Highway 61 1970 Dodge Dart Assortment Coming
Chrysler promotional literature for the Dodge Dart boasted that their new 1970 model was "The Dart That Gives You a Head Start!" 1970 saw a refreshed look for the Dart as Dodge sought to bring the look more in line with their larger counterparts and in order to avoid internal competition with Dodge's new ponycar, the Challenger. In the rear, the Dart's new rectangular tail lights were set into a wedge-shaped rear bumper design continuing the angled trailing edge of the new deck lid and quarter panels, resulting in only about half thr trunk space of the 1969 model. In compliance with new government standards, rectangular side-marker lights and reflectors were used on all four corners. Also the convertible was discontinued along with the optional 383 and 440 engines.
Coming to diecast retailers in June will be the 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 in Go Mango - pictured above (Highway 61 Stock No. 50511), Plum Crazy (Highway 61 Stock No. 50510), and B5 Blue (Highway 61 Stock No. 50512). Catch 'em if you can!
May 28, 2007
New Manufacturer's World Championship AUTOart Car
The team of Herbert Müller (Swiss) and Gijs van Lennep (Dutch) dominated the Group 5 class of the Manufacturer's World Championship in both 1973 and 1974, winning the Targa Florio in 1973. Van Lennep drove for the Porsche team from 1967 and won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1971 with Helmut Marko driving the #22 Martini Porsche 917, in the process setting a record that still stands: the most laps in 24 hours. The 1974 Watkins Glen 6-Hours was won by a Matra MS 670C sports racer prototype and the Carrera RSR Turbo driven by Herbert Müller and Gijs van Lennep came second overall. This car has been faithfully reproduced in a 1/18 scale diecast replica by AUTOart (stock no. 87475 pictured above) along with the same car in the #5 Brands Hatch race version (stock no. 87474). Retailing for around $90, this Limited Edition diecast model car won't last forever and is sure to compliment any collection of historic race pieces.
May 23, 2007
1967 Shelby Mustang 'Eleanor' Diecast Photo Set
The guys at DieCastFast.com have notified us of a updated photo set (small version at left) of the 1967 Shelby Eleanor Mustang diecast model car from Shelby Collectibles they have posted to their website (click link above). Perhaps the most sought-after and coveted Mustang of all-time, this model was made hugely popular by Nicholas Cage in the 2000 remake of the movie 'Gone in 60 Seconds.' Even Chevy and Mopar guys have to admit the attraction of the Eleanor Mustang's styling and bold stance, many referring to it as "the ultimate muscle car!" Even if you're not a Mustang diecast collector, this one deserves at least a peek!
May 22, 2007
NASCAR Richard Petty 1968 Roadrunner from MIC
The 1968 NASCAR season was one of frustration for some drivers, including Richard Petty. In late '67 Petty had forseen problems with the 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner - a car not known for its aerodynamics. Petty put in a request to NASCAR for a change to the 1968 Dodge Charger, not realizing that despite the slick looks of the Charger, its handling characteristics were lacking as well! The front grille acted as a huge air brake and the rear window created a vacuum that caused lift on the rear wheels and a loose car around turns. So, the Roadrunner it was! Crew chief Maurice Petty did what he could to make the Roadrunner competitive with the Ford models, eventually making it faster than many teams including the Charger.
Own a piece of NASCAR racing history with this 1/18 scale diecast model car from MIC. Sporting a vinyl top, it's the car Richard Petty himself drove at Daytona! Hitting shelves now at around $100, this is a Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces replica!
Jada Toys Members Wallpapers Now up To 44
Jada has added two hot wallpapers to bring their running total up to 44! From Old Skool to V-Dubs to raw Bigtime Muscle and flashy DUB City, they're all here and offered in three different screen sizes. Sure to bring life to your desktop with tons of flash and color, get yours today by registering at JadaToys.com.
May 21, 2007
SunStar's Beautifully Detailed 1956 Lincoln Premier
Bigger was definitely better for the 1950's American car and few were larger than the 1956 Lincoln Premier. While the '56 Cadillac and Chrysler Imperial were simply older models with a face-lift, the '56 Premier was completely new and its clean, sharp lines won the prestigious International Design Institute Award. Sun Star's 1956 Premier Convertible has many fine features including pivoting doors, working hood hinges, spring-loaded functional windshield wipers and exceptionally thin gold photo-etched badges. However, none of these would mean much if the shape were wrong. Happily the lines, proportions and details are almost exactly correct.
