Diecast Max Model Cars Blog

This venerable Shelby GT350 No. SFM6S293 is an absolute brute on the track, the machine is surprisingly original, still wearing the front disc/rear drum brake setup as well as original sheet metal and body panels. The interior, while stripped of unnecessary weight, still has the original dash. The present owner, Hal McCarty, believes the car should compete the way Shelbys were meant to compete in the 1960’s. Currently, the car is entered in four to five vintage races each year. It is believed that this important Shelby GT350 race car has participated in more than 50 races during its illustrious career. Model car features include oil cooler with rubber hoses, carburetor plenum, steel fuel line, extruded aluminum door window frames, torque thrust style wheels and R-Model style front apron.

Lane Exact Detail will be releasing this Shelby GT-350 diecast model car as Part No. 119 in July with a street price around $89.

The Corvette C3 was the third-generation of the Corvette and stayed in production for 14 years, from 1968 thru 1982, undergoing many changes during that run.

Even in 1982, the lines of the Corvette C3 still looked current thanks to the updates that Chevrolet had performed along the way. The introudction of the sloping fastback in 1978 modernized the shape, which was completed by the 1980 model facelift, which introduced the new aerodynamic front and rear bumpers. The end-of-the-line was celebrated by the release of the 1:18 scale diecast model 1982 Corvette Collectors Edition by AUTOart (Part No. 71201).

The diecast model car’s silver metallic paint finish is up to normal AUTOart standards and really does well at showing off the lines of the Corvette. The Collector’s Edition also featured factory pinstriping and these find themselves well-defined and perfectly replicated. The application of the faded-out stripes on the doors and hood are well-executed and really place the car solidly in its unique time in American automotive history.

The model features correct, funtional pop-up headlights which are operated by a small lever under the car’s nose. The headlights are themselves well-defined and have a fine chrome ring around them.

Further, the T-tops and opening window continue to echo the real car. The 1982 Corvette Collector’s Edition was the first Corvette hatchback, a feature that has continued ever since. Opening is simple, but caution is urged to not damage the plastic hinges. The T-tops are bronze-tinted plastic and clip in and out of position easily to enable the owner to display the model as they prefer. Like the real car, these tops can be stored in the fully-carpeted trunk.

Additionally, the ‘82 Corvette Collector Edition package also sported a multi-color interior; the seats were trimmed in leather and featured graduated colored panels, which were complimented by matching door trim. These are suprisingly-well detailed on the diecast replica and the dashboard gauges are behind clear coverings and are readable. One questionable point though is the 120 MPH speedometer. Accurate? In 1982, the government’s 85 MPH speedometer law was still in effect!

The buttons and detail of the center console are accented with silver which makes them nicely visible. Floor coverings and fabric seatbelts provide a nice touch. Overall, the model’s interior tends to be very well done, though some features are a bit on the chunky side.

Under the long, sculpted hood sits the GM 350 Cross-Fire TBI fuel-injected engine which was good for over 200 horsepower. An interesting feature of the 1982 Corvette was the solenoid-operated ait intake that only opened at full-throttle, which is accurate on the underside of the model’s hood. The engine compartment is nicely molded and finished and the warning and instructions decals are likewise well-done.

But the model presents nothing attention-getting here and the finish is quite basic, which continues to the undercarriage. All the necessary chassis and suspension features are here, but the sea of black plastic really disappoints.

The 1982 Corvette Collector’s Edition was fitted with special aluminum wheels designed to look like the bolt-on wheels of the 1967 Stingray model. As fitted to the diecast replica, these are finey molded and feature the Corvette flag symbol on the center cap. Together with the white-lettered Goodyear Eagle GT2 tires, the combination delivers amazing eye-candy!

To make sure that the Collectors Edition package couldn’t be cloned from a standard Corvette, it had a zero in the sixth digit of the VIN number instead of the eight found on standard models. This was the first Corvette to have a sticker-price over $20,000 - but that didn’t stop 6,759 Chevy customers from lining up to get theirs! In its 14-year lifespan, GM sold more than 542,000 Corvette C3 cars - easily one of the most popular Corvettes ever.

