Model of the Month - April 2025
The Origins…
The Chevrolet Silverado came from the Chevrolet series C that appeared for the first time in 1960, but the official nameplate “Silverado” was used for the first time only in the 3rd generation in 1982.
1968 Chevy Truck C-series.
The classical appearance of the C series was changed almost entirely for this 3rd generation, it now had a square body type that was actually the first to be designed with computer software and to be tested in wind tunnels, which meant a big improvement in performance.
1982 Chevrolet C10.
After the 4th generation, the C series was discontinued and the Chevrolet Silverado line officially started. But it was this boxy beast that started it all.
Jun Imai
In terms of 1/64 scale, Hot Wheels is the undeniably king, and several of the most famous designers of the hobby have been working with the iconic brand at some point.
Jun Imai is one of them, the American-Japanese designer worked for 14 years with Hot Wheels, releasing American muscle and fantasy cars, but he is mostly known for his Japanese designs.
The '71 Datsun Bluebird 510 Wagon, the Nissan Fairlady Z and the Datsun 620.
He left Hot Wheels in 2018 and was involved in some other projects related to the automotive industry, but it was in 2020 that he founded his own Die-cast company, Kaido*House, where he is currently the creative director.
The majority of the models released by Kaido*House are modified Japanese cars which seem to resonate with Jun a lot.
These design are known for their incredible Kaido liveries and some action features that makes them unique. A peculiarity that will help you identify the Kaido*House models is their iridescent-color base.
The Vintage and unexpected release
A couple of years ago, Jun came out of his comfort zone and released a model that was unexpected.
Instead of a usual Japanese release, Jun not only went for an American car, but a classic 80s truck, the Chevy Silverado.
The truck was lowered and widened and in pure Kaido style, the liveries were colorful and vibrant, there was fire, numbers and racing accents which put the new diecast closer to what we were used to with the previous releases.
If you like modified cars and the boldness of the Kaido culture, the first colors of the Chevy Silverado will resonate with you, however, our winner of the month broke the mold.
Not only it was an unusual Kaido release by being an American Truck, but this time, Jun decided to give it a vintage realistic livery that evoques the original two-tone paint jobs that Chevrolet was using in the 80s.
1982 Chevrolet C10 Silverado
When you see this Silverado, you know is not a stock model, it has been heavily modified, yes, but you cannot help but think about the original.
The creamy center line sandwiched in this dark-blood red color is precisely what we old dogs were used to seeing in our hometowns.
Kaido releases this model with the chrome bumpers in the front, a tow hitch in the back, and a nameplate that reads “getpaid”.
The Silverado batch on the sides was modified to a Kaido batch but keeps the same aesthetic so it does match the theme.
The Yokohama wheels give the truck a sport modern look, that of course, is also the Kaido seal.
The interiors are completely different than the original, the original “bench” seats are exchanged for 2 individual racing seats, and the look is completed with a detailed dashboard and wheel.
The front grill looks ominous and 4 acrylic inserts make 4 realistic headlights, with the Chevrolet logo in the center as the cherry on the cake.
The side mirrors in pure Mini GT style are made by a bendable plastic to avoid damages.
The truck bed needed to be “cut” to make space for the back axle of this lowered monster. And the opening tailgate has the “metal plate” with the Chevrolet name exactly as the real model did. And by the sides another pair of acrylic inserts make the taillights.
The most attractive feature of this beauty is of course the opening hood, that reveals what I believe to be a V8 engine with the Kaido*House branding on the sides and a turbocharger connected in the front.
In summary… the model is a bold modification of a loved classic, but one that doesn’t need to scream “LOOK AT ME”, this beast gives a statement; “I don’t need to be highlighted by a livery, because you will see me anyway”