1/12 Tamiya J.P.S. Lotus 72D Kit Collectors Guide c.1973

This guide is only one in a large series created to assist Collectors & Builders of 1/12th "Big Scale" Plastic Model Car Kits. As of this writing, this guide is the thirteenth installment in the series. As a special bonus, this guide is the first where a sealed vintage c.1973 first issue kit was opened in order to review and identify the issue points of this rare kit. None of the information provided in this guide is available in any other forum (that I am aware of). Emphasis is always on Identification, Kit History, Features, ect. Less information is provided on actual building of the kit, due to rarity. Be assured that any emailed information on building the kit will be gladly included. Hopefully, you will find this guide to be a useful reference. Feel free to email with comments, corrections, or requests.

** The Original c.1973 1/12th Tamiya Big Scale Kit #13, John Player Special Lotus 72D Kit **

IDENTIFICATION: An original first issue of this kit is very rare today. The reference kit used as the basis for this guide, had been factory sealed since 1973, and was opened for this guide. The quick identification of an original kit will be a 2 inch by 3 inch "Black Foil Model Racing Classics" decal on the top of the box (MRC - Model Rectifier Corporation). These tags were placed on the earliest "Export" Big Scale kits from Tamiya. There were exceptions to the "Black Tag", but if you see a kit with one, it is an early kit. Tamiya's 1/12th Big Scale kit #13 of this guide was the last kit in the series (that I have seen) with a "Black Tag". It was also the only one I've ever seen that had the cellophane wrapper. Most early kits had the boxtop taped on. The kit number on the end panel of the box is BS 1213 . 1798. The last 4 digits are not part of the kit number, but rather, the kit's price in Yen circa 1973. **This 1798 Yen price reflects a major price increase (formerly 1198 Yen) directly related to the first Oil Embargo/Fuel Crisis of late 1973, and the resulting increase in material costs contained in plastic model kits. The address on the side of the box will be; Model Rectifier Corp., Edison, New Jersey 08817. This was the first Big Scale kit that did not have Tamiya's Address in Japan, but instead had the Importer's address in New Jersey. All text on the box will be in English. All later kits had English/Japanese text. The well illustrated Instructions are written in English, and carry a 4 digit date code of 7312 (December 1973) on the lower left front cover. The Decals had been packed, face down, in the very bottom of the box, and were not sealed in plastic. Decals are printed on White paper, and on the rear have a date code of '73 12 (December 1973). Later issue decals are printed on Blue paper with no date code. See kit content photos below;

This kit was the first that did not have Tyres and Hardware on a blister card. Tires and hardware are in a plastic bag that is stapled shut. The Driver Figure has a full body. Parts are molded in Black, Gray, Chrome, White, and Clear. Unlike earlier kits, parts are stapled shut in bags with NO paper labels. ** Another unique feature of this kit is that Tamiya "Painted" all 3 Black body parts trees with the description on the side of the box calling the paint "Intrepid Black"! This is only the second early kit that I've seen that came with this Tamiya Factory Paint Job. The other kit was Big Scale #7, the Ferrari 312B (see guide), and then only in the very first issue. From close examination of the Lotus body parts trees, it appears they did the same "clear coat" over the bare plastic trees that had been done in the earlier #7 Ferrari kit. This Lotus kit definately has a much better paint job than the Ferrari did. As you can see, this kit was packaged differently than all previous Tamiya Big Scale kits. This kit from December of 1973 was a transitional one from Tamiya's first 10 original kits, to the line-up we see today. The catalog contained in this kit was the last one to show the "Old" line of kits with their original kit numbers;

#1  Honda F-1  BS1201

#2  Lotus 49 Ford F-1  BS1202

#3  Porsche Carrera 10  BS1203

#4  Lotus 49B  BS1204 

#5  Matra MS 11  BS1205

#6  Lola T70 Mk III  BS1206

#7  Ferrari 312B F-1  BS1207

#8  Datsun 240Z Safari Car  BS1208

#9  Tyrrell Ford F-1  BS1209

#10  Fairlady 240Z-G  BS1210

You will notice the list ends at kit #10. The J.P.S. kit #13 of this guide is not listed, as well as kit's #11 & #12. The reason for this was that Tamiya had been in transition to their new line-up, but the Lotus 72D kit was released in the middle of this realignment. It also shows up in the way the kit was packed. It is an "old school" "Black Tag" kit, but sealed in "new school" cellophane. This was the only "Big Scale" kit packed this way. Keep in mind that Tamiya was changing addresses for the second time, to 628, Oshika Shizuoka-City, and this would be their address from 1974 to 1980. The very next catalog to be printed after this first issue Lotus 72D, clearly shows the change in kit numbers;

BS1201 (gone)

BS1202 (gone)

BS1203 (gone)

#4  Lotus 49B Ford  BS1204

#5  Matra MS 11 F-1  BS1205

BS1206 (gone)

