Hot Wheels Classic Marvel Hero Cars » THE PASSION, PRODUCTS & PERSONALITIES PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE University of Racing’s Sport Wagons and › ’69 CHARLIE GLOTZBACH DODGE CHARGER 500 Shooting Brakes › ’69 DAVID PEARSON FORD TORINO TALLADEGA DODGE PLus VS.FORD Lightning NASCAR’s Aero Strikes Twice Warriors Unser’s back-to-back 76 Hot New Indy winner from Replicarz Models Display until May 30, 2017 STYLISH WORKHORSE Model 777 SUMMER 2017 $6.99 US $8.99 CAN Ford Super Duty F-350 DCXMAG.COM
www.diecastdirect.com Ad Code DCX2017 $9.95 Flat-Rate SHIPPING Don’t Forget to Request a Free Catalog with Your Purchase! Ford LN 9000 Day Cab International 4400 Ford LN 9000 Day Cab with East Frameless Delivery Truck with with East Frameless End Dump Trailer Reefer “Sysco” End Dump Trailer 1:64 Scale - $79.95 - New! 1:64 Scale - $59.95 - New! 1:64 Scale - $79.95 - New! DCP33831 - (White) DCP33758 - (Black) DCP33832 - (Yellow/Black) Ford LN 9000 Day Cab Ford LN 9000 Day Cab Ford LN 9000 Day Cab with East Frameless with East Frameless with East Frameless End Dump Trailer End Dump Trailer End Dump Trailer 1:64 Scale - $79.95 - New! 1:64 Scale - $79.95 - New! 1:64 Scale - $89.95 - New! DCP33833 - (Red) DCP33834 - (Black) DCP33835 - (Gunmetal Gray) Delivery Step Van Delivery Step Van Delivery Step Van Delivery Step Van “Railway Express Agency” “REA Express” “REA Express” “Charles Chips” 1:48 Scale - $19.95 - New! 1:48 Scale - $19.95 - New! 1:48 Scale - $19.95 - New! 1:48 Scale - $19.95 - New! AHM-48004 - (Beige) AHM-48001 - 1950s AHM-48002 - 1960s AHM-48003 - 1970s Delivery Step Van Cement Mixer Truck Cement Mixer Truck Cement Mixer Truck “International Parcel Service” 1:50 Scale - $19.95 - New! 1:50 Scale - $19.95 - New! 1:50 Scale - $19.95 - New! 1:48 Scale - $19.95 - New! AHM-50001 - (Blue/Gray) AHM-50002 - (Pink/White) AHM-50003 - (Red/Yellow) AHM-48005 - (Green) Delivery Box Truck Delivery Box Truck Delivery Box Truck Delivery Box Truck “REA Express” “REA Express” “McLean Trucking Co.” “Roadway Express” 1:50 Scale - $19.95 - New! 1:50 Scale - $19.95 - New! 1:50 Scale - $19.95 - New! 1:50 Scale - $19.95 - New! AHM-50013 - (Red/Gray) AHM-50014 - (Orange/Blue) AHM-50011 - 1960s AHM-50012 - 1970s Dept. DCX2017, 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. 13 | ISSUE 3 OUT OF THE BOX FEATURES 14 | e Blue Wonder Rides Again! 22 | NASCAR’s Aero Warriors CMC Mercedes-Benz 1954–55 Renntransporter High drama on the high banks 18 | Emerson Fittipaldi’s John Player Special 34 | Sport Wagons and Shooting Brakes AUTOart 1973 Team Lotus Type 72E A tradition of singular style and practical 30 | Ford and Dodge Do Battle for Aero Supremacy performance University of Racing 1969 David Pearson Torino Talladega & UP FRONT REGULARS Charlie Glotzbach Charger 500 6 | Editorial 62 | Hot Wheels Highway 40 | Skylight Highlight of the Wagon World A Brush with History Air-Cooled! Best of Show 1964 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 8 | Showroom 66 | Rear View New Releases & First Looks Rally ’Round is Hot Hatch! 42 | An American Iron Fist in a British Aluminum Glove Kyosho Shelby Cobra 427 S/C 44 | e Suave Super Duty Model 777 2016 Ford F-350 King Ranch 46 | is Pair Digs Deep and Strikes Caterpillar Gold Diecast Masters High Line Series Underground Mining Loader & Articulated Truck 50 | e Two-Seat T-bird Reached New Heights in Its Final Year Auto World 1957 Ford underbird 54 | Big Al’s Birthday Bullet Replicarz 1971 Johnny Lightning PJ Colt Indy 500 Winner QUICK LOOKS 58 | Automodello 1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupe by Pourtout 59 | AUTOart 2015 Nissan GT-R LM Test Car 60 | Replicarz 1968 STP Chevrolet C10 & Trailer Die Cast X (ISSN 1551-854X) is published quarterly by Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2017, all rights reserved. Periodicals Postage paid at Wilton, CT, and additional offices. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40008153. CONTRIBUTIONS: All materials published in Die Cast X magazine become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc., unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. Descriptions of products were obtained from manufacturers or their press agencies and do not constitute an endorsement by the Publisher or guarantee their safety. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Go to our website: DCXMag.com. Rates one year (4 issues): U.S. $25; Canada, $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 and American Express accepted. EDITORIAL: Send correspondence to Editors, Die Cast X, Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Email: [email protected]. We welcome all editorial submissions but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. To authors, photographers and people featured in this magazine: all materials published in Die Cast X become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc. unless a prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: To make sure you don’t miss any issues, send your new address to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA at least six weeks before you move. Please include an address label from a recent issue, or print the information exactly as shown on the label. For faster service, go to DCXmag.com/cs, and click on the customer service link. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address changes to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA.
EDITORIAL A Brush with History SUMMER 2017 | VOLUME 13, NO.3 O n the surface, this magazine is about toy cars—uh, excuse me—precision EDITORIAL scale miniatures! But really, it is about history—the stories that make a Executive Editor particular car interesting and important enough for collectors like us to want Matt Boyd ›› [email protected] to own them. ose stories are what we think about as we admire and enjoy Editorial Director/Surface Group our models, and they’re what manufacturers think about when they are Peter Vieira ›› [email protected] deciding which cars to make. Copy Editor Every once in a while, tracking down those stories CMC’s wild Mercedes Blue Wonder transporter Suzanne Noel ›› [email protected] brings me into contact with some amazing people. did its share of hauling around open-wheel race cars during the 1954–55 season. Speaking of CONTRIBUTORS at was the case this issue with the big story “hauling”—that’s the stock-in-trade of the Ford Bill Bennett, Peter Celona, Wayne Moyer, on NASCAR aero warriors and the ’69 Dodge and F-350 King Ranch put out by Model 777. Auto Alan Paradise, Ron Ruelle, Dan Townsend, Ford pair from University of Racing. I had a chance World has a Ford to showcase: a 60th-anniversary to speak with Charlie Glotzbach—driver of the special version of the classic ’57 T-bird. And Mike Zarnock no. 6 Dodge on the cover and lead test driver for Diecast Masters digs deep and strikes gold with the development of the winged Dodge Daytona. I a pair of Caterpillar underground-mining vehicles: ART spent nearly an hour reminiscing with him about the AD60 Articulated Truck and the R3000H Creative Director Betty K. Nero those experiences, getting his thoughts on the Loader. Automodello also shows off the one-of- aero cars, the racing drama, and the excitement a-kind Delage D8-120S. Art Director Kevin Monahan of innovation they represent. He also gave me his Photographer Peter Hall thoughts on the state of racing today. We covered Our buddy Mike Zarnock gives us the scoop a lot of ground, and I enjoyed every minute of it! on the latest Hot Wheels car-culture series— DIGITAL MEDIA You can read a piece of our conversation on page “Air-Cooled!”—and looks back at the classic Web Producer Holly Hansen 26 and catch the whole thing on DCXMag.com. Marvel Superheroes cars from 1978 to 1982. Our resident 1:43 expert, Wayne Moyer, gives us the ADVERTISING Next to that, the feature “Sport Wagons latest from that scale—plus a few bigger cars—in Director Advertising & Marketing and Shooting Brakes” (on page 34) might seem the Showroom column. Somehow we managed mundane by comparison. And while wagons have to squeeze all that into one issue! I hope you have David J. Glaski often been unfairly overlooked by enthusiasts, as much fun getting all that info out as we did ›› 203.529.4637 | [email protected] we take a look at some of the most interesting putting it in! Strategic Account Manager Mitch Brian performance variants that have been offered over ›› 203.529.4609 | [email protected] the years. en, we review the beautiful 1964 And don’t forget to check us out online at Interactive Account Executive Joe Corrado Olds Vista Cruiser from Best of Show. On the DCXMag.com—for the Charlie Glotzbach full ›› 203.529.4636 | [email protected] open-wheel racing front, we check out Al Unser’s interview and more!—as well as through social Indy-winning 1971 Johnny Lightning–sponsored PJ media at Facebook (diecastxmagazine) and on CONSUMER MARKETING/ Colt put out by Replicarz, and Emerson Fittipaldi’s Instagram @DiecastX. PRODUCTION SERVICES John Player Special Lotus 72E from AUTOart. e Media Source, a division of TEN, e Enthusiast Network MARKETING & EVENTS Marketing Assistant Erica Driver Event Manager Emil DeFrancesco PUBLISHING Group Publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr., Yvonne M. DeFrancesco EDITORIAL Mail 88 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897 USA Email [email protected] Matt Boyd REPRINTS AND LICENSING Executive Editor Contact Wright’s Media at airage@ [email protected] wrightsmedia.com or (877) 652-5295. 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] e Association of e Network for RCX.com Magazine Media Global Media diecastxmagazine @DCXMag @DiecastX SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe, renew, or change your address, go to DCXMag.com/cs. Or write to DCX, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. PRINTED IN THE USA
