018-dcx2016summer-dl

Hot Wheels Map to Super Treasure Hunt$! All-American» THE PASSION,PRODUCTS&PERSONALITIES Sox & Martin Heroes ’CUDA From Strip From Real to Super to Scale Speedway Auto World plus Maisto 1948 1969 ½ Ford F-1 Nuvolari’s Six Pack Plymouth Alfa Road Runner Replicarz CMC forges a Legend in 1:18 1949 Indy-Winning Blue Crown Special Red Hot! SUMMER 2016 Fire Replicas $6.99 US $8.99 CAN Ladder Truck Display until May 31, 2016 Dialed-in 911 « Evolution of the Carrera Cabriolet from Premium ClassiXXs PICKUP TRUCK DCXMAG.COM Norscot 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ

www.diecastdirect.com/dcx Mention Ad Code DCX2016 $9.95 Flat-Rate SHIPPING 1950 Oldsmobile 88 2-Door Coupe ~ 1:43 Scale - $69.95 ea. - New! DHM-101 - (Crest Blue/Serge Blue) ~ DHM-102 - (Canto Creme/Black) Don’t Forget to Request a Free Catalog with Your Purchase! 1971 Volkswagen Type 1975 Chevrolet C-65 Flatbed 1975 GMC 6000 Medium-Duty Flatbed 2 (TB2) Bus (Kansas 1:64 Scale - $99.95 ea. - New! 1:64 Scale - $99.95 ea. - New! Beige/Pastel White) SMG-GMC-2001-RD - (Red) 1:18 Scale SMG-CHV-1001-RD - (Red) SMG-GMC-2002-BL - (Blue) #GL19012 - $62.95 SMG-CHV-1002-BL - (Blue) SMG-GMC-2003-YW - (Yellow) SMG-CHV-1003-YW - (Yellow) SMG-GMC-2004-WH - (White) SMG-CHV-1004-WH - (White) 1968 Mercury Cougar 1968 Mercury Cougar 1968 Mercury Cougar (Cardinal Red) (Wellington Blue) (Saxony Yellow) #FPM-424 - $84.95 - 1:43 Scale #FPM-425 - $84.95 - 1:43 Scale #FPM-426 - $84.95 - 1:43 Scale 1955 Ford Thunderbird Coupe 1955 Ford Thunderbird Coupe 1955 Ford Thunderbird Coupe (Goldenrod Yellow) (Thunderbird Blue) (Torch Red) #FPM-427 - $84.95 - 1:43 Scale #FPM-428- $84.95 - 1:43 Scale #FPM-429 - $84.95 - 1:43 Scale 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sport 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sport 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sport Roadster (Rangoon Red) Roadster (Sky Mist Blue) Roadster (Corinthian White) #FPM-522 - $84.95 - 1:43 Scale #FPM-520 - $84.95 - 1:43 Scale #FPM-521 - $84.95 - 1:43 Scale Dept. DCX2016, 3005 Old Lawrenceburg Rd. Frankfort, KY 40601 • Phone Orders: 800-718-1866 M-F 9am-5pm EST • Info (502) 227-8697





contents die cast x | Vol. 12 | issue 3 features 18 | Truck Trends The work vehicle gets personal 36 | Genuine Article A conversation with Supercar Collectibles’ Scott Dahlberg OUTOFTHEBOX 18 52 26 | Trucking—Polished and Refined to a Flawless Shine 36 Norscot 2014 Chevrolet Silverado QUICK LOOKs Die Cast X (ISSN 1551-854X) published quarterly by Air Age Inc., 1500 LTZ Crew Cab 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2016, all rights 58 | ACME 1957 Smokey Yunick “Daytona reserved. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending 28 | A Custom Take Beach and Road” Chevrolet at Wilton, CT, and additional offices. Canadian Post Publications Mail on a Classic Truck Agreement No. 40008153. CONTRIBUTIONS: All materials published 59 | Minichamps McLaren Ford M23 James in Die Cast X magazine become the exclusive property of Air Age Sun Star 1965 Chevrolet C-10 Hunt 1976 Japanese GP Inc., unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. Stepside “Lowrider” Descriptions of products were obtained from manufacturers or 60 | Dragon Armor World War II their press agencies and do not constitute an endorsement by the 30 | The Original Über Vehicle battle tank trio Publisher or guarantee their safety. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Go to our website: DCXMag.com. Rates one year (4 issues): U.S. $25; Canada, AUTOart 2012 Mercedes-Benz G500 UP FRONT $28, including GST; all others, $32. All international orders must be prepaid in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Visa, MasterCard, Discover 32 | Emergency Vehicle Replicas 6 | Editorial and American Express accepted. ADVERTISING: Advertising rates are Have a Hot New Player The American ways available on request. Please send advertising materials to Advertising 8 | Showroom Dept., Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA; phone Fire Replicas Fairfax County Fire and Rescue New releases & first looks (203) 431-9000; fax (203) 529-3010; email: advertising@ airage. Department Tysons Truck 429 com. EDITORIAL: Send correspondence to Editors, Die Cast X, REGULARS Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Email: DCX@ 40 | What a Race Legend airage.com. We welcome all editorial submissions but assume no Drove Home from the Track 62 | Hot Wheels Highway responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. To From regular “Treasure Hunts” to authors, photographers and people featured in this magazine: all Supercar Collectibles Ronnie Sox 1970 “Super Treasure Hunt$”! materials published in Die Cast X become the exclusive property Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe 66 | Rear View of Air Age Inc. unless a prior arrangement is made in writing with The “Stucker”: Hollywood stunt double gets the Publisher. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: To make sure you don’t miss 44 | The Legend of nose job to look like movie star any issues, send your new address to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. “The Flying Mantuan” Begins Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA at least six weeks before you move. Please include an address label from a recent issue, CMC 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Tazio or print the information exactly as shown on the label. For faster Nuvolari Mille Miglia Winner service, go to DCXmag.com/cs, and click on the customer service link. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Die Cast X magazine, 48 | The Last of the P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA. First Is the Best of the Best DCXmag.com Be sure to connect with us n Online Exclusive Reviews Premium ClassiXXs Porsche 911 The ultimate at DCXmag.com and and on n Extended Photo Galleries Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet diecast Facebook at DieCastXmag. n Interactive Features community We always have tons of bonus n Contests and Giveaways 52 | Brickyard Redemption content available online: Three Years in the Making Replicarz 1949 Blue Crown Special Indy Winner 54 | A Bargain ’Vette with a Backseat and Zero Excuses Maisto 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS 56 | Performance Clinic Teacher’s Pet Auto World Don Grotheer 1969 1/2 Plymouth Road Runner



The American Ways SUMMER 2016 | VOLUME 12, NO. 3 A s we put the finishing touches on the summer issue, I’m struck by what a remarkably EDITORIAL diverse automotive tradition we have cultivated here in the good old U.S. of A. So many Executive Editor things have come to be uniquely associated with America—starting of course with Matt Boyd ›› [email protected] our cover subjects. Representing one of our most beloved grassroots motorsports Editorial Director/Surface Group traditions, Auto World’s 1969 1/2 Plymouth Road Runner is an original A12 Six Pack Peter Vieira ›› [email protected] car that Mopar factory racer Don Grotheer used to teach Plymouth’s drag-race performance Copy Editor clinics around the nation. But not all of our racing rituals are metered out a quarter mile at a time. Suzanne Noel ›› [email protected] e centennial running of the most celebrated of all American racing institutions—the Indianapolis CONTRIBUTORS 500—is set to commence just a few weeks from now. In the 99 previous races, there have been Bill Bennett, Peter Celona, Wayne Moyer, some dramatic finishes—but few more so than the 1949 event, when phenom Bill Holland broke Alan Paradise, Dan Townsend, Mike Zarnock through for the win in only his third Brickyard start after finishing second in his previous two outings. Replicarz has chosen Holland’s Blue Crown Special as the subject of its outstanding 1:18 ART replica. e third pillar of American motorsport has to be NASCAR, and Wayne Moyer gives us Creative Director Betty K. Nero a look at the ’57 Chevy fuelie campaigned on the beach at Daytona by one of the sport’s early Art Director Kevin Monahan heroes—the legendary Smokey Yunick—produced by ACME. Photographer Peter Hall But surely no automotive icon is more singularly American than the pickup truck. Our good DIGITAL MEDIA friend Alan Paradise takes us on a tour of the truck’s evolution from prewar utilitarian conveyance Web Producer Holly Hansen to its modern incarnation as a personal expression of power, luxury, and style—with that utility still along for the ride! Trucks can also be expressions of bravery and public service—especially big ADVERTISING ones like the Fairfax County Fire Department Tysons T429 from newcomer Fire Replicas, which our Advertising Director resident aficionado Dan Townsend reviews on page 32. Mitch Brian ››203.529.4609 Senior Account Executive And what’s more American than the muscle car? We sat down with Scott Dahlberg, president Ben Halladay ››203.529.4628 and cofounder of Supercar Collectibles, to chat about his lifelong fascination with Mopar muscle Account Executive and the original 1970 Ronnie Sox Barracuda that he owns. at became the subject of the Diane de Spirlet ››203.529.4664 latest 1:18 replica in Supercars’ Sox & Martin series, which we review on page 40. And American muscle isn’t reserved for bygone eras—Chevy’s torrid new 2016 Camaro SS delivers brawn plus CONSUMER MARKETING/ unprecedented levels of handling and refinement. Maisto brings this new-age pony to 1:18, and PRODUCTION SERVICES we check it out. Whatever your favorite slice of American car (or truck!) culture, chances are that e Media Source, a division of TEN, we have it covered in the following pages. I hope e Enthusiast Network that you love what you see and learn a little bit about the latest diecast offerings in the process. MARKETING & EVENTS Marketing Assistant Erica Driver Event Manager Emil DeFrancesco PUBLISHING Group Publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr., Yvonne M. DeFrancesco FOLLOW US On Facebook: diecastxmagazine On Twitter: @DCXmag On Instagram: @diecastx On Google +: DieCast X Magazine Visit us online: DCXmag.com Comments may be sent to: [email protected] EDITORIAL MAIL 88 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897 USA Phone (203) 529-4635 Email [email protected] Remember, the fun isn’t e Association of RCX.com over just because you Magazine Media reach the last page! Come PRINTED IN THE USA see us online and on Matt Boyd SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES Executive Editor social media, too. We are [email protected] constantly supercharging To subscribe, go to DCXMag.com/cs. For a change of address, write to DCX, P.O. our digital content, so Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. please be sure to check us out at: DCXMag.com On Facebook: diecastxmagazine On Twitter: @DCXMag On Instagram: @DiecastX



showroom new releases & first looks Blast from the Past with Brand-New Flash Bburago Originals Ferrari F40 The key word on this one is “Original”—as in the original Bburago castings that trace back to before the Maisto acquisition in the mid-2000s. For many of us, Bburago was a big part of our start in collecting—offering affordable 1:18 examples of exotic European sports and GT cars. It was a loss to the collector world when the company ceased operations and its treasure trove of castings was locked away. Maisto resurrected the brand a few years later, but the tools and molds for those classic pre- Maisto cars were still embargoed—until now, that is. They have been unearthed and are in the process of being refurbished. And now that Bburago has the Ferrari license again, you can expect to see some classic Bburago pieces with the prancing-horse crest reemerging. The first one will be this gorgeous F40—Bburago lent us this preproduction sample to give us a taste of what is to come. The company is even dressing them up a few extra trim items to help them keep up with the state of the market in 2016. They won’t be confused with Bburago’s top-shelf Signature series, but they probably won’t be priced like them either. And seeing this casting again gives us a major blast of nostalgia. We’ll be doing much more on the Bburago Originals program in upcoming issues. For now, this F40 will have to tide us over. bburago.com Racing Champions Comes Roaring Back! EVENT Summer Diecast 1:64 | Prices to be determined Mania: Hot Diecast Last issue, we brought you the scoop on Round 2’s revival of the iconic Johnny Lightning brand. Action Rolls through Well, we’ve got more good news—this time, we’re happy to announce that it is bringing back Racing Champions as well. The company is kicking off the Racing Champions reboot with the Mint line of Wisconsin! scale 1:64 castings. In the first release are a ’49 Buick Riviera, a ’56 Nomad, a ’60 Impala, a ’65 GTO, a ’68 Road Runner, and a ’69 Daytona. There will be a B-set of alternate colors, and chase versions If you’re anywhere near the with gold wheels for the primary colors as well. This is just the tip of the iceberg; we’re thrilled to see North Central region this Racing Champions joining the resurgence of favored brands, and we’ll be watching closely for what August 18–21, consider comes next. racingchampions.com making a stop in Springfield, Wisconsin, which is just a 8 DCXmag.com couple hours north of Chicago, for Summer Diecast Mania. This event will feature VIPs from the Hot Wheels world plus selected other 1:64 col- lectible brands, like M2 and Johnny Lightning. There will be autograph sessions, downhill track racing, special-event cars, prizes from the Vending Machine and Spin-the-Wheel, scavenger hunts for kids and adults, plus a dinner reception with a guest of honor. Check out summerdiecastmania.com for more info!