To summarize, the AUTOart 1:18 1982 Corvette Collector’s Edition would make a worthy addition to any diecast collection, though we are disappointed to see AUTOart continuing to raise their prices. The cost on this model is now over double what it was at the time of its first release years ago! The model is weighty, solid, well-built and just plain looks great! If you can find one at a reasonable price, we do recommend it despite some disappointments!

You can thank John Z. Delorean for the Olds 4-4-2. It was brought to life to compete with the Pontiac Temepest GTO which had proved to be an unexpected success midway through the 1964 model year. The car arrived late in the ‘64 season and Oldsmobile called the option package 4-4-2 based on the combination of four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission and dual exhaust. It was available on Cutlass and F-85 models and could be ordered on coupes and sedans, of which only ten were built.

In 1965 the Pontiac GTO received corporate sanction from General Motors and so Oldsmobile countered the attack with the big-engine 4-4-2. The option package was renamed and a new 400 ci engine became standard and the definition of 4-4-2 was restated as 4

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00 cubic inches, 4-barrel carb, and 2 exhausts. Engine output was quoted at a modest 345 horse-power to placate the government and insurance industry. The 4-4-2 became a completely separate model from 1968 thru 1971 and was reninstated as an option for 1972.

Collectors of diecast model cars will be delighted to know that Lane Exact Detail has released a 1:18 scale rendition of the 1972 Olds 4-4-2, made from a whopping 187 parts!

The big, muscular coupe is finished in authentic Viking Blue with contrasting white pinstripes and trim. The distinctive split grille is also there in faux chrome-plated glory. Under the hood sits the wired and plumbed Oldsmobile Rocket 350 V8 engine, which was originally available in two outputs - either 160 or 180 horsepower - and if that still wasn’t enough power, the optional 455 cubic inch engine had three different states of tune, all the way up to 300 horsepower! The rest of the model’s engine bay contains a good level of detail; the AC Delco battery is wired and the brake lines exit the brake booster!

The doors of the pillarless coupe open to allow access to the interior. The combination of white trim and black carpet is a reminder of just how stylish the 1970’s really were! (Bell-bottoms anyone?) The trim looks smart and the woodgrain finish on the dashboard and center console complete the interior decor. The bucket seats fold forward to allow entry to the rear seat where the passengers had lap-type seat belts, matching those in the front, which also had sash belts that attached to the ceiling. The Lane Exact Detail dieast model also sports correct, folding sun visors. The one disappointment of the model might be the dashboard, which is a little basic. All the gauges are there but are only decals, lowering an otherwise high standard of detail. The rest of the dashboard has been accented by the chrome-llok trim around the vents, air conditioner controls and radio. The big shifter for the automatic transmission take center stage in the console.

The model’s trunk benefits from having a spare tire, as well as a jack molded into the floor. The authentic decal instruction for tire changes are even there; clearly printed and easily readable!

The Firestone wide oval tires are well molded and the white-letter sidewalls look just right. The wheels are color-coded to the bodywork and the use of chrome finishing really lifts the entire presentation. Sitting on a fuly-operational suspension complete with front and read coil springs, the model can be displayed with its front wheels in different positions thanks to its poseable steering. Underneath the car, the dual exhaust-pipe system runs from the engine compartment and ends in twin chrome tips.

The model’s differential and driveshaft are equally well detailed and Exact Detail’s use of wire to replicate the fuel lines is feature we especially appreciate!

The 1:18 scale Lane Exact Detail 1972 Olds 4-4-2 in Viking Blue (Diecast Part Number 313) is a licensed product of General Motors and was produced in a limited edition run of only 996 diecast pieces. If Viking Blue or a coupe is not your preference, you’ll be happy to know that Exact Detail has already produce the Olds 4-4-2 in other combinations and has plans to expand on the product line with even more offerings. Might was well start clearing some shelf space now!