SHOWROOM NEW RELEASES & FIRST LOOKS “Superveloce” Says It All Kyosho Ousia Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV 1:18 | $95 In the supercar world, five years is an eternity. at’s how long it’s been since Lamborghini’s flagship Aventador LP700-4 charged into the arena of high-end exotics. At the time, its 691 horses were near the top of the heap—and so was its $400K sticker price. Fast-forward to present day: Lamborghini’s rivals have introduced new halo models, and the Aventador is no longer the baddest bull in the ring. So when merely fast isn’t fast enough, it’s time for “Superfast”—and that translates (literally) to Superve- loce. Lamborghini has been doing “SV” editions of its cars for decades, and to spice up the Aventador, it cut out a couple hundred pounds and reworked the aerodynamics to nearly double downforce without adding speed-robbing drag. e company gave it bigger, stickier tires on wider wheels, a more buttoned-down suspension, and an extra 50hp—hence, the “750” in the name, which is the European output rating (the U.S. rating is “only” 740hp). It also added $100K to the sticker price. Kyosho has released a 1:18 model of the SV as part of its economical sealed-body Ousia series. Modern supercars tend to hide engines under cosmetic panels anyway, so that presents no drawback here. And the complexity of hinges for the scissor doors Lamborghini favors would increase the price significantly. Instead, Kyosho focused on getting surface detailing correct on its real diecast metal body, adding items like a mesh grille and vent openings, and beautifully rendered brakes and wheels. e interior is decked out with a detailed center stack and dash. And check out the finish on the Rosso Bia paint with its metallic “glitter”—just gorgeous! On the real car, it’s a $14,000 option, but here, it comes with the model’s sub-$100 asking price. kyoshoamerica.com Returning to Its Replicarz Roadster Roots Indy Eagles Soar Triple 9 Collection 1973 Gordon Johncock and 1975 Bobby Mazda MX-5 Miata Unser Indy 500 Winners Road and Track Duo 1:43 | $80 ea 1:18 | $64 ea Dan Gurney’s best finish as a driver at the Indianapolis 500 With its delightful 4th generation (ND), was an oh-so-close second place—which he did consecu- the Mazda Miata returned to the core tively in 1968 (behind Bobby Unser in an Eagle chassis that values that first made it the quintessential modern roadster: light weight, a rev-happy little 4-cylin- Gurney himself had designed!) and in 1969 (behind Mario An- der engine, and effortlessly precise handling, which makes every driver feel like a hero. It looks great dretti). In his final attempt in 1970, he finished third, then hung too—not entirely shedding its “cute” factor but adding to it a more purposeful, elemental sporting look. up his helmet to concentrate on developing his Gurney Eagle designs. In 1973, Gordon Johncock—now with the STP team e virtues of the street car are on display on the model with the metallic red finish, which is contrasted Andretti had driven for in ’69—drove an Offenhauser-pow- nicely with the gunmetal gray 8-spoke wheels and glossy black windshield surround. e convertible ered Eagle to a win at the Brickyard. Two years later, Bobby boot can be swapped for an included up-top, but top-down is much better. e white car shows the Unser went back to the winner’s circle in an Offy-Eagle. And dual nature of the Miata and the commitment Mazda has to supporting grassroots motorsports with it. Eagles won 48 other Indycar/Champ Car races, making it one of the dominant designs of the era. Replicarz has made e Miata in all its forms is the most often raced and autocrossed vehicle in the United States. Mazda Johncock’s ’73 STP Eagle and Unser’s ’75 Jorgensen Eagle as manufactures this turn-key spec-racer version for the Miata Cup. Stripped of non-essentials, it weighs part of its 1:43 Indy series. Both are highly detailed, offering just 2100 pounds (10 percent less than the road car) and comes with the opportunity to study the similarities and differences the roll cage installed (no between the years and teams. e two cars are extremely up-top on this one!). Both limited editions. Unser’s car is 1 of 300, while the STP Eagle cars share the standard 155hp 2.0L/6-speed is 1 of just 200—so they will sell out! Each comes on a manual powertrain, nice display base with an acrylic cover and an etched, although some careful individually serialized identification plaque. blueprinting of the race replicarz.com car might squeeze out a few extra ponies. But since both Triple 9 mod- els have sealed bodies, it’s the exterior features that count here. Triple 9 Collection, distributed by american-excellence.com 8 DCXmag.com
Miniature Lotus at Le Mans Movie Magic Spark 1957 Lotus XI Johnny Lightning Muscle Cars U.S.A. 1:43 | $75 Release 3 When Colin Chapman introduced the Lotus Eleven in 1956, the competition was dumbfounded. It combined a very light 1:64 | $8 ea space-frame chassis with a highly efficient aerodynamic Diecast collectors are car body designed by aero engineer Frank Costin and the new guys. Car guys love car “featherweight” Coventry Climax engine in either 750cc or movies. Ergo collectors 1100cc versions. Road & Track’s March 1957 test said that love car-movie diecasts. the Lotus had “the most startling performance data ever JL’s Muscle Cars U.S.A. published.” e Eleven’s success made it the first “mass”- Release 3 trio ticks all the boxes—three classic muscle cars from production Lotus, with 275 built. Chapman took two factory two classic car movies and one modern one! e latter is the red Elevens to Le Mans in 1957 along with three private entries. Chevelle SS 454 from the 2012 Tom Cruise action vehicle Jack Factory entry no. 62 finished an amazing ninth overall and Reacher, where a pretty rowdy chase-scene derby versus an Audi first in the 1100cc class, while its teammate no. 55 finished concludes with a horribly abused Chevelle rolling to a relatively 14th overall, first in the 750cc class, and won the coveted peaceful stop. at’s a far cry better fate than what befalls the Index of Performance. Spark’s tiny new resin-cast model pair of Dodges from Dirty Mary Crazy Larry and the existentialist is virtually perfect—except for calling it the Lotus “XI.” e epic that is Vanishing Point. e white ’70 Challenger R/T is a dead correct Lotus dark British Racing Green paint shows just the ringer for Kowalski’s 440 4-speed slightest hint of underlying surface ripples. Race graphics hero Mopar. e Sublime ’69 are well applied and 100 percent correct—the nose number Dodge that meets its disc was offset. Clear parts are transparent and fit perfectly; ignominious end wrinkles in the tonneau cover are a nice touch. Interior in a Northern details are just as accurate, as are the photo-etched wire California wheels. (Sample supplied by motorsportsminiatures.com)— walnut grove Wayne Moyer is pretty good sparkmodel.com too, but the wheels don’t really match the aftermarket American Racing mags. Still, all three are a must for car-movie buffs! Johnny Lightning, distributed by autoworldstore.com PR Pursuit Specials for the Scottsdale PD Automodello 1974 Bricklin SV1 Police Cruisers 1:43 | $120 Malcolm Bricklin had located the corporate headquarters for his fledgling automotive company in Scottsdale, Arizona. And central to the car’s design was the concept of safety—the name itself stood for “Safety Vehicle 1.” To further cement the safety aspect, Bricklin decided to donate three 1974 SV1s to the local police department to be used as patrol vehicles. e cars were painted with the Scottsdale PD’s white-and-blue colors; emblems were stenciled on the doors; and lights, sirens, and police radios were installed. Equipped with 220hp AMC 360 V-8s and automatic transmissions, the Bricklins made passable pursuit cars—provided the officer did not have to exit the vehicle quickly through the notoriously ungainly butterfly doors or detain a suspect in the nonexistent rear seat! Ultimately, the cars served primarily in a public relations capacity. Automodello has adapted its 1:43 Bricklin tooling to produce a limited run of the police version. Limited to just 150 units, they represent a unique and collectible service vehicle. automodello.com; diecasm.com SUMMER 2017 9
SHOWROOM ree Good Catches Johnny Lightning Gone Fishing Series 1 1:64 | $13 ea Trailer sets seem to be all the rage in 1:64, but JL is taking it a step further by offering trailers with matching diecast boats onboard to be towed by an interesting trio of vehicles. First is a ’64 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser wagon pulling a 20-foot inboard powerboat with nicely detailed deck rails and a metallic copper paint scheme. ere’s also a 2002 Chevy Silverado pulling an outboard that has a swivel chair and a trolling motor on the front deck. Both the truck and the boat have a cool swamp-grass paint scheme on their lower hulls. My favorite is the rusted out ’65 Chevy K10 4X4 pulling the shark-toothed inboard speedboat. e truck has “Tony’s Bait and Tackle” stenciled on the door. And all three castings are also offered in more conventional alternate paint schemes if you want something a little tamer. Whatever you choose, the boats add a nice element that takes the traditional trailer rig a step further. Johnny Lightning, distributed by autoworldstore.com Hot Releases from Highway 61 Fire Replicas Reopened! Kentland FD Tower 33 and Big news from the folks Ashburn Fire-Rescue at GreenLight. ey have Engine 622 acquired Highway 61—a favorite among collec- 1:50 | $249–$299 tors for high-content, Fire Replicas continues to wow us with a high-value muscle-car steady stream of amazing emergency ser- replicas from 2002 to vice trucks. It has just received the mam- 2012. It looks like they moth Kentland Volunteer Fire Department have gotten pretty much Tower 33 trucks in stock, and the company the complete 1:18 library, is taking preorders on the Ashburn Volunteer with 52 vehicles—mostly Fire-Rescue Department Engine 622 for an ’50s–’70s classics and April/May release. e Kentland is made up of muscle cars, with a few 510 individual parts and measures more than 10 trucks and modern cars inches long and is limited to just 350 units. e tossed in. e first slate Ashburn is even more exclusive—just 100 units of releases is projected of this truck will be made. Both come mounted for late summer/early to a velvety-covered base with an etched fall 2017 and includes stainless-steel nameplate and a precision-fit several interesting prod- acrylic dust cover. ey feature numerous stain- ucts. Among them are a less-steel trim pieces and are the most detailed Yenko Camaro, a certain models we’ve seen in the fire truck genre. movie-famous white ’70 firereplicas.com Challenger R/T, and Steve McQueen’s Chevy C10 Wonderful Woody Wagon Baja truck. Stay tuned for more info and pix of the Neo 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Station Wagon actual models as they become available. 1:43 | $100 greenlighttoys.com Although its 1940 designs were only a year old, Chevrolet completely reworked the 1941 models. e wheelbase grew by 3 inches in the new chassis, and the bodies featured many styling cues borrowed from Buick. e top-line Special DeLuxe models could be identified by stainless-steel trim, 2-spoke steering wheels, armrests, ashtrays, and carpeted floors. A wood-bodied, four-door, eight-passenger station wagon was only available in the Special Deluxe series, and that’s the subject of this superb resin-cast model from Neo. is is the best 1:43-scale woody wagon this writer has seen—period! Its resin body is smooth with crisp panel lines, the black paint is flawless, and the “canvas” top is very realistic. Every piece of Special DeLuxe trim is there, in scale, although the front quarter badge should read “Special DeLuxe,” not “Master DeLuxe.” e “washboard” front-fender trim was an optional accessory. e exceptionally realistic wood body really catches your eye: ash-colored framing with wood-grain detail and realistic mahogany inserts. What sets this model apart is the interior: Side panels are correctly done with ash and ma- hogany, while the roof has ash-colored wood planks with supporting frames. All three rows of seats have accurate upholstery, handles and cranks are separate plated parts, and the dash is (of course) fully detailed with big legible instruments. e bodywork is set off by wide whites, and dimensions are right on scale.—Wayne Moyer Neo, distributed by american-excellence.com
