HOT WHEELS: FERRARI DINO 246 GTS

Ferrari Dino 246 GTS Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Hotwheels

The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS is a stunning model, fully demonstrating once again how fortunate are those whose collections feature Ferraris, for they are so often presented with excellence. The review sample is in the familiar red, and fully illustrates the high quality, from the wheels and windscreen wipers to the various lights all represented as separate plastic fittings. A review such as this cannot really do justice to this model: better that you inspect an example, and you wll undoubtedly decide to include it in your collection.

BBURAGO: DODGE VIPER WITH HARD TOP

1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe Diecast Model 1/18 Blue Die Cast Car by Bburago

The model is from Bburago have always been well respected, being at the forefront of larger scale model production. Bbrurago models hae always been of the highest quality, and at an affordable price. This model is the Dodge Viper in metallic blue, with white stripes, comes the 1996 car as a hard top, which is equally good, and comes complete with spare wheel, the opening parts such as the doors, are a good fit and thus do not spoil the lines of the model.

ERTL - 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR

The large scale models always look good, and certainly impressived when the items modelled are American cars.This model offerings by ERTL are the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air in red and black. In each case, the model is accurate and well detailed. See more.

MATCHBOX: THE 5A BUS

It was not until the London bus, 5a, was added to the range in mid-1954, the sales of the newly-launched Matchbox Toys expanded rapidly. The 5a bus initially advertised ‘Matchbox series’ but later models featured ‘Player Please’ for a comparatively short time and for a long time ‘BP Viscostatic’. The BP company was one of a number which paid for the privilege of having its name advertised on Matchbox vehicles. The bus had paper labels advertising the ‘Matchbox series’. It was by far the smallest Lesney bus, as it measured only 52mm. The bus had paper labels advertising the ‘Matchbox series’. It comes with or without a number plate recess at the rear. The undetailed grille was decorated with gold trim.

CORGI TOYS: CHARLIE'S ANGLES CHEVROLET VAN

The Chevrolet van was the basis of quite a few TV related models. The first and by far the best was the bright pink ‘Charlie’s Angels silhouette logo emblazoned on each body side. Opening rear doors and transparent roof panels served to display the cardboard custom interior of this 1/40th scale van which could be found with either solid or four-spoke whizzwheels. A very tastefully produced model that lasted until 1981. See more.

VANGUARDS: VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET

The first of the new range of Vanguards has been seen, and it is clear that Lledo is setting a new standard with these models. This initial release is the Volkswagen Cabriolet, which comes in maroon with cream interior and black hood. The first impressions are good: Lledo has captured the look of the vehicle extremely well, and such aspects as the silver trim, door handles and windscreen wipers are well portrayed. Dashboard detail is provided. Particularly good are the wheels and the glazed windscreen.

This model are being offered at an advantageous price, but perhaps Lledo might consider for the future making the headlights plastic, rather than chrome, and painting some of the interior detail.

Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that the Vanguards are going to prove to be extremely popular models.

Lledo has changed the packaging with these models, making for a much more attractive presentation.--Model Collectors See More for VW Mania

CORGI: SCAMMELL HIGHWAYMAN 'CARTER' IN THE SHOWMAN's RANGE

The first of the Showman's Range of models has arrived in town, namely the Scammell Highwayman hauling a closed pole trailer and caravan.

On opening the box one finds a part of a card kit which will build into a Super Dodgems. With this series will come a number of such kits building into various fair ground attractions. Also included is a numbered cerfiticate, showing the total production of 14,300, plus a ticket to enjoy a free ride at Carters.

The Scammell Highwayman is well known and the decoration has been very well applied, although it is a pity the rear number plate is a sticker.

The pole truck is perhaps a little disappointing, since the decoration is in the form of labels. Probably it would have been difficult to have printed the large expanse of orange. Understandably the posters at the rear of the stuck on the vehicle.

The caravan is delight, particularly in relation to the gold trim.

This is certainly a colourful start to the range which will look good either in a display cabinet or arranged as a diorama with the kits assembled. See more.

