POPRACE 1:64 Porsche 964 Singer DLS Turbo Review
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POPRACE 1:64 Porsche 964 Singer DLS Turbo Review
By Scale Metals Editorial Team · POPRACE · 1:64 Scale
Singer’s DLS Turbo takes the Dynamics & Lightweighting Study in a turbocharged direction. Built around the Type 964 Porsche 911, the full-size program pays tribute to the Porsche 934/5 endurance racers of the late 1970s and can be configured with road-focused or track-focused aerodynamics. Singer offers a ducktail and restrained front treatment for the road setup, while the track setup uses a large adjustable rear wing and a deeper front splitter. The front fascia and rear deck assembly can also be switched when an owner requests both configurations. [1]
POPRACE has been producing Singer-inspired 1:64 models for some time, so the DLS Turbo was an obvious addition. Both ducktail and high-wing versions have appeared in several colors. This champagne-gold release is especially well suited to the shape: the metallic finish is understated, the broad body catches the light cleanly, and the overall assembly feels solid in hand.
Packaging
The model comes in POPRACE’s familiar box format. The champagne-gold outer box carries an illustration of the DLS Turbo, while the inner blister holds the model securely. It is straightforward packaging, but the color and artwork suit the car and make the subject easy to identify before the box is opened.
Body Shape, Paint and Wide-Body Details
The basic proportions are convincing, and the exaggerated width comes through immediately. The champagne-gold metallic paint is attractive without looking too bright, although the finish is more about overall presence than ultra-fine surface work. Separate door handles and mirrors add useful depth, while silver window surrounds and raised black B-pillars keep the glass area from looking flat.
The wheel-arch vents and several openings around the wide-body sections are not open through; they are molded in relief and painted black. POPRACE uses the same approach for much of the lower aero treatment. The front lip follows the body casting, while the rear diffuser is integrated with the base. The exhaust outlets are molded into the sides of the rear bumper and finished with silver-painted tips.
Wheels, Brakes and Front-End Finish
The ride height is well judged for a display model. Silver multi-spoke wheels fill the arches without making the car sit unnaturally low, and the centre-lock-style hubs suit the DLS Turbo theme. Brake components appear behind the spokes, although they are not the main visual focus.
The front end is one of the stronger areas. The round headlights are separate pieces with visible internal bowl and bulb detail, and the indicator lamps are separate parts as well. The line between the bumper and body is painted rather than physically cut. Not every intake is open, but the combination of molded relief and black paint keeps the front fascia readable at 1:64 scale.
Rear-End Treatment
From the rear, the model’s width is even more obvious. The vents between the body and rear fender treatment are again represented with molded relief and black paint rather than open apertures. The full-width taillight is a separate smoked piece, which gives the rear a cleaner finish than a simple printed strip. The Singer script is printed on the black rear panel, and the large wing and engine-cover section appear to form a separate assembly.
Interior and Engine-Cover Details
The cabin is adequate rather than elaborate, and it is clear that most of the budget went into the exterior. The dashboard is mainly black, while the seats and much of the cabin are white, joined by a white roll cage. That contrast makes the interior visible through the dark glazing. The front wipers are printed onto the windscreen, and the vents on the engine cover are molded rather than open.
Underbody
The base uses molded relief to suggest the underside structure, but the engraving is shallow and there is little additional paintwork. It does the basic job, though this is not a model bought for chassis detail. The exterior carries nearly all of the visual interest.
Verdict
Looking for more air-cooled and modern Porsche subjects? Browse the Porsche scale model collection.
Reference
[1] Singer Vehicle Design — Singer Presents DLS Turbo Services.