“Ernie’s Cab,” the 1930 GMC Model 6 taxi that shuttled George (Jimmy Stewart) and Mary (Donna Reed) back and forth through Bedford Falls in the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life was seen in so many scenes that it’s become a star itself. GMC’s popular midsize taxi, built on Buick chassis and engines, was the choice for the Yellow Cab Company across the country, and in fact, “Ernie’s Cab” was a Yellow Cab before being temporarily repainted for the movie. at cab was recently found and restored to its eye-catch- ing yellow-and-black Yellow Cab livery for the America on Wheels museum. at’s the subject of Brooklin BML-019, while this special BML-019x is finished in black and with authentic “Ernie’s Cab” decals. It’s black-and-white because that’s the way millions of moviegoers have seen it; the film was black and white, not Tech- A Wonderful and smooth, although there’s just a trace of orange peel in the white. A realistic textured semigloss nicolor! Nice touch, Brooklin. e boxy lines match photos from all angles, and both colors are glossy Movie Taxi Comes to LifeBrooklin Limited 1930 GMC Model 6 “canvas” top looks just right. Details like the cowl-mounted headlights, ring-style door handles, and solid disc wheels are correct for the movie car, too. Inside, the front compartment’s single driver’s seat and big meter box on the right side are correct, as is the dash layout, although none of the relief detail Cab “Ernie’s Cab” on either has been picked out. Behind the divider, one jump seat is folded and one is deployed, while the 1:43 | $139 big bench seat has plush upholstery. All inner panels are body color and have no detail.—Wayne Moyer Brooklin, distributed by brasiliapress.com Fine Ford Fairlane Neo 1957 Ford Sunliner Convertible 1:43 | $90 Although the new retractable-roof Skyliner was the top-of-the-line Ford in 1957, it was far outsold by the conventional Fairlane 500 Sunliner convertible, whose lower rear deck gave it more pleasing lines. Neo has followed its fine ’57 Fairlane Victoria hardtop with this even better Sunliner—with one exception, it’s literally perfect! ose outboard-canted, slightly curved fins are just right. Both the Corinthian White and Starmist Blue colors are smooth and glossy, and they match paint chips as well as you can ask. at unique checkmark side trim is crisply printed in chrome and gold; the tiny multicolor Ford crest in the rear seatback dip is also printed. Everything else is done with either plated or photo-etched parts; the latter include very in-scale script names and tiny door-lock cylinders. Interior detail is done to similar standards; the two-tone upholstery patterns are correct, with crisp color separation lines, and inner panels have armrests and separate plated handles, though the window cranks appear to be missing. Speed- ometer and dashboard details are accurate decals; Neo’s only error is the steering wheel, which should be Ford’s deep-dish “Safety Steering Wheel.” While most ’57s had fender- mounted antennas, a deck-lid antenna was available; Neo has the antenna attached in a nonstock folded posi- tion (for shipping?), but it can be repositioned to the correct angled stance. Check out the wheel covers—they have valve stems protruding through them! ere have been quite a few ’57 Ford models in 1:43 scale, but Neo’s is by far the best of the bunch.—Wayne Moyer Neo, distributed by american-excellence.com Rolling in Style Kyosho Rolls-Royce Phantom I 1:18 | $330 (est) Kyosho has just teased prototype photos of a new high-end Rolls-Royce Phantom I to be produced in two versions. e black car will have a silver-plated grille, headlights, and window frame; the green version will come with Champagne Gold trim. Each model will feature opening doors and side- mounted cargo box, plus fold-up hood panels and a folding wind deflector for the rear seat. Both folded and unfolded soft tops will be included. e interior on the green car will be black, while the black car will enjoy a red interior. e photos you see are preproduction prototypes— the coloration on the interiors and wood trim will be tweaked for the final-production versions. We don’t know a lot more about these yet, but we are as excited about these Rollers as any Kyosho model in recent memory! kyoshoamerica.com SUMMER 2017 11
SHOWROOM Willys’ Little Wonder Mopar Muscle Brooklin 1954 Aero Ace Two-Door Sedan ACME 1967 Plymouth GTX 1:43 | $139 1:18 | $120 Willys postponed plans for a postwar small car while producing as many civilianized Jeeps, and later Plymouth was a power in the muscle-car wars throughout Jeepsters, as the market would bear, but it finally introduced the Willys Aero in 1952. By 1954, the line the 1960s, and Richard Petty led the charge with his Belve- had grown to a dozen different models in three series, with the Ace Two-Door and Four-Door Sedans dere. Plymouth spun off the GTX from the Belvedere in 1967 as the midpriced series. But “bigger,” “longer,” and “lower” were the buzzwords for American cars by with the 440 “Super Commando” wedge as the standard then, and in late ’54, Henry J. Kaiser bought the company and shipped the tooling to Brazil after the 1955 engine. e 426 Street Hemi was optional, but since it added model year. at might explain Brasília Press’s (and Brooklin’s) interest; the latest release in Brooklin’s a hefty $564 to the cost, only about 720 Hemi GTX’s were standard range (BRK-217) is this attractive ’54 Ace Two-Door. e body lines and proportions are right built. Visual cues for the ’67 GTX were twin hood scoops, on, and the authentic two-tone Gale Gray Poly Metallic and Arctic White paint is smooth and highly blacked-out grille, optional red/white/blue stripes, bucket glossy but not so heavy as to soften the crisp panel lines. While there’s a goodly amount of separate seats (actually twin bench seats), a silver panel between the chromed parts, most of the trim that distinguished the Ace from the base Lark line is cast in relief and taillights, and a quick-fill gas cap. You’re looking at one of the painted over. Brooklin has the late Willys wraparound rear window, trunklid script location, upholstery first ACME ’67 GTX prototypes to reach these shores, and patterns, and new dashboard details correct but has somehow missed the late two-piece taillights. a knowledgeable Mopar fan will quickly note that several of Inner-door panels have handles, cranks, and armrests in low relief. All in all, this is an attractive model those features are missing on this model. at’s intentional; that may have been based on a “mixed” production or incorrectly restored car.—Wayne Moyer Acme says that it intends it to be a “badass street drag car”. Brooklin, distributed by brasiliapress.com Anyone running a Hemi in street races would remove as many clues as they could, and a fully wired and plumbed (the alternator is supported by a bracket!) Hemi with aftermar- ket twin air cleaners resides under the nonstock lift-off hood. e overall shape is correct, and doors open to display accurate seats and side panels, a fully detailed dash, and an aftermarket tach up-top. ere’s further evidence of race mods under the trunk lid, where a battery joins the tire jack. Apparently, this is intended to be a fairly recent car, as the front torsion-bar suspension has been replaced with a modern aftermarket coil-over-shock setup. Headers feed short straight pipes, and the chassis has relief-molded (but not yet painted) hydraulic lines—brake hoses are missing, though. Aftermarket mag wheels are well done and include tire valves.—Wayne Moyer acmediecast.com e Future Was Here TrueScale Miniatures 1954 GM Futurliner 1:43 | $150 While GM’s Motorama showcased the company’s advanced concept cars, the Parade of Progress toured the country in 1940 and ’41 and again from 1953 to ’56 displaying advanced concepts ranging from city planning to television and microwave ovens. GM built 12 Futurliners (no “e”), each carrying displays on both sides of the vehicle for a single theme. Futurliner Number 7’s concepts were development of suburbs with planned traffic flow (“Out of the City Muddle”) and redevelop- ment of cities with efficient building locations, broad avenues, and even underground expressways (“Out of the Muddle Part II”). Displays were highly mechanized with buildings disappearing and being replaced, roads changing, and some 15,000 miniature vehicles moving. Number 7 is the subject of TSM’s big, beauti- ful, new resin-cast model. e streamlined body looks exactly right, and the two-tone red-and-white finish is excellent. Every piece of chrome trim is there; the bright chrome lettering appears to be printed but has a noticeable thickness, the big corrugated lower panels are also bright printed chrome, while the “GM” on the nose is gold as it should be. Quad headlight lenses are jeweled, and taillights (low and high) are printed in appropriate colors. All windows are opaque. e big overhead light bar can be displayed in the open or closed position, and the left-side display panels are hinged to open, with a realistic model of the City Muddle that can be inserted. Two problems here, though; the missing space in the title is minor, but period photos show that the left side contained Part I’s sub- urban display! ere’s no chassis detail, but TSM correctly has dual wheels with wide whites on all four corners. (Sample supplied by motorsportsminia- tures.com)—Wayne Moyer tsm-models.com 12 DCXmag.com
Lovely Lincoln Matrix 1938 Model K LeBaron Convertible Sedan 1:43 | $89 Prominent Lincoln dealer James Knox ordered a Lincoln Model K chassis in 1937 and sent it to LeBaron to have a Convertible Sedan body built that was different from the other 15 built for Lincoln. e task was given to Holden “Bob” Koto, who created a very different nar- row grille flanked by lower triangular ones, modified Zephyr fenders, and a highly raked windscreen. Many of the design features of Holden’s Lincoln would soon appear on various GM cars. Happily, this Lincoln still exists and is the subject of this superb resin-cast miniature by Matrix. Its body is flawless, and the dark olive green metallic paint would rate five stars on any scale. Matrix has duplicated every detail, including the “RJM” initials (the reason for those remains unknown) in the stepped-up “3D” photo-etched beltline molding, in perfect scale with either photo-etched or chrome-plated parts. Interior detail may set a new standard. e front compartment’s upholstery is different from the plush rear, and is almost unique in having all three (door, window, and vent window) plated cranks where they should be. A wood-grain dash decal includes authentic instrument and radio faces. Behind the accurate “bent” divider glass is a wood-grain cabinet with its table deployed, but the open cabinet doors are missing. What grabs your eye, though, are the miniature champagne bottle and pair of glasses, all in scale. (Sample supplied by grandprixmodels.com)—Wayne Moyer matrixscalemodels.com Cost-Effective Cadillac WhiteBox 1939 Series 75 V-8 Sedan 1:43 | $30 Cadillac’s series 60 and 75 lines were restyled for 1939, with a new, mildly swept-back vertical grille flanked by two smaller nonfunctional grilles in the “catwalk” between the grille and the fenders. e midpriced V-8 powered Series 75 cars were built on the same wheelbase (and with the same features) as the V-16 Series 90 but were a couple of thousand dollars less expensive. Only the knowledgeable Cadillac enthusiast could tell the difference as one drove by. Longer rear windows, lack of jump seats, and no divider panel would identify WhiteBox’s good-looking new diecast model as the base Model 9019 5-Passenger Sedan. Its shape and details are correct, down to the tiny “Cadillac” script engraved in the bumpers and plainer Series 75 wheel covers. e beltline molding, window surrounds, food louvers, external handles, and trunk badge are all printed in bright silver, while all other trim is chrome plated. Inside, from the door panels up, everything is body color, but the plush upholstery is accurate. ere’s nice chassis detail in the baseplate, although only the muffler and tailpipe have been picked out. Dimensions are right on, so, like the full-size car, WhiteBox’s model is cost-effective.—Wayne Moyer WhiteBox, distributed by american-excellence.com Porsche’s Road Warrior detailed, with console and dash details picked out with silver paint. ere’s nice chassis detail, too, although nothing has been picked Spark 1975 911 Turbo out. e box for this one is unique; it’s made to look like a shipping 1:43 | $40 container, and double doors open on one end to remove the model. Porsche needed a new Group 5 competition car for the 1976 (Sample supplied by motorsportsminiatures.com)—Wayne Moyer season, and FIA regulations required that 400 copies had to sparkmodel.com be made available for sale to the public. So 400 “911 Turbos” (internally called “Type 930”) were built as a platform from which the Group 5 cars could be developed. Bolted-on fender flares, a unique front air dam that fed air to the twin turbochargers’ inter- coolers, and the 911 Carrera rear wing distinguished the Turbo from its lesser siblings. Demand was so great that eventually 1,000 were built. Many companies have switched from diecast to resin because RTV molds are just a fraction of the cost of tool-steel dies. But Spark, a leading resin- cast company, has just introduced a line of bargain-priced diecast models, including this fine 911 Turbo. (One clue to the origin might be that Ixo’s triangular- headed screwdriver is needed to remove the model from its base.) e diecast body is accurate in all respects and is absolutely smooth with excellent deep black paint. Jeweled headlights have chrome bezels, while the scale-size Porsche badges have all three colors. Wheels are accurate, and yes, there are tiny Porsche badges in their centers. e interior tub is molded in black plastic and is fully SUMMER 2017 13
OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD CMC Mercedes- Benz 1954–55 Renntransporter The Blue Wonder rides again! Mercedes-Benz is fiercely proud of its heritage. The company founded by—and named after—Karl Benz, the man generally credited with the invention of the automobile as we know it more than 130 years ago, has been innovating and refining cars continuously ever since. Much of that innovation has sprung from the company’s involvement in motorsports, which traces back nearly as far as the company itself. While it boasts an impressive record across numerous racing series, it is in the arenas of Grand Prix racing and endurance sports cars that Mercedes has been the most successful and influential. Luminaries such as Rudolf “Blue Wonder.” the amount of resources Mercedes Mercedes teammate Stirling Moss Caracciola, Juan Manuel Fangio, In 1954, Mercedes decided to was willing to commit to the taking a fifth. Moss and Fangio also and Sir Stirling Moss achieved campaign convinced Fangio, so he raced four of the six rounds of the some of their greatest racing compete for the Grand Prix World jumped into the W196 starting with World Sportscar Championship in glories at the wheel of a car with a Championship (now called Formula the fourth event of the season, the famed Silver Arrow 300 SLRs, tri-pointed star on its nose. While 1) for the first time since 1939. the French Grand Prix—which he finishing 1–2 in all but the 24 Hours the talents of those drivers and Central to the team’s strategy was promptly won. He then proceeded of Le Mans (where both retired others cannot be overstated, much luring Argentinian ace and 1951 to win three of the next four from the race while leading, due of Mercedes’ success was built Champion Juan Manuel Fangio out Grands Prix, ultimately securing his to the tragic accident that claimed upon the twin pillars of innovation of his Maserati 250F and into its second Driver’s Championship. He the life of their teammate Pierre and preparation, both of which comparatively untested Mercedes would repeat in 1955, with Fangio Levegh along with 83 spectators). are embodied in the 1954–55 W196—no mean feat given that taking four of the seven events Even so, Moss’s victories and Renntransporter—the fabled Fangio was unbeaten in the in the championship, and his new Fangio’s runner-up finishes in Maserati thus far that season. But 14 DCXmag.com
the remaining three races easily Without a doubt, the Blue sedan and shared its 120-inch AT A GLANCE earned Mercedes the Sportscar Wonder was a functional wheelbase—giving it the sedan’s MODEL title—giving the team the two transporter—it was developed and exemplary high-speed stability but Mercedes-Benz 1954–55 most important motorsport tested during 1954, and there is necessitating a radical cab-forward Renntransporter championships in the same year. ample video footage of it delivering layout. It featured fully independent Pulling that off required a colossal race cars to various events during suspension shared with the race- MANUFACTURER logistical effort. e concept the 1955 season. What made derived 300SL “Gullwing” GT car— CMC behind e Blue Wonder was it exceptional started with its double wishbones up front, a swing as simple as it was audacious: inspiration. e tubular X-frame axle out back, and coil springs all GENRE build a high-speed race car chassis was based on Mercedes’ around. ese details could easily Vintage race transporter that could world-class 300-series luxury have been lost to time, when the transporter truck rocket between Mercedes’ original Blue Wonder was scrapped Stuttgart headquarters 12 years after it was taken out of SCALE and any of the European service with Mercedes’ decision to 1:18 racing venues—Formula 1 withdraw from all motorsports at or Sportscar—in record time to the end of the 1955 season. But in PRICE deliver a freshly prepared car the 1990s, following the company’s $427 whenever needed. return to Le Mans and preparing for its return to F1 (both with partner WHAT WE LIKE + Completely unique subject— looks like nothing else! + Revised and updated rerelease of a long sold- out model + Dizzying levels of scale detail SUMMER 2017 15
CMC MERCEDES-BENZ 1954–55 RENNTRANSPORTER A REAL HIGHLIGHT OF THIS MODEL IS THE FUNCTIONAL RAMP SYSTEM, WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO DISPLAY THE HAULER WITH A RACE CAR LOADED OR IN THE PROCESS OF LOADING. Right: e ramp system deployed. Note Sauber), a plan was undertaken the truck as Mercedes displayed. screw with a supplied tool to lift off the functional cable tie-downs supplied to to re-create the Blue Wonder as a But after many years, CMC has the aft section, then levering up anchor a race car in transit. promotional nod to the company’s decided to update the model, the front section on its hinges with racing history. using archival photos to restore it a toothpick or similar implement. Below left : e buckles are hyperrealistic, to how it appeared during service It’s a process—albeit faithful to the but they are fragile and difficult to operate. When the replica was complete, in 1954–55. e wheels have full-scale—and the access to the CMC created its own 1:18 diecast been painted with a metallic finish Below right : e 3.0L straight-6 is straight replica of the replica, mimicking rather than matching the body well-detailed motor is limited. out of the Gullwing 300SL. Buried behind color. e side-marker lights have A real highlight of this the cab, the excellent detail can be a little been revised, and the loading tough to see—but it’s all there. ramp supports have been painted model is the functional ramp flat black. A more elaborate tri- system, which allows you to Bottom : e interior draws heavily from pointed star has been fitted to the display the hauler with a race the 300SL as well, with plaid bucket seats front, and a revised rear bumper car loaded or in the process of and a sports car–like short-throw shifter. has been fitted to the rear. Metallic loading. Sadly, CMC declined to stone guards have been installed supply a suitable W196 or SLR on the forward edge of the rear for us to show you the ramps in fenders. ese details are captured action, but the process involves with CMC’s expected precision, releasing the ramp supports from adding to what was already an atop the spare tires and placing outstanding model. Other exterior them at the joints of the four highlights include side mirrors that ramp sections. ose sections swivel, side windows that slide are secured with wire buckles open, and wild rear compound- attached to a mounting rod with curve rear glass that follows the delicate leather loops. While these contour of the front of a race car. replicate the ratchet straps with a fair degree of authenticity in look e interior recalls that of and function (except for the strap the 300SL; plaid bucket seats color, which is white on the model with matching door skins are far but a darker tan on the 1:1 truck), more stylish than the expected they are difficult to operate and hauler cabin. ere’s a carpeted the leather is not very strong. One center tunnel with a decidedly of ours had torn loose in shipping; untrucklike short-throw shifter. I’d just as soon see CMC dispense Surprisingly few gauges appear with these in favor of a sturdier on the instrument panel; I guess solution. Buckles aside, the ramps the race team relied on that are very cool, and cable tie-downs legendary Mercedes reliability are provided to secure a race car to get them there! Power was if you have one to display on the straight out of the 300SL as well; back of the Blue Wonder. the fuel-injected 3.0L inline-6 and 4-speed manual transmission sit FINAL THOUGHTS just behind the cabin. With 192hp on tap, the Blue Wonder was You have to respect Mercedes’ capable of 100+mph with a race commitment to its racing history car aboard—an astounding figure in going to the expense of for 1954! Opening the two-piece re-creating the Blue Wonder. I engine cover requires loosening a applaud CMC for rereleasing its replica of this amazing machine as well. e Silver Arrow racers are some of the company’s most compelling pieces, and this hauler is a wonderful complement to them. Credit CMC for updating the model with additional period- correct details as well. Collectors have been waiting a long time to get another crack at the Blue Wonder in scale. is model will surely reward that patience. ✇ SOURCE CMC cmcmodelcarsusa.com 16 DCXmag.com
OUT OF THE BOX BY THE DCX TEAM AUTOart 1973 Team Lotus Type 72E Emerson Fittipaldi’s John Player Special Going into the 1973 Formula 1 season, Team Lotus was riding high. 1972 had been a banner year: The team had secured the Constructor’s title in ’72, Emerson Fittipaldi had become the youngest World Driver’s Champion in F1 history, and the team had secured sponsorship from John Player cigarettes, thus establishing one of the most recognizable racing liveries in all of racing. at success was especially to defend their Constructor’s satisfying given the turmoil leading title, so it hired Ronnie Peterson— up to it. Lotus had first introduced another top-tier young driver—to the Type 72 for the 1970 season join Fittipaldi in the John Player and, after some initial reliability Special (JPS) Type 72s. e team issues, had proved fast. Austrian started off strong, with Fittipaldi ace Jochen Rindt was Lotus boss scoring wins in the first two Colin Chapman’s lead driver, and races of the season. New safety he cracked off an impressive string regulations were enacted for the of four consecutive victories fourth race in Spain, resulting in the through the middle of the ’70 debut of the E variant of the Type season. But it all came to an end 72—and another Fittipaldi win! at the Italian Grand Prix. In search of higher speeds on the new e AUTOart model on these ultra-high-speed Monza circuit’s pages depicts Fittipaldi’s car long straights, several teams had following that Spanish GP victory, experimented with removing as it carries the laureled emblem the downforce- (and drag-) for it—as well as his earlier three inducing wings on their cars, wins in ’73—on the rear wing. making them fast but extremely unstable. During practice, Rindt ere is also an emblem on the was topping 205mph at the end flank commemorating the 1972 of the back straight entering the Championship—all done in a famed Parabolica turn when his deep gold on black base 72C veered off course, striking a color, which are the barrier and fatally injuring Rindt. signature JPS colors. Lotus withdrew from the race, and Rindt’s teammate John Miles left e 72E’s wedge the team on the spot. e team’s shape is further third driver Emerson Fittipaldi accented by thin gold was promoted to lead driver, and pinstriping. ere are scripts for while he managed to win the U.S. the tire sponsor Goodyear and Grand Prix at Watkins Glen two engine manufacturer Ford races later, the team was largely also in gold. Interestingly, in disarray and failed to score a fuel sponsor Texaco single victory the following year in appears in gold on 1971. at made the ’72 success as the nose just below surprising as it was sweet. For ’73, the narrow strip of Lotus wanted a strong 1–2 lineup windscreen, but on the end fences of the rear wing, they appear in the company’s traditional red, white, and black. 18 DCXmag.com