MATCHBOX: LOTUS EUROPA

The Lotus Europa was a low, mid-engined, fiberglass-bodied sports coupe produced between 1969 an 1974. It was originally intended to be a Lotus/Ford GT racing project, although Ford pulled out late in the day, and the car was released as a Lotus. Early models were powered by Renault engines, but later examples had Ford Cosworth motors. The Europa was quite expensive and, as a result, only around 9000 were sold. However, it was extremely popular in toy form, with models produced by Matchbox, Dinky, corgi, Diapet and many others.

The Matchbox version was first painted a dark metallic blue, with an off-white interior, clear windscreen and an unpainted metal base. It featured opening doors and a towing hook, features extremely popular with children. Early models featured narrow Super wheels and squared wheel arches, while later models had the base altered to accommodate the wider wheels, and the body casting was modified so as to have larger, rounder wheels arches. In 1971, the colour scheme was changed to what many collectors call ‘metallic pink’, which is more of a lustrous fuchsia shade.

It was revived in 1977 in a new colour scheme for the Japanese series. It was painted black with tampo-printed gold coach lining, representing a limited edition JPS sponsored car.

In the late 1980s, the Europa casting was revived again for inclusion in the el-cheapo ‘Super GT’ range, although this time without the opening doors or interior.

THE RENAULT ESTAFETTE FROM NOREV

It is always good to find a vehicle being modeled which has not previously been seen. This is the model with the Renault Estafette from Norev, which is being made in two versions: van in both cases with either low roof or high roof. The model captures the shape and look of the actual vehicle.

The van version with low roof comes in blue. Norev has release a 1/18 replica of Renault Estafette van from 1959. See more.

The high roof van version comes in yellow with an ivory roof. Made of diecast, opening doors, opening trunk, wheels roll and steerable wheels. See more.

An interesting choice of vehicle which offers the modeler something different for the cabinet.

MATCHBOX: FORD ZODIAC MARK IV

The first release for 1968 was the Ford Zodiac Mark IV (53C). this model featured an opening bonnet which included a spare wheel next to the engine. The body was in a light metallic blue with a cream interior. A tiny rear view mirror had been moulded into the plastic windscreen for the first time. A rare version of this Zodiac with regular wheels may be found in mettalic light green, a cross-over with the Superfast colour change which occurred in 1970. The standard regular wheel release is shown together with the three Superfast versions, the rarest of which is the mettalic blue model fitted with Superfast wheels.

There were two casting alterations associated with this car. The engine blocks are located under the dashboard such that they hold the engine in place. The wide blocks are 3.5 mm wide and the narrow ones are 2.5 mm wide. When present, a small tab is to be found between these blocks. Two base castings were used for this model with slightly different tow slot sizes at 5.5 mm and 6 mm respectively.

MG 1100 BY MATCHBOX

Matchbox have produced MG models in their '1-75 Miniatures' range. On February 1966 , it was the MG version of the MG 1100 saloon (64b), a common sight throughout Britain in the 1960s. MG 1100 was finished in mid green with a very good off-white moulded interior, 4-door sports saloon, painted in a flamboyant maroon, it was in fact released in green with the usual features of windows, ‘unbreakable towhook’, seats, steering wheel, spring suspension and brightly plated bumpers, grille and headlights. These ‘usual features’ were improved by the addition of a driver and a dog lying on the rear seat with its head through the rear side window.

The mode was revised in 1970 with the substitution of ‘Superfast’ low friction wheels of the original, and the colour was changed to a sort of blue/turquoise metallic. The scale was 1/57th.

DETAIL CARS: FERRARI F355

Detail Cars: Ferrari F355 Coupe


Detail Cars : 1/43 Ferrari F355 Spyder

Two basic cars have been added to the Detail Cars range (distributed by Corgi). This is the Ferrari F355 of 1994, which comes in two versions. This is certainly a very fine models, with some good detailing touches and accurate reddition of the look of the actual car. The version being offered are the Spyder and Coupe.