All the body trim on this fully detailed diecast model is done with separate plated pieces or photo-etched parts. Lifting the hood displays the big 383 cid V8 which is also very welly detailed; even the hose clamps have been picked out and a couple of luggage bags have been included for the trunk. Despites its massive size, the Sun Star 1956 Lincoln Premier is amazingly accurate, with every dimension within 0.02 inches of perfect 1/18 scale. This diecast model car has recently arrived in the US and is retailing for around $40.
May 19, 2007
DUB City Bigtime Muscle 1985 Camaro IROC
Jada Toys has announced the imminent release of their latest 1/24 scale DUB City Bigtime Muscle diecast release, the 1985 Chevy Camaro IROC under three different stock numbers; 91445 (Hobby Exclusive with Extra Wheels), 91283-MP (Mass colors with Convo Pro wheels), 91283-Z pictured (Mass colors with GFG 'GF16' wheels). Arriving approximately the same time will be a Limited Edition of 5,000 pieces 1/24 2006 Camaro Concept 'Stars and Stripes' (Jada Toys DUB City Stock No. 91249). With slight increases lately from Jada, expect street prices from your favorite internet retailers to be $13-$15.
May 17, 2007
AUTOart Ford GT Test Car w/ Carbon Fiber Texture
Remember the 2005 Ford GT LM Spec II Car (AUTOart Diecast Model No. 80515) that we all wanted but never got because AUTOart sold out the same week they were released? Coming next is the 1/18 scale 2005 Ford GT Test Car (AUTOart Diecast Model No. 80514) in Black featuring a revolutionary printed carbon fiber texture! What's more? This is not a sealed body shell design but boasts opening doors and fully detailed interior cockpit and is expected to be in the styrofoam "Millenium Edition" packaging. Don't miss your chance to own this Limited Edition Collector's piece that is likely to sell out the first day of availability. Street prices are expected to range from $92 - $149 due to demand. We recommend checking with your diecast hobby dealer or website ASAP to arrange delivery so you aren't left in the dust! Expected arrival date is early 2nd week of June.
Highway 61 1970 Mustang Boss 429 Next Week!
In the early 1970's Ford Motor Company wanted to dominate racing, and designed the 429 cubic inch engine specifically for that purpose. Stripped of decoration and trim save for the BOSS 429 badge on the fender sides, the Boss 429's unassuming appearance concealed the monster under the hood. The 429 motor was built for performance, the Boss Mustang 429 was built to get the engine on the race circuit, and Ford made no claims to the contrary. While advertised by Ford with an output of just 375-hp, the Boss 429 could exceed a staggering 500-hp in the hands of experienced race engine tuners!
Relive the bold excitement of these massively powerful muscle cars with a new assortment of 1/18 diecast models from Highway 61 Collectibles coming the last week of June to your favorite diecast hobby dealer. Colors available will be Grabber Green (50589), Grabber Orange, pictured left (50590), and Custom Black (50591) and street price is expected at approximately $65.
May 14, 2007
New Jada Toys Diecast Cars In Stores Now!
Jada Toys continues their domination of the diecast model world with their latest releases that are hitting hobby stores now. The large 1/18 DUB City Heat 2006 Camaro Concept Highway Patrol Police Car (Jada Toys Stock No. 91461) is in bold black 'n white markings with black mag wheels. Finally out is the 1/24 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo (Jada Toys Stock No. 91359) sporting Grazia wheels. The newest addition to the 1/24 Streetlow Window Box Series is the 1985 Cadillac Brougham (Jada Toys Stock No. 90828) and from V-Dubs is the 1965 VW Fastback w/ Babymoon Wheels (Jada Toys Stock No. 91216). West Coast dealers will have these items starting today and other distributors very soon!
