Saturday, July 17, 2010

CORGI 1/43 ROVER MINI AND BMW MINI



The two cars depicted in this boxed set are two of the cars which took part in the 2004 Lord Mayor’s Show in the City of London. In this show the Mini Cooper Register supplied 45 cars, to celebrate 45 years of Mini – H314 AEC is a 1990 Rover Mini Cooper which actually led the Mini Cooper Register display of 45 cars in the 2004 Lord Mayor’s Show, as it did in 1994, 1996 and 2001. The most modern car is the September 2004 built New MINI ONE D, 8996 DF. This is the 4th time that the Mini Cooper Register has supported the Lord Mayor’s Show, the previous times being 1994, 1996 and 2001. Shop here

SCHUCO 1:43 MERCEDES-BENZ 170V WOOD FUELED


Bio fuels are nothing new. In the fuel-starved Germany of the 30’s and 40’s, “wood gasification” generators were fitted to cars when gasoline wasn’t available. This novel model replicates the burner affixed to the rear of a Mercedes-Benz 170 sedan, with plumbing to the front part of the device that fuels the engine. Completing the scene is an extra bag of wood slung over the right front fender. A fascinating model made all the more interesting because of its scarcity. Buy it now

Monday, July 12, 2010

VANGUARDS 1/43 BEDFORD S TYPE TANKER 'REGENT'


The Bedford has the oval tanker body and is finished in the red "REGENT" livery with front mounted ladder, which looks correct and is certainly not over-scale. The tank is all metal and is painted, avoiding the problem of trying to match the colour of plastic tank to metal parts. . In addition to admiring the basic model, look at the 'By Appoinment' coats of arms on the cab doors, which have been superbly printed. Buy it now

Saturday, July 10, 2010

SCHUCO 1:18 PORSCHE 356 A SPEEDSTER SILVER


The Porsche 356 was the company's first production automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble 2-door sports car available as coupe and convertible. Production started in 1948 in Austria and in 1950 the factory relocated to Germany. In 1955, after numerous changes, the 356A was introduced. Production continued until April 1965. Little noticed at its inception, the first 356s sold primarily in Europe, but by the early 1950s the 356 had gained renown among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic. Like its cousin, the VW Beetle, the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car utilizing unitized pan and body construction. While the 356's body was an original design by Porsche, its engine, suspension and chassis were derived from the Beetle. However, Porsche quickly re-engineered and refined the car so by the late '50s many fewer parts were shared. Cabriolets were offered from the start, and in the early 1950s sometimes comprised over 50% of total production. One of the most desirable collector models is the 356 Speedster, introduced in late 1954. With its raked windshield, bucket seats and minimal folding top, the Speedster was an instant hit, especially in Southern California. Buy it now

Friday, July 9, 2010

HOT WHEELS 1/18 FERRARI F50


The Ferrari F50 is a high-performance Supercar, introduced in 1996 to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. The car is a two-door, two-seat convertible with a removable hardtop and has a 4.7L naturally aspirated sixty-valve V-12 engine that was developed from Ferrari's F1 powerplant. Only 349 cars were made, one less than Ferrari estimated they could sell.
This car has been superbly modelled by Hot Wheels in their ever increasing 1:18 scale Ferrari range. As we have said in the past in other Ferrari reviews, this model is excellent quality and extremely good value for the collector! Hot Wheels have captured the power and grace of these incredible machines, and of course the red paintwork and prancing horse speaks for itself!! Buy it now

Saturday, July 3, 2010

BRUMM 1/43 SIMCA D-DAY APERTA 1944


An interesting model has appeared on the Simca 5, in military guise as it would have appeared on D-Day in 1944. Perhaps the paint finish is a little too glossy in places, but pleasing touches are hooded healights (portrayed in black) and the fact that the seats actually tip forward. Buy it now

