If there is a "holy trinity" of modern 1:64 JDM culture right now, it might just be the Toyota GR-86, aggressive Pandem widebody kits, and the legendary black and red Advan racing livery. Pop Race has managed to bottle that exact combination with their recent release, the Pandem GR86 Advan Livery (PR64-0228), and it is an absolute stunner on the desk.
The first thing that grabs you, naturally, is that livery. The asymmetrical red and black Advan design is deeply rooted in Japanese motorsport history, and seeing it wrapped around the ultra-modern, aggressive lines of the Pandem-kitted GR86 creates an incredible contrast. Pop Race has executed the paintwork beautifully; the lines are sharp, the colors are deep, and the sponsor logos, from the Advan triangles to the smaller technical sponsors are crisp and legible, even in this small scale.
Besides the amazing paintwork. Pop Race has done a fantastic job capturing the brutal stance of the Pandem kit. The riveted wide fenders, the front splitter, and that massive chassis-mounted GT wing give the model serious presence. It sits perfectly on those Advan-style wheels, filling out the arches just like the real car should. The casting quality feels premium, proving once again why Pop Race is becoming a go-to brand for detailed 1:64 collectors.
The standout feature of this specific casting is the opening engine hood. In the 1:64 world, an opening part that doesn't ruin the "shut lines" (the gaps between panels) is a feat of engineering.
Underneath, you’ll find a surprisingly detailed representation of the FA24 engine. While it’s not a full-engine-swap replica, Pop Race included enough color and texture to make it worth displaying with the hood popped. It’s a great touch for those who love "garage scene" photography.
While the model looks incredible from most angles, the rear view reveals a slight Quality Control (QC) issue. On my specific unit, the massive chassis-mounted GT wing is noticeably tilted. Because these wings are separate, delicate plastic pieces mounted to the body, getting them perfectly level is a common struggle for manufacturers. It’s a bit of a letdown when you’re trying to get that perfect "booty shot" for Instagram, but it’s a reality of the hobby at this price point.
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| the wing is noticeably tilted |
Despite the wing alignment issue, the Pop Race Pandem GR86 is still a centerpiece-worthy model. The combination of the Advan livery and the Pandem lines is just too good to ignore. If you’re a fan of the "Hachiroku" legacy or a diehard Advan collector, this is still a must-have, just be prepared to maybe do a little "surgical" adjustment if your wing comes out of the box a bit wonky!
While these photos give you a great look at the details, pictures can only convey so much of the model's presence. If you want to see the packaging, the initial reaction, and a full 360-degree video view of this beast to really appreciate the stance, I’ve just uploaded a full unboxing to my YouTube channel.
Check out the video below to see if this Advan monster deserves a spot in your collection!
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