(Find the Oto64 Tofaş Şahin on the Oto64 site here, and browse scale Tofaş listings on Ebay here)
When it comes to technology, I’m a bit of a Luddite. I hate self-scan checkouts at shops for example, and I find each and every year that passes I understand computers just a little bit less. However, I’m not about to go and throw my clogs in a Jacquard loom and wage war on mechanised industry just yet; another part of me is amazed and open to the relentless progress of technology, and the advances that are making things better for us day to day. One area I have noticed a huge leap in recent years is 3D printing, and when it comes to this hobby it’s something I am hugely grateful for.
When I first saw 3D printers they were complex and rather clunky things that could only print basic shapes after a lengthy process. Now they are smaller, quicker, and more importantly cheaper, allowing hobbyists to create pretty much anything at will, provided of course there are 3D models available or they have access to laser scanners. Warhammer players and war gamers have embraced this, and now the scale car world is beginning to see the positives. A cottage industry sprung up in scale parts; wheels, bodykits, accessories, figures etc etc and then full models. 3D printing allows the creation of unique vehicles that no mainstream manufacturer would touch. And some, like those from Argentine maestro Dario Coffaro, are works of art. This is no exception.
This is the Tofaş Şahin from a new Turkish brand called Oto64, and it’s a fabulous effort. But I know what you’re thinking; “what the heck is that?” Or “isn’t that a Fiat?” Well, let me attempt to give you some background.
Tofaş, or to give the full title “Türk Otomobil Fabrikası Anonim Şirketi” or “Turkish Automobile Factory Joint-Stock Company” was founded in 1968 in the city of Bursa in northern Turkey. From the outset the brand had a strong connection with Fiat, with their first car being a license built Fiat 124 renamed the “Murat 124”. It’s from the Murat’s replacement, another license built Fiat (the 131) called the “Murat 131” that the Şahin originates.
The Murat 131 was in production between 1977 and 1988 when Tofaş gave the model a major facelift (reminiscent of the Fiat Regata) and renamed the new vehicles “Şahin” or “Hawk”. The Oto model replicates a post-1994 car, the year the range received another facelift with a new grille and other small tweaks including new side mirrors borrowed from BMW’s E30 3-Series. Engine choices were an assortment of Fiat 4-cylinder petrols and a solitary 1.9 diesel.
The Şahin proved incredibly popular on the domestic market. It was simple and tough, with parts and spares plentiful. But the simplicity proved to be part of the model’s undoing. Being effectively a 70s Fiat underneath, it lacked many safety features such as ABS and passenger airbags. By the mid to late 1990s, Turkish buyers were favouring imported vehicles and the Şahin was discontinued in 2002, with license production in Egypt and Ethiopia ending in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Yet it remains a common sight on Turkish roads and it’s also a very popular base car for tuning, and Oto64 have taken that route for their miniature. They’ve given the scale Şahin a hit with the lowering stick and fitted it with set of CMS 40 wheels, a very common modification for Şahin owners, especially when shod with tyres with the branding highlighted in white tyre pen, a detail Oto haven’t missed out. They’ve also replicated a custom exhaust to complete the look.
I must clarify two things before I get stuck in more with the review. The first thing to make clear is that this is strictly a non-rolling model, but I totally get why and really don’t mind. This is a first attempt and a low volume (limited to 299 pieces) first attempt at that. Less time spent thinking of how to make something roll (especially when working with something as fragile as 3D print resin) means more time nailing other elements like proportions, interior and the smaller details. And I can say that Oto have done admirably well for a first try.
The second thing to say is that this is fully licensed, which is an astounding feat for a new company to have managed to pull off. Though I am not particularly bothered about licensing, the fact that this model has it just makes it that extra bit cooler.
The detail is pretty damn good for a handmade piece. The proportions are accurate and the decals are good quality; the Tofaş “T” logo is clear on the front and rear. The front and back lights have clear plastic lenses affixed with decals to give them added depth. The aforementioned CMS 40 wheels are a neat touch and there’s an accurate interior clearly visible through the windows complete with contrasting blue/black sports seats.
There’s also a set of license plates which I always say make any model look a lot better, and for a little extra fee on their website, Oto allow you to personalise them for your own model. Speaking of the fee, the retail on these is around £20 though I’d check with Oto first if they are able to ship to your part of the world! But for something as unique and rare as this, £20 is more than agreeable in my eyes.
It’s exciting for me that models like this exist, and I’m full of admiration for Oto for making the effort to produce it. And perhaps as testament to the kind of folks they are, they’re already working hard to make improvements and a revised version is on on the way in the near future. I’m eagerly looking forward to it.
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I like odd ball castings and although I likely will never get this, it nice to small car companies being represented.