May 13, 2007
Huge 1/6 Scale 50th Anniversary 1957 Corvette Diecast
Highway 61 Collectibles is proud to introduce an amazing 1:6 scale diecast model replica to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of an automotive milestone - the 1957 Chevy Corvette. Standing over 28 inches long, this massive fully-detailed replica is a sight to behold in stunning Venetian Red. The opening hood reveals a fully-plumbed and wired 283ci V8 engine and the interior is equally faithfully reproduced with windows that raise and lower with scale hand cranks, opening glove box and ashtray, intricately-detailed gauges, and working steering, shifter and pedals, flocked carpeting, and soft floor mats and upholstery. And the body? Well, it's what makes a Corvette a Corvette. Details like an opening hood vent cowl, engraved headlights, opening fuel door, and working radio antenna make this diecast model replica stand out. Using an innovative manufacturing process, Highway 61 Collectibles has faithfully reproduced every subtle curve and nuance of the original ´57 Corvette, creating a replica that is truly one-of-a-kind and sure to be treasured by automotive enthusiasts. The chassis boasts a fully-detailed 3-speed transmission, with working suspension and rolling soft rubber tires. An opening trunk reveals a removable spare tire cover. Just incredible!
The above photo shows the 1/6 scale model with a 1/24 scale model to help you appreciate the true size of this diecast replica which weighs over 20 pounds! History was made fifty years ago with the introduction of the legendary 1957 Corvette which has been the performance sports car to beat ever since. Join Highway 61 Collectibles as they make history too in the Summer of 2007 with this fantastic Limited Edition diecast model car. Check with your local or online Highway 61 dealer and ask for stock no. 50402 which has an expected street price of about $749.
IRL 1/18 Diecast Model Cars from Greenlight Toys
The Indy Racing League (better known as IRL) has continued to enjoy new-found success in recent years as consistent engine package and chassis rules have produced some of the closest finishes in any racing series and five exciting road and street courses have replaced the oval-only stance that caused much criticism early on. Television ratings for the 2005 Indy 500 were up approximately 40% from the previous year. Almost all of this increase has been attributed to the entry of Danica Patrick, considered to be the first female driver whose team was strong enough to provide her with a competitive, even potentially race-winning car. The IRL is now dominated by a few wealthy teams, including those from the old CART series, like Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske.
GreenLight® Collectibles, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a premier manufacturer and marketer of officially licensed, authentic diecast model replicas. The flawless detail and features of each car demonstrates GreenLight®’s attentiveness to authenticity. The March, 2007 Lee's Toy Review stated that "...GreenLight Collectibles, [is] the hottest company to come along for die-hard die-cast enthusiasts and collectors in a long while." Their line of 1/18 scale Indy Car Series Diecast Models is hitting stores now so be sure to check with your favorite hobby or diecast dealer for availability!
May 09, 2007
AUTOart 1/18 Products Coming In May
Gateway Global, distributor of AUTOart diecast model cars, has alerted us to their May offerings. New 2005Porsche 911 (996) GT3 models are the #71 Alex Job (80583), #68 Matthew Marsh (80582), and #136 Yokohama (80571, driver unknown). LeMans racing fans will be delighted to get their hands on the 1971 Porsche 917L Gulf #17 which was the Joseph Siffert and Derek Bell weapon for the 24 hours race. Street cars include the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRC Plain Body Version in White (80692), Toyota Sprinter Trueno (AE86) in red (78792), Aston Martin V8 Vantage in Midnight (70203), Porsche Carrera GT in White (78045), and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class in White (76166), Black (76165), and Silver (76164). We are happy to see AUTOart doing more limited edition models but disapprove greatly of their treatment of their loyal vendors as well as past insults to diecast collectors in interviews which displays a lack of concern for the hobbyist and an overall arrogance and haughty nature. Also be aware that a $3 per piece cost hike on all future and existing inventory is being levied immediately in addition to what most consider to be excessive increases over-and-above other makers in the last 2+ years. Unique and detailed offerings may justify a higher price but consider who and what you're supporting when purchasing.
DUB City Bigtime Muscle 1/24 '69 Camaro RS
The 1969 Chevy Camaro sported several significant changes and upgrades from earlier models, one of the most noteworthy being the much more deeply set front grille. Jada Toys is proud to replicate these hot pony cars in 1/24 diecast models featuring the RS grille and race car versions with Redline racing tires. The Bigtime Muscle product line has taken the diecast model car collecting hobby world by storm and future releases promise to dazzle both the rookie and seasoned veteran collector who appreciate not only authentic replicas but a little eye candy as well. They might not be what rolled off the showroom floor but they're small, colorful and attention-getting for those who recognize this historic period in American automotive history! Stay tuned to your favorite diecast model hobby dealer for release dates, color combo information and availability.