Carney Is Porsche Museum Classics on the Case! Fahrtraum 1:18 and 1:43 1:64 | $99 M & D International, the company that brings us Motorhead Carney Plastics is quickly becoming Miniatures and Genuine Ford Parts models, announced at the our go-to source for quality display Nuremberg Toy Fair a new deal that it has just inked with the cases for diecast of all scales and Ferdinand Porsche Fahrtraum Museum in Austria, to bring to configurations. Last issue, we the United States a series of extremely detailed (obviously!) showed you one for the 1:18 collec- museum-grade replicas of the cars associated with Porsche’s tors—this time, it’s the little guys. early career. ey will be made in 1:18 and 1:43 and are com- Carney’s Johnny Lightning 72 Side- prised primarily of plastic and are fully assembled, painted, and Angle case holds 12 shelves of detailed. We don’t know much more at this point, but the models standard 1:64 cars—Johnny Light- look awesome in the first photos. We will definitely be giving ning, Hot Wheels, M2, Auto World, these a closer look in an upcoming issue—stay tuned! GreenLight, etc.—at a 3/4-front motorheadminiatures.net angle for optimal viewing. e bays are tall enough to accommodate many trucks, buses, and other oversized 1:64 cars. And the usual Carney features like a mirror back and a hinged door (to protect from dust or tampering) are present as well. e case is predrilled and includes the needed hardware for wall hanging. Or it can be surface- displayed with the addition of an optional display stand. carneyplastics.com Courage under Fire Fire Replicas Prince George’s County Fire Department E805 Pierce Velocity Pumper 1:50 | $229 Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll see an in-depth review of one of Fire Replicas’ exacting 1:50 ladder trucks, but the company also makes this more modest Pierce Velocity Pumper, although charac- terizing it as such hardly does justice to this extravagantly detailed masterpiece. Comprising 379 individual pieces, it is every bit as meticulously crafted as its big brother, and its story is perhaps even more compelling. is distinctive pink engine is the “Courage.” A group of firefighters from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department began a local campaign to raise awareness and money for breast-cancer research. e department was approached by a local business that does vinyl wraps of vehicles with an offer to wrap one of their service vehicles in pink to increase the campaign’s visibility. It was so successful that the department eventually ordered its next engine—a Pierce Pumper—to be painted pink to continue the campaign. at pumper was named “Courage” in honor of all those battling cancer. In further support, Fire Replicas donates a portion of the proceeds from each model to the American Cancer Society. firereplicas.com SPRING 2016 9

SHOWROOM Classic Big Rigs from NEO Minichamps Launches a New 1:43 | $95ea Line of 1:18 White Motor Company traces its roots all the way back to 1900, and prior to World War II, it was responsible for e big news from Minichamps 10 percent of the nation’s heavy truck production. It at this year’s Nuremberg Toy acquired the Diamond-T and REO brands, which it con- Fair was the introduction of solidated into the Diamond REO brand. By the 1970s, MaxiChamps—a new line of its fortunes had turned, and it sold off the subsidiary. 1:18 models that will revive some of the favorite large- e 1974 Diamond REO pictured here was one of the scale Minichamps castings last designed under White ownership. Meanwhile, it under a new banner. e continued to develop its own White-branded products, focus will be on affordable like this 1977 Road Boss II, until it ran out of funds and 1:18, so we expect production was acquired by Volvo in the early 1980s. So numbers to favor volume over the two trucks shown here made by NEO exclusivity and packaging represent the last of their respective differences designed to pre- breeds, and they are among the last serve the two brand identities. of the independent U.S. truck We’re just excited to see manufacturers. Reason enough for some of these great castings big-rig enthusiasts to add them coming back into circulation. to their collection. NEO; distributed by ere’s no definitive word american-excellence.com on the lineup, but some of the models that we’ve heard TopSpeed Takes a Bow floated are a ’72 Porsche 911 e folks at TSM have a new venture to share its acronym. It’s called TopSpeed Model, and it’s slated Carrera RS 2.7, a ’70 Alfa Spi- to bring a set of 1:18 models to fans at a more mid-range price point, which slots under the premium der, a classic VW Beetle, and segment that TSM currently occupies. e initial offerings at launch focus on modern sports and a handful of modern Porsches exotic cars. ere are several McLarens in the mix and—of particular note—the brand new Acura NSX. and McLarens. We’re in! We But the real superstar is the showstopping 2016 Ford GT. Without question the most dramatic design can’t wait to see samples of these—when they are ready of this year, the model’s release will look to coincide with the for prime time, we’ll be here to launch of the real car, followed by its debut at Le Mans. show them to you! is looks like it may be among the first GTs to hit the market, and without Medium-Duty Trucks, question it will be one of the Heavy-Duty Accuracy nicest. Pretty good way to kick of a new product line, SMG12 1975 Chevy C-65 and wouldn’t you say? As soon as GMC 6000 Flatbeds we can get a hold of one, we’ll do an in-depth analysis—so 1:64 | $100ea stay tuned! In our canvassing for this issue’s truck feature, we came topspeed-models.com across more new truck models than we ever anticipated. Some didn’t quite fit within the scope of the story but were just too cool not to show off. Case in point: the new SMG12 brand of 1:64 medium-duty flatbeds. ey come as either of GM’s truck divisions: Chevy and GMC. is is possible because the 1975 Chevy C-65 and GMC 6000 are identical except for the grille, allowing SMG12 to offer both in a variety of colors. e bodies are crafted out of resin, mounted to a highly detailed diecast chassis. e flatbed has simulated wood planking, the real rubber tires have authentic tread, and there are separate mirrors and mud flaps that can be added. At $100 each, these trucks are not for every collector, but if you have to have the ultimate in 1:64 authenticity, these flatbeds are worth a look. SMG12; distributed by diecastdirect.com 10 DCXmag.com

Big ’Bird Spotted in the Wild! Van-tastic Fords from M2 Genuine Ford Parts ’55 T-Bird Early Prototype 1:64 | Prices vary GFP gave the public its first glimpse of its forthcoming foray into 1:18 scale—in the form of this ere’s just something about a van. It’s a veritable rolling canvas ’55 underbird. Obviously it’s a bit early to tell anything except the broad strokes, but from for customizers and a source of fascination for enthusiasts. at what we’ve seen of the brand’s 1:43 offerings, we expect something special. And what better artistic potential becomes that much more essential in diminutive subject matter for a Ford classic than the ’55 T-bird? It has fifties flair and the verve of Ford’s 1:64 scale, and that makes for a great collectible. M2 recognizes signature two-seater. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a good large-scale T-bird, so we’re this, and it applies the principle along with its unique affinity for looking forward to this one in the second half of 2016. e company also showed the prototype classic 1960s’ Americana to create this line of Econoline and Falcon for a 1931 Ford Tudor Taxicab, which we have on good authority will be dressed in Big Apple Club Wagon Fords. e most interesting of the bunch carries the livery—possibly that as seen in a certain feature film chasing an oversized primate to the foot of “Church” branding of custom artist Coby Gewertz and his most the Empire State Building. famous creation Van Go—a ’63 Econoline that has been lowered motorheadminiatures.net and smoothed, with custom paint to enhance the panel van’s clas- sic lines. M2 also does custom lowered ’65 Falcon Club Wagons as well as stock versions of both models. e Van Go variants, though, are the coolest. m2machines.com Doubling Back—Again! Real Scale Rollers from Round 2 Hot Wheels Heritage Edition Auto World 1:64 Premium Release 4 Back to the Future DeLorean 1:64 | $5ea 1:18 | $60 You’d think with all the hype surrounding the Johnny Lightning at’s the thing about time machines. ey can keep coming reboot and now the relaunch of Racing Champions that Round 2 would be tapped out just now when it comes to 1:64. Not back—over and over—indefinitely. Well, at least until there is no at all. e company just sent us its latest Premium muscle more demand. But that doesn’t look like it’ll be any time soon cars release of six cars. Included in the primary set are a 1963 because the Back to the Future DeLorean remains one of the Dodge Polara in Blue, 1964 Plymouth Barracuda in Red, 1964 most popular movie cars in all of diecastdom. Of course, that Pontiac Grand Prix in Gulfstream Aqua, 2015 Ford Mustang GT presents a slight problem for the Elite-series in Guard Gray, 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A in Pink with Black version as that model was both limited graphics, and 1975 Pontiac Firebird T/A in Silver. ere is also and expensive. at is fine for a B-set in alternate colors. All have authentic factory-correct experienced collectors, but paint and realistic wheels and tires. the world’s most famous autoworldstore.com DeLorean has lots of fans who aren’t able to drop three bills on SPRING 2016 11 a limited edition. For them, Mattel delivers the Heritage Edition—and it serves up plenty of details for less than half the price. It is decked out as it appears late in the film, complete with the Mr. Fusion power system and the Flux Capacitor juiced up with 1.21 jigawatts! hotwheels.com

SHOWROOM Delightful Dodge e Last Big LeBaron Matrix 1954 Dodge Firearrow III Best of Show 1975 Chrysler Imperial 1:43 | $105 1:18 | $98 Nobody built more “idea cars” in the 1950s than Chrysler, who Although the Imperial was completely restyled for 1974 and now rode on the showed Exner-designed, Ghia-built beauties under the Chrys- shorter New Yorker wheelbase, it was still a big, impressive automobile. It was, ler, Dodge, and Plymouth nameplates. Unlike many of their unfortunately, caught in the first big gas-price increase, and when just 8,830 were contemporaries, almost all were fully roadworthy, too. After sold in ’75, Chrysler pulled the plug on “full-size” Imperials. Best of Show has released this displaying a rare pushmobile Dodge Firearrow in 1953, Exner- beautifully done curbside resin-cast 1:18-scale model of the ’75 Imperial. e classic clean lines designed Firearrow II and III runners appeared in 1954 along with look right from any angle, and it’s fully detailed, inside and out. Its excellent metallic Frosty Green Poly a Ghia-designed Firearrow IV. After the gorgeous Firearrow III paint contrasts nicely with the darker green, very realistic “vinyl” top and appears to be right on. e finished the show circuit, Chrysler dropped in a “prepared” hemi tiny legible Imperial scripts are chrome-printed on very thin, clear film; the delicate hood ornament and and Betty Skelton drove it to a USAC closed-circuit speed record emblems are photoetched; and the side spear, rocker panel molding, and window moldings are printed of 144.4 mph! Matrix has the voluptuous lines right from all bright silver. Bigger parts are chrome-plated. e massive waterfall grille’s very thin chrome bars angles, including the rear window that wraps around under the are popped by a black wash. e deep, plush seats match photos precisely, as do the window control quarter-windows. e photoetched molding on that complex panels, wood-grain instrument panel with detailed faces, and the dashboard trim.—Wayne Moyer rear window is firmly attached, and the taillights have very thin american-excellence.com chrome bars across them. Scale-size Firearrow scripts and Ghia badges are chrome-printed on very thin, clear adhesive. at long side spear wasn’t chrome; it was hammered into the aluminum body. Now, Matrix, can you give us the Firearrow II Roadster, please?—Wayne Moyer matrixscalemodels.com; available from grandprixmodels.co.uk Ground-Bound Rocket Handsome Hisso Great American Dream Machines 1956 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket Esval Models 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 “Fernandez & Darrin” 1:43 | $349 Oldsmobile’s Motorama show cars were typically pretty conservative—until 1956, when the Golden 1:43 | $100 Rocket appeared. Designed to look as much as possible like a rocket, it had a pointed nose with an Designed by Swedish engineer Marc Birkigt and originally built in underslung radiator inlet, midship mounted fins, and a tapered tail with “rocket-pod” exhausts. It was, Spain, Hispano-Suiza automobiles were the European equivalent of course, powered by a “Rocket V8” and was painted a deep metallic gold. Its roofline and split rear of Duesenbergs—simply the best money that could buy. And it window would show up again on the 1963 Corvette. took a lot of it—the final Hisso, the J12 (or Type 68), was sold as a bare chassis only for about $10,000, and Europe’s best coach- After a long period of inactivity, Great American Dream Machines is back with an absolutely builders vied to hang their bodywork on it. Parisian coachbuilder superb model of the Golden Rocket. Unlike all the other concept cars we’re seeing, this one is done Fernandez & Darrin constructed a “3-Position Drophead Coupe” the “old way”: white-metal castings hand-finished, painted, and assembled by English craftsmen. e body for a J-12 with the second-shortest wheelbase (146 inches) heavy body is flawless, and the gold paint is as good as anything you’ll see. It’s fully detailed, of course, of the four available, and that car, in its current eye-grabbing but there are no printed insignia or photoetched parts to fall off—the badge above the inverted-U grille two-tone green colors, is the subject of an absolutely superb and the window surrounds have been scraped and polished. All other trim is chrome-plated, and the 1:43-scale resin-cast model by Esval. Photos are readily available, “Dagmars” correctly have white-painted tips. e blue upholstery is correct, as is the exceptionally deep-cone wheel with the legible speed- and it’s easy to see that Esval has the body lines and details ometer in its center. Welcome back, correct and that every detail is there in scale. GADM!—Wayne Moyer e bright beltline molding is correctly broken gadm.com at the windshield frame, and there are large rivets on the windshield header. Headlights and the small spotlights have plated buckets with small “bulbs” inside them. e readily visible interior has authentic white upholstery with a realistic sheen, while the interior handles, cranks, and controls are all separate plated parts. While I love Esval’s Packards and that unique Cord, this Hispano-Suiza may be its best model yet—and a real bargain.—Wayne Moyer esvalmodels.com 12 DCXmag.com



