SCHUCO 1/43 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING SILVER

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL was introduced in 1954 with distinctive gull-wing doors. It was the fastest production car of its day and was based on the company's highly successful competition sports car of 1952. Intended for US customers in the booming post-war market, it was introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show. The 300 referred to the engine's three liter cylinder displacement and SL stood for Sport Leicht (sport light). The 300SL was best known for both its distinctive gull wing doors as well as being the first gasoline-powered car equipped with direct fuel injection. The 300SL Gull Wing was produced from 1955 to 1957 and more than 80% of the car's total production was sold in the US. The 300SL is credited for changing the company's image in America. The 300SL's body was mainly steel, except for the aluminum hood, doors and trunk lid. The engine, canted left to lower the hood, was a 3.0 liter inline six, fitted with a Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection system. This innovation allowed a top speed of 161 mph. Today, the 300SL is considered one of the most collectible Mercedes-Benz models of all time, with prices reaching well past $650,000.

Schuco is a legendary German toy manufacturer, founded in 1912. The company achieved worldwide fame with its toy cars manufactured in the '30s, '40s and '50s, many of which were patented. While Schuco continues to issue a limited number of metal retro-toys for collectors, today the company is better known for its amazing diecast vehicle replicas. Working directly with manufacturers and car collectors, Schuco painstakingly re-creates each vehicle in miniature, often incorporating tiny details only visible with a magnifying glass. Most Schuco models are issued in specified limited quantities, and once gone, will not be made again. That’s why wise collectors know that a Schuco model isn’t just a purchase: It’s an investment with a lifetime return of enjoyment. Buy it now

MAISTO 1948 PORSCHE NO.1 TYPE 356

When Maisto puts "Special Edition" on something, they're not just blowing exhaust fumes. It used to be that this Porsche No. 1 Typ 356 Roadster could only be owned by the fabulously wealthy, but now you can have one too. Sure, it's a bit smaller--in 1:18 scale the car measures about 8 by 2.5 inches--but it's lost none of its elegance in the miniaturization process. Pop the back hood to reveal a remarkable engine replica, not to mention a spare tire and a tool kit. Pop the trunk to find a spacious luggage compartment. Open either door to get to the steering wheel, which controls the movement of the rubber front wheels. You may be so entranced with this Porsche you'll be tempted to buy a real one. The box says for ages 3 and up, but unless your 3-year-old has a fine appreciation for automobiles the model craftsmanship here will go unnoticed. The collector, however, will recognize it immediately. --Keith Simanton

Beautifully crafted 1948 Porsche No. 1 Type 356 Roadster diecast model car 1:18 scale die cast by Maisto. This is a very highly detailed 1948 Porsche No. 1 Type 356 Roadster diecast model car 1:18 scale die cast by Maisto. Every details are well put together. Great collectible or gift piece. 1948 Porsche No. 1 Type 356 Roadster diecast model car 1:18 scale die cast by Maisto is one of the best showcase model for any auto enthusiasts.

AUTO ART 1/18 HONDA S2000

The S2000 was a success even before it had a name. Honda showed a prototype roadster in autoshows and expressed an interest in moving it into production if there was enough market demand. And demand they did. Honda dealers were taking orders and accepting "reservation fees" for an yet-unnamed Honda roadster two years before the S2000 finally hit the US shores. And when the first shipments were delivered to dealers, prices were subject to bidding wars that reached as high as $50,000. The multitudes of favorable reviews by major automobile magazines also contributed to the S2000's popularity. Honda describes the car with this statement: "...an unmistakable expression of the company's racing spirit..." See more

MOTORMAX 1/18 ASTON MARTIN DB9 COUPE

This is a good diecast model of the DB9, Aston Martin's most produced car since the DB7. It is not of the same quality perhaps as an AutoArt 1/18 diecast would be, but it is pretty well detailed (engine bay and interior, opening doors, steerable front wheels, but boot lid does not open), and the price is so much less. Very good value for your money.

ASTON MARTIN VOLANTE - THE DEFINITIVE BOND COLLECTION

From the Bond collection of cars comes this Aston Martin Volante, as seen in The Living Daylights. A very pleasing model with the all important gadget – in this case a very neat ski arrangement Press the left exhaust and the left ski pops out, press the right and you get the idea. See more

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEELS - ALVIS CRASH TENDER

In April 1963 the Military Ambulance was replaced by an Alvis Salamander ‘Foamite’ Airport Crash Tender (63b), although it was not until November that it was released in the USA. It was an attempted reproduction of a typical airport crash tender which would have been used to spray an aircraft fire with foam. Whereas 9a and 9b fire engines had been faithful replicas of real vehicles, this model was rather spoiled for fire vehicle collectors because it was a compromise between two actual vehicles.

Unfortunately for the connoisseur, Lesney wished to maximize play value and this led to the main body being derived from a Pyrene vehicle and the roof detail originating from the Foamite tender. Of course, this did not affect the huge demand for this new variation of fire appliance. It came with a white plastic accessory kit which included a ladder, horse and two plastic nameplates which could be removed from the sprue and fitted with silver hoses.

The front and rear pair of the six wheels were sprung by green or white plastic springs although this idea of suspension was abandoned on later versions. Base braces were strengthened during the life or the model and a hole was apparent on some later versions.—Model Collector

VOLKSWAGEN KOMBI VAN 'TUBORG'

The volkswagen Kombi van of 1963 comes in the livery of Tuborg. While the colour scheme of white with red lettering may seem unadventurous, this model is 'made' by the very distinctive canopy over the cab. The result is an unusual looking model. Buy here