Three-quarter front-left view of the gunmetal gray GATHERJOY 1:43 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Ralliart diecast model

1:43 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX EVO9 Ralliart GATHERJOY Diecast Model Review

1:43 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX EVO9 Ralliart GATHERJOY Diecast Model Review

By Scale Metals

I have been collecting model cars for nearly two decades, and my collection originally started with 1:43 models. There was a time when this scale had a very strong run: AUTOart, Minichamps, Kyosho and Schuco were all releasing high-quality diecast cars, while resin specialists such as Spark, TSM, BBR and Make Up also gave collectors plenty to choose from. Strong demand in Europe helped keep production broad, and buyers in China benefited from that scale of output as well.

That period is now part of the hobby’s history. As the global economy weakened and consumer spending became more cautious, both 1:18 and 1:43 were affected. The 1:43 market, which once relied heavily on Europe, has become increasingly polarized: high-end resin brands continue to find buyers, Solido occupies the more affordable end, and the middle of the market has become difficult territory. For a long-time 1:43 collector, that is an awkward place to be.

The picture has started to shift again. The surge of interest in 1:64 models has brought in a new generation of collectors and has helped revive attention in other scales. LCD was among the first to push an all-opening 1:43 range, and some releases sold through quickly. This GATHERJOY (Jule Model) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Ralliart is part of that change. It was introduced at the 2026 Chengdu Motor Show, and the sample reviewed here was supplied by the brand.

Quick take. This is a sturdy, gunmetal-gray 1:43 diecast with a convincing metallic finish and a complete opening layout. The shut lines are not perfectly tight everywhere, but they stay within the compromises I would accept for an all-opening model at this scale.

  • Strong first impression from the paint, wheels and front-end construction.
  • Useful opening access to the engine bay, cabin and luggage area.
  • Good detail density for 1:43, with visible compromises around some panel gaps and steering angle.
Three-quarter front-left view of the gunmetal gray GATHERJOY 1:43 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Ralliart model with black wheels and a large rear wing — image 1 of 12
Figure 1. The gray Evo IX is shown from the front-left, with the hood vent, front grille, dark wheels and large rear wing clearly visible.

Packaging and Chengdu Motor Show Edition

As a Chengdu Motor Show edition, the model comes in a large window box with a substantial display base. The packaging is printed with “CHENGDU MOTOR SHOW 2026.” The plastic base carries an individual number plate and Ralliart-inspired graphics, and a small opening tool is included. The model also carries official Mitsubishi licensing, which is a meaningful achievement for a young brand.

GATHERJOY 1:43 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model in a Chengdu Motor Show 2026 window box — image 2 of 12
Figure 2. The window box shows the model on its red display base, with GATHERJOY and “CHENGDU MOTOR SHOW 2026” branding visible on the package.
Three-quarter front view of the Mitsubishi model in a clear display case on its labeled base — image 3 of 12
Figure 3. A closer display view shows the car inside its clear case, sitting on the labeled Ralliart-themed base.

Body Shape, Paint and Exterior Trim

For a new brand, the body shape is handled very well. The metallic gunmetal-gray paint is one of the model’s strongest features: the metallic flake is fine and the surface has an appealing depth under light. Because this is an all-opening model, a few shut lines are on the generous side, especially around the rear door. Tighter gaps could create another problem at this scale, since opening the panel repeatedly would risk catching and damaging the paint.

The door handles are raised relief pieces, but they are finished neatly. The side indicators are separate clear parts, the window surrounds are black, and the B-pillars have real three-dimensional definition. The rear wing is a separate piece, as are the bullet-shaped side mirrors and the front splitter. The mirrors and splitter both carry a carbon-fiber look; the carbon pattern appears to be applied as a decal, with a clear coat over the surface.

Side profile of the gunmetal gray Mitsubishi model with four doors, black wheels, rear spoiler and roof antenna — image 4 of 12
Figure 4. The side profile shows the four-door shape, black wheels, separate mirrors, roof antenna and raised rear spoiler.

Wheels, Brakes and Front-End Detail

The suspension stance suits the car, and the gloss-black five-spoke wheels have a convincing finish. Ralliart markings are printed on the wheel centers. The brake hardware is also well represented for the scale: both the discs and calipers are modeled, and the red calipers carry Brembo lettering.

The headlights are separate clear parts, with the lamp housings and internal elements visible through the lenses. Their transparency gives the front end some life. The grille and bumper openings use a combination of metal mesh and open sections, while the Mitsubishi emblem on the grille is an etched part. Mesh detail is also used around the intercooler area. The front splitter has a carbon-fiber finish and a Ralliart mark at its center.