SHOWROOM Lincoln’s Gentle Breeze NEO 1937 Zephyr Coupe 1:43 | $80 Lincoln introduced the Zephyr in 1936 as a Depression- era alternative to the costly coach-built Model K. Smaller than the Model K, with modern aerodynamic styling, a V-12 engine, Lincoln quality, and a much lower price, it was an immediate success, outselling the Model K by 10 to 1. With the addition of a striking semi-fastback Coupe in 1937, sales soared to a 29-to-1 ratio over the big Lincoln. NEO’s new 1:43-scale resin-cast model of that ’37 Zephyr Coupe is every bit as striking as the original and is accurate and beautifully detailed. Its sleek fastback lines are right on the money, and every detail—from the new 1937 grille with five horizontal bars and 3-D photoetched Zephyr badge on the right side only to the bullet-shaped taillights—are there in precise scale. e tiny exterior handles and those authentic oval-shaped wind wings are especially well done.—Wayne Moyer NEO; distributed by american-excellence.com Top-Line Lincoln Brooklin 1956 Premier Convertible 1:43 | $130 With the all-new 1965 Continental Mark II now a separate division priced well above Cadillac, Lincoln needed a new model to compete directly with GM’s premier make. As such, the new 1956 Lincoln Pre- mier was the biggest Lincoln ever built and incorporated many design cues taken from the very successful Futura show car. Its relatively clean, uncluttered lines (chrome was king in the ’50s) made it the first automobile to win an Industrial Designers Institute award. Of 41,531 Premiers built in 1956, only 2,447 were ragtops; it was, after all, a luxury car. Brooklin has modified its earlier Premier Coupe to make this good-looking Premier Convertible, and it has done it right. Besides the obvious top chop and addition of a big, nicely detailed boot, this one has a chromed windshield frame with painted visors (the windshield fits better, too) and cleaned-up massive bumper/grille, though for some reason the external mirror has been removed. Brooklin’s Huntsman Red is a bit dark and has traces of orange peel. Interior detail is a bit crisper: e two-tone seats are done with inserts, and the rear seat has correctly been narrowed to make room for top bow storage. e plated steering wheel with its painted rim is a nice improvement, as are the body-color wheel rims showing outside the plated covers.—Wayne Moyer Brooklin; distributed by brasiliapress.com M—Magnificent! Automodello 1976–79 TVR 3000M 1:43 | $120 (Standard Edition), $180 (Enthusiast Edition) e M Series was the first clean-sheet design from the Martin Lilley era of TVR, and it brought TVR from cottage-builder status to full-fledged sports car manufacturer. Its look was sleek and modern by early ’70s standards—influenced heavily by the Tuscan V8. Introduced in 1972, base models carried a 1.6L Ford inline 4 and were designated the 1600M. A 2.5L inline 6 from the Triumph TR6 was added for the U.S. market. In 1976, the M Series received a mild facelift, featuring a redesigned front end and new taillights. More important, a European Ford “Essex” 3.0L became available to American buyers for the first time when the previously Euro-only V6 was reworked to meet U.S. emissions. With its more powerful engine, the 1976–79 3000M had performance to match its upgraded looks and helped make the M Series the best-selling model in TVR’s history. Automodello has become something of an expert in precision 1:43 TVR models, having now done a handful of different versions. is is the latest, and it comes in extremely limited numbers in three versions. e Standard Edition comes in silver and is limited to just 79 units (although calling anything with a build total of 79 “standard” does it a disservice). ere are also two Enthusiast Editions, which are limited to an ultra-exclusive 15 pieces each: one in blue and one in British Racing Green. Automodello; distributed by diecasm.com



SHOWROOM Suburban Delight WhiteBox 1960 Ford Ranch Wagon 1:43 | $25 Station wagons were the vehicle of choice for suburbanites in the 1960s. ey handled and rode much better than the vans and pickups of the time, were good looking, could carry up to nine passengers, and had the capacity to carry 4x8 sheets of plywood, a lawn mower, or just about anything else. Ford was the acknowledged “Wagonmaster,” and in 1966, the Ranch Wagon lineup included the base Ranch Wagon; the Country Sedan with upgraded interior and appointments; and the top-line, faux-wood paneled Country Squire. Most model companies have gone for the fully-decked-out Country Squire, but WhiteBox has released this good-looking and bargain-priced model of the entry-level Ranch Wagon. e overall shape, includ- ing the forward-raked rear window and C-pillar, is correct any way you look at it, and the details are all present and accounted for, although the front fender “gunsights” are too big. It has the optional two-tone paint and wheel covers, and relief-molded dual exhausts indicate one of several optional V8s.—Wayne Moyer WhiteBox; distributed by american-excellence.com e Fastest Ford TrueScale Miniatures 2016 Ford GT 1:43 | $90 Sixty years after the Ford GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ford displayed an all-new and very high-tech 2016 Ford GT at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Besides building a limited number of $600,000 street cars, Ford factory-backed teams will compete in both American and European (read “Le Mans”) endurance racing series. e car’s aerodynamically optimized body guides airflow around, over, and through its carbon-fiber panels for maximum downforce and minimum drag. Street versions boast a 600hp EcoBoost V6 behind the driver—race engines are guesstimated at 700+ horses. TrueScale Miniatures is the first to model the new GT with this stunning 1:43-scale resin-cast model. ose aero tunnels between the tapering cockpit and fenders are perfect and only possible with resin. And the pearlescent blue paint is equally perfect, matching that first show car. e tiny Blue Oval and auto show plate are photoetched, and all scoop/vent openings have black mesh faces. What you can see of the EcoBoost V6 under the rear glass is exactly what you see on the real car, while the carbon-ceramic discs behind the accurate wheels have correctly positioned and sized calipers. ( anks to replicarz.com for supplying this sample.)—Wayne Moyer tsm-models.com Muscular Mustang Nine-Passenger Corvair Spark 1969 Trans-Am “Parnelli Brooklin 1962 Greenbrier Sportwagon Jones” 1:43 | $80 1:43 | $139 After being trounced by the Penske-prepared, In the first year, Corvair had only five models: two- Donohue-driven Camaro in 1968, Ford revamped and four-door Standard and Deluxe sedans and the their Trans-Am program, bringing in Bud Moore as the sporty Monza Coupe. Station wagons were added to primary team, with Parnelli Jones as his lead driver. A both series in 1961, along with a four-door Monza, new 302-cubic-inch engine was developed to meet a new Greenbrier “Sportwagon” nine-passenger the five-liter limit, and Kar Kraft built 18 very special van, and three half-ton pickups. e Sportwagon, an but very legal “Boss 302” Sportsroof Trans-Am American version of the VW Van, quickly outsold the Mustangs. e competition was close, with Mark and station wagons 3 to 1, and a Deluxe model, with plated PJ wrecking each other several times, but Chevy still bumpers and varicolored interior, was added for 1962. won the championship. ( at would change in 1970, but that’s another story.) Spark has just released this at’s the subject of this nicely done white-metal resin-cast model of Parnelli’s Mustang (minus its usual model from Brooklin. Both the boxy body shape and dents), and it’s a beauty. Spark has the lowered stance all the details are spot-on; the rear passenger side and stock-looking lines of the Bud Moore Trans-Am door handle operated both opposite-hinged doors, Mustang just as they should be. e glossy red and and there were no rear doors on the driver’s side. e black paint is good, but the white panels and graphics new concave fake grille, lights, bumpers, wipers, hub are decals and they do give a slight “orange peel” caps, and delicate door handles are all separate plated effect to those areas. Inside are the correct single pieces while the tiny Corvair and Greenbrier scripts racing seat and belts, flat sheet-metal “upholstery” are cast in relief and painted over. at’s all the trim a panels, roll cage, transmission cooler and fire bottles, Deluxe Greenbrier had, so this model is very close to and stock-looking dash with big detailed gauge faces. fully detailed.—Wayne Moyer Realistic American Mag wheels carry Firestone- Brooklin; distributed by brasiliapress.com badged tires, with discs and calipers visible behind them.—Wayne Moyer Spark; distributed by motorsportsminiatures.com



12 TruckTrends The Work Vehicle Gets Personal byAlanParadise 5

“If you got it, a truck brought it.” That has long been the mantra of the trucking industry. Since the dawn of the motoring age, trucks have transported everything from turnips to troops. The image of trucks, big and small, loaded with cargo, working on the farm, making local deliveries, or just heading down the highway has made an indelible mark on our culture. The manufacturing of trucks predates the First World War. The popularity of trucks as a mode of personal or nonwork-related transportation, however, is a relatively new trend. The idea of the light-duty truck was first seen in the 1920s, as were the adaptations we now refer to as the SUV, or sport utility vehicle. The Ford Depot Hack could fairly be considered one of the first such specialty utility vehicles. These Model T, A, and B series vehicles were commonly used to transport luggage and domestic help from train stations to resort destinations, such as those in the Catskills on the East Coast or on 3 Coronado and Santa Catalina Islands on the West Coast. These wooden-bodied, windowless creations were later romanticized in scale plastic and diecast by Revell model company and Mattel Hot Wheels as surf-style hot rods. The first dedicated truck-based passenger vehicle arrived in 1935 as the Chevrolet Suburban. This was an eight-passenger, two-door family truckster built on the same General Motors half-ton service chassis as pickup and panel delivery vehicles. Originally called the “Carryall/Suburban,” the name was quickly shortened to aid in the marketing of what was a unique concept during the country’s economic downturn. Sales were adequate enough to warrant Suburban models being manufactured in four plants alongside light-duty trucks. During World War II, the “Carryall” badge was used and many were built for military use as staff vehicles as well as light-duty cargo carriers. Following WW II, truck advancements crept along while passenger-car design and comfort leaped forward. The car market saw massive styling upgrades as well as such technology as power windows, power steering, air-conditioning, disc brakes, and fuel injection. Trucks 4 retained basic utilitarian features like running boards, rigid leaf spring suspension, and bench seats. The idea of the truck-based passenger vehicle was all but killed off by the popularity of station wagons, a trend that would continue until the mid-1970s. 1. Vintage trucks have served as a canvas for customizing since the early 1960s. 2. Ford and Chevy looked at their truck lines in completely different ways. Chevy focused more on the recreational market. 3. Enthusiasts who love the fat fenders and squared cabs have saved many an old Ford from the crusher, breathing new life into them as customs. 4. Ford courted the work and commercial customer, leaving the recreational business to Chevy. 5. By the mid-1970s, as the muscle car was being phased out of the Big Three lines, trucks were becoming the cool new thing. Chevy started marketing the lifestyle element of truck ownership. The efforts proved fruitful as noncommercial sales climbed. SUMMER 2016 19

