SCHUCO 1/43 BARKAS B 1000 BOX WAGON - MINOL

Barkas was the name of a car manufacturer based in Saxony and the trademark for this utility vehicle. These were pick-up trucks and produced by the VEB Barkas works in Karl-Marx-Stadt in the former East Germany. In 1961, the company began the series production of the completely newly developed Barkas B1000 as a "rapid transporter". There were versions as boxcars and flat-bed trucks and vans. Shop here

SCHUCO 1/43 MERCEDES-BENZ UNIMOG 404 LF8 HAUERN FIRE DEPARTMENT RESCUE TRUCK

The Mercedes-Benz Unimog traces its roots to the late ‘40s as a simple, four-wheel drive, multi-purpose agricultural vehicle. It has evolved to become a sophisticated truck with a variety of commercial applications. The U300/U400/U500 series was introduced in 2000 and continues the decades-long Unimog tradition of utility and reliability. Unimogs have very high ground clearance—higher than a Humvee—made possible by portal gears that allow the axles and transmission to be higher than the tire centers. Unimogs also feature a flexible frame that allows the tires a wide range of vertical movement to allow the truck to comfortably drive over extremely uneven terrain. They are equipped with high visibility cabs to enable the driver to see the terrain and more easily manipulate mounted tools. A variety of diesel engines are available in the Unimog, depending on the intended duty. Shop here

SCHUCO 1/43 MERCEDES - BENZ LP 608 SUPPORT TRUCK

 

 

The Mercedes-Benz LP mid-range truck line premiered at the Brussels Motor Show in 1965. The cab-over-engine design provided exceptional space efficiency and excellent driver visibility. Interestingly, the cab was fixed for safety reasons and not able to swing forward as later became common in similar truck configurations. As a result, engine maintenance was not an easy task. Nonetheless the modern design, light weight and array of engine options catapulted the LP series to the top of its market within two years. Shop here

MAISTO 1/18 AUDI R8R - NO.8 - 1999 LE MANS 24 HOURS

The 24 Hours of Le Mans road race has been one of motor racing's most prestigious--and grueling--events for decades. This Maisto 1:18 scale die-cast car replicates Audi's 200-plus mph R8R, one of the most technically advanced endurance racing cars in the world. Remove the engine cover and find a beautifully re-created engine (complete with ignition wires) and a real working spring suspension. Look in the cockpit to see detailed instruments and restraint system--authentic right down to the logos. The steering really works and the numerous sponsor decals that adorn this silver beauty are nigh perfect. Includes a stackable plastic display unit. --Matthew Mason  Shop here

AUTO ART 1/18 DATSUN FAIRLADY

This Japanese-made model is divine. The Datsun Fairlady is an excellent base for a replica: a sort of oriental MG Midget, and Auto Art have done a cracking job replicating this car. We love the interior and that detailed dash, the beautiful steel rim wheels with period hub caps, the fitted wing mirrors and the general body shut lines which are spot on. This model comes with a choice of three hood styles: two erected and a black one, folded down. Shop here

CORGI - LONDON TRANSPORT ROUTEMASTER

  

This model  is Routemaster London Bus from Corgi. It was a very detailed model with correct stair and platform layout and a wire handrail trapped between body and chassis. It had jeweled headlights and was fitted with a driver and a clippie. This received a change of labels along the length of the top deck, which now bore the Outspan orange publicity material. The Article number for the Bus remained unchanged.

IXO 1/43 RENAULT 5 TURBO - No.18

 A Renault 5 Turbo - this one being a full-blown rally car which competed in the rally car which completed in the 1980 Tour De Course of Corsica by Saby and 'Tilber' and it's a real darling with good attention to detail, auch as the Marchal driving lamp covers, the correct differing seats for driver and co-driver, excellent reproduction of the heated rear window, special red-spoked rear wheels and the splendid light clusters. It's a shame that the dashboard is just a block of plastic but overall the Renault is simply delightful in its French racing blue. Shop here