It’s no suprise that the global economy in its current state has resulted in a major correction for the diecast industry as well. As of this writing, most economists are calling for a bottoming-out of the US economy anywhere from early summer to late 2009, with a rebound coming swiftly thereafter. But will the diecast hobby bounce back so quickly? What have diecast manufacturers learned from this lesson that ultimately began over five years ago while the industry was at an unsustainable all-time high and assuming it would only get better? Could this correction actually result in a stronger hobby for all, with a more realistic outlook for future prosperity?

Even with a steady upsurge in spending, don’t expect the same for diecast sales. Distributors on the leading-edge of supply-and-demand began drastically reducing inventory in 2006 and at this time, levels are at an all-time low. With less inventory moving, higher profit margins per piece have resulted in the current exhorbitant pricing. After all, doesn’t it make more sense for a company to produce half the pieces at twice the cost if the market will bear it?

Gateway Global (parent company of AUTOart), in a move to adopt Exoto-ish fulfillment practices, is focusing on their own retail website. Naturally, this has angered their loyal distributors.

AUTOart’s current practice of alienating their distribution channel is equally as puzzling as the magazine article (“The People’s Republic of Models” Car and Driver - August, 2005) in which Gateway Global CEO Mr. Yee threw barbs at American car enthusiasts, and the August 23, 2008 Press Release that blamed their latest “imminent and inevitable price increase” mainly due to their peasant work force’s wages increasing “from less than US$100 per month to more than US$200 nowadays (including food and accommodation).”

Many collectors who once appreciated the enormous value that AUTOart diecast pieces afforded are simply finding themselves either priced out of their new releases or so offended by the company’s business practices that they are boycotting them.

This begs the question: When the industry has re-emerged, who will be left standing? Will the hobbyist, no longer enjoying unlimited production runs and low prices from yesteryear, tolerate unrealistic new costs? If not, will the industry be reduced to simply producing Christmas gifts? It is our informed opinion that the collector will soon begin to see a sustainable pricing structure in place that will wary only slightly for years to come. There will also be far less releases, and most of those will be in limited quantities. Whether this is a positive is a matter of perspective. While the diecast hobbyists may purchase fewer pieces, is it possible that those pieces will be of higher quality and a more intrguing subject matter?

Our advice from the start of this industry-wide adjustment has been the same: vote with your wallet. If you fail to see the value in a diecast release, mark it off of your list or show patience and purchase it on the secondary market (ie, eBay or GoMotorBids.com). Take the time to reason and evaluate whether a company really even deserves your diecast dollar! If their business practices leave you angered and frustrated, let them know about it and show resolve to not pay retail for any of their new products. You can bet that manufacturers are watching how the market responds and will act accordingly. They will charge what the market will bear, and that is being determined right now!

Popular Korean retailer Replicas.co.kr has begun posting pictures of just-released AUTOart 1:18 diecast cars on their website. Included in the list are:

• 88376 - NISSAN SKYLINE RS TURBO SUPER SILHOUETTE 1983 (LATE VERSION)
• 74801 - LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 3 2005 - SILVER
• 80748 - BMW Z4 COUPE RACE CAR PLAIN BODY VERSION
• 74502 - LAMBORGHINI ESPADA - BLEU NOTTE / BLUE
• 70147 - ALFA ROMEO “ALFETTA” GTV 2.0 1980 - GREY
• 77396 - NISSAN GT-R (R35) - VIBRANT RED

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Now widely available is the AUTOart Millennium Edition 74501 - a Lamborghini Espada in Argento Silver. Also released is the AUTOart Millennium Edition 74502 in Bleu Notte (Blue), 74503 in Rosso Granada (Red), and 74504 in Oro Metallizzato (Gold).

Over twelve hundred of these popular Italian Bertone-deisgned sports cars were made between the ten years of 1968 and 1978 in three different series; the S1, S2, and S3. Espada is the Spanish word for the sword used in bullfighting. The Lamborghini Espada was the Marzal concept car, debuting at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show.

