1969 Lamborghini Islero 400 GTS
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Custom model based on a Politoys Islero 400 GT, had so much fun making it. The only true Lamborghini Islero S in the most popular scale, 1/43.
Scale: 1:43
Color: Silver
Manufacturer: Politoys/LAMBOMODELS
Year of Addition: 2024/25
Price: $30
The Lamborghini Islero 400 GTS, more commonly known as the Islero S, was introduced in 1969 as the updated and more powerful version of the original Islero 400 GT. While the overall shape by Carrozzeria Marazzi remained familiar, the GTS received a series of subtle but noticeable refinements. The front grille was revised, the hood gained a more pronounced central air scoop, the side air vents were reshaped and enlarged, and various trim details were updated, giving the car a slightly more assertive presence.
Its 4.0-liter V12 was tuned to produce around 350 horsepower, up from the earlier 325, along with improvements to cooling and overall drivability. Inside, the GTS featured upgraded materials, improved sound insulation, and small dashboard refinements to enhance comfort. A total of 100 examples were built, making it slightly less rare than the earlier 400 GT version, but still one of the more understated and uncommon classic Lamborghinis from the late 1960s.
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How it was made:
The donor was a 1/43 Politoys Islero 400GT from the late 60s, with opening doors, headlights, and a hood. I didn’t use a Minichamps Islero since I lacked experience modifying expensive models, and the Politoys was a bargain. Plus, I loved having opening parts on this rare bull!
After disassembly, I stripped the paint and ground down the old ‘tear drop’ side markers to replace them with the later-style round ones. Then, I added small fender flares - my first time! I used super glue mixed with corn starch for putty, which dries in minutes. Super convenient. Not gonna lie, each flare took hours… but hey, that’s the fun part, right? I also enlarged the hood scoop with the same DIY putty.
I needed proper Miura-style wheels, but the Politoys had basic toy wheels - not gonna cut it. So, I got a cheap Mondo Motors Miura as a donor. After a few fitting attempts, it worked surprisingly well.
The Islero S had a redone interior and dashboard - meaning research, sanding, putty, sanding… procrastinating. But in the end, I was proud of my work - simple tools, but a good result!😅
I primed the model in Sept 2024, but only in Jan 2025, I fixed defects, reprimed, and painted it silver metallic with a black interior using spray cans 😶🌫️. Everything fit… until I realized the doors touched the paint when opening, causing peeling. I glued them shut, but at least the hood and headlights still open!
Final steps: lots of detail work. I love how the engine turned out! The windows were remade from thin plastic, with the ‘fixed’ part painted in the side windows. Rear window heating lines were added. Other mods: new side markers, fog lights, vents, custom logos, a metal tube under the doors, wipers, etc…
Now, after another month of work… I did it. The only true 1/43 Islero S! Not perfect, but I’m proud. Of course, custom models always look worse in pics than in real life. And this beauty now sits next to my other two Isleros (Islero 400 GT & Islero 'Le Mans') - my Islero collection is now complete!
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