e black-and-gold Lotus John Player Special is one of the most recognizable color AT A GLANCE schemes in racing. AUTOart is legally prevented from placing the cigarette logos on the car, MODEL but decal sets are out there. Otherwise, this car is spot-on. Team Lotus Type 72E MANUFACTURER AUTOart GENRE Classic Formula 1 SCALE 1:18 PRICE $150 WHAT WE LIKE JPS colors are legendary ++ Beautifully rendered Ford- Cosworth V-8 + Scuffed finish on the tires SUMMER 2017 19
AUTOART 1973 TEAM LOTUS TYPE 72E AT THE SIDES ARE A BEAUTIFUL SET OF TUBULAR HEADERS THAT CONNECT TO STAINLESS EXHAUST PIPES THAT THREAD THROUGH THE REAR SUSPENSION. Above: e safety harness needs a crotch belt, but otherwise the cockpit is excellent. Note One of the latest in AUTOart’s plug wires and other plumbing, the cooling slots in the body at the top of the photo. You can just glimpse the tops of the composite series of models, the including some nice simulated inboard-mounted brake discs through them. overall shape is excellent, as is the braided cooling lines. And at the Below: e Ford-Cosworth DFV is one of the most successful engines in F1 history, and quality of the finish. Of course, sides are a beautiful set of tubular Team Lotus pioneered its development. e detail here is exceptional. the elephant in the room with headers that connect to stainless regard to this model—and any exhaust pipes that thread through 20 DCXmag.com modern diecast depiction of the the rear suspension. Because the Team Lotus cars—is the absence Cosworth was a stressed member, of the JPS logos on the side pods, much of that suspension is bolted nose, and wing. As part of the legal directly to it. Of particular interest settlement that bans cigarette are the inboard Girling disc brakes advertising on toys (which that are pressed up against the diecast models are—somewhat sides of the transaxle. e fronts controversially—classified as), are inboard too, but they are AUTOart is prevented from placing mostly hidden by the bodywork— those John Player Special logos on although you can catch a glimpse their replicas. Fortunately, there of them through the cooling vent are a number of vendors online slots. Oddly, the axle shafts they that sell JPS decal sets for the 72E, are attached to are fractionally so you can obtain an accurate look too short and don’t quite reach for your model for less than $20 the backs of the wheel hubs. e and minimal modeling skills. wheels are beautiful, with gold rims and black spoked centers that In the cockpit, bare metal match the JPS colors. e Lotus panels line the driver capsule, ran several different wheel designs accentuated by molded-in rivets. throughout the 1973 season, but A tiny gear lever sits to the right, this type is the most handsome. connected to shift linkage that traces back to the Hewland e Goodyear racing slicks have 5-speed transaxle. e tiny AUTOart’s usual excellent look instrument panel contains just and texture. three gauges behind a surprisingly large steering wheel—the era FINAL LAP of button-encrusted steering yokes was still a few years off. A It is a slice of historical irony that set of plastic safety belts looks Team Lotus’ strategy of adding fairly authentic, but it consists Ronnie Peterson to its driver lineup of only lap and shoulder belts. to aid in defending its Constructor’s After Rindt’s accident—which title—which it successfully was caused by him slipping under did—almost certainly cost the his belts when he impacted the team the Driver’s Championship guardrail—the Lotus team used in the process. Fittipaldi and harnesses with crotch belts to Peterson finished second and prevent a repeat of the type of third, respectively, separated by injury that killed Rindt. But other just three points, but by dividing than that one detail, the cockpit points and victories so evenly looks quite authentic. between them, they allowed Jackie Stewart to take the driver’s title. Just behind the aluminum- Fittipaldi would leave at season’s painted roll bar sits the tall air end for rival McLaren, making this intake that feeds the 3.0L Ford- 72E his last Lotus drive. AUTOart Cosworth DFV that powered the makes 72Es for both Fittipaldi Lotus to multiple championships. and Peterson, with or without In 1973 spec, it made better than driver figures. No matter which 450hp and could rev to 11,000rpm! configuration you choose, the detail is quite satisfying, and at at intake came slightly mis- a suggested retail price of $150 aligned on this sample, but that ($170 with figure), they’re also should be a relatively simple fix. Below it sits a delightfully quite a bargain. ✇ detailed DFV V-8. You can see the intake trumpets for the Lucas SOURCE mechanical fuel injection just AUTOart autoartmodels.com under the scoop, amid a nest of
ANEARSOCAR’S As the flag dropped on the 1969 NASCAR season, fans could see that big WARRIORS changes were afoot, but even the teams couldn’t have known just how profoundly this year would shake—and shape—the sport of stock car racing for generations to come. e winds of this war had been building well before the season’s first race at the little half-mile bullring in Macon, Georgia. Back then the season didn’t start with the Daytona 500. After Macon (and another regional short track in Montgomery, Alabama) came the first “big” race at the road course in Riverside, California—and, with it, the first big shock. Richard Petty— the sport’s biggest star—showed up in a Ford! Mr. Plymouth himself at the wheel of a Blue Oval! e reason behind this shocking defection hinted at what would be the lead story for NASCAR’s next three years. e story really starts two years earlier—with the 1967 championship season that had been the most dominant in NASCAR’s history, with Petty scoring an astounding (and still record-holding) 27 wins! But with the release of new body styles for all the major competitors the following year, Petty could only manage third place in the 1968 standings—behind Bobby Isaac in a new Dodge Charger and David Pearson, who ran away with the title in his slick new ’68 Ford Torino BY MATT BOYD HIGH DRAMA ON THE HIGH BANKS LeeRoy Yarbrough’s Torino Cobra caught Charlie Glotzbach’s Dodge Charger 500 on the last lap of the ’69 Daytona 500, giving the first battle of the Aero Wars to Ford. (Photo courtesy of Smyle Media) 22 DCXmag.com
Richard Petty’s 1967 More recently, Auto World Championship–winning released Petty’s 1968 Road Plymouth Belvedere was Runner. You can still find those new famously done by Franklin Mint in from a number of distributors, and even 1:24. Its long out of production, but on Amazon. enough were made that you can find them on eBay fairly regularly. Spark did a neat little 1:43 edition of Cale Yarborough’s 1968 Daytona 500–winning Mercury Cyclone fastback, as well as ’68 Torinos for Dan Gurney’s Riverside winner (shown) and David Pearson’s Championship winner. Special thanks to Don Smyle of Smyle Media & Marketing for many of the archival photos in this article! SUMMER 2017 23
NASCAR’s Aero Warriors fastback. The aerodynamic With the introduction of the slippery new fastback Torino, Ford became the car to beat in 1968. With the tuning wizardry of Holman- advances of the Dodge and Moody, David Pearson finished in the top five in 75 percent of his races and won 16 times—easily taking the NASCAR Championship. the Ford were just too much (Photo courtesy of Smyle Media) for Petty’s rather conventional Plymouth. To make matters demanded of Chrysler manage but aerodynamics didn’t play a But all was not smooth sailing worse (for Petty, at least), late ment that he be allowed to run the significant role on the relatively for Ford. The factory teams had in the year, Dodge announced a new Dodge instead. They refused, low-speed road course, so the originally planned to debut a revised Charger that it would be so Petty marched across town aero cars debuted at Daytona two new engine to go with the new running in 1969 with a low-drag, and signed with Ford. The Aero weeks later. Talladega bodywork: the vaunted flush-mounted grille and a flush Wars had begun! Petty punctuated Boss 429. But while NASCAR rear window to reduce the lift his point by taking the win at On the Daytona high banks, the approved the new nose, it had that had plagued the Dodges at Riverside in his first run for Ford, streamlined Fords and Dodges not yet approved the 429 (see high-speed tracks. It was dubbed looked to be the class of the field. the “Charger 500”—leaving no question as to where it was designed to perform! Ford’s Counterpunch Ford quickly responded with an even more radical version of its Torino, named the “Talladega” after the newly built super-sized super speedway that was joining the NASCAR circuit for 1969. The Talladega (and its sibling the Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II) had completely reworked front bodywork—taking the Dodge concept one step further by lowering the nose, elongating it by 6 inches, flush-mounting the grille, and installing a redesigned bumper. Meanwhile, Plymouth planned to campaign the same mediocre Road Runner from ’68. Richard Petty, faced with the prospect of falling even further behind aerodynamically, Ford got the Talladega bodywork approved for Daytona in February, but NASCAR said not enough Boss 429 engines had been sold yet to make them legal. David Pearson and the other Ford guys had to run the old 427, so Ford hastily rebadged the cars as “Torino Cobras” (note the decals on the hood and rear fenders). Ford saved the “Talladega” name for the Atlanta race in March, when the 429 would make its debut. (Photo courtesy of Smyle Media)
