Saturday, May 8, 2010

VANGUARDS 1/76 MGA OPEN TOP GOLD PLATE 50th ANNIVERSARY


The MGA was launched in September 1955 and was the first all new sportscar from MG since 1936! It had been previewed at Le Mans 4 months earlier, where 3 cars had run as MG EX 182 prototypes. Based around a strong box section chassis frame and BMC's ubiquitous B series engine it was called the MGA because having just launched the Z type Magnette MG had, according to their then General Manager John Thornley, run out of alphabet! It was marked the beginning of a new chapter for MG and a successful one at that; for over 100,000 examples were sold during its 7 year life. Buy it now

SUN STAR 1/24 - 850 DYE QUEEN's SILVER JUBILEE

If you are interested in that great icon of London the AEC Routemaster, then this absolutely stunning will not disappoint!

The Sun Star AEC Routemaster is a limited edition model and are getting rare to find as new ones find their place in collections. Sun Star have reportedly ceased making the Routemaster of which there are about 7 different models.

The detail is outstanding, the model 'looks right', it has a metal body and is quite heavy in weight but it is something you can look at from any angle and really enjoy.

The bonnet lifts to show a representation of the famous 9.6 litre AEC six cylinder diesel engine, turn the bus ovr and you get a detailed chassis with separate gearbox, a fan that goes round by hand and radiator pipes.

The interior is superb, the moquette seat patterns are accurately reproduced, the hand rails in chrome too, the wheels are poseable (steerable) and the wheels rotate and have lovely scaled AEC badges on the hubs, the front grille is a fine gauze and you can see the radiator through the mesh.

This really is an adults only model and is a striking conversation piece. Each model comes with a certificate recording the individual serial number of the bus in that edition. --Mr.M Sander

With a registration of 850 DYE, this collector's model of the Routemaster is finished in the silver livery celebrating the Queen's Silver Jubilee London Celebrations 1977. Buy here

Friday, May 7, 2010

MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES: FODEN STEAM WAGON 'F. PARKER


This is the Foden steam wagon in the livery of F. Parker and Co, Timber Importers. The basic model is well known, and has been pleasantly finished in deep red-brown with gold lettering. Perhaps more significant is load, produced as a hand-painted cold cast sculpture. Not only do the planks of wood look realistic, but there are pleasing touches, such as the pieces of red rag attached to the ends of the planks, the tarpaulin covering the load affixed with rope, with excess rope curled on top of the planks. The result is an attractive model. Buy it now

LOTUS 49B DIECAST MODEL SIFFERT 1968 BRITISH GP22

Lotus 49B Diecast Model Siffert 1968 British GP 22 1/18 Die Cast Car by Quartzo

The model from this excellent batch is the Lotus Ford Type 49B. Apart from the fact that all the rivets are modelled, and the wheels are superb, take a close look at the engine and suspension detail. The Quartzo model can certainly be fully recommended.

DIECAST MODEL FERRARI 500 F2 (ASCARI WINNER GERAMAN GP 1952)



We are delighted to announce that renowned model manufacturer IXO will soon be bringing us the La Storia collection of all the Ferrari Formula One cars since 1948 in 1/43 scale. The eleventh in the series is the 500 F2 driven by Alberto Ascari to 1st place in the 1952 German GP at the Nurburgring. The replica is produced from brand new tooling with extensive hand finishing, and comes presented in delightful book style luxury packaging. Buy it now

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

VANGUARD 1/43 RANGE ROVER MONTE CARLO BLUE



The current Range Rover is a good example of how the global motor industry is interconnected by a complex web of deals. Originally designed in the UK at Rover's Gaydon centre, it used many BMW sourced components as BMW owned Rover at the time. Rover was sold to the Phoenix Consortium for £10 in 2000, but crucially this sale did not include Land Rover which BMW sold to Ford for 3 billion. Land Rover then launched the current range of Range Rover in 2001.

