FERRARI D50 1956 - J.M.FANGIO - LA STORIA COLLECTION

The La Storia collection tells the history of Ferrari's Formula I cars since 1948. 56 models (all new tools manufactured under licence from Ferrari SPA and Hotwheels) will be featured in the series. The slick metal book case and literature inside make this perfect gift material. Shop here.

THE SUBLIME JAGUAR XK

2006 Jaguar XK Coupe Liquid Diecast Model Silver 1/18 Die Cast Car By Autoart

Jaguar unveiled an all-new 2006 car, called simply the ‘XK’ at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005. It used the new XJ’s aluminum chassis and is offered as both a coupé and convertible incidentally, in a quite different manner to the way sports cars are usually designed, the coupe is based on the convertible. This meant that the engineers could design the convertible without the drawbacks of the car looking like, and actually being, a coupe with the top chopped off. This, coupled to the ultra rigid aluminum spaceframe, makes the XK convertible exceptionally rigid for a car of its type, offering an extremely impressive driving experience! Originally powered by a 300hp version of the 4.2L AJ V-8 engine, a supercharged version with 420hp is also available. The new XK’s grille is also inspired by that of the ever wonderful Jaguar E-Type and its curvaceous shape was intended as a tribute to this icon of the 1960a. The XK has also introduced a world first in pedestrian safety. In numerous pedestrian collisions with vehicles, head injuries occur when a pedestrain’s head impacts with the bonnet of the vehicle. However, the injuries are not usually sustained from the bonnet itself, rather the bonnet deforming and the pedestrain’s head colliding with the engine block underneath. Jaguar’s innovation is to have sensors in the front bumper that determine if a pedestrian has indeed been struck and this then triggers two pyrotechnical charges that instantaneously lift the bonnet, providing extra distance between engine and head. In effect, the bonnet becomes the exterior equivalent of an airbag! The bonnet’s sheet metal nay not be soft, but it’s much more accommodating than a solid engine block! (Reviewed by SMI)

CORGI 1/50 CROMWELL CENTAUR & 3 BRITISH PARATROOPS NORMANDY 1944

On the 6th June 1944, two Allied armies, one British and one American landed on the Normandy beaches and secured a firm foothold in German-occupied-Europe. Progress was slow and bloody the troops having to battle for every inch of ground but after 3 months of heavy fighting the Allied forces gradually wore down the German Resistance eventually trapping and cutting the German Army to pieces in the Falaise Pocket.

A nicely packaged model of a Cromwell Centaur & 3 British Paratroops, D.Day Normandy 1944, model length 150mm.

FORD CORTINA GT MKII - 1967 SAFARI RALLY - BENGT SODERSTROM & G. PALM

Corgi 1/43 Ford Cortina GT MKII - 1967 Safari Rally

Ford put a tremendous amount of effort into the 1967 Safari Rally, entering seven cars in total and spending a budget of £50,000 on the event. Motorsport is, however, a fickle thing and they were beaten to the overall win by the previous year's victors, Bert Shankland and Chris Rothwell, in a Peugeot 404. Ford led the rally initially with the Soderstrom/Palm car modelled here. However that car developed alternator trouble, and because they were unable to use all their lights they did not see a huge trench running across a road on the route. Being first on the road, they plunged headlong into it and their rally was over. Release date: September 2007

AN ANIMAL ADVENTURE SERIES: DAKTARIT

The original Corgi company never made another safari toy, but in 1998, new Corgi issued a commemorative Daktari set.No.07104 included the old 1/43 scale Land Rover, but the wheels are different, and the rear window in the cab is larger.

The black strips are bolder, as are the Wameru transfers, which are now on the pick-up sides. Included with the vehicle are very good models of Judy the chimp and Clarence with his glasses.

The box is particularly pleasing, with Daktari logo, Clarence artwork, publicity stills and photos of a Land Rover on Safari. Although it's not a limited edition, it may prove a little harder to find than its contemporaries. Buy it now.