Maisto has an entry-level 1969 Torino Talladega road car in 1:18. Ertl American Muscle did a Charger 500 in 1:18. They are fairly common but still collectible. It’s been 10 years since GMP produced its Cale Yarborough and Dan Gurney Edition Cyclone Spoiler IIs in 1:24, but they were excellent. Danbury Mint made a lovely Charger 500 street car in 1:24 years ago. They still come up on the secondary market now and again. sidebar). Ford had to quickly lone Mercury in 10th), so the deck LeeRoy Yarbrough (no relation) middle of the race, but Yarbrough retrofit the new cars with 427 looked stacked in Ford’s favor. moved steadily toward the front continued to move forward, engines used the previous year, from his 19th starting spot in his sneaking into the top 3 relatively so it rebadged the cars as “Torino THE FLAG DROPS ON Ford. A broken alternator bolt quietly, while Baker and Glotzbach Cobras” (but retained the modified THE AERO WARS forced Pearson into the pits hovered in the top 5, keeping bodywork). e 427 was down seven times in the first 100 miles, Dodge in the hunt. on horsepower compared to the When the race began, Buddy while Yarborough crashed out Hemi-powered Dodges, and the Baker, Bobby Isaac, and Charlie just past the halfway mark, As the laps ticked down Hemis grabbed the top spots Glotzbach fell into a Dodge 1–2–3 ending their chances for a win. Glotzbach, Baker, and Yarbrough, on qualifying day, with Buddy train at the front, but it didn’t take Ford’s best hope appeared to be battling fiercely, passed Allison, Baker’s Dodge on the pole with a Cale Yarborough long to run them Donnie Allison as he took over a with Glotzbach finally settling 188.901mph lap. But unlike other down in his Wood Brothers Ford, commanding lead through the into a slim lead. rough the final NASCAR events, pole day at followed closely by David Pearson. pit stop, Glotzbach added more Daytona only sets the front row. Richard Petty and A. J. Foyt also Everyone else’s lap time merely ran well in the early going, and secured their grid spot for one of the twin qualifying races held ursday before the Sunday main event. And while the Fords ceded the pole to Dodge, they fared better in the qualifying races—and Ford’s lead team, Holman-Moody, was busy making them better still. David Pearson lapped at better than 190mph during his race and won it handily, earning him a third starting spot for the 500, on the inside of row 2 just behind the Dodges of Baker and Bobby Isaac. Charlie Glotzbach’s Dodge would start fourth, outside of Pearson. 1968 Daytona winner Cale Yarborough in a Ford and Paul Goldsmith’s Dodge made up row 3. But from there, the next six positions were all FoMoCo (five more Fords and Swede Savage’s Daytona was a tough day for David Pearson, but he showed the grit that would ultimately win him his second consecutive championship—battling back from a broken alternator and seven pit stops in the first half of the race to finish an impressive sixth place. (Photo courtesy of Smyle Media) SUMMER 2017 25
NASCAR’s Aero Warriors A Lap Down Memory Lane with Charlie Glotzbach In putting together this story, I had the privilege of talking to Charlie Glotzbach about his experiences in the aero Dodges and his memory of the Daytona 500. This is just a small piece of our conversation. For the rest, go to DieCastXMagazine.com. Matt Boyd: After the Dodge engineers Charlie Glotzbach at the saw that the Charger 500 wasn’t quite 1970 Daytona 500. up to scratch against the Fords, you personally did most of the testing for MB: That was the 88 car? the development of the Daytona, isn’t CG: Yes, sir—88. And the 99. Well, they gave me my choice, that correct? whichever one. They were both in Talladega. Charlie Glotzbach: Yeah, I did the wing car. They started developing the MB: But ultimately, you guys didn’t run that race. You quali wing Dodge then, and we’d done a lot fied it on pole, but you chose not to run because of the tire of testing on that thing at the Chrysler situation, right? proving grounds. I’d go up there on CG: Yeah, some of us did. And then Brickhouse, he drove the 99 Saturday or when we weren’t racing that car—my car—the one I ran all the time. He ended up running it. weekend and do the testing there. And And he won the race with it. But they weren’t running them as we tested at Talladega and Daytona—we fast as they could go. They just put a show on with them; that’s tested about every racetrack around, all they did. developing that car. There was no comparison [between the Charger 500] MB: They finished something like six or seven laps ahead of and the wing car. I mean the wing car everybody else? was absolutely perfect. I mean it really CG: Yeah. And they just ran 180 miles an hour or something— was. I never will forget Larry Rathgeb, because you couldn’t run full laps with it running wide open he was the engineer on the thing, and because it would tear the tires off it. I mean it was just we were at Talladega testing. He said, absolutely a fabulous racecar. “Now, if that thing gets a little loose with ya, just turn loose the steering BONUS This just scratches the surface of what wheel and it’ll straighten up.” And so I Online Charlie and I talked about. If you want actually tried it. It got a little loose one time and I didn’t take my hands clean to read the whole thing—including lots off, but I just opened my hands up and that thing did it—straightened itself right out. more on developing the wing cars, his thoughts on the MB: The side supports on the wing were basically airplane Daytona 500, and what he thinks of NASCAR racing in rudders, weren’t they? CG: Right. The up and down ones kept the car going straight 2017—go to DieCastXMagazine.com. and the cross one was adjustable, and they could change the degrees, the angle of it, and give it more downforce in the back or take some off. We were running at about two degrees (or something like that) or one degree, depending on what we were doing at Talladega or Daytona. Now, on the shorter track, they’d run a little more because you weren’t going as fast. MB: I think I read that while you were testing at the Chelsea Proving Grounds, you lapped that thing at something like 240 miles an hour? CG: 243. MB: Wow! How big is that track? CG: It was a five-mile oval, and there’s no guardrail. They said you’ve got to watch out because there’s a lot of deer in here. [laughs] I mean, what are you going to do if a deer comes at you? There’s no way you’re going to keep from hitting it going 200mph. Luckily, I never hit anything but a bird. MB: Well, that’s lucky for you—not quite as lucky for the bird. CG: [laughs] That’s for sure. Actually, that was the car I sat on the pole with at Talladega. That car wasn’t supposed to be raced. 26 DCXmag.com
University of Racing also has a bunch of Charger 500s— including Buddy Baker’s pole-sitter, Bobby Isaac’s qualifier winner (shown), and Charlie Glotzbach’s second-place finisher that we review on page 30. University of Racing has a plethora of fastback Ford and Mercury the Ford crept ever closer, and It was a thrilling win for race cars from the 1969 NASCAR season. The Fords are aero- at the end of the straight, it dove Yarbrough and Ford fans, and a model Talladegas, while the Mercurys are standard nose Cyclones used to the inside, boldly splitting a heartbreaker for Glotzbach— on the short tracks, like this one that LeeRoy Yarbrough drove to a pair of lapped car as the Ford went low who had led 51 laps during the wins in ’69. and the Dodge went high around afternoon. Yarbrough led just 18, it. But the Ford was carrying a lot but that included the one that than seven seconds to his lead last lap! With two and a half laps more speed as they entered turn counted. at would foreshadow by choosing not to take the time to go, Yarbrough passed Baker for 3, and Yarbrough slid up in front a season of frustration for Dodge, to change tires, while Yarbrough second after drafting behind him of Glotzbach with less than a mile which, despite winning 22 races, in third got left-side tires on his for several laps. At the start of the remaining—just as the stopwatch would lose the championship final stop. But with those new final lap, the gap to Glotzbach was predicted a dozen laps earlier! to Ford for the second year in a tires, Yarbrough was hacking just a matter of car lengths, and half a second out of Glotzbach’s exiting turn 2 onto the backstretch, lead every lap as they charged Yarbrough got a strong drive toward the finish. With seven laps off and slipped into the draft to go, Yarbrough had cut the gap behind the red Dodge, more than down to 3.2 seconds—at that neutralizing any straight-line rate, he would catch Glotzbach power advantage the Hemi may down the back straight on the have had. Down the backstretch, THE HEART OF THE TALLADEGA: THE BOSS 429 To homologate the Boss, Ford had Kar-Kraft install it in about 850 specially modified Mustangs. It was a tight squeeze, necessitating extensive mods to the shock towers and a E ver since Chrysler’s 426 Hemi stormed onto NASCAR tracks special K-member. (Photo courtesy of Ford Media Center) in 1964, Ford had been at a power disadvantage. Its 427 was a very good engine, and with steady development of the requisite number of Mustangs to be sold with Boss 429s in them high-riser tunnel-port, it had performed well. But by 1969, the (in the end, they actually built about 850 Boss 429 Mustangs). expensive-to-produce 427 was being phased out of production, But to squeeze the giant Boss into the relatively narrow ’Stang and Ford needed something more modern to compete with the engine bay required major surgery, and Kar-Kraft had not yet built Hemi. Enter the “Boss” 429—even its name announced its intention the required 500 units by the time the Daytona 500 rolled around to take charge of stock car racing! They studied what worked in in mid-February. Most of the Boss street motors were still sitting the rival Hemi and set out to do them one better. The first thing in warehouses or loading docks! So NASCAR boss Bill France Sr. was weight. Despite being a huge engine, it weighed nearly said “no way”; Ford would have to run the 427 until those Bosses 100 pounds less than the Hemi. It had a similar combustion sat between the fenders of a car, not just in a crate. In the end, chamber shape (it’s often referred to as the “Semi-Hemi”), but Ford would wait until the Atlanta race five weeks later to officially it had a bigger bore—to clear giant valves—and bigger ports to debut the Boss, where Cale Yarborough would drive it to victory feed them at the high rpm that super speedway racing required. under the hood of a Spoiler II Mercury! Straight from the factory, the first Bosses delivered to Holman- Moody were making 580hp—the same as the tunnel-port 427s with hundreds of hours of custom work on them—and the team hadn’t touched them yet! But the goal was to beat the Hemi, which routinely made 600hp. So Holman-Moody guys—including a young Robert Yates!—got to work. By the time they were finished working their magic, they had dramatically improved reliability and squeezed 620hp out of the Boss. There was just one problem: NASCAR rules. They stated that at least 500 production versions had to be on sale to the public to be race-legal (this was still nominally “stock” car racing after all!). But because the traits that made the Boss great on the track— huge ports and valves—didn’t perform particularly well at low rpm in a heavy street car like the Torino, the decision was made to homologate the Torino Talladega (and sister Cyclone Spoiler II) bodywork and the Boss 429 engine separately. To legalize the Boss, the outside custom coachbuilder Kar-Kraft would modify a SUMMER 2017 27