Monday, May 3, 2010

SIGNATURE MODELS 1:18 1962 BMW LS LUXUS

1962 BMW LS Luxus Diecast Car Model /18 Red Die Cast Car By Signature Models

The 700 model was the car heralded as turning around BMW in the late 1950s. When BMW showed off the 700 coupe and sedan model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn of 1959, it received enough orders for two years of production. The 700 was masterminded by Willy Black, the man who had designed the 600 that it replaced, Black again drew on the com,pany¡¦s motorcycle technology, but this time, he enlarged the twin-cylinder engine of the R67 motorcycle to get the power he needed for this larger car. Giovanni Michelotti of Italy styled the car, carrying over themes from his Triumph Herald, a contemporary of the 700. His first sketch was for a slant-roof coupe, which appealed to BMW although the company wanted more passenger room. Michelotti returned with a sketch of a saloon variant, and BMW decided to build both. The 700 Coupe entered production in August 1959 and the 700 Saloon joined it at the end of the year.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

CORGI CLASSICS 1/50 MORRIS LUTON VAN - BISHOP"S MOVE

Bishop & Son's Depositories Ltd. was founded in 1854 by J.J.Bishop, who came down to London from Norfolk.Before long the premises were outgrown, so the company moved to Hugh St. SW1.The Company remained on this site for over 100 years.At the start of the 20th Century the Company developed the 'Lft Van' which could be transferred between Road, Rail and Sea. Currently in its fith generation the company carries out domestic, corporate, business deepsea relocations and distribution.
The BMC cab, badged as a Morris, combined with the new Luton body makes for a pleasing model, and one that sits nicely beside the Bedford Pantechnicon of a few years back. Bishop's Move has a strong following, this model marking the 150th anniversary. This model also comes with a numbered certificate limited edition. See more

Friday, April 30, 2010

MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES: AEC 'S' TYPE BUS 'DUBLIN CORPORATION'


The AEC 'S' type bus (YET05) is featured operated by Dublin Corporation. This well decorated model is prototypically covered in advertisements which naturally add a flavour of the location and period. As examples of the detail now being included by Matchbox, note the fleet numbers on the front (behind the driver) and rear (on the platform), the 'Watch Your Step' warning on the platform, and the fact that the seats are separately painted in light brown (in contrast to the dark brown floor).

Monday, April 26, 2010

FORDSON POWER MAJOR DIECAST TRACTOR MODEL


This 1:16 model is a highly detailed and accurate replica of one of the most famous British tractors of all time. The bonnet opens as it does on the real thing, as does the tool box. All the leads and fuel lines have been incorporated and, of course, the steering and the hitch both function. The Power Major was eventually superseeded in 1962, having appeared in 1958, but this original version is still held in high regard.

MINI SEVEN & LAND ROVER/TRAILER ROBERT STACEY ACROPOLIS RALLY 2004


This Limited Edition captures the spirit of the Acropolis Rally 2004. The set features the Mini 7 driven by Robert Stacey, conveyed on a trailer hauled by a Land Rover. Features include accurate badging and detailed vehicle interiors.

RANGE ROVER METROPOLITAN POLICE


The Range Rover Metropolitan Police in the battenburg livery is probably one of the best police models Corgi has ever produced. Several police forces in the UK have been experienting with this livery, with the model depicting the phase 2 design with siveral and panels and reflective red pin striping added. Again the crest is excellent, and the model comes with authentic registration number, roof markings and rear stripes.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

1955 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL

1955 Chrysler Imperial Diecast Model White 1/18 Die Cast Car By Signature Models

In 1955, Chrysler first marketed the Imperial without the Chrysler name under the slogan "the flagship of the forward look". Indeed, the company wanted to keep its new premier marque so distinct that it set aside an assembly just for the Imperial -"a completely separate and distinct line of automobiles." However, the Imperial marque lasted until 1975 although the Imperial name has lived on as a Chrysler model. The new marque paid off in 1955, helping to increase Chrysler's sales after three years of decline and move Chrysler back to second place ahead of Ford. Indeed, Imperial sales more than double in 1955. The two-door Newport model had a 130-inch wheelbase and Chrysler's hemi-head, 331.1 cubic inch V-8 that could produce 250 horsepower.

