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

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!

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.

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.