A GUIDE TO DIECAST TOY COLLECTING

Author by: Janet Ashby

Collecting diecast toys has been a favourite hobby for both children and adults for many years. These mini replicas of full size vehicles have fascinated many generations. Many diecast toys in perfect condition, complete with the original box, special markings and price tags have increased in value enormously. Some of these models were specially made for store openings, launches of new products or special events. They were offered for sale in stores, given as prizes in competitions or sold through catalogs where they could be purchased as sets.

Originally only a few models were produced but over the years they have been manufactured for major racing events, releases of new car lines and to promote cereals, popular drinks and cartoons. All the common vehicles can be found as diecast models including police cars, farm vehicles, ambulances and army tanks. Some popular models include John Deere toy tractors, diecast toy trucks and diecast toy cranes.

The box that the diecast model came with was usually made from thin cardboard or plastic and those models with their original case in good condition are particularly prized. As the boxes were made of flimsy material they can easily be damaged by moisture, sunlight or dirt. Keeping the box in perfect condition is often more of a challenge than preserving the diecast vehicle itself!

Diecast models are often displayed in plastic showcases but some collectors store their prized models in plastic bags or storage boxes. This will keep the cars and boxes dry and away from damaging sunlight. If displayed in showcases the models need to be dusted often with a dry cloth. A damp cloth should not be used on boxes as this can fade the ink or wrinkle the box.

Diecast toys kept over from childhood may be worth collecting if they are examples of rarer models. These include models made for a particular product that is obsolete, or a model made to represent a sports personality. Information on rarity values can be found from speciality magazines, collectors catalogs or your local library. Clubs and conventions are good places to find enthusiasts with the information you need, and to trade, sell or buy diecast toys.

The condition of diecast vehicles may be described as below. Mint generally means that there are no defects or wear marks.

Mint condition - There are no broken, missing or misaligned parts. The paint is perfect and there are no glue marks or other assembly marks.

Mint in Box - These are mint condition models in their original box and packaging.

Mint on Card - These are models still enclosed in the original blister packaging.

Some examples of Diecast Toys that are much sought after by collectors and therefore more valuable include the following.

Limited Editions - These diecast toys were produced in a restricted number and the cast was then destroyed. Limited editions are highly collectible and the number of models produced in the run should be included in the information supplied with the model.

Limited Production Cars - Examples include Matchbox Challenge cars, Treasure Hunt Hunt Wheels, Racing Champion's Chase cars and Johnny Lightening White Lightening cars.

Retired Toy Cars - Toy vehicles that the manufacturer has stopped making. They may decide to reissue the vehicle later with color or detail changes.

Toy Vehicles with Certificates - Vehicles produced by Franklin Mint or Danbury Mint may include Certificates of Title or Certificates of Authenticity.

Diecast toys with their original paperwork and packaging will be more valuable than the same model without the packaging. If you plan to sell a toy vehicle keep the original packaging in as good condition as possible.

SUPERB SHELBY GT-500 'CONCEPT CAR'

Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car by Autoart

Just the name ‘Shelby’ will make any Ford fan’s heart-rate jump, and although the old snake-charmer didn’t lend much but his name and aura to Ford’s new ‘Shelby GT-500’ Mustang. That, along with the car’s phenomenal performance, is enough to make it the most hotly sought after piece of American Iron in decades. AUTOart has just released this beautiful 1:18 scale model. It’s the 2005 ‘Concept Car’ first shown at the New York Auto Show, though differences from the production 2007 GT-500 is almost indistinguishable. Its diecast body, mirror-smooth, authentic ‘Torch Red’ paint, trim, and graphics are all as good as you’ll find anywhere; even the foil-thin Cobra badge and Shelby letter are chrome, not printed. The new nose, vented hood, and plumbed engine correctly have the SVT GT40 heads, supercharger, water-air intercooler. The only thing missing is the transverse brace; the show car didn’t have one. The interior is correctly upgraded with two-tone black and red seats, legible revised instruments, SVT sill plates, and a cobra horn button. --SMI

IXO 1/43 - PANHARD PL 17 - WINNING RALLY MONTE CARLO 1961

The winning crew were M. Martin and R Bateau. The model certainly does the real car justice by capturing its looks well. The small open driver's window affords a view of the rather dark interior. Dashboard detail can just be made out.