Monday, April 19, 2010

FERRARI 250 GTO DIECAST MODEL CAR

Ferrari 250 GTO Diecast Model Car 1/18 Black Die Cast Car by Kyosho


The model is the Ferrari 250 GTO, which has a change to right-hand drive, new seats and steering wheel, and a re-sprayed interior.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

1965 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE BURGUNDY DIECAST MODEL

1965 Ford Mustang Convertible Burgundy Diecast Model 1/18 Die Cast Car By ERTL Matco Tools



1965 Ford Mustang Convertible Burgundy Diecast Model 1/18 Die Cast Car By ERTL Matco Tools


The introduction of the Mustang mid-year in 1964 was an unqualified success. Over 120,000 were produced setting the stage for 1965 when a remarkable 559,451 Mustangs were rolled off the assembly lines in Dearborn, Michigan, San Jose, California and Metuchen, New jersey. 73,112 of these were convertibles, which cost $2,614 with the standard Inline 6 engine. About 2/3rds of the customers decided to take one of the optional 289 cubic inch V-8's.

One new model, a fastback, was added to the line and other changes from 1964 were minor. Although Ford continued to trail Chevrolet in total sales, they sold 500,000 more cars than 1964 and cut the difference from 600,000 to less than 200,000.

1936 CHRYSLER AIRFLOW


More than just a car, it was a pioneering adventure into the automobile of the future. The first truly streamlined car in automotive history. Loaded with an array of features never before seen on any other car. It wasn't until 60 years later, with the advent of the Mercedes SLK, the Jaguar S-Class and the Chrysler PT Cruiser that Airflow styling was finally acclaimed “One of the 5 most significant automotive breakthroughs of the 20th century! And now, to commemorate this landmark achievement in automobile design, The National Motor Museum Mint™ has been authorized to issue this special edition of the 36 Airflow for collectors of classic vintage cars. Buy it now.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

MINI SE7EN RACING - MARK SIMS



Mark Sims began racing in 1995 in a Mini 7, debuting at Brands Hatch. He has raced every season since and has always remained loyal to the Mini 7 Racing Club, driving in either a 7 or a Miglia.

To date his strongest performance has been in the 2008 season, where he finished 4th in the Miglia championship. In 2009 he has had 3 podium finishes and has equalled his 4th place in the championship for a second year. His current car was built from the floor upwards following significant damage to his original mini during an unfortunate triple role at Thruxton race circuit. The rebuild was carried out by Pitstop Racingâ TMs Ralph Saunders and Darren Thomas and is to touring car standards.

The car has achieved club awards for the best prepared car for 3 consecutive years and is much admired up and down the paddocks of the UK. Buy it now

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

NOREV - RENAULT R4L PARISIENNE


The renault R4L Parisienne of 1963 comes the finest model in black with basket weave sides and rear. The result is a very attractive model, made more so by the silver trim, front and rear lights, seperately fifted door handles and windscreen wipers, and the window trim. If you are a Renault fan, this model should be in your collection.

PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS - LE MANS 2002 DIECAST MODEL


Minichamps has released a 1:43 diecast model of the #75 Porsche 911 GT3 RS which Leo Hindery, Peter Baron and Anthony Kester raced at Le Mans in 2002. This diecast model commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Automobile Club De L'Oust (aka the ACO), who organise the famous Le Mans race each year. Presented in special packaging, this diecast model is a limited edition of just 999 pieces worldwide.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

VITESSE 1/43 FIAT 124 SPYDER


This is the Fiat 124 Spyder, which comes initially in black. The model reflects the detail which one is now expecting from new releases, particularly in relation to the interior. With this model one finds the dashboard detail, the steering wheel, gear change and hand brake all carefully reproduced, while such detail as the door handles are picked out in silver. It almost goes without saying that these days there are separate windscreen wipers, door handles, wing mirrors and plastic used to represent the lights. One of a Limited Edition of 1,320 pieces includes Limited Edition Certificate, the model is mounted on a removable plinth with a hard plastic cover. Buy it now

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-18C 1918 Atkinson Steam Lorry

    Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-18C 1918 Atkinson Steam Lorry was made in England by Matchbox International in 1986. It is 11 cm long an...