If you threw a bucket of cold water on a sleeping diecast collector at 2:30 in the morning and asked them which car is the most widely owned of all, he would without hesitation answer "The General Lee, of course!" Since the television show about two good-hearted cousins from the hills of Kentucky who always seem to find themselves at odds with the local law became a smash hit, collectors of model cars have clamored to own the distinctive orange '69 Dodge Charger in any and all scales. In fact, could anyone argue that the 1:18 scale Ertl 'Dukes of Hazzard' is likely the most widely distributed diecast piece of all time?

I was shocked yesterday to find the Dukes model reincarnated in the Ertl Authentics line, boasting a brand new mold, limited run of 5,000 pieces, correct door hinges (now that's real crucial!), and an overall higher level of detail throughout. But what caught my eye was the price tag. $74.99! I repeat: $74.99! As if I had any intention of actually buying one, I looked the model over carefully and quickly found rear wheels at an odd angle and the driver's side door not hung properly. In fact, every piece in the case I opened was exactly the same: obvious and noticable flaws!

"Is it just me or is it a sad day in the diecast hobby world when a worn-out old car with zero collectable value and neglible quality garners $75? Oh wait, I forgot! The door hinges are now correct and the seat belts are made out of cloth. In that case, I'll take three!"

Any experienced diecast collector recognizes that some pieces are worth their asking price and more based simply on authenticity and detail, ie. Lane Exact Detail and Exoto. But does slapping an 'Authetics' logo on the packaging and some (fake) carpeting in the trunk justify a $75 price tag? I'll admit that I was excited to hear about this release and was anticipating a higher cost to go along with the new features. But the product does not justify the cost and that's a fact. What really amazes me is that RC2 felt that the market would consume 5,000 pieces of the Authentics version while competing with unlimited numbers of the American Muscle line in regular, dirty, and movie car versions.

I can't help but feel disappointed with this diecast release and would hope that the serious collectors who have an interest in the future of the hobby will decide to pass on this one. No one can argue that limited edition runs of high-quality pieces are good for the hobby, but $75 for a hum-ho Ertl is absurd. Five years ago this model would have gone for not a penny over $40 - which is about what it's worth.