MGB ROADSTER BRITISH RACING GREEN

From its announcement in 1962, it was obvious that the MGB was going to be a big success. The extremely attractive styling, masterminded at Abingdon by MGs chief body draughtsman Don Hayter, was bang up to date and covered MGs the monocoque structure, which was if anything stronger than it needed to be. You did not get scuttle shake in an MGB! It was produced for over eighteen years and in that time 513,272 were made, making it the best selling sports car in the world for many years. The 1800cc B-Series pushrod engine produced only 95bhp, giving a 0-60 time of 12.2 seconds, so it was not the faster vehicle in the world but it had a great competition career nevertheless.

The MGB Roadster was a joy to own as it was beautifully balanced to drive, reliable, comfortable, economical, pretty and above all fun. Today its very popularity means that it is one of the easiest classic cars in the world to look after, as every component can still be bought new, including the bodyshell.

A version of the MGB Roadster sees this model in the very prominent British racing green. As previously mentioned, this is a fine looking model, with a good paint finish. See more.

LLEDO: AUSTIN 7 MINI

The Mini is of course another of the modelled car, and one of which the shape is not always totally captured. Lledo, however, has performed an extremely good job in getting the shape and propotions of this car right. They have chosen the 1959 Austin 7 Mini as DG74, which comes in either dark red, or as a white Police version, complete with roof sign and blue light. Lledo is planning to offer both left and right hand drive versions of the Mini.

Clearly Lledo is offering these models at a competitive price, so finer detailing points are not included. However, if the Mini is the standard to be set for future releases, then there will be much to look forward to from lledo.

LLEDO: VW BEETLE WITH SPLIT REAR SCREEN

This model is DG72, the 1952 Volkswagwen Beetle with split rear window. While it is true this is a car frequently modelled, this is a pleasing rendition, which captures the shape, and yet is reasonably priced. Two versions have so far been produced: in patel green and in blue.

LLEDO: VW KOMBI VANS 'CINZANO' AND 'BOSCH'

Volkswagen, this time the 1955 Kombi van, comes as DG73. As a sign of the added attention to detail now being offered by lledo, one version, in the livery of Cinzano, has let hand drive, while the second, in the livery of Bosch ( in Hendon, London), has right hand drive. Again this is pleasing model with attractive liveries.

GO BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH SUNSTAR

Back to the Future I version

Back to the Future II version

The railroad version of the DeLorean as seen in Back to the Future III

The way I figured it, if you’re gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style? –‘Doc’ Emmett L.Brown.

In 1985, teenager Marty Mcfly accidentally found himself behind the wheel of Doc Brown’s lastest invention, a super customized DeLorean retrofitted with a portable plutonium-powered nuclear reactor which sent him hurting through the veil of time 30 years into the past to help his parents fall in love. Doc explained to Marty that the car’s stainless-steel construction helps with flux dispersal, an aid necessary for time travelling. When he later travelled forward to the future, Doc took the DeLorean concept to all new heights. Modified and futurised with a simple hover conversion from the year 2015. Enabling the DeLorean to defy gravity as well as the time barrier, and later in the Wild West it a railway.

A trio of terrific models from SunStar accurately portray the amazing DeLoreans for the Back to the Future trilogy. These gorgeously detailed 1:18 cars show the original car and the modified high-wire-catching pole version from the first film, the wheel swiveling version from the second film and finally the railtracked version from the third episode. See more

MATCHBOX ROLLS ROYCE SILVER CLOUD II

During 1985 the James Bond film, A View to A Kill, was given its premiere. To coincide with this, Matchbox released a silver Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II with a grey interior and a plated base in a special presentation box. Three other models were intended to accompany the Rolls Royce as special issues, but in the event only the Renault 11 taxi was issued. At this time the models were not part of the range and it was not until 1986 that a recolored Royce Royce in cream became available, initially with a ‘Made in England’ base, but soon altered when the whole range moved to the Far East to be manufactured in Macau. Incidentally, apart from the GT range, this was the last 1-75 model made in England. (Model Collector 1988)

MATCHBOX ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SHADOW MARK II

Following the gap of five years a red Rolls Royce Mark II (MB39) with yellow interior was shown in the 1979 catalogue. In July of that year the model became available in America and in September it appeared in the United Kingdom. However, the catalogue version proved to be a pre-production, for in the even it came in silver with red seats, opening front doors, a chrome plated radiator and an unpainted base. In April 1981 the car was colored to metallic red with an ivory interior. Light and dark tan interiors were also found.