May 08, 2007
Extremely Limited McLaren Mercedes MP4-22A Models
Our English friends at Amalgam Fine Model Cars are very proud to announce the start of an exciting co-operation with McLaren Racing Limited in respect of high quality presentational scale model cars modelled in resin and other related products commencing with a superb series of 1/8th scale models of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22A in small Limited Editions. Each edition of 50 pieces will show the car as it competed at a specific Grand Prix, with the aero set-up and livery details used on that occasion. Using data supplied by the team we are currently in the process of building the master model of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22A as it was raced to a historic 1st and 2nd place in the 2007 Malaysian Grand Prix, and the first models in that edition will be available for delivery at the end of July 2007. The models will be available in the liveries applicable to both Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton
We have also started work on the first small batch of full size MP4-22A steering wheel replicas. The replicas will be made from genuine carbon composite and the first pieces of each version will be available at the end of July 2007.
Alongside large diecas scale model cars and full size steering wheel replicas of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22A, we are developing 1/12th scale nosecone models and 1/4 scale steering wheels. These fine hand-made collectors pieces will be available at the end of August 2007.
May 04, 2007
DUB City Bigtime Muscle Corvette Z06 1/24 Diecast Cars
Jada Toys has updated us that the 1/24 scale 2006 Chevy Corvette Z06 which will be featured in Black, Victory Red, Velocity Yellow, and Candy Blue is set to arrive in US stores soon. The Corvette is undisputed as "America's Sports Car" and will without doubt be excitedly received by diecast car collectors and Corvette obsessive-compulsives. The DUB City Bigtime Muscle line has most recently gotten rave reviews for their rendition of both the 2006 Camaro concept and Dodge Challenger concept in scales from 1/64 to 1/18. The '06 Vette can be your newest tricked-out ride as these customized models speed to your favorite diecast stores. Check back soon for actual arrival dates!
May 02, 2007
Highway 61 Promises New Diecast Collectibles
Highway 61 Collectibles has an exciting lineup of 2007 diecast model cars including new and retooled releases. Collectors will be delighted to see the 1972 Chevy Cheyenne (left), along with 1967 and 1969 pickup trucks in fresh colors. If you missed them the first time around, this is your chance. In huge 1/16 scale, look for classic 1946 Chevrolet and 1940 Ford fire trucks, 1941 Ford wrecker, 1946 Chevy / GMC dump trucks, and various 1975 Chevy / GMC utility vehicles. The Chevy / GMC 6000 Series models set the standard for short-cab trucks in the mid 1970's. Need proof? Many are still on the road and working over 30 years later!
Mopar fans will love Highway 61's treatment of various 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971 Dart, Barracuda, Challenger, and 'Cuda models ranging from showroom floor to street to super stock versions in the hottest colors like Sublime Green, Go Mango, Swinger Bright Turquoise, Limelight Green Metallic, GTS Gold Poly, Blue Fire Metallic, and Alpine White. One diecast assortment will include two cars, a Dodge Challenger Concept packaged along with a '71 Challenger R/T! The new Dodge Challenger Concept Car is now available in Orange (50502), Plum Crazy (50578), Panther Pink (50577), and Sublime Green (50576).
All-terrain and 4x4 enthusiasts will appreciate the 1/18 scale Hummer H2 diecast assortments that will include both production models in new colors like Slate Blue Metallic (50493), Twilight Maroon Metallic (50494), and Birch White (50495) along with the H2 Law Enforcement Police Vehicle (50496), "World Poker Tour" Graphics (19001), and the off-road package with Outdoor Camo (50594), All-Terrain Blue (50593), and Fusion Orange (50592).
Coming later in the year will be the 1966 Pontiac GTO, what many consider to be the original muscle car. It will be released in Cream w/ Black (50585), Reef Turquoise Blue (50584) and Montero Red (50583). Check often with your favorite diecast model car dealer for future announcements and release dates as they become known!
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