New in the SunStar Platinum line of 1:18 scale diecast cars this month are the classic 1956 Mercury Montclair in two styles and the 1958 Buick Limited Soft Top in two paint schemes.

SunStar Platinum Diecast No. 4813: 1958 Buick Limited Closed Convertible in Green Mist

SunStar Platinum Diecast No. 4814: 1958 Buick Limited Closed Convertible in Sylvan Grey

SunStar Platinum Diecast No. 5131: 1956 Mercury MontClair Convertible in Niagra Blue/Lauderdale Blue

SunStar Platinum Diecast No. 5132: 1965 Mercury MontClair Convertible in Grove Green/Tuxedo Black

The 2009 Nuremberg Toy Fair is over and by all accounts tended to reflect the current global downturn in the economy and the diecast hobby. Not suprisingly, diecast manufacturers are not in a position to gamble with their assets in developing new molds and previously unreleased models. Reports from attendees even include mention of makers like Maisto and Bburago not allowing pictures at their booth. We’re still not sure if this is out of shame, or what!

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free beverly hills chihuahua Instead of expounding on the show here, why not get it straight from those who attended with reports, pics, and links? Check out the 2009 Nuremberg Toy Fair thread at DiecastXchange. Six pages and counting of the best insight and breaking news to be found anywhere on the net.

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1955 Chevy Bel Air

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Round2 Corp.’s AutoWorld diecast model cars division has announced further 1:18 scale releases for 2009 in a digital flyer released to their distributors this week. Included are:

1971 Buick GSX (Lime Mist Metallic)
1966 Chevelle SS396 (Tropic Turquoise)
1966 Chevelle SS 396 (Madeira Maroon)
1969 Mustang GT 428CJ (Black Jade Green)
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1970 Cougar Eliminator (Competition Gold)

willy wonka the chocolate factory free download AutoWorld’s first release, the 1967 Camaro in Marina Blue, has been severely criticized for its hefty price tag, flimsy packaging, quality control issues, and lack of features; not to mention confusion as to why a struggling upstart would choose such a mundane model for its initial offering. The ‘71 Buick GSX is anything but mundane and should be widely welcomed by collectors looking for some diversity in their collection. Rumors of more reasonable pricing and vastly improved packaging should work wonders for AutoWorld’s reputation among retailers stung by the ‘67 Camaro.

The 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show will be held at the LA Convention Center from November 21 thru 30. There will be a Sneak Previer Night on the 20th (if you’re willing to spend a minumum $125). Featuring World and North American debuts, concept cars, alternative fuel vehicles, as well as Design Challenges and Project Cars, excitement will once again reign supreme at the show.

As with the 2008 SEMA Show, we’ll be in attendance and reporting back with pics and news! Stayed tuned…

Squires Turbo Systems displayed their matte-finish twin-turbo C6 Corvette Z06 at the outside feature-vehicle area and there was no shortage of lookers. With a minimal 7 pounds of boost on the remotely rear-mounted turbos you might wonder if its 700 hp could handle a stock ZR-1. Probably not, but it’s a ground-pounder for sure!

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The Classic Designs Concept Group 2 Widebody Dodge Challenger with its Vortech Supercharger, composite front fenders and Mopar “billboard” rear flares has a strong, aggressive stance to say the least! They restyled the wheels arches to accomodate the extra tire width; 10″ wide fronts and 12″ wide rear wheels. The front is complete with aerodynamic canards, stainless steel wire-mesh grille, aluminum hood, cold-air “Shaker” hood system and sequential turn indicators. Its KW coilover setup with 15″ Baer brakes further prepare it for the pony car wars!

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Always trying to stay one step ahead of a crazed sheriff in the south by putting the pedal to the metal in an orange Dodge Charger is like trying to avoid attention in a West Coast Customs “General Lee” two-door Dodge Charger reminiscent of The Dukes of Hazzard download miss march aka playboys divx best of the best 4 without warning download born on the fourth of july movie download . Screaming with House of Kolor Tangelo candy paint, the car was shortened by over 8 inches, chopped down by 3 and doors lengthened by a foot! It’s complete with a Confederate flag on top and ghosted 01 numbering on the doors, leading us to believe tha the guys at West Coast Customs are about as blatant as Bo and Luke Duke!