MATCHBOX ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SHADOW COUPE

Although the Rolls Royce Silver Shadows joined the 1-75 range in 1967, one of the first Superfast models to be produced in 1969 was the Silver Shadow Coupe (MB69). It lasted for four years but during that tome it was colored metallic blue and several shades of gold. The interior was either in Brown or ivory. The tonneau cover came in tan or black and the base came in many colors. In order to accommodate the wider Superfast slicks its wheel arches were soon adapted. Hence this model also comes with thin or wide wheels and narrow or wide wheel arches. The full listing shows the range of variations.

MATCHBOX ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SHADOW

In March 1967 the Rolls Royce was continued with a Silver Shadow (MB 24) painted in metallic red. This model also included an opening boot. Another new aspect was the fitting of silver hubs to make the wheels appear more realistic. Later the hubs became silver wheels with separate tyres. Newer versions of the model included a patent number on the base as well as a facility below the number plate to make towing easier.

MATCHBOX ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM V

The Rolls Royce Phantom V released in February 1964 showed several new features. It had clear windows, a cream interior with steering wheel and silver trim which had been masked sprayed rather than being applied by hand. The play value perhaps centered upon the opening boot and the spring suspension. Though this model is usually found with black plastic wheels, it was also fitted with grey and silver wheels but in much smaller numbers.

The body was painted a metallic mauve color which could vary in extremes to almost grey. This model was replaced in the 1-75 series in 1967 and so was only issued for three years.

MODELS OF YESTERYEAR Y-19 - 1935 AUBURN 851

The Auburn 851 supercharged speedster was designed and developed by the famous Gordon Buering. Each car was fully tested and guaranteed to exceed 100 m.p.h. with the straight 8 Lycoming 279.2 cubic inch (4.5 litres) supercharged engine. The American driver, Ab Jenkins, in fact drove one at an average of 103 m.p.h. for twenty seven hours. This model replica was modeled on the vehicle currently residing at the Beaulieu Motor Car Museum at Hampshire, England. See more.

CHAPARRAL 2 ROAD AMERICA JUNE SPRINTS '65

Chaparral 2 Sport Racer 1965 66 Diecast Model 1/18 Die Cast Car by Autoart

This is a model from AutoArt and features the car of Jim Hall famed throughout the world as a racing driver, Formular-One driver and car designer and founder of Chaparral Cars in Midland, Texas. Chaparrals were noted for their use of advanced materials and aerodynamic design to improve the performance of their cars and were some of the most innovative cars of the 1960s. The Chaparral 2 was the first racing car to conspicuously distance itself from the competition. Jim Hall and his team mate James Sharp, whose nickname Hap derived from his birthday on 1st January (Happy New Year!), outclassed the competition when they won numerous races throughout the USA, including the spectacular June sprint races in Road America 1965. This car nicely captures the ethos of the company

POLICE 'VIGILANT' RANGE ROVER MODEL

In 1972, the first Corgi Range Rover model, no 461, appeared, a Police service ‘Vigilant’ model. Police service up and down the country had been quick to recognize what the Range Rover could do for them and several specialist conversations were conceived and constructed on the base model. The Cogi Vigilant was one of these, coming with simulated roller shutter doors in the sides which concealed the equipment storage. The roof box was fitted with moveable plated flood lights on each side with yellow lenses and a central blue beacon. A large white-on-black ‘POLICE’ sign was to the front across the rear in white-on-black it read ‘POLICE’. This one model was to become one of the highest selling for Corgi, nor surprising recording over one million sales.