#7  Ferrari 312B  BS1207

#8  Datsun Fairlady 240Z-G Safari Car  BS1208

#9  Tyrrell Ford F-1  BS1209

#10  Fairlady 240Z-G  BS1210

#11  Honda F-1 (formerly #1  BS1201)  BS1211

#12  Lotus 49 Ford F-1 (formerly #2  BS1202)  BS1212 

#13  J.P.S. Lotus 72D  BS1213

#14  Porsche Carrera 10 (formerly #3  BS1203)  BS1214

#15  Lola T70 MkIII (formerly #6  BS1206)  BS1215

These "Big Scale" kit numbers are very important when trying to identify early kits. The last catalog in this Big Scale #13 Lotus 72D kit from December of 1973, was the last to show the "original" line. The first catalog of 1974 shows the "new" line of kits that has remained since then. The quality of this kit is very high, and has remained unchanged through all re-issues. The decals were printed with the correct Gold Metallic, whereas the later Lotus Mk III had incorrect Yellow. The kit is "Static Display", and has many removable body parts, Wheels & Tires, ect. There are decals for 3 different cars #6, 8 , and 32 with drivers Emerson Fittipaldi or Reine Wisell. With due care in construction, the kit builds to an impressive display. Re-issue kits are out of production, but can be found in the Vintage Market. Beware of bad decals. Replacements are very pricey. Also, watch for kits missing the (full) Driver Figure. You will never find a replacement. Nice unbuilt Re-issue kits are selling well above $100.00. I've never seen an unbuilt original issue "Black Tag" kit, other than the reference kit used in this guide. If one was located, they are very rare.....

** 1/12th Tamiya J.P.S. Lotus 72D Kit History **

When this kit was released in December of 1973, Tamiya was in transition. Their kits were the best available in all scales and catagories, and they were expanding all their lines of kits. As a result, they were moving once again to a New Address. This kit, Big Scale #13, was released in the midst of this change. As a result, it is unique in that it is a little of the "old", and alot of the "new". The exterior packaging was in line with all the earliest Tamiya kits, but inside the box, packaging was pretty much what you find in a modern kit. The only exception is the Tamiya Factory "Intrepid Black" painted body parts. This is only the second early kit I've ever seen this in, and never in a later issue kit. Any further information on Factory Paint emailed to me on later issues, will be gladly included in this guide. This kit saw the first major price increase due to the sharp rise in Oil prices. It was also the first "New" 1/12th Big Scale kit to show up in the 1974 catalog. This kit is very prominently displayed in that catalog, and Tamiya sold a ton of them. My estimate is that less than 5% of the originals remain in mint unbuilt condition. The car Tamiya based this kit upon, was the Lotus 72D from the 1972 F-1 season. It is the car that Emerson Fittipaldi won the Driver's Championship with. The car was so dominant in that year, that "Emo" had clinched the title at the Italian GP, and cruised through the last two (US and Canadian) races without taking any risks. With the Black and Gold John Player Special Cigarette sponsorship, the car is an icon in racing history with the most recognizable paint job ever sprayed on an F-1 car. Team Lotus displayed this paint on all their F-1 cars until the late 70's. As with all these Tamiya Big Scale kits, the parts count is high, and they build to an incredible display kit. The quality of the parts and hardware is very good. The only problem is that most of the Vintage kits were built, and supply of unbuilt originals is very limited.

** Kit Features **

** Fully Detailed Ford/Cosworth DFV Engine

** Steerable Front Wheels

** Semi Pneumatic Rubber Like Firestone Racing Tyres

** Driver Figure

** Factory Painted Body in "Intrepid Black"

** Removable Body Panels

** Removable Wheels and Tyres

** Removable Wings

** Fully Sprung and Functioning Suspension System

** Kit Pros And Cons **

Lets start with the Pros. A great kit when released in December of 1973, and still a highly desirable kit 35 years later. With that Black and Gold J.P.S. paint job, it's a beauty. Tamiya did a good job on this kit with the "Factory" painted body parts. Built right out of the box, it really shines. Kit has 100's of very well made parts, with typical Tamiya quality and detail. Decals are printed in Gold metallic, unlike incorrect "yellow" found in the later Lotus Mk III kit. Replacement decals are easy to locate, but are pricey. Kit has many build options, and has removable Wheels, Nose, and Drivers Cowling. The Driver Figure in this kit is one of the better Full Bodied figures in any Tamiya F-1 model. An all around great kit for the collection.

Cons. As with all "Black Tag" original issue kits, nice unbuilt examples are very scarce. If you do find one, you hate to build it. Decals in this kit were packed face-down in the bottom of the box and were not bagged. Most will not age well, and getting new ones will cost triple what other kits cost. Tamiya painted the body, and 38 years later, may need a re-paint. Missing driver figures are very difficult to replace. Due to the age of this kit, availability is slim to none, and prices can get scary. Build a re-issue.

Hope this latest installment in the 1/12th Big Scale Guide series has been informative. If you have found it helpful, take a moment to vote below. As always, be on the lookout for more. There are some big Otaki kits in the pipeline. Feel free to email with comments, corrections, and additional information.