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.

ERTL - 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR

The large scale models always look good, and certainly impressived when the items modelled are American cars.This model offerings by ERTL are the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air in red and black. In each case, the model is accurate and well detailed. See more.

MATCHBOX: THE 5A BUS

It was not until the London bus, 5a, was added to the range in mid-1954, the sales of the newly-launched Matchbox Toys expanded rapidly. The 5a bus initially advertised ‘Matchbox series’ but later models featured ‘Player Please’ for a comparatively short time and for a long time ‘BP Viscostatic’. The BP company was one of a number which paid for the privilege of having its name advertised on Matchbox vehicles. The bus had paper labels advertising the ‘Matchbox series’. It was by far the smallest Lesney bus, as it measured only 52mm. The bus had paper labels advertising the ‘Matchbox series’. It comes with or without a number plate recess at the rear. The undetailed grille was decorated with gold trim.

CORGI TOYS: CHARLIE'S ANGLES CHEVROLET VAN

The Chevrolet van was the basis of quite a few TV related models. The first and by far the best was the bright pink ‘Charlie’s Angels silhouette logo emblazoned on each body side. Opening rear doors and transparent roof panels served to display the cardboard custom interior of this 1/40th scale van which could be found with either solid or four-spoke whizzwheels. A very tastefully produced model that lasted until 1981. See more.

VANGUARDS: VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET

The first of the new range of Vanguards has been seen, and it is clear that Lledo is setting a new standard with these models. This initial release is the Volkswagen Cabriolet, which comes in maroon with cream interior and black hood. The first impressions are good: Lledo has captured the look of the vehicle extremely well, and such aspects as the silver trim, door handles and windscreen wipers are well portrayed. Dashboard detail is provided. Particularly good are the wheels and the glazed windscreen.

This model are being offered at an advantageous price, but perhaps Lledo might consider for the future making the headlights plastic, rather than chrome, and painting some of the interior detail.

Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that the Vanguards are going to prove to be extremely popular models.

Lledo has changed the packaging with these models, making for a much more attractive presentation.--Model Collectors See More for VW Mania

CORGI: SCAMMELL HIGHWAYMAN 'CARTER' IN THE SHOWMAN's RANGE

The first of the Showman's Range of models has arrived in town, namely the Scammell Highwayman hauling a closed pole trailer and caravan.

On opening the box one finds a part of a card kit which will build into a Super Dodgems. With this series will come a number of such kits building into various fair ground attractions. Also included is a numbered cerfiticate, showing the total production of 14,300, plus a ticket to enjoy a free ride at Carters.

The Scammell Highwayman is well known and the decoration has been very well applied, although it is a pity the rear number plate is a sticker.

The pole truck is perhaps a little disappointing, since the decoration is in the form of labels. Probably it would have been difficult to have printed the large expanse of orange. Understandably the posters at the rear of the stuck on the vehicle.

The caravan is delight, particularly in relation to the gold trim.

This is certainly a colourful start to the range which will look good either in a display cabinet or arranged as a diorama with the kits assembled. See more.

MATCHBOX: LOTUS EUROPA

The Lotus Europa was a low, mid-engined, fiberglass-bodied sports coupe produced between 1969 an 1974. It was originally intended to be a Lotus/Ford GT racing project, although Ford pulled out late in the day, and the car was released as a Lotus. Early models were powered by Renault engines, but later examples had Ford Cosworth motors. The Europa was quite expensive and, as a result, only around 9000 were sold. However, it was extremely popular in toy form, with models produced by Matchbox, Dinky, corgi, Diapet and many others.

The Matchbox version was first painted a dark metallic blue, with an off-white interior, clear windscreen and an unpainted metal base. It featured opening doors and a towing hook, features extremely popular with children. Early models featured narrow Super wheels and squared wheel arches, while later models had the base altered to accommodate the wider wheels, and the body casting was modified so as to have larger, rounder wheels arches. In 1971, the colour scheme was changed to what many collectors call ‘metallic pink’, which is more of a lustrous fuchsia shade.

It was revived in 1977 in a new colour scheme for the Japanese series. It was painted black with tampo-printed gold coach lining, representing a limited edition JPS sponsored car.

In the late 1980s, the Europa casting was revived again for inclusion in the el-cheapo ‘Super GT’ range, although this time without the opening doors or interior.