SUPERFAST SIMCA RALLYE 2 IN NEON GREEN

The automaker SIMCA (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile) was founded in 1934 and manufactured Fiat cars under licence. A new era for the works was ushered in when, in the autumn of 1961, the Simca 1000 was shown at the Paris Automobile Salon. With its modern silhouette, the limousine stood out against the previous Simca models. Even the engine was now more powerful. At the start of 1970 Simca launched the distinctly reworked 1000, now named the Simca 1000 Rallye, followed by the Simca 1000 Rallye 2 in 1972. With 1,294 cc and producing 82HP the Rallye had the most powerful engine of the entire 1000 series. Designed specially as a sports car, the vehicle attracted attention on account of its trunk which was painted black to provide glare protection.

Following the Neon Green example is this ultra colourful Spa car! With the success of the first model in 1951, others quickly followed, including the Simca 1000 Rallye 2, launched at 1972. The car was fairly lightweight but boasted a powerful engine that displayed itself in a remarkable acceleration capability. And it was also at international level. The vehicle was frequently regarded as the counterpart to the equally successful NSU TTS which had similar characteristics. See more.

1975 FORD ESCORT MK2 GHIA 1:18 SCALE DIECAST MODEL

One of the icons of British motoring over the past four decades has been the ubiquitous Ford Escort, and model makers supreme SunStar have quite a few examples in their 1:18 scale collection, just right for a nostalgia fest. Each one is very well detailed and the finish of the paintwork is spot on, just like it had been lovingly cleaned on a Sunday ready for the week ahead! See more.

60 SECONDS MOVIE - 1967 SHELLY MUSTANG GT500

An original 1967 GT500 was used for the film’s car. The actual cars used were just standard 67 Mustangs with automatic transmissions, all customized to look like Elenor. Originally the production designer, Jeff Mann, who was also a professed car fanatic, proposed the car be a GT40 then when that didn’t fly he suggested a Shelby Series I Cobra. Eventually they settled on a 67 GT500. Accordingly 11 Mustangs were chosen for specific duties. Some had highly modified suspensions for the high speed slides, some were cosmetic models used for closed-ups and PR shots whilst others, the ones crashed and crushed, didn’t even have engines.

The car used for the close-ups of Nicolas Cage actually had two steering wheels, allowing someone else to drive whilst Cage used to record the sound effects is a 500 horsepower 428 1967 GT500 with a great lumpy cam sound. The sound people reportedly spent six hours doing different things with the car to get the right noises. To make the 67 GT500 more unique, modifications were made from the original, stock GT500 which included custom Corvette side pipes, a front air dam, a fuel cap located behind the top scoop instead of the rear of the car, the bonnet replaced with one that has a definitely non-stock scoop, not to mention those huge rims and sports tyres! As an aside the Carroll Shelby story is more than just interesting as Mustangs and Cobras have changed the way sports cars are thought of in the USA – but that’s another story!

Shellby Collectibles have produced an excellent Eleanor in 1:18 scale, just right for any collector or movie buff to add to the shelf space, and you can readily see why this car was chosen to be a movie star! --SMI See more.

THE SUPER FERRAI 500 F2, 1953

1950 marked the inception of the Formula One World Championship, From Day One, Ferrari was involved in this highest class of auto racing, flashing a distinctive symbol of the small black prancing horse called ‘Cavallino Rampante’ in fact, Ferrari is the only F1 participant that has remained active ever since.

The driver of the 500 F2 was none other than the exceptionally gifted Alberto Ascari. It was not without reason that he was known universally as ‘The Flying Milan’.

Ascadi drove his 500 F2 to the title of a two time world champion in 1952 and 1953. This legendary car won virtually everything there was to win during these years, hence its nickname “the Super Ferrai.” With the return of the Mercedes and the rise of the Maserati in the 1954 season, Ferrari was faced with new challengers. As a result, its winning streak came to a temporay end. One year later – in 1955, Alberto Ascari died of a tragic accident in Monza, and the whole nation of Italy was deeply mournful.

