DETAIL CARS: ALFA ROMEO SPRINT

Four versions have been produced of the 1960 Alfa Romeo. First comes the Sprint as a coupe, available in either red or powder blue. As one expects, this is finely detailed model, ranging from the flush glazing, seperate door and boot handles, windscreen wipers and wing mirror, wheels and silver trim around the windows, to the excellent representations of the lights, both front and rear. However, no less impressive is the interior, with the accurate steering wheel, dashboard detail, interior door handles pick out in silver, and the red trim on the seats.

Also available is the 1960 Giulietta Sprint 1,000 Miglia version in blue, carrying number 228, and a Giulietta 1960 Sebring version, with number 54, in white with black top.

The result is an excellent model. Buy here

DIE-CAST MODEL 1/18 MG MGB GT (1975)

The MGB was and still is a automotive Icon of the 20th century and was a sports car ahead of it's time. There was nothing cutting-edge about it's drive-line in that it was rear wheel drive with leaf springs mounted on the live rear axel. But the sporty bodyshape is timeless and still looks modern some 35 years on , which was no mean feat. This version is of the 'Rubber Bumper' USA federal model which became a standard bodystyle. B.L could not afford to keep the chrome bumpered model in production alongside the 'Rubber' version. This was forced on the company due to new stringent rules for the USA which was MG's major market. Also the suspension was raised by crude steel wedges under the struts again due to lack of money !. This killed the sharp handling of the little car and the heavy bumpers also damaged the top speed and fuel consupmtion. To my eyes I like the look as it did modernise the 'B' for the late 1970's until 1981 when Abingdon closed it's doors. B.L's failer was to not modernise the MGB so sales slowly tailed off until the bitter end. Then when Micheal Edwards took control of the company MG was not part of the grand recovery plan set in motion in 1979. This is a fine model though I don't like the lurid colour at all but I suppose it's very 1970's ?. The suspension is too low for this type of MGB but with some work it can be raised as I have done. All in all this is a great model of a classic sports car little seen on the roads today.--NEO "Daren" Buy it now

SOLIDO 1/43 TUCKER IN METALLIC BLUE

The 1948 Tucker has arrived, initially in metallic blue or metallic red, although six other colours are promised over the next three months, with all eight colours being available as a 'set' in the autumn.

While the general shape of this distinctive car has been well captured, with well executed windscreen wipers, the interior looks a little basic, particularly the dashborad area. pleasing touch is the front passenger window being shown slightly open. This is good value for its 1/43 scale

NISSAN BLUE 1600SSS 1970 SAFARI RALLY WINNER

A very good model, the casting capturing the car's shape and look perfectly, and with a high level of added detail and decoration. If you are a collector of rally cars, this will be a fine addition to your collection to your collection. Limited edition of 2760. See more

MOTORMAX 1/18 ASTON MARTIN DB9 COUPE

This is a good diecast model of the DB9, Aston Martin's most produced car since the DB7. It is not of the same quality perhaps as an AutoArt 1/18 diecast would be, but it is pretty well detailed (engine bay and interior, opening doors, steerable front wheels, but boot lid does not open), and the price is so much less. Very good value for your money.

MOTORMAX 1/18 - 1949 BUICK CONVERTIBLE

After 3 years of work, 1949 marked the first new post-war styling for General Motors cars. The all-new Buicks, designed by Ned Nickles from GMs new C-body, lived up to its ad slogan of looking fine for 49. The Roadmaster convertible led the way, both in design and performance. From its aircraft-inspired low silhouette, Art Deco tail lights, 25-tooth Dollar Grin grille, and for the very first time, its legendary 4 Ventiports, the design was completely new. Under the engine the changes were as dramatic. Not only did the Roadmaster come with the Fireball straight-8 150 horsepower engine, but also Dynaflow Drive, the worlds first conventional torque converter automatic transmission. See more