Dodge’s Winged Charlie Glotzbach extensively tested the no. 88 Daytona test mule prior to its debut. Here, Warrior that car was recently at a Goodwood event in the rain! (Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) W hile the Charger 500 was not a complete failure, it opened without hitting it! The side supports provided rudderlike yaw did fail to deliver the super stability. It all worked—by midsummer, Glotzbach lapped Chelsea at speedway dominance a staggering 243mph! Dodge was ready to take it to Ford. that it was created to achieve. And once Ford got its Boss 429 With all the bugs worked out, Dodge brought Daytonas to Talla approved for use in the slippery dega for most of its top-tier teams. Glotzbach drove the no. 88 test aero Talladega/Spoiler II bodywork, car to a shocking time in qualifying: 199.466mph. That eclipsed the Charger fell further behind. the pole at the July 4th Daytona race—The Firecracker 400—by So orders was handed down from more than 8mph! But driver concerns over high-speed tire failures Chrysler management to fast-track on the new track caused him, Buddy Baker, and many of the top the next evolution—the Charger drivers from Dodge and Ford to boycott the race, so the official Daytona—so that it could arrive in time for the inaugural Talladega pole was set at 196.386mph race in September ‘69, rather by Bobby Isaac in his Dodge. than at the beginning of the 1970 Richard Brickhouse won—driving season as originally planned. The Glotzbach’s usual car, the no. key components of the Daytona were the bullet-shaped nose cone 99—leading a 1–2–3–4 sweep of and the gigantic rear wing, but these were hardly the only changes. Talladega, which finished eight Charlie Glotzbach, who did most of the test driving for the Dodge laps out front of the nearest development team, worked with the test mule at the Chelsea non-Dodge! Proving Grounds, Chrysler’s test track. Early on, the team learned that, while fast, the nose produced an alarming amount of front-end lift. So a chin spoiler was added and the front end lowered, giving an aggressive angle of attack. That caused the front tires to rub the fenders at speed, so reliefs were cut in the fender tops and vents were installed to help reduce lift-inducing air pressure buildup. The Daytona retained the 500’s flush rear window and covers on the A-pillars that smoothed airflow at the edges of the windscreen. The wing that grabbed so much attention was mounted well above the roofline—not for aerodynamic reasons but so that the trunk could be ...Dodge’s answer to Ford’s aero dominance finally arrived in September for Talladega. The wild, winged Dodge Daytona dominated in its debut; Richard Brickhouse led a 1–2–3–4 sweep at the inaugural race on NASCAR’s newest, longest, and fastest track, driving Glotzbach’s no. 99 car. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons) row. The Charger 500, in which it in trouble. With the exception of the 429 engine was approved. up the pace and get the Daytona had invested so much hope, was Bobby Isaac’s Daytona qualifier, Dodge engineers were already ready early: for the opening event thoroughly outmatched by the Dodge hadn’t won a single race hard at work developing a radical of the 2.66-mile Alabama Motor aero Fords and Mercurys on tracks through the first eight races of solution for the 1970 season— Speedway—the Talladega 500—in of a mile or longer—15 races to the season. Dodge did better the car that would become the September 1969. The Torino three! Something drastic needed when the series visited the Charger Daytona (see sidebar). Talladega (albeit with “Cobra” to be done. little half-mile bullrings, but the But Chrysler management was badges) had narrowly bested Charger 500 bodywork wasn’t frustrated and embarrassed by the the Charger 500 at Daytona, Desperate Measures enough to match the Fords on drubbing it was currently taking but Dodge was determined to the big tracks that carried the on NASCAR’s marquee tracks, return the name-reversing favor Dodge was desperate—as early as most prestige—especially after so it instructed engineers to pick at Talladega, and to do the job, it March the teams knew they were unleashed the bullet-nosed, high- winged Charger Daytona. But the debut was not without controversy. The new racing surface was rough, and that, 28 DCXmag.com
combined with unprecedented For 1970, Chrysler doubled down on its winged strategy, adding the Plymouth Superbird along with the Dodge, and the dominance speeds, resulted in a string of continued. Winged Mopars took seven of the top eight spots at Daytona, including winner Pete Hamilton (no. 40), third-place Bobby frightening tire failures during Allison (no. 22), and Charlie Glotzbach at fourth (no. 99). Pearson’s no. 17 Ford, in second place, was the lone non-Mopar. (Photo courtesy prerace testing. At the beginning of Wikimedia Commons) of 1969, the drivers had formed a loose organization called the Professional Drivers’ Association (PDA), with the sport’s biggest star Richard Petty as its president. Concerned that some of its members’ lives could be at risk, the PDA threatened to boycott the race. NASCAR president Bill France Sr.—who owned the track—was looking at a public relations catastrophe and tried to pressure the drivers to race. Things got contentious, and legend has it that the confrontation culminated with the notoriously hot-headed LeeRoy Yarbrough punching France out in the garage! Many of the sport’s biggest stars walked out: Yarbrough (obviously!) and Petty but also Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Buddy Baker, Bobby Allison, and Charlie Glotzbach, who would have started on the pole had he not withdrawn. Of those that remained, the winged Dodges University of Racing also has several nice replicas of were in a class by themselves, another 21 wins: 18 by Petty and the post-aero Mercury—like this no. 21 car David easily sweeping the top four three more by his teammate Pearson drove to six wins for the Wood Brothers in 1972. positions. But with most of the Pete Hamilton, who swept both top Fords on the sidelines, Dodge Talladega races and won the Auto World has done a ’70 Superbird was denied full glory and the fans Daytona 500. Bobby Isaac’s in 1:18—in Petty colors as well were denied a proper head-to- 11 wins and ultra-consistency as a few others. head battle. But it was clear that ultimately won his Dodge the the winged Daytona was a game championship, with Bobby Allison changer, and now it was Ford that runner-up in another Dodge. Ford would be playing catch-up—and, in and Mercury could only manage truth, it never fully did. 10 wins between them in 1970, and while seven of those were on Mopar Moves Ahead, big tracks, Dodge and Plymouth and NASCAR Calls a took 12 super speedway victories. Cease-fire With Chrysler and Ford beginning preparations for even more radical Ultimately, it would be NASCAR aero warriors for the 1971 season, rule changes that slowed down NASCAR decided enough was the Dodge—and the winged enough. It announced that any Plymouth known as the “Super cars with special aerodynamic bird” that lured Richard Petty aids—which included the Daytona back into the fold—but not until and Superbird, the drop-nose after Chrysler ran away with the Fords and Mercurys, and any other championship in 1970. Dodge models that might be released— won 17 races. Plymouth added would be limited to 5-litre engines, whereas standard body cars could continue with their 7-litre (Hemi and Boss 429) powerplants. The resulting 150+hp deficit made the aero cars so uncompetitive that they all but disappeared overnight. And while the era of the Aero Warriors may have been over, the impact of aerodynamics on stock car racing would only accelerate in the decades to follow. ✇ SUMMER 2017 29
OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD University of Racing 1969 David Pearson Torino Talladega and Charlie Glotzbach Charger 500 Ford and Dodge do battle for aero supremacy The year 1969 was the one to remember on the high banks of NASCAR’s super speedways. Ford had introduced the sleek new fastback Torino (and twin Mercury Cyclone) the year before, replacing its squarish Ford Fairlane and Mercury Comet. The Fairlane had acquitted itself well enough in ’67 but was never a serious contender to Richard Petty’s Plymouth for the overall championship. The Torino changed all that. Prepared by Ford specialist buttress C-pillars and pushed the Holman-Moody, the Torino driven rear window out flush and laid it by David Pearson won 16 races and at a flatter angle. While not quite a drove home with the title trophy fastback, it smoothed the air over in ’68. is was especially galling the rear end, reducing turbulence. to Dodge, which had also released With these changes, Dodge felt a new body design in ’68 and had confident it had a car to beat the designs on a championship of its ’68 Torino. own. And while the Coke-bottle curves of the ’68 Charger were And it might have, but a huge hit with the public, its unfortunately for Dodge, Ford concave grille and flying buttress didn’t just run the ’68 car as C-pillar produced a lot of drag, is for 1969. Many of the same which held it back on the track. It tricks that Dodge employed on won just twice in ’68: with Buddy the Charger 500, Ford applied Baker in the spring Charlotte to the Torino and Cyclone—plus race and Charlie Glotzbach at a few new ones, with the help the same track in the fall. Dodge of the Holman-Moody team. engineers set about remedying Ford too pushed its grille out the situation for 1969 with a flush, but the company took it a special edition called the Charger step further by also stretching “500.” ey addressed the front the nose 6 inches forward and end by installing a base model sloping downward, earning the Coronet grille that sat flush to nickname “droop snoot.” is the fender edges, so it eliminated required special handmade front the drag-inducing concave fascia. fenders and a horizontal panel in front of the hood, which created e fix for the back window was a slightly pointed nose. Special rather more complicated. ey rocker panels were contoured settled on a custom-made plug to allow race teams to lower the that filled in the gap between the cars, getting them down out of 30 DCXmag.com
AT A GLANCE MODELS 1969 David Pearson Ford Torino Talladega/1969 Charlie Glotzbach Dodge Charger 500 MANUFACTURER University of Racing GENRE Classic NASCAR SCALE 1:24 PRICE $85 (Ford)/$95 (Dodge); $125/$135 for signed editions THE DODGE ON THESE PAGES IS WHAT WE LIKE THE ONE WITH WHICH GLOTZBACH BATTLED LEEROY YARBROUGH TO THE + From the most exciting VERY LAST LAP OF THE DAYTONA 500. and historically significant THE FORD REPLICATES PEARSON’S NASCAR era CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING TALLADEGA. + Signed editions available for many Hall of Fame drivers + Captures the subtle aero— dynamic details that make these cars legendary + Excellent collectibility potential