The Armor All booth featured this Aston Martin DBS looking like it just popped off the set of a James Bond film.

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Mopar lover’s have long lusted after Mr. Norm’s limited edition exclusives for their attention-getting qualities. The 2009 Mr. Norm’s “Super Challenger” surely does just that! It debuted at the SEMA Show and garnered loads of attention for itself. It’s 1 of only 100 that you can build to a one-off custom car!

The renowned Japanese tuners of Mine’s Motorsports wowed the crowd with their Nissan GT-R (RHD), complete with carbon fiber front winglets, Recaro seats, Eibach springs on Potenza tires. Other sponsors include Mooncraft, Motul, Sachs, and Takata.

While you can’t visit the local Dodge dealership and order up a new Challenger without a lid, outfits like Newport Convertible Engineering of Southern California have taken up just such a task. This SRT8 looks amazing sitting firmly on the Nitto paws.

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We just got back from 2 million sq. ft. of the latest and greatest in the world of after-market cars and products at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Though the industry is in a decidedly down period thanks to the global economic funk, the show didn’t disappoint! As long as men have money, they’ll be willing to spend it without hesitation to boast the best toys in the neighborhood.

Without a doubt, the Dodge Challenger stole the show this year and it was encouraging to see the continued interest in next-gen American muscle. Not everyone wants a Chevy Volt, Smart Car or Yaris - which were all well-represented at the show as well, with plenty of focus on the environment and fuel-saving technology in general.

Stay tuned here as we wade through hundreds of pics of the 2008 SEMA Show and post our thoughts of the best (and worst) this year’s show had to offer!

Indianapolis, IN (October 31, 2008) – GreenLight Collectibles’ latest 1:64 scale Muscle Car Garage™ (MCG) release introduces a new theme that is destined to light a fire with die-cast collectors.  In the summer of 2008 GreenLight enlisted the help of long time die-cast flame painter and Johns Hopkins University medical illustrator Tim Phelps. Phelps is best known for his book Up in Flames: The Art of Flame Painting (Motorbooks, 2006).  In collaboration with the GreenLight Production Department, Phelps put pencil to paper and created six distinctly different cars that each featured a unique style of flames.

“Flame jobs, hot rods and customizing have been consistently popular both in the real car and die-cast world for years. GreenLight wanted to do an entire release of our flagship Muscle Car Garage line with this theme – but with a twist. With Tim’s knowledge of the history and various styles of custom flame jobs, we were able to put together a six-car set that showcases some tremendous style, both old and new”, said Matthew Elliott, GreenLight Director of Production.

MCG Up In Flames is a six-car set that includes a 1967 Chevrolet Impala, 1967 Pontiac GTO, 1967 Shelby GT500, 1968 Dodge Charger R/T, 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda and 2006 Camaro Concept, all customized with unique flame paint jobs.  In addition to the flame jobs, each model features 100% die-cast metal bodies and chassis, real rubber tires, detailed engine and interior, custom license plates and a storyline trading card detailing the individual flame job style.

“In flame painting and writing about the artists who pioneered the art form, I have experienced great joy in my life for over 14 years. When GreenLight Collectibles embraced the idea of sharing aspects of my writing and my art with worldwide die-cast collectors, I was ecstatic. While most flame painting is restricted to hot rods and customs, we saw this as an opportunity to share some of the varied aspects of flame painting history, crediting those who have made it so vibrant and popular”, said Phelps.

GreenLight Collectibles is a premier manufacturer and marketer of officially licensed, authentic die-cast replica vehicles. In 2008, the company has expanded to twelve distinct product lines. GreenLight die-cast replicas are available in 1:18, 1:24 and 1:64 scale and are officially licensed by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, Carroll Shelby Licensing, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, 20th Century Fox (SPEED Channel), Tim Phelps, Grand-Am Road Racing Association, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Bridgestone Americas.