This 1:18 scale hand crafted diecast model is a sincere tribute to the legendary Ferrari 500 F2, the world Championship car of 1953. Lovingly assembled from 1,463 parts, M-056 is precisely detailed and features all the craftsmanship and accuracy that make CMC miniatures so special in the hearts of all collectors. Just take a look under the engine hood or remove the rear parts and you will be totally sold! By the way, it is so detailed that if you want to know how many rivets are included on the fuel and oil tank, well there are 526, all necessary to rebuild these tanks true the original. This CMC Ferrari 500 F2 is quite simply exquisite!--SMI See more.

MOY (Y27) - FODEN STEAM LORRY

The 'Models of Yesteryear' Foden Steam Lorry (Y27) has always proved a popular model. It first appeared in Pickfords livery (of which specialists note various changes to the body casting) and in 1986 in a most attractive Frasers design.

The Frasers version is certainly worth buying while stocks are still around, but more importantly, because the Fraser model comes with a trailer, the lorry itself needed to be supplied with a towing hook.

Reports have appeared of a Pickfords version of models having such a hook. At first only a handful of such Pickfords with hooks appeared, but more have been available recently indicating that a reasonable production re-run was undertaken by Matchbox.

If a Pickford with hook interests you, it could be best to buy while examples are around-but do not be forced to pay silly prices. See more.

1934 ASTON MARTIN 1/18 GREEN

The first Aston Martin was built by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin in 1914. Financial problems hounded the company, which passed through several owners: Frazer Nash, L Prideaux Brune and R G Sutherland, until the company was bought in 1947 by David Brown who in 1972 sold to Company Developments Ltd. After a period of mixed fortunes, Aston Martin was acquired by Ford in 1987.

Models of the cars exist from a number of manufactures such as Signature, and made in China. This 1934 dark green 1/18th scale model is a beauty, and sports working steering, piano -hinged opening bonnet, opening doors, excellent black painted wire wheels and a superbly detailed dashboard. See more.

THE FEROCIOUS FIORANO - FABULOUS FERRARI

2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano diecast model car 1:18 scale die cast by Hot Wheels - Red J2859

The Ferrari Fiorano, the company's 2-seat Grand Turismo flagship model, replaced the 575 Maranello and debuted at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. The styling of the Fiorano bears some resemblance to its sister car, the 612 Scaglietti, yet at the same time carries a sportier, more aggressive stance. The differences are mostly in the squared-off body detailing, the lack of the scalloped side detail of the 612 and more obvious aerodynamic ducting, particularly on the bonnet, in the front wing over the front wheels and the flying buttress C pillars. These pillars are the most distinctive feature of the Fiorano and are designed to redirect airflow over the small lip spoiler on the red decklid. These, in conjunction with the shaped undertray allow the Fiorano to exhbit a degree of stability at very high speeds that was lacking in its predecessor, by contributing downforce and aerodynamic efficiency without the need for ungainly wings and spoilers. The 599's Enzo sourced Tipo F133F 6.0 L (5999cc) V-12 is the most powerful series production Ferrari road car and most of the modifications to the engine were done to allow it to fit in the Fiorano's engine bay. The company claims a 3.7 second sprint to 100km/h (62mph) and 11.0 to 200km/h (124mph) --SMI

SILVER ROCKET 1:18 SCALE AUTO UNION D-TYPE

1936-1937 Auto Union Type C Diecast Car 1/18 Silver Die Cast Car Model by CMC

The dominant car in 1938 was the Mercedes W154 but a late season challenger was the Auto Union D-type, especially as driven by the legendary Tazio Nuvolari. CMC have yet again excelled with this weighty masterpiece described as a 1938-39 Type D on the box. The model is clearly the 1938 car, the limited edition shown here being that which Nuvolari drove to victory at Donington in October that year. This being one of CMC’s later models it shows exceptional detail, once one has got over the initial wow factor!