FABULOUS 1952 HUDSON HORNET CONVERTIBLE

The 1948-1954 Hudson’s ‘step down’ unibody gave it a much lower center of gravity – and better handling – than any other American car of the period. And ‘Twin H-Power’ dual carburetors gave its 308 cubic inch six gobs of torque and enough power to win the NASCAR Championship from 1951 through 1953 and finish second in 1954. The Fabulous Hudson Hornets won 31 of the 35 races they started in 1952! Once in a while there’s a model that’s just right in every respect and Highway 61’s ’52 Hudson Hornet Convertible is one of them. There’s not enough space to fully describe this one, you’ll just have to see it. Start with flawless glossy dark metallic grey paint, with every piece of trim done with separate chrome parts; even the Twin H-Power trunk badge is film-thin chrome. The hood opens on scissors hinges with over-center supports and the wired and plumbed engine matches photos in the June 1986 ‘Collectible Automobile’ perfectly. I’m even more impressed with the interior; properly hinged doors, soft carpets, exceptionally realistic upholstery with separate plated handles and cranks, the rarely seen but authentic leather-grained dash and door trim, and legible instruments and radio face. Underneath, the diecast chassis is separate from the baseplate, as are the drivetrain and suspension components, and there are even value stems in the wheels. Body lines match photos from all angles, details are all present and correct, dimensions are right on 1:18 scale, and best of all, this beauty is only $62.99 from amazon.com. (SMI)

PHANTOM’ NOVA; STEVE STROPE NOVA Z/28

Chevrolet Nova Z/28 Steve Strope Diecast Car Model 1/18 Orange Die Cast Car 1 of

Steve Strope’s ‘Z/28 Nova’, a car Chevrolet never built, was the hit of the 2006 Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA) show. A Z/28 Camaro style spoiler, classic ‘Hugger Qrange’ and white paint scheme, ‘cowl induction’ hood, and Z/28 ‘blackout’ grille treatment transformed the stock 1969 Nova body. A ‘mouse motor’ 302 V-8 with a Trans-Am style cross-ram twin carburetor manifold, modern Tremec transmission, and 4-into-1 headers provided the ‘go’ while wide Budnik wheels with Corvette C-6 dusk brakes all around handled the ‘whoa’! The Nova’s interior was replaced with a Camaro dash and gauges, bucket seats, and the ‘Rally Pack’ console, with ‘Hound’s Tooth’ upholstery. GMP’s new Nova Z/28 has a flawless heavy diecast body with mirror-smooth authentic paint and printed stripes. Running light bezels and Z/28 badges are foil-thin chrome, door handles are painted, and everything else is bright chrome. The hood opens to show the accurate small-block engine which has coolant hoses and spark plug wires but its alternator is supported only by the drive belt. Inside, the accurate Camaro dash has a full set of legible instruments an printed chrome trim but the relief-moulded inner handles haven’t been pick out. Chassis detail included separate drive train and exhaust system (the headers have small mould lines) and relief-cast, neatly painted hydraulic lines. Those big ventilated disks are easily seen through the big bright chrome wheels. (SMI)

CLASSIC LINES OF THE MASERATI 3200GT FROM BBURAGO in 1/18th SCALE

Maserati 3200 GT Coupe Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Bburago

Just when most people were writing Maserati off as a producer of modern stylish GT cars, the company came up with the 3200 GT Bburago, as a good Italian company, had to make a model of the new car

Though few will be seen on British roads, it's still an attractive car to own in model form. Quality touches on he exterior include the disc brakes visible behind the wheel hubs, the well reproduced Maserati grille, separately moulded rear window mounted brake light and well detailed engine.

Opening doors, boot and bonnet are well finished, and inside it's all very luxurious. We liked the metal-look foot pedals and textured 'leather' of the seats particularly. Perhaps the dashboard dials and central console switches and trim (both reproduced by paper labels) were a bit over colouful, but this is a car no GT collection should be without--Model Collector

BBURAGO 1/18 MASERATI 3200 GT

Maserati 3200 GT Coupe Diecast Model Black 1/18 Die Cast Car By Bburago

Another fine model from Bburago, this time the Maserati 3200 GT of 1998. Improved detail is becoming the order of the day throughout the model industry, and this model is certainly living up to the standards being set.