Friday, July 2, 2010

SCHUCO 1:43 VOLKSWAGEN T1 SERVICE VAN FOR JOHN DEERE-LANZ


The classic Volkswagen T1 Minibus was first produced in 1950 and continued to be made until 1967. Its duties ranged from functional to fun, seeing duty as delivery van, service truck, emergency vehicle, family car and getaway camper. With its low cost, high reliability and ease of maintenance, it was a hit with all its owners, but is probably best remembered as an iconic symbol of '60s counterculture. The VW van was among the first 'forward control' designs in which the driver was placed above the front wheels. Thanks to wind-tunnel testing, the Minibus was aerodynamically superior to the Beetle despite its slab-sided shape. Never known for its power, the Minibus started out with only an 1131cc engine making 25 hp. By the end of its production, engine displacement grew to 1.5 liters, producing a whopping 42 hp. No matter the size, however, the engines were always air-cooled, a VW hallmark. Buy it now

Monday, June 28, 2010

BRUMM 1/43 FIAT 508 'EIAR'


This is the Fiat 508C EIAR (Ente Italiano Audizioni Radiofoniche) of 1948. Once again a fairly basic car, but also again very well modelled. The casting is very thin, so although the glazing is not flush, it gives the appearance of being so. As always the general level of finish is to a high standard. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1/32 MERCEDES-BENZ TRAC 1800 TRACTOR




The MB Trac was developed by Mercedes-Benz from their Unimog truck platform. Mercedes built Trac’s from 1973 to1991 in a variety of configurations, and has since sold the design to another German company that continues to build them. The Unimog truck was originally intended as an agricultural platform, so in the early ‘70s Daimler Benz evolved the design into the MB Trac, aimed at larger scale farming. The new tractor crossed the Unimog technology of all-wheel drive and a robust power transmission to four large equal-sized wheels, with the appearance of a tractor: slim hood, with an angular, elevated driver cab. From the initial MB Trac, a broad product range developed, culminating in the heavy duty MT Trac 1800 Intercooler with 180 hp engine. When Daimler Benz ended production in 1991, 41,000 vehicles were produced, of which 30,000 are still in service. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1/43 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK


The Mercedes-Benz GLK is a compact luxury crossover released as a 2010 model in North America after its public debut at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. It is built in Bremen, Germany, and its design has been heavily influenced by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans. A variety of engines and transmissions are available, as the GLK can be purchased with 4-wheel drive or conventional rear-wheel drive. Buy it now

CORGI 'GOLDEN OLDIES' : BEDFORD S 'SPRATT'S'


More of the 'Golden Oldies' have appeared, recalling the days when the colorful liveries on commercial vehicles appealed to the young toy-buying public.

Indeed, the Bedford S van comes along in Spratt's livery, which was always popular on the orinal Dinky Toy and certainly looks attractive in its lastes guise. This model has added silver trim for door handles, hinges, and so on. Buy it now

Friday, June 25, 2010

CMC 1/18 - 1954 MERCEDES RACING CAR TRANSPORTER DIECAST MODEL

1954 Mercedes Racing Car Transporter Diecast 1/18 Blue Die Cast Car Model by CMC


This is the 1954 Mercedes Benz Blue Wionder racing transporter. Super high quality and extreme detail, you will marvel for hours inspecting the accuracy and attention to the small detail that CMC is known for. This will be a prized addition to any 1:18 collection. Includes stainless steel ramps, detailed engine, authentic paint and interior. Dimensions approximately L-15, W-4.5, H-4.5 in.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

CORGI 1/50 THAMES TRADER BOX VAN 'FOX'S GLACIER MINTS'


A model series from Corgi sees the Thames Trader box van in the livery of Fox's Glacier Mints. The deep blue with white roof highlights the pleasing Fox's livery perfectly. See more

Sunday, June 20, 2010

SIKU 1/55 MERCEDES 'FAUN' REFUSE TRUCK


This is a very nice model of a Mercedes Benz-mounted 'Faun' refuse truck. The 'business end' of the model has a revolving 'compactor', lifting rear end, sliding inner wall, tipping body and, of course, a 'wheelie' bin. It has great 'play' value and it really quite good looking -change the plastic wheels and do a little judicious detailing and this could pass for a much more expensive diecast. Shop here