The model is made from over 680 parts, is hand assembled and is crowned with a superb paint finish. The bodywork line seems right and leads forward around a well-appointed cockpit with the detail we have become accustomed to. This bodywork is even more refined in the 2003 ‘Model of the Year’ winning type C car, but it is all there in this type D. Massive chrome molybdenum longerons are visible either side of the cockpit floor, robust chassis tubes being a hallmark of these cars, taking chassis surefootedness the whole length of the car.
The best-ever value for money in models of this type. The subject matter is mouth watering and who knows what would have become of this mid engined marvel had the Second Warld War not intervened? --SMI

AUTO ART 1/18 LAMBOGHINI MURCIELAGO

Lamborghini Murcielago Diecast Model Yellow 1/18 Die Cast Car By Autoart

The Murcielago sports a 6.2L version of the legendary Lambo V-12 engine, a six speed manual or six-speed sequential automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. It also has a rear spoiler that can be raised to an angle of 70 degrees, side mirrors that fold in to improve aerodynamics, and side scoops that automatically open to the needed size to let in just the right amount of air needed to cool its engine. The name Murcielago comes from a bull that survived 24 sword strokes in an 1879 fight at the arena of Cordoba, and fought with such passion and spirit that the matador chose to spare its life, a rare honour. In another Lamborghini tie in, the bull was later presented as a gift to Don Antonio Miura, a noted breeder, and went on to sire a line of famous fighting bulls. Murcielago also means bat in Spanish and a Murcielago roadster is featured briefly in the movie Batman Begin!

AutoArt's Murcielagos are as you can expect first class 1:18 scale replicas of this exciting supercar, correct in every detail. If only we could afford the real thing!

MATCHBOX: FREEWAY GAS TANKER

During the early 1970s Matchbox decided to include the '1-75' range futurishtic models to help capture the toy market away from competitors. Many traditional vehicles were quickly replaced and in 1973 the Freeway Gas Tanker was introduced. There were many different labels used on the tank which was subject to many minor casing variations, not least the allowance for a hole which enabled a towing hook to be fitted so that a trailer could be towed. Most cabs had purple windows though a few had red or amber. Strengthening braces were fitted around the base of the cab in later versions.

The Freeway Gas Tanker remained in the range for nine years until it was replaced in 1982 by a Layland Tanker. The general release was a red cab and a white tank on a red chassis with Burmah in either label form or tampo print.

In 1984 a model which had previously been included only in the US range as a milk tanker appeared around the world as a petrol tanker. This was a Peterbilt six-wheeler. There are other combinations of cab and tank which have not been authenticated. The English-made blue and white Milk Tankers have not been included.

MATCHBOX: LEYLAND PETROL TANKER

Before the bedford was discontinued an 8-wheeled petrol tanker had been included in the line. The cab was in green but the tank remained white. The decal soon gave way to a label because whilst decals had to be applied by hand all labels were soon applied by machine with a saving in production costs. In 1970, the Layland tanker was adapted to Superfast wheels. The BP labels were to be found at either the front side of the tank or in the center. Another short run saw the fiting of a grey grille and base.

MATCHBOX: BEDFORD PETROL TANKERS

Matchbox have always had a policy of retaining certain vehicles in the ‘1-75’ range. The London bus, a Rolls-Royce, a Jaguar and certain construction vehicles spring to mind. In addition there have always been petrol tankers. In May 1964 a Bedford Petrol Tanker was includes in the range. For the first time on a Matchbox model it featured a tipping cab and tipping front seats as on the real vehicle. The initial release was fitted with grey wheels but this was soon changed to black wheels.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE INDIANAPOLIS 500 PACE CAR 2002

2002 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car Diecast Model 1/18 Die Cast Car By Autoart

AutoArt commemorates the Vette's 50th anniversary with this release. It's a very nice replica featuring opening doors, hood, and trunk, and a removable roof panl a difficult item to remove and install. The model's interior is flocked with a cream colored carpet and the seats are tan with Corvette logos on the headrests. Under the hood lies its V-8 engine, but the engine bay could use more detail. Our sample's finish was very shiny and the graphics were excellent. Under the 18-inch wheels lie disc brakes that appear to be metal. With every 50th anniversary AutoArt Corvette model comes a 1:1 scale commemorative license plate frame.