Saturday, June 13, 2009

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.

Friday, June 12, 2009

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.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

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.

Monday, June 8, 2009

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.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

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

Friday, June 5, 2009

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!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

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.

Monday, June 1, 2009

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.

Mercedes-Benz Actros 1846 with a Pril beer bottle

  Die-cast car model "Mercedes-Benz Actros 1846" with a Pril beer bottle on a trailer and a traffic sign, made in China by Hummer ...