunk. Other than that it is a fine piece, I just wish they would do a little more homework first.

 

[Rayk]

They cant ever seem to get everything right when they make a diecast car for us. I have the 85 Grand National GMP diecast car and some of the problems with it are, there is too many chromed vertical bars in the grill, it has the split type front air dam like the intercooled cars had instead of the solid one piece like the hot air cars had, and the major thing is that it has no rear spoiler on the trunk. Other than that it is a fine piece, I just wish they would do a little more homework first.

You're right. It would seem that most errors could be avoided with just a simple going over by knowledgable TR owner/enthusiasts. I wonder if Epitome would like to make a comment on this since they sponsored and co-produced the wE4 ?

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

I agree with the front fender emblem, my Dad was wondering if this was the prototype Epitome was using to produce the WE4??? :biggrin:

BW

 

[Rayk]

I agree with the front fender emblem, my Dad was wondering if this was the prototype Epitome was using to produce the WE4??? :biggrin:

BW

Hmmm, that's interesting. Where did that pic come from? You would think Epitome would examine at least two original WE4s before going into production on something that important.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

On October 14th that was a WE4 for sale in the cars for sale section here on TB.com.... Kinda odd how it and the new toy had the emblem in the incorrect spot...

I was trying to be funny in my past post about it

BW