TRUCKTRENDS Trucks have come a long way in the past 100 years. Where first a truck was a purpose- built vehicle, today it is an extension of one’s image and lifestyle—capable of taking on anything and everything with advanced performance and amazing comfort. THE FIRST TURNING POINT the style, comfort, and options their pickup lines throughout Special that offered bucket seats, of the car, opening consumers’ the 1960s. Style and creature full carpeting, and racing stripes. What started to turn the tide eyes to the idea that a truck could comforts were integrated slowly— One could also opt for a 365hp and the fate of the truck from be so much more than just a until Chevrolet debuted its 1967 426 Wedge engine in 1964–66 just a work vehicle can be traced utilitarian hauler. And consumers “Action Line” C/K pickups. A models, replaced by the 383 in ’67. back to the December 1956 responded. is prompted Ford, highly notable upgrade was a introduction of the Ford Ranchero. GM, and Chrysler to reevaluate new coil spring/trailing arm THE WINDS OF CHANGE their truck offerings and consider rear suspension that drastically is was created by removing if a more upscale, luxurious truck improved ride compliance. e 1970s was the decade of the rear roof section of a Ranch could be a marketable product. change for personal-use trucks. Wagon or Courier sedan delivery Moving any of the Big ree in Ford’s response to the Chevy By 1974, domestic trucks were and opening up the bed while a new direction, however, was Action Line was the fifth- becoming far more refined, keeping the cab closed. For the like turning an aircraft carrier—it generation F-Series. It featured closing the gulf between carlike first time, a vehicle was offered required substantial planning a larger cab and more engine ride and truck utility. In addition, with all the advancements and and a whole lot of space. us, options but was still based on lifestyle had become part of styling of a car combined with Ford and Chevrolet continued a carryover chassis. Creature the design and marketing the work capability of a truck. to produce their Ranchero/El comforts were added, but this equations as truck ownership In fact, the first models provided Camino “centaur” vehicles as the drew a major dividing line was given a vastly different greater cargo capacity than the interim answer for the luxury between Ford (a “work” truck) image. In the ’70s, it became hip comparable Ford F-100 half- truck market. and Chevy (a “personal” pickup). to have a cool truck, and this ton pickup! was reflected in automotive Meanwhile, Ford, Chevy, In the meantime, Dodge stuck aftermarket trends. Custom e significance of the GMC, and Dodge continued to with its clunky, square D-Series wheel and tire fitments were Ranchero and Chevrolet’s El add workcentric features to styling until 1972. Mopar’s saving developed in record numbers. Camino, which followed two grace was the Custom Sports years later, was that they offered While postwar cars got major style and technology overhauls, trucks stayed fairly traditional, like these 1948 Ford F-1s (left: 1:25 from Maisto; right: 1:43 from Americana). 20 DCXmag.com

Import Invasion Above: e Datsun 1200 was novel to the American market W hile Nissan and Toyota trucks are now an established in 1958, but it took a while for part of the automotive mainstream, both brands the brand to catch on. e 520 had humble beginnings. The first Japanese truck was released in 1964 and found imported to North America was the Datsun 1200 and featured greater acceptance. a side-valve, inline-4 engine producing a breathtaking 60hp. Top right and middle: Toyota’s In 1965, the more modern and roomy 520 was imported and 1964 Stout was a sales disaster. was treated to a 67hp engine and a new 4-speed manual transmission. These were fairly good sellers for the brand and e brand’s big-truck winner laid the groundwork for the popular 620 that came in 1972. came in the ’80s with the N30 version. Toyota’s introduction into the North American truck market came in 1964 with the Stout—a squared-off, flat-nosed pickup Bottom right: Chevrolet found that was a complete sales flop, selling only four units its first great sales success with its year. Sales increased over the next few years until the Hilux was Isuzu-based LUV truck, first imported in 1968. It wasn’t until the 1978 N30 Hilux arrived that imported in 1972, which opened Toyota started to outsell Datsun/Nissan and become a force in the door for the S-10 in 1982. the truck market. In an effort to compete with Datsun, in 1972 Chevrolet partnered with Isuzu (which had no U.S. presence at the time) to bring its small truck to Chevy dealers as the LUV pickup. Due to rising gas prices, sales were brisk, although this was purely a stopgap effort as Chevrolet geared up to design, build, and release its own Chevy compact truck—the S-10—in 1982. Bolt-on performance and custom efficient and highly reliable small and Dodge/Plymouth with trucks have had a presence in the accessories warranted its own trucks. Although Datsun and Mitsubishi. Soon the LUV, Courier, custom and performance scene. section in larger retail auto- Toyota small pickups had been on and D-50/Arrow were grabbing At first, it was a secondary hot parts chains. Specialized shops the American market for several market share. ere were rod choice—especially 1932–40 devoted to custom conversions years previous, the oil embargo significant long-term effects Ford models equipped with a popped up across the country. of 1973 and the gasoline shortage of the mini-truck invasion that Flathead V8. In the ’60s and that followed suddenly made the created a dramatic shift in future ’70s, however, three vintage is prompted the first custom Datsun 620 and Toyota Hilux vehicle sales. light-duty trucks gained a and performance all-truck fast sellers. steady following: 1949–54 (first publication—Truckin—to launch THE RISE OF THE generation) and 1955–59 (second in the spring of 1975. It took only e rapid expansion of small TRICK TRUCK generation) Chevrolets, and the a few years for it to become the truck popularity forced the Big 1953–56 Ford F-100. It became fastest-growing automotive Since the dawn of the 1950s, common to see fully tricked- magazine in the country. ree to partner with other out and modified pickups at Japanese manufacturers to custom car, rod, and motorcycle Trucks being cool meant that rebadge mini-trucks: Chevy shows. Clubs dedicated to these they were also hot—as in Mattel’s with Isuzu, Ford with Mazda, Hot Wheels. Two of the first 15 1:64-scale diecasts released in 1968 were the “Custom Fleetside,” a full-size Chevy-style pickup, and the “Deora,” an Alexander Brothers customized Dodge A100. At the same time, imports became a major factor as Datsun (Nissan) and Toyota established themselves as builders of fuel- Dodge really went at truck styling full bore in 1959, incorporating tailfins from its car line into the design. is is a 1:43 D100 Sweptside from NEO.

TruckTrends particular trucks were formed, To answer a question that no one had asked, Chevrolet developed the Corvair Rampside truck. The cab-over design proved to be a difficult and major national events, such sell, especially at a sticker price that was greater than base-model conventional pickups. Ford’s counter was the Econoline—advertised as as the North-South Run in the poor-man’s pickup. It was an odd choice in an era when gas was less than a quarter a gallon and horsepower was all the rage. California and the annual F-100 Supernationals in Pigeon Forge, Perhaps the first factory hot-rod truck was the Dodge D100 Sport. It featured bucket seats and could be ordered with a Tennessee, still attract thousands 426 Wedge engine in 1964–66. of participants and spectators to this day. While classic Ford and Chevy trucks were the foundation of the custom truck movement, it was the compact truck that transformed the landscape like nothing else—before or since. In the mid-1970s, small trucks were the least expensive vehicles on any dealer’s lot. Millions of young buyers found these “mini-trucks” the ideal canvas for adding personal touches. It didn’t take long for clubs to form and memberships to grow. By the mid-1980s, mini-truck clubs were coast to coast, and the ranks of mini-truckers far outnumbered hot rodders and street machine enthusiasts. At the height of the era, the Southern California Mini Truck Council was the nation’s largest single governing car club body with more than 120 clubs and close to 12,000 members. Changing of the Guard As the 1980s dawned, something earthshaking took place across the automotive landscape, and trucks were at the epicenter. Starting in 1982, the Ford F-Series became the best-selling vehicle in the United States—and it’s held that title every year since. The Chevrolet Silverado has been nipping at Ford’s heels in the number two spot since its slick redesign in 1988. There were many reasons for this sea change: the ever-expanding list of Launched in the late 1950s, the half-car/half-truck Ford Ranchero and Chevy El Camino were sales success stories through the late ’60s, and both models hung around for quite a while even as popularity fell off. Ford axed the Ranchero in 1979; the El Camino held on until 1987 when GM retired the RWD chassis on which it was based. Maisto does this 1965 Chevy El Camino in 1:25. 22 DCXmag.com

Left: is might be the first SUV. What would come to be known as the “Woodie” was originally called the Depot Hack—a wooden-bodied utility vehicle designed to transport luggage from railroad stations to upscale luxury resorts. Below: By the late 1960s, Chevy had added two more doors to its Suburban and loaded it with passenger-car features. It was a foreshadowing of what was to come when station-wagon sales waned in the 1970s, giving way to the SUV. Bottom: Predecessors to the sport utility vehicle came in the form of the Ford Bronco in 1966 and the Chevy Blazer in 1969. Both were popular, especially in the 4X4 configuration. VThe SUV—Reinventing America’s Wheelsery early on, manufacturers recognized that the utilitarian virtues of the truck were useful Jeep has been a player since the advent for moving people as well as cargo, and the truck offshoot that would eventually redefine of the SUV. It remains one of the few the automotive landscape began to take shape. While it’s difficult to point to just one dedicated to its off-road roots, and model and say that it spawned the sport utility vehicle, Ford’s Depot Hack was certainly continues to produce “Trail-Rated” among the first, and it gave birth to the iconic “Woodie.” Chevy’s own truck-backboned wagon—the trucks like the and Wrangler Suburban—soon followed. By the 1950s, the Suburban, Willys Jeep Station Wagon, and others had Unlimited (GreenLight, firmly established the niche. England had been quick to emulate the Willys Jeep with the Land Rover 1:43). following WW II, and it distinguished itself among the most unstoppable off-road machines the world had seen. e vehicle with perhaps the closest DNA to the modern SUV might be the Jeep Wagoneer. First launched in 1963 by Willys-Overland, The late ’60s saw the arrival of the midsize SUV icons: the Bronco and Blazer, following in the the model survived and thrived through acquisition by AMC in 1970, footsteps of the International Harvester Scout. Meanwhile, the big boys started to incorporate more luxury conveniences, eventually enticing premium luxury brands like Mercedes to join the fray with eventually landing at Chrysler, its G-Class. As the oil crisis set in motion a domestic downsizing, Chevy responded with the compact where it soldiered on S-10 Blazer (and twin GMC Jimmy) and Ford with its Ranger-based Bronco II, while Jeep reinvented until 1991. WhiteBox itself with the Cherokee. The three defined the compact domestic SUV segment for the ’80s and makes this ’89 Grand were joined by a number of imports. Wagoneer in 1:43. As the ’90s dawned, Ford had a game changer in the works. Its replacement for the Bronco II— the Explorer—would become the fastest-selling domestic SUV ever, and helped steer the direction of the entire industry. Midsize SUVs became the dominant class, even as the industry moved away from off-road capability and added more luxury. Car-based “crossovers” began to supplant traditional truck-based SUVs. More luxury brands, like Cadillac, Lexus, BMW, and Audi, joined in. When Porsche launched its Cayenne SUV, everyone knew the automotive world had officially been turned upside down! Virtually every manufacturer now makes an SUV, with seemingly no regard for brand appropriateness. Last year, we saw Bentley launch a $250K 600hp behemoth called the Bentayga, capable of 187mph. Next year, Lamborghini will push us further into the surreal with its Urus, which will be both faster and more expensive than the Bentley. Where it goes from there is anyone’s guess, but it’s clear that SUVs are now central to the marketing strategy of every carmaker, and there is no sign of that changing. Detroit wasn’t the only one with an SUV legacy. Land Rover introduced its Series I in 1948, and it remained remarkably unchanged through 68 years of production. e final model rolled off the line just weeks ago on January 29, 2016. is Kyosho 1:18 model reflects a mid-’80s Defender 90. Lamborghini has some experience with cartoonish super- SUVs, having made the “Rambo Lambo” LM002 from 1986 to 1993. With its twin-turbo V8 and hybrid assist, this Urus will be far more muscular when it goes on sale later this year (MCG, 1:18). SUMMER 2016 23

