Thursday, December 17, 2009

SIGNATURE MODELS 1/18 MERCEDES BENZ 770K PULLMAN





The 1938 Mercedes Benz 770 SK Pullman limo was the first Grand Mercedes to feature an oval tubular frame, independent suspension and hydraulic brakes. This evolutionary 770 was strtched 40 centimeters to 6 meters in length, its wheelbase was 3.88 meters. Since its debut in the autumn of 1930 at the Paris Automobile Show, the sensational appointments and exquisite finish helped the 770 to find itself in the fleets of many aristocratic courts and government leaders around the world. It was big and sold for big money (the price was equivalent to that of a single-family home in Germany). When equipped with armor plating (a much requested option as those who rode inside became less popular), the vehicle weighed as much as 4,800 kilograms, which required a supercharger to be added to the straight-eight 7.6 liter engine, boosting the motor's outoput to 230 horsepower. By 1938, the supercharger had become standard equipment and could produce a top speed of 170 kilometers per hour; however, the armored versions were limited to 80 km/h because of the bulletproof cell-type tires. See more

The BMW Z3 is one of the most handome sports convertibles around. James Bond's Corgi version - based in the car from Golden Eye - has one feature not found in production cars. Press the headrests and stinger missiles are launched from the neat headlights. So, as Bond told Felix Liter: 'Don't start pressing any buttons'

Pierce Brosnan's partner on his first outing as the suave spy is reproduced here to 1:36 scale in an authentically detailed die-cast replica. Working features include re-loadable Stinger missiles hidden behind the headlights, the metallic blue paintwork is precisely matched, and the model comes with figures of Bond and Natalya Simonova See more

CORGI 1/43 THORNYCROFT NIPPY - GWR DROPSIDE


The Great Western Railway was created by an Act of Parliament in the 1830s to provide a double tracked line from Bristol to London. Construction of the line started in 1836 at two locations; between Bristol and Bath, and Reading and London. 1935 was to see the Great Western make history by becoming the first British railway to celebrate 100 years of corporate existence. GWR was known to some as ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’, to others as the ‘Great Way Round’ (some of its earliest routes were not the most direct), and by some as the ‘Goes When Ready’ due to the casual way in which some of its branch lines were run. Buy it now

VANGUARDS 1/43 HILLMAN IMP RENFREWSHIRE & BUTE POLICE


As the Hillman Imp was built in Linwood, Scotland, it was obviously a first choice vehicle for panda car duties in the area. One of the forces that used the Imp was the Renfrew & Bute Constabulary who chose this very unusual colour scheme for their vehicles, which certainly stood out well. In May 1975 the force ceased to exist when it was merged with several other constabulary's to form the Strathclyde Police. Buy here

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

MOTORMAX 1/18 - 1949 BUICK CONVERTIBLE


After 3 years of work, 1949 marked the first new post-war styling for General Motors cars. The all-new Buicks, designed by Ned Nickles from GMs new C-body, lived up to its ad slogan of looking fine for 49. The Roadmaster convertible led the way, both in design and performance. From its aircraft-inspired low silhouette, Art Deco tail lights, 25-tooth Dollar Grin grille, and for the very first time, its legendary 4 Ventiports, the design was completely new. Under the engine the changes were as dramatic. Not only did the Roadmaster come with the Fireball straight-8 150 horsepower engine, but also Dynaflow Drive, the worlds first conventional torque converter automatic transmission. See more

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

CAR OF THE STARS; DUESENBERG SSJ


If you were somebody in the 1930's, you drove a Duesenberg. If you were really somebody you drove a supercharged Duesenberg SJ. And then there was the special short-wheelbase SSJ; only two were built, one for Gary Cooper (chassis 2549) and the other for Clark Gable (chassis 2595). There were minor differences in the rear fenders; Gable's car had a slight upturn, or reflex, at the end and its taillights were vertical. Cooper's SSJ didn't have the reflex and its taillight supports angled outboard. Although they've been popular subjects, all the SSJ models to date have been hand-built models in the $200.00 range.

The SSJ's diecast body is clean, smooth, and very well detailed. The two-tone black and blue paint is equally fine, with razor-sharp seperation lines, but neither car was ever painted in these colours. Overall body lines and propotions are exactly right. There are no chromed parts; all the trim, including the bumpers and grille, is painted silver. See more

Monday, December 14, 2009

VITESSE 1/43 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO VI




From the Vitesse Skid porfolio comes this enchanting Mitsubishi Lancer Evo mould this time celebrating the flying fins of Makinen and Mannisenmaki who won this year's Monte Carlo Rally. Devoid of its Marlboro sponsor lettering it still makes an arresting sight. The cockpit is excellent, as is the mean-looking frontal treatment with the Mitsubishi crest placed proudly on the front radiator. The model also comes complete with a well replicated official Monte Carlo Rally plaque. 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...