RICKO 1/18 ALFA ROMEO 147 GTA RACING RED

There sure is a lot of duplication going on, Ricko has produced  a Mercedes 300 and a Z4, and UH an MGB GT and R5 Turbo - these models are also duplicated by Revell, Minichamps or Kyosho in 2003. Thi s is a cup version of the 147 - and it's well finished. Shop here

EXOTO 1/18 1968 LOTUS FORD 49 - GRAHAM HILL #5

This Lotus Ford 49 is crammed full offeatures including: rotating front and rear brake discs, sophisticated steering mechanism, detailed suspension system featuring front and rear hydraulic hoses, removable airbox which exposes polished velocity stacks, photo-etched radiators, individually cast exhaust headers, a detailed cockpit with suede-like seat and fabric seat-belts with metal hardware, detailed engine bay featuring genuine aluminum heat shields, accurate pipes, hydraulic hoses, wires and more, fully wired and plumbed engine. The engine apart, the bodywork is perfectly portrayed, with all the riverts, with all the rivets, the driver in place with full instrument panel, and accurate wheels which include steering and suspension. The whole model is completed by fine paintwork and tempo prining.Here's some more background on the car and driver Graham Hill, courtesy of Exoto.com: Graham Hill finished second to Jim Clark in the 1968 South African Grand Prix with this well raced Lotus 49/R3. Hill had driven this chassis in the last six championship races in 1967; beginning with the British Grand Prix in July. The points scored by Graham Hill, in this car, at South Africa were the first in what was to become his second championship year. Shop here

1957 CHEVROLET 3100 PICK UP (DIXIE GAS PARTS & SERVICE)

A broken fan belt, an empty tank of gas, an overheated radiator. These are easy problems for a mechanic to fix, but they can upset the most pleasant ride. And, when they do occur, a driver hopes for a phone booth where a simple call will send relief and get the car back on the road. For many drivers along the beautiful highways of the south in the 1950s, that relief came from Dixie Gas. With its bright blue and yellow logo on the side of a classic 1957 Chevy 3100, the Dixie Gas Parts & Service vehicle was a gratifying sight to a motorist standing on the side of the road by his broken down car. With friendly service and quality workmanship, the Dixie Gas mechanic examined the problem—and more often than not—fixed it on the spot. This vehicle was often a mobile service station, putting cars back on the road in the quickest time possible. And now the Dixie Gas Parts & Service 1957 Chevy 3100 is part of the Fabulous Fifties Road Service Collection. It has been crafted in die-cast metal by Matchbox Collectibles—“the Greatest Name in Die-cast”


Dixie Oil and Gas Company


From the 1920s onward, the blue and yellow logo of the Dixie Oil and Gas Company was a familiar and welcome sight to American motorists in the South. Crowning gas pumps, oil cans and service vehicles, the logo consisted of a blue ring with the words “Dixie Gasoline” wrapped around a white diamond in a yellow field with the word “Oils.” The sign assured reliable fuel and oil for the increasing number of American automobiles.

MAISTO 1/18 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO SILVER

This is one of the most impressive models I've seen from Maisto. They are a difficult company to fully figure out- often their products have ranked as average at best, but they are more than capable of performing real quality works, as this model shows. Built in Thailand and released in a glossy metallic silver paint with tan interior, this model of the Cayenne is 1:18th of the real thing. It weighs something over a pound, is about 10.5 inches long and 4 inches wide.


Functionality: the driver's and front passenger's door open, and while the hinges squeak something awful on mine, the doors are more securely mounted than I've seen on some models. The hood and rear liftgate open as well. The hinges on those are a bit stiff, somewhat like the doors, but again all these moving parts are mounted pretty well. Also to be considered is the fact that because all the opening parts are a bit stiff, they don't swing open and shut whenever they feel like it, and you don't have to do anything to make them stay open. Now, the rear passenger doors, left and right, do not open.


Appearances: this model looks realistic, just as it should. The underside, hood, interior, and exterior all have a remarkable look and feel of quality and detail to them. Maisto's Cayenne also has a certain sharpness to its appearances. Taut, well-made. Just like the German automobile it replicates.


Understand, of course, that this is not meant to be a toy. Something more simple, and durable, would probably be better if that's the kind of use you have in mind. But this Cayenne could probably hold up well if treated with care, even as a toy. Just don't get careless and break it. Know it's a model first and foremost. Reviewed by Alan Edward Creager "Master & Commander") Shop here


This is a quality model, and certainly more durable than some models I've come across. Prices aren't too bad, either, from what I've seen. This is definitely one of Maisto's better works. --Alan Edward Creager "Master & Commander") Shop here

SUNSTAR 1/24 BEDFORD 1949 OB COACH DUPLE VISTA GREY CARS

Introduced in August 1939, the Bedford OB chassis was designed specifically for public transport. The off-set differential on the rear axle combined with the mounting of the engine and the gearbox at a slight angle permitted a sunken, central gangway for easier passenger access. However two months later, following the outbreak of World War II, production was stopped after only 73 chassis had been manufactured. In January 1942, production of a more utilitarian version known as the OWB recommenced.In October 1945, production of the OB resumed and the Bedford OB chassis went on to play a major role in the re-equipping of many transport fleets as demand rose sharply.

Over 40 different coach-builders used the chassis, but by far the biggest was the Hendon-based firm of Duple, whose Vista body was to become synonimous with the OB coach. However, the Vista body underwent many changes during its life. Unlike the original pre-war and the first 46 post-war Duple Vistas, which had an entrance door which slid behind the main side body panel, the door on the following models slid open into an external recess.

During 1947, the destination and fleet-name boxes were modified,a rounded outer edge replacing the earlier angular one. In 1948, due to material shortages, the characteristic side “flash” was omitted and replaced by a single aluminium bead about 3 inches below the waistline, and the operator's name plate box was removed from the rear. The original 4-spoked steering wheel was replaced by a 3-spoked version. In 1949, the side flash and the operator's plate returned. Later that year, the luggage door locks, which had been operated by a T-key, were replaced by a single locking handle and the rear direction indicator lights were changed. The large chromed bumper over-riders were removed, a deeper rear bumper/body trim was added which incorporated the wording Bedford-Duple and a Duple motif was added to both sides of the 1950. As an option for sight-seeing services, quarter-lights in the roof were offered which necessitated. Shop here 

VANGUARDS 1/43 JAGUAR XJ SPORT ULTRAVIOLET

The XJ Sport uses the 3.5 litre version of Jaguar's super smooth V8. It may produce 'only' 262bhp in this smaller form, but the clever aluminium construction of the car means it weighs a mere 1615kgs. This enables the XJ Sport to turn in a respectable 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

This diecast model Jaguar XJ Sport is Ultraviolet and features working wheels.

1:43 scale (approx. 10cm / 3.9in long) - made by Vanguards.Limited edition of 2510 pieces worldwide complete with numbered certificate. Shop here

MINICHAMPS 1/43 AUDI 100

In the late 60s there was still a hint of VW styling in Audis, as this model highlights. Very neat chromework and a smart interior add to the appeal. Shop here