TruckTrends Left: How cool have trucks become? At the 2014 MLB All-Star Game, MVP Mike Trout had a choice of a new Chevrolet Corvette Convertible or a Silverado Z71 truck. He selected the truck. Above: The modern Ford F-Series is a sophisticated piece of engineering, and Sword Models looks to do that justice with its upcoming 1:50 F-250 Super Dutys. This is the first preproduction test model to check the molds; finished versions should arrive in May. comfort and convenience options there are no shortage of makes ers. Matchbox also imported A Truck in Your Future offered in trucks, the widespread and models to choose from. 1:64-scale trucks in the 1960s. Hot downsizing of domestic car Where once a dealer’s “truck Wheels kept expanding its truck Truck wars are part of the offerings, and the cars’ migration department” was relegated to the selections beyond 1968 with the marketing and product strategy to front-wheel drive. Trucks back of sales lots, trucks are now ’31 Woody in 1969, and exploded for every major manufacturer. became the logical choice for front and center as they represent with an entire fleet of Ira Gilford– On the airwaves, in print, and buyers looking for a practical, the most profitable vehicles for designed big-windshield trucks electronically, the Ford versus rear-drive, V8-powered vehicle. dealers and manufacturers. in 1970. More Hot Wheels trucks Chevy versus Ram narrative is The demise of the family station came each model year to follow inescapable. If you add in full-size wagon and the stigma attached to Scaling Down the with such notable additions as offerings from Toyota, Nissan, the new minivan category helped Big Sellers Funny Money, Baja Bruiser, Road and midsize players from Honda usher in extra- and double-cab King, Emergency Squad, Ramblin’ and soon Hyundai, it is easy to trucks and particularly the SUV Over the past 20 years, diecast Wrecker, and ’56 Hi-Tail Hauler, see why all the majors look at the craze. All these factors created a trucks and truck-based vehicles just to name a few. truck market as a cornerstone perfect storm that resulted in the have also found a steady follow- of market success. It is a safe bet massive growth in popularity of ing, and both pleasure and com- More contemporary 1:64-scale that many of us have at least one light-duty trucks and truck-based mercial applications share the versions from M2 and GreenLight truck in our past and likely will vehicles over the last 30 years. collector space. But this should have become some of the best have more in the future. With not be a major surprise. Trucks sellers in each brand’s line. In technology continuing to advance A generation of drivers has have always had a place in most larger scales, brands like Auto the efficiency, performance, and now grown up accepting that a of our childhood experiences. World, Highway 61, Sun Star, comfort of the once purpose- truck is not just for work, and Brands like Tonka and Buddy Maisto, Jada, Norscot, Yat Ming, built pickup, the horizon for they have naturally embraced L were regular playmates and and Welly have expanded their light-duty trucks and SUVs these types of vehicles. And sandbox fixtures for Baby Boom- selections to include a wide array of vintage, modern, and appears bright. ✇ custom pickups, wreckers, and service trucks. Sources The Silverado LTZ Z71 is the ultimate Americana Trucks; distributed by diecastdirect.com expression of Chevy’s personal-use GreenLight Collectibles greenlighttoys.com Kyosho; distributed by Minichamps, carvillemodelsshop.com truck. GreenLight does this pair of Maisto maisto.com 1:64s—one painted and one raw— MCG; distributed by american-excellence.com NEO; distributed by american-excellence.com as part of its “First Cut” series. Sword Models swordmodels.com WhiteBox; distributed by american-excellence.com 24 DCXmag.com



OUT OF THE BOX BY THE DCX TEAM NORSCOT 2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LTZ CREW CAB 1:24 | $35 C hevrolet sold almost 530,000 Silverados in model year 2014—easily the best-selling vehicle in GM’s stable and trailing only Ford’s F-series (its perennial nemesis) for the best-selling car in all of the United States. And while it trailed Ford in total sales, the new-for-’14 Chevy outclassed it in virtually every other respect. It excelled in truckish tasks, mill essentially identical to the LT1 e Silverado styling is this case, Blue Topaz—and correct offering up a herculean in the Corvette Stingray, aside handsome in an understated way, markings for an LTZ-trim truck 12,000-pound tow rating with from some slightly more truck- but looks are not its strongest with the desirable Z71 off-road the optional 6.2L V8. But it’s the appropriate tuning—features such suit—strength is. As such, package make this model good un-truck-like traits that elevate amenities as direct fuel injection, Norscot’s decision to offer it in a fodder for Chevy fans in the this Silverado to new heights. cylinder deactivation, and variable value-priced 1:24 replica is well know. Norscot is in the know, too; Some might scoff at the optional valve timing, yielding a velvety considered. is is more of an it correctly added the recovery heated and cooled leather seats, smooth, fuel-efficient driving that impulse-buy-type model even hooks and premium 20-inch concert-grade Bose audio system, also happens to be insanely fast. though it represents a high-water wheels that are the visible telltale and giant touchscreen navigation Dishing up 420hp and 460 lb-ft mark for truck development. Still, signs of the Z71 package. Only system, but their availability of torque, the L86 pushes the using factory-correct paint—in the brushed-metal doorsill plates banishes the last vestiges of 5,700-pound Silverado to 60mph are missing, but given the price brutishness of the bygone pickup. in an astonishing 5.4 seconds on point, that omission is more its way through the quarter mile than forgivable. e step-up rear is is a new breed of truck for a in 14.1 seconds at 99mph. ose bumper, opening tailgate, bed tie- new customer in a new millennium. numbers would embarrass all but downs, and the special grille are all the very fastest Chevy muscle nicely rendered. is Chevy offers more luxury cars from the ’60s. But at least any appointments than the Cadillacs classic Chevy that it puts on the Open the doors to see a black of a few years previous—and trailer it can easily tow home! plastic interior that has many of more performance, too. e the Silverado’s interior features aforementioned 6.2L L86 V8—a molded in, but there’s not much color to call out the molded detail. Norscot’s Silverado features an opening tailgate and step bumpers—nice extras for a value-priced model. ere’s a nicely appointed center console, an accurately rendered steering wheel, stalks for the turn indicators, and column shifter for the 6-speed automatic, which was the only transmission offered with the L86. e ‘infotainment’ system is visible in the center stack, but it—and the instrument cluster—have no paint or decals, which would have added to the presentation. 26 DCXmag.com

The 2014 Silverado shows just how far the pickup truck has evolved, and Norscot’s model has all the right options to maximize appeal. Trucking—Polished and Refined to a Flawless Shine Hoist the hood to view the and calipers peeking out from Above: In LTZ trim, the Chevy is loaded drop-in relief-molded plate behind the rears. with luxury goodies, including an depicting that burly 6.2L V8. elaborate infotainment system in the Attempts have been made to FINAL THOUGHTS center stack. The detail is there, but represent the airbox and intake the truck could benefit from some ducting, fluid reservoirs, brake The Silverado’s long list of comfort paint and decals to help call them out. booster, and—most interestingly— and convenience items may Right: Big 20-inch wheels are the most the nest of runner tubes in cause purists to question the obvious sign of the Z71 package—aside the intake manifold, but again Chevy’s truck bona fides, but the from the crisp fender decals and grille there is no paint to add depth or days of pickups being exercises emblems of course! complexity. It is under the hood in asceticism are long past. The where this model most reveals its average new-truck buyer forks low-price roots. over north of $40K, and with that Flip the Chevy over to see kind of dough you expect a little a relief-molded chassis plate. luxury. Fully loaded, the Silverado Highlights here include the front can top $50K, and while this suspension with its separately model does without the full-boat molded lower control arms, leather and chrome-encrusted K-member, and Z71-spec “High Country” package, it still skidplate. There’s also a transfer represents a well-optioned truck case abutting the transmission with all the best, most potent molding. Driveshaft, fuel tank, options: an LTZ 4X4 Crew Cab exhaust system, rear axle, and with the Z71 off-road package spare tire are also depicted, and the big-time motor. As a though again the complexity of celebration of just how far the these items is proportionate to the evolution of the personal pickup price point. The 20-inch 5-spoke truck has come, the Norscot wheels and all-terrain tires are Silverado delivers a solid value really the highlight of the lower with excellent fit and finish. section. The size, aspect ratio, and tread pattern all look spot-on. Source There are even visible brake rotors Norscot; distributed by b2breplicas.com (wholesale) and 3000toys.com (retail)

OUT OF THE BOX BY THE DCX TEAM SUN STAR 1965 CHEVROLET C 10 STEPSIDE “LOWRIDER” 1:18 | $55 The third generation was an important transition point for Chevrolet’s pickup trucks. Between 1960 and 1966, Chevy introduced several important innovations, but it rolled them out gradually, with each one carrying Chevy just a bit further into the modern truck era. Perhaps to signal the start of that ’65 C-10 tooling, slammed it into first year for the 327, we’ll assume engine itself. And since this truck new era, Chevy chose to break the weeds, installed side pipes and that’s what this is—although has so much custom gear on the with its naming traditions and a few chrome goodies, bathed it there would not be much visual exterior, having it be bone stock create a new designation system. in metallic paint, and treated it to difference between it and a 283. under the hood seems a little out Each truck would get a letter an old-school multicolor flame Truck V8s were originally painted of character. Even easy stuff like indicating either a 2- (“C”) or a custom paint job. e model gray/green in ’65, but since this an aftermarket air cleaner, some 4-wheel-drive (“K”) drivetrain. comes in three color schemes: is a modified truck, having orange chrome valve covers, and a set the metallic orange you see here, engine paint—which cars and of headers would go a long way at would be followed by a two- a lighter metallic gold, and a flat trucks from other years had—is toward giving this engine the looks digit number indicating payload black without flames that has not a problem. Detail on the to match the rest of the truck. class—“10” for 1/2-ton, “20” a slightly “rat rod”-esque look. engine itself is adequate. Having for 3/4-ton, and “30” for 1-ton Except for the paint, the three are the heater box and condenser Chassis detail is solid, with models. And there were two bed/ identical. e orange is the most assembly for the factory air- some attention given to the frame box types: the narrow “Stepside,” authentic color for a truck of this conditioning on the passenger’s and how the body sits atop it. e with the fender wells outside the style, and the finish itself is pretty side firewall is cool, although the 1960–66 C/Ks were the first to bed, and the wider “Fleetside,” nice. ere is one somewhat compressor is missing from the employ a frame with a dropped which had smooth sides with awkward color transition within center section, allowing the cab the wheel humps within the box the flame job on the right front, perimeter. From day one, the but otherwise the paint is bright e beige interior is a good foundation and there is pretty good highlight detail, but light-duty C/K series trucks were and smooth. e front and rear the interior needs a few nonstock custom touches. equipped with a new trailing arm/ bumpers, mirrors, B-pillar trim, coil spring suspension, replacing door handles, wipers, and radio the leaf spring setup that had been antenna are chromed plastic— around since before World War II. everything else is painted metal For 1960–62, the front used a except for the tailgate, which is torsion bar setup. For 1963, the painted plastic. e grille has been front was converted over to coil treated to a nice paint wash to give springs, too. 1964 dumped the it depth and shading. old-school wraparound windshield for more streamlined glass that did e tailgate opens, and the bed not require a cumbersome notch has been painted with simulated at the base of the door’s A-pillar. wood planks. Effective paint 1965 added air-conditioning to has also dressed up the interior. the option sheet for the first time and a new top engine option—a e bench seat, dashboard, and 220hp 327 small-block. us, door skins share a beige tone. it is the 1965–66 C/Ks that are most desirable—having the classic e instrument panel is depicted styling but benefiting from the with a decal, which looks OK, but more modern suspension and I feel that a custom truck like this powertrains. would have had something more than the stock gauge pack. e e 1965–66s make a great stock steering wheel remains basis for a hot-rod truck too, as well, but at least the rim has as can plainly be seen by Sun been accurately painted, while Star’s C-10 Stepside Custom. the spokes and center horn ring Sun Star actually refers to it as are chrome. e steering column a “Lowrider”—and it certainly sports 3-on-the-tree, and there does ride low—but somehow are three pedals in the black that term calls forth a different plastic footwell. automotive subculture to me. In any case, Sun Star has taken its e huge clamshell hood opens up to reveal a stock-looking Chevy small-block. With 1965 being the 28 DCXmag.com