Apart from the usual 'operating' features, such as the opening doors, bonnet and boot, and rear lamps, the dashboard detail, the engine, and especially the wheels. With a first class paint finish, and all the parts fitting perfectly, this is certainly a fine addition to any collection.

WELLY 1/24th SCALE AUSTIN FX4 TAXICAB

Introduced onto the roads of London in 1959, the all-new Austin FX4 taxicab was set to replace the FX3, which had first appeared some ten years earlier. Built to the exacting specifications of the Public Carriage Office, the new cab at last gave full all-weather protection for the cab driver in a purpose-built volume production taxicab. Powered by the trusty 2.2 litre diesel BMC engine or similar capacity petrol engines, the FX4 could still turn on a 25 foot ‘sixpence’ and carry four or five people in comfort with their luggage. The original cabs are easily recognizable by the ‘teddy bear’ turn indicators mounted on the roof sides, small rear lamps and a smoked glass rear screen for privacy. Initially only available in black, the FX4 can now be had in any colour you like. It has been updated and modernized frequently over the last 30-odd years, with the lastest derivative still the only real volume production taxicab on the streets of London. Like the AEC Routemaster, and built at almost exactly the same time, these two vehicles epitomize London and are known world-wide. See more.

KYOSHO: 1/18 SCALE CATERHAM SUPER SEVEN

This is Caterham Super Seven from Kyosho, for this really is a superlative model. This time the model comes in silver, with a green nose. Sensibly the model is packaged with the bonnet off, so that the fully detailed engine can be admired. However, as you exmine the model closely, you see many other fine details, such as the chrome headlights, the Caterhan Super Seven badge on the bonnet, the dashboard and steering wheel detail, and the incredible seatbelts. Steering is provides, and while not really needed on a model such as this feature in no way detracts from the overall look. Once more, this is a first class model. See more

1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Motormax

A 1/18th scale model is certain to look impressive in the display cabinet, and that certainly is the case with the Chevrolet Corvette of 1958 as modelled by Motormax. This open version looks stunning in its red and white, with plenty of chrome trim. This trim extends to such areas as the interior of the car, with the instrument panels neatly shown.

The bonnet opens to reveal a highly detailed engine, while the boot like wise opens. The front wheels steer, and have suspension, while the doors also open.

Fortunately all the opening features are a good fit, so do not detract from the overall appearance of this fine model.

1968 CAMARO SS 396

This is the 1968 Camaro SS 396 from Welly, a stylish car finished in red with a white flash and silver trim. The models in this series are finely detailed, especially in such aspects as the wheels, while the paint work, of both exterior and interior, has been finely executed. The result is an attractive addition to the American car collection. See more.

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.

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

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.

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.

IXO - 1/43 MASERATI GRANDSPORT 2004

The real car's name harks back to the 1950s and the A6 G. The lastest version hints at a throughbred GT spirit. It packs a punch with a 400 hp engine. The model is covered in a gorgeous metallic pearl white paint. It sports a dark blue interior. A classy model to look out for. Buy it now.

NISSAN NISMO 350Z S-TUNE GT

Nissan's NISMO 350Z S-Tune GT is a specially developed super car version to celebrate their victory at the Japanese GT500 Touring Car Championship in 2004. Only 20 are hand-built every month in Japan. They are not officially imported into the UK, except for one that raced at the 2005 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It's been very favourably reviewed as standing comparison with the very best of European super cars.

This model certainly captures the mean stance and look of the real car. The grey metallic paint is very well applied. The lights front and rear are impressive too. You get a good view of the interior of this right hand drive vehicle through the large windscreen. Very impressive. Buy it now.