1955 VOLKSWAGEN KAFER BEETLE

The worldwide sales in excess of 21 million Beetles have given rise, over time, to a multiplicity of body modifications and numerous model variants. How-ever, prominent features such as its rounded shape have been retained. Thus, the year 1970 marked a turning point in Beetle product policy. With the completely redesigned type 1302 (1.2 and 1.3 litre engine) and 1302 S (1.6 litre version) a completely new line was created. The 1971 model has, as standard, the semi-trailing arm rear suspension that became familiar on the automatic version, giving it a technically extravagant chassis. In addition the greater height of the engine required a more marked curve to the bonnet. The new horizontally opposed 1584 cc engine with twin port cylinder head delivers a good 50 bhp, giving the 1302 S tremendous tractive power. The redesigned front conceals a transverse arm and spring strut type suspen-sion. The new front axle with McPherson struts has enabled the boot space to be increased to a proud 260 litres. Another attractive external feature had also appeared: an extra vent behind the rear side window. At 870 kg, the light-weight 1302 S offered a top speed of 130 km/h. Apart from the fact that the 1302 S was the most comfortable Beetle so far, this model was crowned with yet another success: on 17.02.1972 the 15,007,034th Beetle, a 1302 S, rolled off the line. The world record for the best-selling car ever, previously held by the legendary Ford T model, had been broken. See more.

ERTL - 1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD LIMITED EDITION

Ertl's Bright Green 1970 Plymouth Superbird first appeared on the market about 2001. At that time, collectors and Superbird enthusiasts rushed to secure one. These cars have been difficult to find since those early days. Ertl's is a superb rendering of this automotive classic. The manufacturer has spared no effort in producing this mighty muscle car replica. The precision interior detailing is surpassed only by Ertl's exacting exterior presentation. The doors open wide, the hood raises over an accurately portrayed Mopar power plant (440 cid), and the steering wheel turns the front wheels (an Ertl trademark). The decals are exact (and properly located) giving the car the feeling of quality. Initial review of the car generates only appreciation for Ertl and its dedication to preserving the Roadrunner Superbird legend. Ertl's Green Superbird has almost doubled in price since its release. (An orange edition was offered after the Green Bird about 2002 and will also increase quickly in value. One hopes Ertl will produce more Superbird colors, how about Chrysler's rare Panther Pink?) In appears certain that this die cast metal car has hitched a ride on the now decade long Superbird craze (all Superbird items are daily and dramatically increasing in value). This car is an excellent investment! This Sublime Lime Superbird is an brilliant gift candidate. Who wouldn't love to own a Superbird!? Get yours soon. (Review by Readalots) Buy it now.

ERTL - 1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD

Plymouth Superbird Hard Top. 1:18 scale diecast model car. 12" long x 3.75"W x 3"H die cast car with opening doors/hood/trunk, steerable front wheels, and detailed interior & chassis. Limited edition. Stand on a platform. In 1970 Plymouth introduced the Superbird. It shared many comparisons in design to the Dodge Daytona. The Superbird was based on the Plymouth Road Runner except for the unique airfoil and nose configuration. The rear spoiler on the Superbird was higher and more angled than the Daytona's. The trademark over size rear spoiler was mainly for styling but it did allow better access to the trunk but at speeds under 90 mph, the wing was essentially useless. Since production lasted only one year total build quantities were 1920 cars. The rarest for these birds is the Hemi equipment version as only 93 were built. 1,162 were equipped with the 440 and single four-barrel carburetor. 665 versions were built with the 440 Six Pack. Some of the reasons for the low production figures were the controversial oversized wing and angular nose. Also, the cartoon characters and 'beep-beep' horn were 'love-or-hate'. The Superbirds performance was undisputed and the top speed was without equal. See more.

SUNBEAM MOTORCYCLE & SIDECAR

Die-cast Matchbox Models of Yesteryear No.Y8-1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle & Sidecar, it was produced in England by Lesney in 1962. The length is 6.7 cm. Matchbox produced diecast of motorcycle side towing car only 5 patterns : Triump Sidecar, Lambretta, Harley Davidson (2 models) and Sunbeam. If we might count only a group of Models of Yesteryear, it was produced only one style of this 1914 Sunbeam Sidecar.

Before becoming Sunbeam, John Marton started with cycle manufacture, going on to produce his first car, from Wolverhampton, in 1899. Sunbeam cars came into their own from 1909, with racing success. The company merged with Talbot (and Darracq) in 1920. This was another company which was to be financially rescued by the Rootes Group.

Later the Sunbeam name was again used on its own, even when the Rootes Group became part of Chrysler. The last Sunbeam car appeared in 1976.

This die-cast 1914 Sunbeam Notorcycle & Sidecar was produced 3 models, all of them has a different chromium color. It has a black, light green and dark green seat.
This die-cast is a silver plate motocycle with black seat and side car with green seat, plain wheels.

PORSCHE 917K FLAT 12 CYL - MARTINI RACING

Auto Art have released futher models of the famous Porsche 917K models from the 1970 and 1971 race seasons. As mentioned previously in Pit Stop, these were available from Universal Hobbies before under the Eagle's Race brand.

These versions, though, include a higher level of finish and accuracy, but they do cost significantly more. The version that I am reviewing this month is the Martini Racing Porsche Austria works entry that took part in the 1970 Kyalamai race in South Africa, driven by Siffert/Ahrens. Finished in the 'psychedelic' style used during this season by this team. For this race the car, carying race number two, ran in yellow and red livery.

As with the former model, this model's nose section is removable showing the radiator and fluid containers sited there. The gull-wing doors each swing upwards to reveal the fully detailed interior with the austere finish of the full-size car. (Reviewed from Model Collector) See more.

COLLECTING DINKY TOYS

Dinky, a name that became synonymous with the whole genre of small toy cars is actually the name of a highly collectible brand of British-made toy vehicles produced from 1934 to 1979. Avid collectors know Dinky Toys. Now Collecting Dinky Toys tells everyone the whole story.
Here’s the complete list of every Dinky Toy from cars, trucks, and buses to ships, construction vehicles, and military vehicles, plus their accessories. This valuable identification and value guide lists more than 1,500 toy vehicles with the dates manufactured, colors, and current values.
This competitively priced comprehensive listing, with 400 full-color photos, references all Dinky Toys available. Collectors will find toy vehicles conveniently categorized by type for easy reference. Buy now.

DINKY TOYS

Dinky toys, produced from 1933 to 1980, have become popular collectibles today. This book, now in its sixth edition, offers concise history, detailed listing of major variations, chronological list, and newly updated price guide. It includes all the Dinky toys made in Britain, France, Spain, and other parts of world, from the earliest model railroad accessories to the first cars that bear the name Dinky Toys.

"This is a very handsome and useful book, in which all models made by Dinky Toys, even from Hong Kong ,are displayed in color.With exception of the airplanes and some of the extraordinary sets, the models are not photographed in detail. Much information about the models is not given (in my opinion not necessary). At the end, prices are given, but these will certainly vary depending on the state of the model and the availability of an original box. The format of the book is such, that it is very easy to take it with you in your pocket." (Reviewed by Customer) Buy Now.