A Custom Take on a Classic Truck e metallic orange paint and flames state “hot rod” loud and clear, but just as important to this truck’s presenta- tion is the proper lowered stance. to sit lower. is truck gets that first year for the 327 and the first custom “Lowrider” version—the not like the market is overflowing detail right, and overall the stance year for A/C—it’s a good choice exterior paint and trim being tops with affordably priced 1:18 C-10 is pretty convincing. To pull that in either stock or modified form, among them. Other items—like the Stepsides. Enjoy it for what it is, off, Sun Star dispensed with much and Sun Star offers both. e engine and interior—have a solid and let it add some flair to your of the suspension detail; the company makes both Stepside foundation but could benefit from trailing arm setup is there, but no and Fleetside versions, so pretty more effort to differentiate them classic truck collection. ✇ springs—the frame sits right on much any style you like is available. from stock. Still, at this price point, the axle. Wheels and tires look I really like some things about this one can’t quibble too much; it’s SOURCE the part, with appropriate wheel Sun Star sunstarmodelcars.com covers and effective tread on the tires. FINAL THOUGHTS 1965 was a great year for Chevy, and the C/K trucks offered up style and substance. It was the Wheels and tires look the part, Points for accuracy on the heater box and A/C condenser housing on the e opening bed and the painted-on wood plank bed floor are with chrome wheel covers and effective tread. upper left, but the engine in a truck like this needs some custom chrome! appreciated. e tail lamps are nicely rendered as well.

out of the box by Matt Boyd The Original Über Vehicle AUTOart 2012 Mercedes- Benz G500 1:18 | $190 There is something both incongruous and ingenious about the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. That the company known for unmatched on-road refinement would be responsible for marketing one of the most capable off-road vehicles ever sold and registered to the public is ironic to be sure. But given the century of engineering prowess the company has consistently demonstrated, it should hardly be surprising. Nor is it unprecedented. After in 1:18. The G500 designation The G-Wagen’s boxy shape has changed little over its 37-year history, all, Mercedes is also responsible denotes the base model—if but it houses cutting-edge tech for on-road and off. for the Unimog—the all-terrain a $120K uber-SUV equipped multipurpose military, commercial, with a 385hp 5.5L V8, 7-speed The G-Wagen’s interior had model. The wrinkled leather door and agricultural behemoth. But the automatic transmission, and three been overdue for a refresh for a skins—a longtime G-Wagen trait— Geländewagen (as it was officially independently controlled locking decade, and that’s where most of remain, and AUTOart represents known and which translates to differentials can be considered the 2012 updates were focused. them with convincing matte-finish “Open Country Vehicle”) was “base.” (It should be noted that Each of the four doors and the plastic, similar to that of the seats. developed for a dual purpose: in this same model is designated rear gate opens, so there is The G-Wagen’s hood is broad addition to the commercial and the “G550” in the United States ample opportunity to survey the and flat and heavy, but it opens military applications, the G-Wagen to reflect more accurately the updates. The dash is all new, and wide to give an excellent view of was to be a consumer product— engine’s displacement, but it is AUTOart picked up on all the key the engine bay. The simulated the most supremely capable mechanically identical to the improvements. A big “COMAND” pneumatic strut is more than consumer product of its type. And G500 in various European and infotainment screen now sits atop ornamental—it supports the although the company might shy Asian markets.) the center stack, and the controller hood in a realistic fashion. The away from direct comparisons, Over the past few years, knob resides in the center console 5.5L V8 is mostly obscured by it seems clear that a primary AUTOart has applied its expertise just aft of the gear lever. The three its cosmetic engine cover; the target for the G-Wagen was the to a variety of modern Mercedes toggle switches for locking each air intake ductwork and a few Land Rover Series III/Defender, replicas—mostly sedans—to great of the differentials (front, rear, other mechanical bits can be seen and the goal was to out-rove it effect. Its C-, CL-, and S-Class and center) independently rest peeking out from under the cover, in the roughest conditions while models are among its finest. But smack-dab in the middle of the and there are the usual reservoirs, simultaneously providing vastly it has also done several versions dash. The instrument cluster and hoses, and a brake booster superior ride quality on-road and of the G-Wagen: from ’90s-era the steering wheel are all new too, on the firewall, but otherwise maintaining premium levels of short wheelbase models to AMG- so AUTOart updated its for this the engine bay is accurate but comfort and luxury. Of course, this tuned monsters. The 2012 G500 is Mercedes we are talking about, is the latest and best represents so it succeeded magnificently. what we see on American roads. In But true to its “The Best or typical AUTOart fashion, the model Nothing” corporate mantra, is a sophisticated mix of diecast Mercedes has treated the (body) and molded parts, with G-Wagen to a steady stream strategic use of chrome and etched of updates since its debut in metal as well. The paint application 1979. While the body shell has is glossy and smooth, and the stayed largely the same—which copious trim is mostly good too, is to say a two-box bank vault on although there is some waver to wheels—beneath that slab-sided the black plastic roof seam. Panel visage, it has enjoyed regular gaps are even, although given the improvements to its engine G-Wagen’s extremely flat sides choices, interior appointments, and the use of external hinges and underpinnings. The current (true of the full-size vehicle as incarnation may look like a well!), the door gaps may appear throwback, but the powertrain wider than what we typically see and suspension are state of the on other AUTOart pieces. The 2012 art. The last comprehensive update incorporated LED driving update came for the 2012 model lights, and those are represented year, and this is the version at the bottom edge of the head­ AUTOart has chosen to replicate light cluster. 30 DCXmag.com

fairly nondescript. So too the was born from the brawniest Below: Always undercarriage. The suspension truck DNA, and then Mercedes dependable for on the G500 may be supremely went to work taming the brute, functional content, capable, but it’s not terribly giving it the civilized demeanor AUTOart has made all exciting to look at in scale. This is that customers spending six five doors open wide on not the case, however, with the figures on a Benz-built vehicle scale hinges to showcase rolling stock. AUTOart always does expect. The magic is in the the interior. Bottom: a nice job with wheels and tires, fact that it retains its terrain- The interior got a major and its rendition of the 19-inch conquering prowess despite being overhaul for 2012, and split 5-spoke wheels wrapped domesticated—the proverbial AUTOart nails all the in 275/55 all-season tires looks iron fist in the velvet glove. That revisions accurately, great, and I like the view of the dual nature comes through in including the big slotted brake rotors behind them. AUTOart’s model; it carries its infotainment screen hulking profile with an air of atop the center stack. FINAL THOUGHTS sophistication. It’s a fun piece. The only way it could be better is if it summer 2016 31 The G-Class is, in many respects, the antithesis of the modern had the AMG treatment! ✇ crossover SUV—and that is its appeal to me. Whereas crossovers SOURCE apply trucklike attributes to car- AUTOart autoartmodels.com based mechanicals, the G-Wagen

out of the box by dan townsend Fire Replicas Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Tysons Truck 429 1:50 | $329 The “wow” factor. It’s the elusive quality all collectors seek when they open a new model and survey it for the first time. Companies that can consistently deliver that sensation comprise a very short list, but that list just got longer. Fire Replicas, a newcomer to the industry, has released its first museum-grade fire engine replicas, and “wow” is the right word for the brand-new Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Tysons Truck 429. Fire Replicas becomes one of the can look similar. However, when Top: From the standpipe-mounted nozzles atop the aerial ladder to the beautifully formed only dedicated manufacturers you compare, for example, Fire round edges of the diamond plate, the attention to detail is consistent and exceptional. of 1:50-scale fire truck replicas, Replicas’ resin Pierce Tiller to Above: The precision that resin affords is evident here on the fifth wheel and ladder and its beautiful models utilize TWH’s diecast Seagrave Tiller, mount. The Pierce Company logo and ladder markings are impressive for this scale. materials based around hi-def the difference becomes obvious resin, stainless steel, brass, wire, in the construction of their Emergency Vehicle Replicas and fabric. The resin technique respective aerial ladders. On the Have a Hot New Player allows for relatively small runs diecast model, the aerial ladder fly of just a few hundred hand- sections (extensions) are about assembled pieces—at a fraction three times the thickness they of the cost of traditional diecast. should be in order to be strong By selecting resin, Fire Replicas enough to move. Freed of the has wisely chosen to focus on strength limitations that extending meticulous re-creation of fine fly sections require, the design parts at realistic thicknesses that engineers at Fire Replicas were diecast metal could not hope able to choose a material (0.6mm to match. Such delicate detail stainless) closely resembling precludes functional moving parts, the scale and look of the real so the company provides added structure. The result is stunning, value by mounting the model on and the geometric shapes are a display base with a matching mesmerizing. acrylic cover. Thus the model is With the Tiller securely mounted protected and looks great. Fire on its base and the acrylic cover Replicas limits the build numbers removed, you may safely pick up to customer orders and preorders. the base and examine the entire (This particular model is one of just 350 pieces.) Preorders are the only way to guarantee a reservation for a particular replica, and they are available on the company’s website. As an added benefit of the small production runs, Fire Replicas can tailor its replicas to the accurate specifications and decorations of actual trucks. The difference between diecast and resin might not be readily apparent to the uninitiated as they 32 DCXmag.com

Above: e American flag on the radiator looks great. e four hard-point attachment fixtures on the bumper do too, and they signify that the actual truck does more than just look pretty! Below: Fire Replicas is one of the only manufacturers dedicated to 1:50 fire truck models, and the new company’s focus has paid off in a big way. is is an exceptional first effort. SUMMER 2016 33

The aerial ladder assembly. The use of 0.6mm stainless steel permits a much more scale rendition than diecast ever could achieve. vehicle from every angle. The American flag on the radiator too. cabs are nicely detailed, and all the prices. Fairfax County Fire and tractor and aerial ladder trailer are The tow hook attachments upper diamond plating is precisely placed Rescue Department Tysons Truck the equal of any diecast. The paint and lower on the detailed front with beautifully crafted edges. 429 represents a new generation is flawless; the decals are sharp bumper demonstrate the level of replica ideally suited for the and well placed. The substructures of attention each model receives FINAL THOUGHTS fire industry. They are rare, have received the same attention (587 individual parts). Everywhere innovative, and extraordinarily to detail as the more visible I looked I found more than I It is an interesting time to be a detailed. They are smokin’ hot, portions of the model. The halyards expected: the fifth-wheel release, collector in this hobby. The diecast and they definitely deliver that on the freestanding extension stabilizers, ladder pipe, and head- process is under pressure amid ladders and the detail lavished on mast nozzle complete with valve the socioeconomic changes in sought-after “wow” factor. ✇ their fly sections are absolutely handle. Full windshield wipers and Asia. With the cost of tooling up a meticulous—and so cool. But it is mirrors are on both the tractor and single die set often exceeding six SOURCE the aerial ladder that is the heart tiller, and unlike diecast, the replica figures, companies such as Fire Fire Replicas firereplicas.com and soul of the truck, and Fire arrives with everything attached Replicas are blazing new paths Replicas nailed it. I really like the and ready to go. The interiors of the with new materials to produce the best replicas at very approachable