NOREV 1/43 NISSAN JIKOO - METALLIC SILVER

Jikoo, a concept car, unites the Japanese words for time and space. The real car was revealed at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, to celebrate Nissan's 70th anniversary. The design harks back to the 1935 Datsun Roadster. Norev have done a good job with this one. Shop here.

HOT WHEELS - SUPER STYLISH SPIDER! FERRARI'S FAST F430

Ferrari F430 Spider Blue Diecast Car 1/18 Die Cast Car Model by Hotwheels

The F430 signals the arrival of a brand new generation of Ferrai 8-cylinder sports cars and takes Ferrari’s extraordinary achievements with aluminium technology, begun with the 360 Modena, to a whole new level, and offers a series of extremely significant innovations derived directly from their Formular 1 racing cars.

Hot Wheels have produced a superb 1:18 diecast scale replica of the F430 Spider in a choice of colours, either full racing red or metallic blue. The models expertly capture the elegant yet brutish lines of the Spider and are packed with all the detailed you would expect from a Mattel product; from the execellent engine cover to the red Ferrari brake disc, these sportsters are the real deal.

WELLY 1/18 - 2006 DODGE CHARGER DAYTONA R/T DIECAST MODEL

2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Diecast Model Yellow 1/18 Die Cast Car By Welly

Detroit has gone retro with ‘modernised’ versions of vintage classics from the 1960’s and ‘70’s, and in particular the Dodge Charger – a land mark name synonymous with power and performance for 40 years-which reappeared in 2006. Featuring a high-output 350 hp (261 kW) version of the 5.7 L Hemi engine, today’s Charger Daytona R/T sports has an updated suspension and tyres, as well as a special front fascia with a chin spoiler. In a cool touch, Daimler-Chrysler resurrected three classic body colours: ‘Top Banana’ yellow, ‘Go ManGo!’ metallic orange, and ‘TorRed’. A stunning black ‘Hemi’ hood and rear fender decals complete the strinking retro feel of this magnificent machine.

Welly' new 1:18 scale versions fully capture the mean, purposeful lines of today's reborn Chargers. It has steerable wheels, rubber tires, made of diecast with some plastic parts and plastic display stand with window box. Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
Dimensions approximately L-9.5,W-4.5, H-3.25 inches.

NOREV 1/43 CITROEN TRACTION 11CV DIECAST CAR

The real car was first seen at a 1934 motor show. Production resumed after the war in 1953. A new 60hp engine was added in 1955. The car was large enough to seat eight or nine people. There's a smooth paint finish and the look of this iconic car has been captured well. See here.

MINICHAMPS 1/43 BAR HONDA 007 - J BUTTON 2005

These model releases are certainly being turned out much quicker now. They also include the lastest team colours. This model is up to Minichamp's usual high standards. 007 refers to the chassis on the real car. It is powered by the Honda RA 005E engine. See here.

CORGI 1/43 FORD CONSUL CLASSIC 315 - TOP RACING

When one thinks of a Ford racing saloon from the sixties it is often of Jim Clark’s agile Lotus Cortina, Jack Sear’s thundering Ford Galaxie or the cheeky Ford Anglias of John Fitzpatrick and Chris Craft. No one ever condisers the Ford Consul Classic 315! Determined to stand out from the crowd, the experienced classic saloon car racer, Ian Drew, set out to build something different. His self-prepared car is unique in the historic touring car fraternity. Although the car’s heavy bodywork may hamper it a little the spectators’ always give a very positive reaction to seeing something completely different on the racetrack.

Top Hat Racing was creased in 1999 by Julius Thurgood, an accomplished race driver who specialized in long-distance events, to introduce longer-format races into the historic racing arena. Such was the take-up for this engaging new race format that Julius found himself having to widen the range of cars eligible to the Top Hat series from his original concept of historic saloons (Tin-Tops) to encompass all styles of historic cars from 1950-1980.