Front-facing view of the Mitsubishi model showing the grille emblem, clear headlights, mesh openings and Ralliart front markings — image 5 of 12
Figure 5. The front view brings out the clear headlights, Mitsubishi grille emblem, mesh openings and Ralliart markings on the lower bumper.

Rear Treatment and Opening Mechanism

The taillights are separate pieces with a readable internal structure. Rear badges are etched parts, while the wing is independently mounted and finished with a carbon-fiber decal. One nice touch is that the carbon-fiber areas receive a clear coat, so they do not look completely flat. The exhaust outlets are separate silver parts with their openings drilled or darkened for extra depth.

Rear view of the dark gray Mitsubishi Evolution model with spoiler, taillights, rear wiper, dual exhausts and Ralliart markings — image 6 of 12
Figure 6. The rear view shows the separate taillights, rear wing, dual exhaust outlets, rear wiper and visible Ralliart badging.

The model follows the familiar six-opening layout. The hood and hatch use small struts and can remain open without extra support, while the doors use hinge mechanisms. The opening angle is not especially wide, but the action feels smooth and controlled.

Three-quarter view of the Mitsubishi model with hood, front door and rear hatch open — image 7 of 12
Figure 7. The open panels are shown together, including the hood, side door and rear hatch, with the car still standing without external supports.

Engine Bay and Interior

The engine is built around a bathtub-style compartment and captures the main character of the real car’s 4G63T layout. Engine-bay hoses, the chrome strut brace, intake components and battery are represented with separate pieces or painted detail. At 1:43, the density is respectable. The hood vents are open mesh, and the underside of the hood also receives molded detail.

Top-front view of the Mitsubishi model with the hood open, showing the engine bay, grille, splitter and Ralliart front branding — image 8 of 12
Figure 8. The open hood exposes the engine-bay components, while the front grille, splitter and Ralliart branding remain visible from above.

The inner door areas are painted in multiple tones, and the cabin has a similar level of attention. The dashboard carries a carbon-fiber pattern and the instrument panel uses a decal. Further color separation picks out the open-spoke steering wheel, pedals, handbrake handle and the seat-belt buckles. The front seats are bucket-style with a lightly textured finish. The interior mirror is a separate part, while the sun visors are represented in relief.

Rear three-quarter view of the Mitsubishi model with hood, doors and hatch open, showing the cabin and rear wing — image 9 of 12
Figure 9. Multiple panels are open in this rear three-quarter view, making the cabin, hatch area, rear wing and taillights easy to inspect.
Side view of the Mitsubishi model with hood, trunk and doors open, revealing seats, steering wheel and dashboard — image 10 of 12
Figure 10. The side opening view exposes the bucket seats, steering wheel, dashboard and the model’s red brake calipers.

Glass, Roof Details and Underbody

The overall paint finish remains convincing in the later detail views. Both front and rear wipers are separate plastic parts, and the hood includes molded washer-nozzle detail. The rear section of the roof is modeled in relief, the antenna is a separate plastic piece, and the rear window includes heating lines together with a Ralliart mark.

Top-down view of the dark gray Mitsubishi model showing roof panels, front vents, yellow-tinted lights and Ralliart-striped rear-window marking — image 11 of 12
Figure 11. The top view shows the roof treatment, front vents, tinted glazing and the Ralliart-striped marking on the rear window.

The underbody is plastic, with molded chassis detail and a separately made exhaust system. The front wheels can steer, and the steering is linked to the steering wheel, although the steering angle is not particularly large.

Underside view of the Mitsubishi model showing molded chassis detail, suspension pieces and exhaust piping — image 12 of 12
Figure 12. The underside reveals the molded chassis, suspension components, exhaust piping and rear muffler.

Final Thoughts

For 1:43 collectors, finding a mid-market diecast with a full opening layout has become increasingly difficult. That makes releases from brands such as LCD and GATHERJOY welcome additions to the scale. This EVO IX has the kind of solid construction, visible mechanical detail and gunmetal paint that make it easy to spend time with, while the larger panel gaps and limited steering angle are fair reminders of the engineering compromises involved.

More colors should follow. A red Ralliart version has been confirmed for October 2026, which gives the model a clear path beyond this Chengdu Motor Show sample.

Model reviewed: GATHERJOY 1:43 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX EVO9 Ralliart diecast model in metallic gunmetal gray.

View this model on Scale Metals

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