By just about any measure, there's a wave of change afoot in the model car industry.

Several 1:18-scale manufacturers such as RC2 are either going out of the hobby or dramatically cutting their lines, while others, such as Sun Star and Yat Ming, are producing cheaper but sometimes less detailed and less accurate models.

But where you'll really see big changes is in the 1:64-scale market with new companies, such as Greenlight, providing a lot more detail and more accurate replication in their tiny cars and trucks. Now you have 1:64 models from Greenlight and 1 Badd Ride, for instance, that are every bit as detailed or better than 1:18 cars.

All of this puts pressure on older companies, such as Johnny Lightning, producer of models that are aimed at adult collectors.

In the last year or two, there have been huge improvements to Johnny Lightning models. Lines are sharper, the engines look more like those in the real cars, and more attention has been given to details such as taillights, emblems, hood scoops and even strips on bumpers.

This year, Johnny Lightning has developed these themes for its collections: Mopar Mayhem, Musclecars, Classic Gold, Those '70s Cars, Modern Muscle, Volkswagen, Truckin' America, Wicked Wagons, American Chrome, Johnny Retro and Camaro Crazy.

I looked at several of the new models, including the 1973 Pontiac GTO hardtop. This is a rarely done model, with none available in either 1:18 or 1:24 scale -- maybe because the styling of the real car was so controversial. The yellow car comes with a white vinyl roof and tiny "GTO" emblem markings, as well as a reasonably well-detailed engine. Proportions and character lines have been done beautifully, making this a desirable addition to any collection.

A bit less successful is a 1987 Chevy Camaro Z28. Though the shape is basically right, the wheels are not correct for this Camaro, and the shape of the wheel well in the back is more rounded than the squared-off appearance found on the real car. But again, the engine detail, correct paint finish and nicely done interior are pluses.

The same problems plague the 2001 Chevy Camaro SS, but to a much lesser degree. The exterior is particularly well done in terms of proportion and lower body panel replication. But the scale alloy wheels are not accurate, and there are similar problems with the wheel well opening in the rear as there are with the GTO.

But the classic gold 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler hardtop is a real winner, with every detail accurately replicating the real one. The unusual grille design from '70 Mercurys looks good, and the engine is quite accurate for a model of this size. And what would a Cyclone Spoiler be without a spoiler in the back?

I also liked the 2005 Ford Mustang GT, which gives a faithful replication of the real car from stem to stern. The only questionable element was a stripe decal used on the car's flanks; I don't believe it reflects what's available on the real Mustang GT model.

But if you're looking for a real classic, you should hunt for the 1950 Olds Super 88 that is part of the "Classic Gold Collection." From the hubcaps with their emblems to the slotted wheels painted the same gray as the car to the flat enamel appearance of the paint and the detailed engine, this one is a real gem at a very low price.