INTERVIEW Die Cast X: It’s fantastic that you personally own this piece of muscle car history. Tell me Genuine a little about your Ronnie Sox ’Cuda—starting Article with how Ronnie got it. Scott Dahlberg: In 1965, Ronnie and A CONVERSATION WITH SUPERCAR Buddy signed a contract with Chrysler to COLLECTIBLES’ SCOTT DAHLBERG race Plymouth automobiles exclusively. That agreement also included a brand new BY MATT BOYD Chrysler or Plymouth of their choosing to drive as their daily transportation for Collectors are all about authenticity. We appreciate 12 months, until the next model year cars it in the models we collect, and we admire it in the were available in the fall. The cars were people who share our passion for the automobile. When theirs to own, and Ronnie drove this car until you find a company that consistently captures that the fall of 1970 when he sold it and received authentic spirit in its replicas, it’s a good bet that the a new 1971 from Chrysler. folks working there are genuine car enthusiasts. That’s the vibe that you get from Supercar Collectibles, and DCX: This was a daily driver for Ronnie? you won’t find a much more authentic car guy than its Is there anything unusual about it from a president, Scott Dahlberg. technical perspective? SD: Typically Ronnie and Buddy would order From the time Scott was a kid Raceway champion driving a ’70 a “family” car—a big Chrysler or a Plymouth he’s been a die-hard Mopar fan; Hemi Challenger. In the ’90s, he wagon to haul the family around as they he bought his first car—a 440 restored and raced an original were used as everyday transportation. But Magnum-powered ’68 Dodge ’66 Hemi Coronet, which was in 1970, they both ordered new Barracudas Charger R/T—when he was 16 originally sold new out of Mr. as they were hot and they were also going to years old. He started drag racing Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge. race the new Barracuda body style in NHRA it right away with the help of All the while he helped found and Pro Stock. I can’t say that there is anything his dad, and throughout high develop Supercar Collectibles as really unusual about the car, other than that school he worked part time at a diecast company specializing it is a fully loaded luxury Gran Coupe, ordered a Dodge dealership learning in, among others, replicas of with the elastomeric bumper package. how to work on cars. He earned the very cars that had captured money for parts for the Charger his fascination all his life. When DCX: How did you come to own it? Did you by buying old cars, fixing them not at his day job, he continues have to restore much on it? Do you drive up, and selling them. He bought to collect and restore classic it much? his first Hemi—a ’68 Road muscle cars. When I found out SD: I had known about the car for many Runner—when he was 19. And that Scott owned the original years, and it just happened to come up for he continued to race, earning red Ronnie Sox 1970 ’Cuda Gran sale during the Indy Cylinder Head Trade a regional championship with Coupe that Supercars has just Show that [Supercars vice president/ the United Stockers Association modeled as part of its Sox & cofounder] Jim Thoren and I typically attend in 1977 and then becoming the Martin Series, I just knew I had each year in Indianapolis. The car was 1981 Brainerd International to interview him for this story. located about two hours away, so Jim and I went and looked at the car. The car was in good condition, with a light cosmetic restoration that was done years ago. I do drive the car during the summer months when the weather is nice. DCX: You guys at Supercars are obviously huge fans of Sox & Martin—these ’Cudas are the 18th and 19th models in your Sox & Martin Series. What drew you to Sox & Martin in particular? How many years has that series been ongoing? SD: Growing up I had always been infatuated with cars and automobile racing. In grade school if I could come up with 50 cents, I would purchase a Hot Rod or Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine, read all the articles, and look at all the pictures of the great cars—especially the drag cars. Sox & Martin was one of the hottest teaams going 36 DCXmag.com

Scott drives the Barracuda in the summer when the weather permits, so he keeps it ready to run. He e recognizable Sox & Martin team decal adorns the rear quarter installed a standard steering wheel while the correct Rim Blow wheel gets restored. window—on both Scott's real car and his company’s re-creation! ‘‘Sox & Martin was one of the hottest teams going in the ’60s and early ’70s, and you couldn’t open a car magazine without finding a story about them racing and winning an event. e man, his machine, and his model. A lifelong Mopar fan, Scott jumped at the chance to buy Ronnie Sox’s original Barracuda, then set about producing it in 1:18 from tooling he himself helped develop back in 2003. SPRING 2016 37

in the ’60s and early ’70s, and you the first Barracudas released from Aside from a switch to modern rubber, the Gran Coupe looks much as couldn’t open a car magazine without the Highway 61 tooling in about it did back in 1970 when Ronnie Sox used it as his daily driver. finding a story about them racing seven years. and winning an event. Our first Sox & ‘‘Several of the real cars from my personal car Martin project was a 1969 Hemi GTX DCX: Obviously you are a huge released back in 2000, and Supercar Mopar fan. Do you have any other collection were used for pictures and measuring to Collectibles has been issuing new cars in your personal collection develop the replica ’Cudas and Challengers. releases ever since. that you are considering using as a pattern for future releases? DCX: These ’Cudas come from the SD: I have been a Mopar fan all beloved Highway 61 tooling, don’t my life, and I appreciate all cars— they? What is your connection to especially muscle cars. Although those molds? These will be the first typically a Mopar man, I also own models from those molds in a long a 1969 Fairlane Cobra 428 CJ Ram time—how long has it been? Do you Air. Years ago, I made a replica of have plans to do more with them? my original Gunmetal Gray 1971 SD: The original Highway 61 tooling Challenger R/T 440 Six Pack, it was was developed between them and also one of the cars we also used for Supercar Collectibles, and I had pictures and measurements when the first releases from that tooling developing the replica cars with due to my involvement. I have been Highway 61. At this time, I do not an E-body aficionado for decades have plans to pattern a replica car and have owned several 1970–71 from anything else in my personal Challengers and Barracudas in collection. the past and today. Several of the real cars from my personal car DCX: Many of our readers know collection were used for pictures and about Supercar Collectibles and measuring to develop the replica look to you as a go-to source for ’Cudas and Challengers. When diecast muscle. But for those Highway 61’s parent company, Die who may not be familiar with Cast Promotions, left the 1:18 market, your company, what is the most they made the tooling available to important thing you would want ACME. And since I have had a long them to know? and meaningful relationship with SD: We are true car guys here. We Mat Long and the other great guys have great passion for the hobby, at ACME, I was able to have them and we strive to give great service to produce the cars for us. These are our customers. ✇ Scott’s very first car: a ’68 Charger 440 R/T that he bought when he was 16 and started drag racing almost from day 1.



OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD SUPERCAR COLLECTIBLES RONNIE SOX 1970 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA GRAN COUPE 1:18 | $140 T his isn’t going to be your typical model review. Let’s get that clear right at the start. To try to make it that would miss many of this model’s greatest strengths—and many of the reasons collectors will be going crazy for it. You see, while the model’s physical attributes are excellent—and they are excellent—it’s the intangibles that really define its desirability. is car interconnects the past and present more viscerally than almost any model in recent memory, and it does so on multiple levels. What do I mean by that? Well, of Mopar muscle diecast. And for What a Race to begin with, if you flip the page me personally, it takes me back Legend Drove you will see that the connection to my roots with this magazine. I Home from the Supercar Collectibles president reviewed a bright red Highway 61 Track and cofounder Scott Dahlberg branded ’70 ’Cuda from this same has with this car goes far beyond mold back in the spring of 2005 in the typical model/manufacturer just our second issue of Die Cast X! relationship. He didn’t have to dig I gushed over it too. I was speaking through photo archives to develop autobiographically when I titled that this model. He didn’t have to story “Mopar Nut’s Nirvana.” Having coordinate with the owner to take this new Supercars version in my photos and measurements. Scott hand is just magical. I won’t pretend walked out to his garage. He owns that it doesn’t color my objectivity, it. Not a similar car. Not a replica. He but I’ll do my best to temper it while owns the car—the one Plymouth I describe what is great—and a gave Ronnie Sox in the fall of 1969 couple things that aren’t great— to use as his personal daily driver about this model. While we’re at it, during the 1970 season as part of we’ll also show you the companion his racing contract. Any time he car given to Buddy Martin: a black wants to, Scott can hop in and sit ’Cuda 440. Together they form the where Ronnie sat, grip the wheel 18th and 19th releases in Supercars’ that Ronnie gripped, fire it up, drop Sox & Martin model series, which the hammer, and get pinned back stretches back to the year 2000! into the same seat that Ronnie did back in 1970. You don’t get a more e casting itself looks great, authentic connection than that with even panel gaps and low between model maker and car! and wide proportions. e finish is smooth and even, with a nice e model itself connects past luster to the clearcoat. e shade and present for collectors as well. of the Rallye Red paint seems a Why? Because this replica uses tad darker than the photos Scott the immensely popular 1:18 ’Cuda provided of the actual car, but it tooling (which was codeveloped by presents well. Drip moldings and Scott himself back in 2003) that window surrounds are foil coated. was marketed for years under the When not separately cast, that’s Highway 61 brand. When Highway the next best option. Ronnie opted 61 stopped producing ’Cudas, it for a car in full-lux Gran Coupe trim, left a gaping void in the market. It’s so it got special rocker moldings been more than seven years since and spelled-out “Barracuda” the last model was released from scripts and “Gran Coupe” crests this casting, and its return—which is on the quarter panels and rear a collaboration between Supercars valence—although, interestingly, and ACME Diecast—brings a the hood had ’Cuda 383 badges welcome wave of nostalgia for fans on the hood scoops. e model 40 DCXmag.com

Buddy Martin opted for a 440 in his black ’Cuda—as indicated by the black-on-black “hockey stick.” e engine detail is outstanding. Ronnie Sox’s red Barracuda Gran Coupe (and Buddy Martin’s black car) mark the return of this highly popular 1:18 ’Cuda casting. SUMMER 2016 41

captures all of these perfectly, Top: The Gran Coupe had a few extra luxury appointments, and the white interior really reservoir, brake master cylinder— along with the special “Sox & shows off the detail. Legible gauges, opening glovebox, movable visors and seatbacks, everything is here, nicely molded, Martin” decals on the rear quarter and the correct “Rim Blow” wheel are some of the other highlights in both cars. Above: and convincingly painted. Properly windows. Ronnie’s car came with No, you’re not seeing double. The high-winding 383 in Ronnie’s car looks identical to metalized exhaust manifolds the optional elastomeric bumpers, the 440 in almost every way and has the same outstanding detail. Below: The trunk is connect to a full system on the but Buddy Martin’s car makes do decked out as well, with a trunk mat, mini spare, and jack. Note the serialized number chassis below. Even the labels on with standard chrome. plate on the right. the radiator and fender are detailed. Gran Coupes got a more Mopars always have the engine luxurious interior, including an central to their identity, and these optional overhead console, which models are no different. Get used to this model has. For added realism, popping the hood to show off these the sun visors flip down, the glove powerplants frequently. box opens and the seat backs can Somewhat less accessible (but be pitched forward. Ronnie’s car has still worth a look!) is the chassis a white interior, which really shows detail. Sophisticated molding off the detail nicely (Buddy’s car on the chassis plate and torsion has the same level of detail, but in bar (front)/leaf spring (rear) black it’s harder to see). Both have suspension forms the foundation, woven lap belts with etched metal and it is beautifully enhanced by buckles and flocked carpeting. metal wire brake lines and nicely Both models are equipped with the painted fuel lines and exhaust correct wood-grain “Rim Blow” system. A signature feature of this steering wheel (the standard wheel casting (and most of Highway 61’s in the red car now is a temporary models) from back in the old days replacement). Curiously, both cars is the simulated chassis overspray. have a 1971-spec black T-handle While slightly exaggerated perhaps, for the gear selector instead of the it is still effective in transmitting round handle that was equipped in that authentic feel. Another bonus ’70, but it’s a minor aberration on an to realism are the wheels and tires. otherwise very good interior. The Goodyear Polyglas GT tires Ronnie and Buddy took different have just the right contour, and approaches under the hood. Both sidewall markings are accurate right opted for big blocks: Ronnie chose down to the F60-15 size.They’ve the high-revving 383, while Buddy even scuffed the tread surface went with the torquey 440. There’s a little to knock down the shine. not a lot to distinguish between the Even better are the Rally wheels. two mills externally aside from the They are fundamental to later-year decal on the air cleaner. The 440 Mopar muscle, and these have has a slightly taller deck height, but always been very convincing with that wouldn’t be visible in 1:18 scale. their chrome outer ring, painted So both engines are effectively inner section, and realistic depth. equal—and equally outstanding! Starting with the scissor-type hood FINAL THOUGHTS hinges, everything in the engine bay just drips with authenticity. Like many collectors, I was thrilled Battery cables, plug wires, radiator to see this ’Cuda tooling return and heater hoses, overflow to the market after far too many years away. That these two replicas are meticulously patterned after the actual cars that Ronnie Sox and Buddy Martin drove in 1970 only makes them that much more irresistible. That Scott owns the real deal speaks volumes about the company’s credentials as trusted authorities and authentic enthusiasts. That the models are being released as 504-piece limited editions as part of the long-running Supercars Sox & Martin Series should pique collector interest. But honestly, any muscle car and drag racing enthusiast will love these cars. I sure do. Let’s hope these new ’Cudas are just the first of many. This casting deserves to be back in circulation, and I’ve always got more room on my Mopar shelf for great cars like these! ✇ Source Supercar Collectibles supercar1.com 42 DCXmag.com



OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD CMC 1930 ALFA ROMEO 6C 1750 GS TAZIO NUVOLARI MILLE MIGLIA WINNER 1:18 | $478 A uto racing has been on the world sporting stage for about a century, and in that time we have come to admire many world-class drivers. But as the poet Emily Dickinson once said, “Fame is a fickle food upon a shifting plate,” and nowhere does the plate shift more than in motor racing. One era’s superstar can fade into obscurity faster than a car fades when it drops a cylinder. Only the very best drivers transcend their era to ascend into the pantheon of the all-time greatest. Perhaps the first of that rare breed So the wily Mantuan tailed him with Essential to both the performance and the is the driver of the car you see on his lights off even as they wound enduring beauty of the Alfa 6C Grand Sport was these pages. And this is the very through the twisty Italian roads at its super-light aluminum Zagato Spyder body, machine—and the event—that speeds of up to 100mph so as to helped propel him to that timeless remain invisible in his mirrors. Only which CMC lovingly re-creates. renown. e man was “ e Flying in the closing miles did Nuvolari Mantuan”—Tazio Nuvolari—and turn on his lights as set up to pass, the car is the 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C surprising his teammate as he 1750 Grand Sport that he piloted to swept past to cement his victory— his legendary victory at the famed and his legend. It’s a fantastic Mille Miglia. By today’s standards, story—sounding almost too good to Nuvolari, his Alfa, and the Mille be true. But it happened. And by the Miglia are all throwbacks—rugged, time he was done, he had added wild, and even a little crazy. e a second Mille Miglia, 24 Grands Mille Miglia literally translates to Prix and a GP Championship, two “1,000 miles,” so named because it Targa Florio races, and a win at stretched that distance in a figure-8 Le Mans to his record. No wonder course from Brescia to Rome and then that Nuvolari is considered by back, on winding public roads many to be the first of the all-time through Bologna, Modena, and greats. In fact, Ferdinand Porsche many other northern Italian towns called him the greatest of all time. that would be the foci of motor When he passed away in 1952, his racing for decades thereafter. It was casket was pushed to its resting a dangerous route, suitable only place on a racing chassis by for the most daring, talented men Alberto Ascari and Juan and fastest, most robust machines. Manuel Fangio. Nuvolari Nuvolari and his Alfa were the is truly the stuff of epitome of both. legend, and the perfect subject for CMC’s e story of the 1930 race latest release. centers on Nuvolari and his Alfa teammate—and fiercest rival— e model you see Achille Varzi. e 6C was the car to here with Nuvolari’s have. e works Alfa team, headed racing numbers is by a brilliant young engineer and one of a 2,000-piece team manager named Enzo Ferrari, limited edition (there had won the previous two years is a standard version with a 6C driven by Giuseppe as well). Like so many Campari. Each man knew that to be of CMC’s replicas, it is considered the best he had to beat almost unimaginably the other. e event was timed, and detailed—it is 1,800 the start was staged at intervals. individual pieces Varzi started in front with Nuvolari brilliantly depicting the behind him. rough the night hand-built aluminum Nuvolari reeled in his teammate; in Zagato-bodied Spyder. e the predawn hours he caught him, finish is immaculate; it’s all but he didn’t want Varzi to see him the more impressive because and respond by increasing his pace. it transitions seamlessly from 44 DCXmag.com

diecast to shaped aluminum a stainless-steel flip-open cap sheet for the cowl, with a mix (functional of course!) for the oil of other materials worked in. refill reservoir in the passenger Gracing that split cowl are the footwell and another flip cap on Italian colors serving as backdrop the left rear deck for fuel, just for the Alfa crest. e clips on the forward of the twin spare tires. e red headlight caps are functional; brackets for those are functional remove them to reveal headlights too; just twirl the tommy screw with lenses protected by the same and swing up the bracket to fine mesh as the grille. ere release them. are even power cables leading to each light coiled around the e doors pivot on exquisitely mounting brackets. ere are inlaid delicate scale hinges. Equally fine treads on the running boards, rivets hold the dark brown leather and delicately lensed taillights door skins to the top of the metal with aluminum surrounds. On the panel. e same leather covers the left side, just forward of the door split bench seat. e floorboards where mechanic/codriver Battista are bare metal, and there is a Guidotti would climb in, there is 4-speed gear lever mounted in an open metal gate. e dashboard The Legend of “The Flying Mantuan” Begins

Love those delicately spoked wheels? Quite a sophisticated cockpit for 1930, the dash is full with legible A CMC model is never short of even the most minute func- CMC gives you six! Give the tommy screw instruments. Note also the delicate windscreen bracketry— tional details. The fuel fill cap and the rear storage bay both a twirl and you can change tires just as adjustable for rake via the wing nuts on each side. open—the latter via a functional latch on scale hinges. Nuvolari and codriver Battista Guidotti might have on course. Above: There are more parts in the undercarriage than many models have in the entire car. The functioning semi-elliptical leaf springs are works of art, and this angle gives a pretty good look as well at the Roots-type blower driven off the front of the crankshaft. Right: Getting 102hp from just 1752cc’s is impressive for 1930. CMC’s re-creation of the little powerhouse is no less impressive, starting with the spring catches. Inside, clever little details like rubber hoses with metal hose clamps, metal throttle linkage, and a metal throttle-return spring give the presentation depth. houses half a dozen meticulously narrow strip of leather on the cowl of course—and they are a thing of off a string of successes for replicated gauges—quite an array that cushions the flaps as they are beauty. It’s interesting to note that Nuvolari and Alfa that would carry for 1930! There’s also a choke lever lowered. Of course the expected the manual brakes were actuated through the next eight years—the and the ignition toggle. The folding things are there too. On the driver’s by rods rather than the hydraulic heyday for both the man and the top is tied down with leather side, the bundle of plug wires feed lines we’d expect on more modern marque. It’s been nearly 80 years buckles, and looks for all the world over the cam cover from a coil cars. Those brakes are drums at all since The Flying Mantuan’s last as if it is functional, but I have driven off of the back of the crank. four corners, and they can be seen victory at the wheel of an Alfa, yet been advised that it is not. The Just below, the steering box is if you give the functional knockoff the two remain inextricably linked. tiny luggage compartment hatch tucked up against the firewall. There wheel nuts a spin. Before you And although Nuvolari drove many is, though, and the windshield are metal wires for the fuel line and do, take a moment to admire the great Alfas in his career, none have brackets are adjustable for rake. throttle linkage, and a metal throttle artistry in the spoked wheels. Their more panache than the 6C Grand Lift up gently to release each return spring. Up front there’s a black color somewhat masks how Sport that he rocketed through of the six spring catches (three Roots-type blower feeding boost intricate and thin the spokes are. the darkness at the Mille Miglia. per side) fastening the flaps of through a finned intake manifold. On The aluminum rims even have metal That story intertwines with the the center-hinged engine cowl, the left, you can see the carburetor valve stems threaded into them. car’s beauty to make a collector’s and fold them up and in to reveal tucked up against the supercharger dream. CMC brings its usual level the supercharged 1752cc inline 6, housing and a nice pair of 3-into-1 FINAL THOUGHTS of execution to the enterprise, which (rounded off to 1750) gave exhaust manifolds. Coolant hoses delivering exquisite complexity this 6C its designation. Competition are rubber and even have tiny metal An Alfa 6C 1750 GS swept the and attention to detail. This is versions like this produced 102hp— hose clamps in place. Given its first four finishing positions at an extraordinary model of an enough to push the 1,850-pound vintage, this engine is less complex the Mille Miglia the year that extraordinary race car driven by an roadster past 100mph! Keeping than some other CMC powerplants Nuvolari triumphed over Varzi in in mind that all of these cars were but no less accurate for that. epic fashion. It was without equal extraordinary man. ✇ essentially custom-built (and thus The chassis is ladder type, on the twisty course, nimbly no two were precisely identical), with solid axles, disc-type friction outperforming rivals with twice Source CMC’s re-creation is brimming with dampers, and semi-elliptical leaf the horsepower (and weight), and CMC cmcmodelcarsusa.com clever little details. Things like the springs front and rear—functional the Zagato coachwork was as beautiful as it was light. It started 46 DCXmag.com

1/2H.indd 1 9/5/14 1:56 PM

OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD PREMIUM CLASSIXXS PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 3.2 CABRIOLET 1:12 | $150 I t took Porsche’s 911 less than 20 years to evolve from the 1964 successor to the 356—and only the second large-volume production model in the company’s short history—to the world’s preeminent sports car. By the time the Carrera 3.2 bowed in 1984 as the final iteration of the original 911 body style, it had become the standard by which all other sports cars would be judged. It offered world-class performance space is much less crowded, The Last of the without compromising practicality so Premium ClassiXXs doesn’t First Is the Best or reliability. And unlike so many have to scuffle for licensing rights of the Best cars of the 1980s, it seemed to get or market share in a saturated better looking with each passing segment. A couple of issues year. e 911’s classic shape ago, I reviewed—and thoroughly remained largely unsullied by the enjoyed—the company’s gullwing garish gimmicks and tacky add-ons 300SL Mercedes. is time, we that encrusted its contemporaries. examine the iconic 1980s’ Carrera Its updates were modern, but 3.2 Cabriolet. is tooling has tasteful and restrained. For 1984, been around for quite some time, almost no changes were made to but Porsche’s reticence to mess the exterior, save integrating the with the 911’s successful shape fog lights into the lower valence. means that the tooling has had a But the familiar skin hid a host nice run. And the big scale makes a of mechanical changes—most statement, with good proportions, notably in the engine compartment, even seams, and tight gaps which received a 170cc bump throughout. Black is a fine color in displacement (up to 3164cc) for this topless Teuton, but I would and various other tweaks that have selected a lighter interior color added about 30hp in Euro-spec than burgundy to complement cars (slightly less in U.S.-bound it—beige would seem the most 911s). Coupe, Targa, and Cabriolet obvious choice. ere’s just the body styles were offered, as was barest hint of orange peel on a the wide-body “Turbo-look” couple of the largest flat surfaces, option. 1987 saw a second round but otherwise the finish is pretty of technical changes, including good. e scale helps with things upgrading to Bosch L-Jetronic fuel like the Porsche crest on the nose, injection, which brought North the Carrera script on the tail, and American cars another 10hp—now the vent in the engine cover. Head-, totaling 217. A smoother-shifting tail-, and marker-light lenses are Getrag G50 5-speed replaced the also crystal clear and well shaped. Porsche-built one, and an upgraded oil cooler was installed in the right e signature Fuchs wheels are front fender well. is remained another eye-catcher; with their the standard Carrera configuration polished alloy outer rings and until the second-generation 911 flat-black 5-spoke inner sections, (internally coded the 964 series) they are one of the most iconic arrived in late 1989. wheel patterns of modern times. In this case, they are shod with Premium ClassiXXs has carved replica Dunlop SP Sport 9000s with out a niche by offering imposingly sidewall markings right down to the large 1:12 diecast models at prices staggered size—205/55-ZR16s that rival that of 1:18 models from up front and 225/50-ZR16s in other manufacturers. e high- back. Brake assemblies are visible value proposition has obvious between the spokes. appeal—almost nowhere else can you find this much model at deep-red interior is a mix for the money. And the 1:12 of soft-touch plastic for the seating surfaces, hard plastic for the door 48 DCXmag.com

e large 1:12 presentation really helps with interior detail, yielding excellent paint/decal highlighting on the dash and clear, legible instruments. I would have preferred, however, a more complementary color—beige, perhaps. As the final iteration of the original 1964 911 shell, the 1987–89 Carrera aged with remarkable grace. Even today, it still looks classy and fast.