Tamiya Plastic Model Kit

Toyota Celica LB Turbo Gr.5

The Tamiya Toyota Celica LB Turbo Gr.5 in 1/24 scale is an updated re-issue of the famous Japanese Group 5 racing machine that competed in the German Racing Championship during the late 1970s. This modern release includes updated Cartograf decals, revised instructions, and refreshed packaging while preserving the detailed engineering of the original kit.

Part of the 1/24 scale model kits range, the model captures the aggressive aerodynamic styling and racing modifications that made the Celica LB Turbo one of the most distinctive DRM competitors of its era.

• 1/24 scale plastic model kit
• Detailed Group 5 racing bodywork
• Updated Cartograf decals included
• Detailed cockpit with roll cage
• Realistic chassis and suspension detail
• Mesh racing wheels included
• Synthetic rubber slick tyres
• Driver figure and two racing numbers included

The model accurately recreates the heavily modified Group 5 body featuring wide overfenders, deep aerodynamic components, and the large rear wing used in competition. Fine moulded details capture the appearance of the turbocharged DRM race car in impressive scale accuracy.

The interior includes racing cockpit equipment and roll cage detail, while the underside features realistic suspension and chassis components suitable for display.

History

The Toyota Celica LB Turbo Gr.5 was developed for competition in the German Racing Championship (DRM) during the late 1970s. Based loosely on the Toyota Celica Liftback road car, the racing version was extensively modified to comply with the extreme Group 5 “Special Production Car” regulations.

The car featured lightweight body panels, dramatically widened bodywork, and a powerful turbocharged 2.1-litre inline-four engine capable of producing around 560 horsepower. Its combination of speed and aggressive styling made it one of the standout cars of the DRM series.

The Celica LB Turbo made its competition debut in 1977 and achieved an important victory later that same year by defeating the dominant Porsche 935. The success demonstrated Toyota’s ability to compete internationally in top-level touring car racing.

Today, the Celica LB Turbo Gr.5 remains one of the most iconic Japanese race cars of the 1970s and a favourite subject among motorsport and scale modelling enthusiasts.