Saturday, June 19, 2010

HOT WHEELS 1/43 FERRARI 250 GT BERLINETTA SWB



This 1:43 scale Ferrari is one of a variety of collectible vehicles approved by Ferrari for authentic styling and decoration. Beautifully crafted and highly detailed, this car makes a great collectible or gift for any auto enthusiast. One of the most important GT racers of its time, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB was first unveiled at the 1959 Paris Salon. The designation SWB indicated the short wheelbase chassis designed for better handling compared to the former long wheelbase version. The car was available in competition specification with an aluminum body, lightweight interior trim and with the engine in a higher state of tune. 176 samples were built and sold from 1959 to 1963. After its release the car was hugely successful in racing. It was capable of beating many larger-engine cars. Motor Trend Classic placed the 250 SWB fifth on a list of the ten greatest Ferraris of all time. At the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB with race #22 proved its competitiveness by taking 4th to 7th place overall and sweeping 1st through 4th place of the GT class. Among the four SWBs, Dernier / Noblet took 6th in a gray with blue stripe SWB number 22.

The Ferrari 250 is a series of sports cars built by Ferrari from the 1950s and early 1960s. It was the company's most successful early line of vehicles, produced for over a decade from 1953 to 1964 and resulting in several variants. Here it is proposed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans version of 1960. In the hands of Leon Dernier and Pierre Noblet this Ferrari 250 Short Wheel Based had no problem keeping the 6th place until the end of that race. Several technical innovations have made this car really competitive in international races. During the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960 the Ferrari contenders were not able to compete: at the end of the race six different versions of the Ferrari 250 had entered the first seven places. Buy it now

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

BRUMM 1/43 WORLD CUP FIAT CELEBRATION 2006





Italian makers Brumm have certainly started the year as they mean to go on with some unusal and very welcome releases of some unique subjects. The Italian style and humour is certainly present in these models and they represent a breath of fresh air on the diecast scene. It take a look at their 1/43 Fiat Panda, marked in celebration of Italy's World Cup win - check out the female in the sunroof. Including 2 metal figures hand-painted flag and two of which rests on the hood and the other already flown! Buy it now

Sunday, June 13, 2010

CORGI 1/50 FODEN S21 8 WHEEL PLATFORM LORRY EDDIE STOBART


Established in Carlisle in 1970 Eddie Stobart Ltd has developed into one of the leading transport and warehousing organisations in the UK.

Foden 8 wheel platform loory, model length 18cm comes with a limited edition certificate. Buy it now

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

IXO 1/43 FERRARI 250P - LE MANS 1963


The real car was crewed by John Surtees and Willy Mairesse. Unfortunately they did not finish the race, due to an acident and fire. This is another super modle to add to the ever increasing range of historic Ferrari racers being produced of late by IXO. Buy it now

OXFORD MODEL 1/43 JAGUAR MK VII BRICH GREY


The Jaguar Mark VII was a large four door sports sedan launched by Jaguar Cars of Coventry at the 1950 London Motor Show. The chassis came from the Jaguar Mark V with which the Mark VII shared its 10 feet (3,048.0 mm) wheelbase. But for this latest offering Jaguar designed a modern and streamlined looking body, featuring fully integrated headlights and mudguards along with an increased rear overhang which gave the car enhanced presence. As on the Mark V, the upper part of the rear wheels was covered by the body work. In place of its predecessor's flat windscreen, the Mark VII design included a two piece front screen, which would late become one when the MKVIII was launched. It had of just over 100 mph (163 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 13.7 seconds -17.5 miles to the gallon and all for just under ฃ1700. This is the second casting set in the range of cars from our Oxford Automobile range. Buy it now

Sunday, June 6, 2010

SCHUCO 1/43 CITROEN HY AMBULANCE


The Citroën HY Van was a light delivery van produced by the French car maker between 1947 and 1981. It was developed as a simple front wheel driven van after WWII. A total of 473,289 were produced in 34 years in factories in France and Belgium. The engine, gear box and many smaller parts are borrowed from other Citroën models. For example, the engine and gearbox are nearly the same as the Traction Avant automobile, only mounted with the engine to front. For many years, the head lights and speedometer were identical to the classic 2CV. The distinctive corrugated body work was inspired by German Junkers aircraft of the 1930s. The ribs added strength without adding weight, and needed only simple, low cost tools, which was ideal for a cash-strapped, post-WWII Citroën. The flat body panels were braced on their reverse side by box sections, set at right angles to the ribs. 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...