UNIVERSITY OF RACING TORINO TALLADEGA AND CHARGER 500 Detail on Pearson’s Boss 429 is championship-grade. Plug wires, coolant hoses, and paint University of Racing offers signature editions of many of its models, including David Pear- and decals on the jumbo “Semi-Hemi” cyclinder heads win the day. son’s on this Ford. the air and further improving top tunnel!—to develop a more radical e Ford replicates Pearson’s 20 percent too tall and causes speed. Special front bumpers were solution…but that is another wing- championship-winning Talladega. the fenders forward of the front handmade out of Fairlane rear tailed tale. tires to be too squared off. Moving bumpers. It should be noted that the rearward, the roof is correctly e University of Racing has Glotzbach Dodge is decorated as painted black, perhaps to conceal As if that weren’t enough to produced both the Charger 500 it appeared on pole-day press give Dodge teams nightmares, Ford also worked up a new engine “THE MODEL CARS THEY’RE MAKING ARE JUST AMAZING. SO REALISTIC! for the special Torino: the famed I MEAN, THEY’RE JUST EXACTLY—EXACTLY—LIKE THE RACE CARS! THE Boss 429. e whole package— HEMI MOTOR—THEY GOT THE BREATHERS JUST EXACTLY LIKE THEY engine and bodywork—was USED TO PUT ON MY NO. 6 DODGE!”—CHARLIE GLOTZBACH christened the Torino “Talladega” and set to debut at Daytona, but and the Torino Talladega in 1:24, photos; by race day, a few more the rear-window insert. e production delays meant the wearing a variety of driver/team sponsor decals had been added chrome trim on the A-pillars and engine failed to get approval to colors from the 1969 season (as to the front fenders, but this was around the window openings is race until Atlanta a month later, so well as some non-aero Mercury fairly normal for the era and not simulated effectively with metallic Ford fielded the new bodywork Cyclones). Careful attention has any fault of the model. e Dodge paint, although the triangular with carryover 427 engines from been paid to get the livery and showcases the two key elements vent windows and rear quarter 1968. With the previous year’s sponsor decals just right, and that define the 500—the Coronet windows the Chargers ran are not engine, the Ford and the Dodge the box art testifies to that—as grille and the flush rear-window present on the model. e flush were pretty evenly matched they are beautifully decorated insert. Let’s start at the front. rear-window contour is just right (see “NASCAR’s Aero Warriors” with historic racing photos of Many small details have been though, and there is a cool bolted- on page 22), but once the 429 each car and driver that allow captured: the painted grille, the in rear valence panel replacing entered the fray, Ford had an collectors to admire and compare. triple stainless-steel hood pins, the taillight assembly. Note that insurmountable advantage on the body-colored chin spoiler. the model correctly captures the high-speed tracks. e Holman- e Dodge on these pages is fuel-filler location on the side of Moody team that had been so the one with which Glotzbach e dimensions of the flush nose the rear fender; race teams had to central to the development of battled LeeRoy Yarbrough to the have been exaggerated a bit relocate it from its racy-looking the Talladega gave Pearson the very last lap of the Daytona 500. though: e Coronet grille is about championship-winning car for the second straight year. A frustrated but determined Dodge would go back to the drawing board—and the wind From the time the Torino fastback was introduced, it was the class of the field aerodynamically. It would ultimately take a giant rear wing on the Dodge to stop seeing the Ford from this angle! 32 DCXmag.com
(but not race-legal!) stock top- unique box-style intake manifold e feature that made the biggest difference on the Charger mount quick-filler setup. and single 4-barrel carb. Cool 500 was the flush rear window, which replaced the standard Best of all, the air was ducted straight into the flying buttress–style C-pillars. e model captures it perfectly. aggressive tail- carb from the cowl vent at the high, nose- base of the windshield, and the e box-type intake manifold detail is great, and as Charlie himself attests, University of low stance is intricate set of breather tubes you Racing got the elaborate breather-tube setup perfect! I love the exposed tube-frame spot-on. see vented crankcase pressure front clip! developed from sustained high- Pearson’s rpm running. I wish that the Hemi on its differential. Both chassis tion of the crucial aero front end Ford Torino had plug wires and radiator hoses plates are replete with decals—for on the Ford give it a slight edge underwent numerous like the Ford does, but I love the the manufacturer and model, of at the line. While the models we stylistic and technical visible tube-frame chassis and course, but also for the teams: show here are the standard- changes throughout the ’69 suspension; they give the model Holman-Moody for Pearson’s edition Dodge and signed-edition season. is model has the 429 an authentic race car vibe! e Ford and Cotton Owens Garage for Ford, they can be had vice versa and “Talladega” scripts on the Ford has enclosed fenders, so the Glotzbach’s Dodge. Wheels are as well—a detail we love about rear flanks, so it is definitely post- chassis isn’t visible like it is on the authentic down to the different- University of Racing models that Atlanta. It’s nearly impossible Dodge, but the engine detail itself color center caps front and back enhances both collectibility and to pinpoint the model down to a is good. is is the race version on the Charger. e tire advantage value. And its library of drivers is specific event, but it is certainly of the Boss 429; the massive goes to the Ford; the slightly extensive: In addition to ’69 Fords faithful to Pearson’s championship Hemi-style cylinder heads are a rounder profile looks more realistic and Dodges, they have several car, and the blue and gold colors dead giveaway—even if you hadn’t than the square sidewalls on ’65 Fords and Mercurys from ’68, are some of the most iconic of the noted the “429 C.I.” lettering on the Dodge. ’69, and ’71. For many race fans— era. Whereas the Dodge’s nose is the hood. In addition to the ignition including me—this era represents a bit too square, the Ford model wires and coolant hoses, there FINAL LAP both the most technically inter- captures the special “droop snoot” is more texture and shading to esting and the most historically perfectly. Even the panel lines the components and some nice Ford just edged out Dodge at the exciting era of NASCAR. e for the insert in front of the hood decals on the valve covers. e finish of the 1969 Daytona 500, cars are great, the drivers are are there. Torinos didn’t use vent cowl-induction air-cleaner shroud and that’s pretty much how I feel legendary, and the stories are windows, so the openings here are is chrome, and there’s a cool oil- about these two models as well, irresistible. at makes the models accurate, and the slope of the oh- reservoir tank in the right front for although having spoken to Charlie so-effective fastback is just right. the dry-sump system. personally the Dodge is definitely pretty irresistible too! ✇ my sentimental favorite! ey are ere is an awkward gap where Chassis detail is extensive on door handle to door handle in most SOURCE the trunk lid meets the rear deck, both models, including several respects, but a few extra engine University of Racing but otherwise, the contours are race-only items. Most notable are details and the more faithful depic- universityofracing.com flawless. is is the signed edition, the exhaust systems. e Dodge so the blacked-out hood wears uses fairly conventional 4-into-1 David Pearson’s signature in tube headers for each bank that silver Sharpie! exit through a pair of pipes just under the driver’s door. e Ford As was the case with the is more high-tech: It uses separate full-size racers, the doors are header tubes that splay out sealed; in fact, the real cars had horizontally and dump into a pipe painted-on door handles just like exiting each side. e Ford setup the models do! e cockpits are permitted teams to slam the cars decked out though; racing seats down closer to the track without and full roll cages are evident in ground-clearance problems. Both both cars. e Pearson car even models have some nice simulated has texture to the roll bars to heat coloring on the tubes. As simulate them being padded and mentioned, both cars have dry- wrapped. Glotzbach’s car still has sump oil pans installed, and the a simulated woodgrain dash! e Ford has an oil-cooler pump trunks do open on both cars, and each is equipped with a racing fuel cell featuring a filler neck and a vent tube. On the Dodge, you can clearly see boxed sections of the chassis, which facilitated lowering the car closer to the track. On the Ford, the roll cage extends through to the trunk. Of course, the hoods open too, and beneath the Dodge’s, you can see a version of the 426 Hemi that dominated NASCAR of the era, winning seven championships in 10 seasons between 1964 and 1974. (It was banned for 1965, else it likely would have won eight of 11!) Detail is solid, showing the SUMMER 2017 33
The Early Years and Prewar Vintage Some of the earliest production automobiles had body styles we now associate with station wagons: enclosed, with rooflines that extended the full length of the rear bodywork— although most did not yet offer a tailgate or opening rear door, so they are not wagons in the truest sense. Such vehicles were typically referred to as “sedans” back then, and only in later years would that word be reassigned to refer to a vehicle with a separate trunk. Sport In 1915, Ford introduced a wagonlike Wagons two-door sedan variant of its Model T (subsequently named the “Tudor”), and Shooting followed by the “Fordor” shown here. Brakes They became two of the T’s most popular configurations. Diecast Model T Fords have been made by several manufacturers in various scales. A tradition of singular style and practical performance By Matt Boyd Station wagons have long been saddled with the reputation of frumpy, utilitarian people movers with little to offer to the performance enthusiast. Long rooflines and extra cargo room have come to be associated with dull, passionless driving—the car you had to buy instead of the one you wanted to buy. That dowdy image led directly to the surge in popularity of the sport utility vehicle, which was interpreted first as a more rugged and adventurous alternative to the traditional wagon. But automotive historians will tell you that there is a rich performance tradition in the station wagon. And there have been a number of sporty—and decidedly un-wagonlike—vehicles converted into wagon facsimiles for various purposes, a configuration often referred to as the “shooting brake.” So let’s highlight some of the sporty, stylish, and quirky wagon variants from throughout the years that dispel the notion that these machines are in any way boring, and look at some of the wonderful—and weird!—diecast options out there for collectors. At the upper end of the automotive spectrum, Cadillac—who at the time was among the most prestigious brands in existence—offered wagonlike “sedan” bodies on its flagship V-16–powered chassis throughout the 1930s. Franklin’s 1930 Cadillac V-16 Imperial Sedan is an excellent example. It’s well out of production but can still be found on the secondary market. 34 DCXmag.com
Oldsmobile’s Vista Cruiser was an attractive blend of style, function, and performance when it was introduced in 1964. By Chevrolet made the most of its high- 1970, it was a full-fledged muscle car available with a 370-horse 455 and a sports suspension. The factory even made two performance small-block and big- with the full 442 treatment, including the W-30 engine package! (Photo courtesy of GM) block options available in its wagons. Chevelle Concours wagons could enjoy a highwinding 325-horse L79 327 or even a burly 396. (Photo courtesy of GM) Postwar American Classics and Muscle Wagons When production resumed following World War II, it ushered in a new era of American automotive design and technology. And with millions of servicemen returning home, starting families, and buying new cars, the station wagon came into its own. Ford and Mercury were among the most innovative with their new-for-’49 model range, and both offered stylish wagons with V-8 power. Several brands have produced ’49 Fords and Mercs in diecast; among our favorites were the 1:18 Ford Surf Wagons produced some years back by Motor City Classics. Chevrolet took the lead in both style and performance in 1955 with the introduction of the iconic Nomad two-door wagon and the innovative small-block V-8. The Nomad would be produced until 1961 (and again from 1968 to 1972), but it’s the so-called “Tri-5” first generation—’55, ’56, and ’57—that are widely considered the coolest American wagons ever made. Dozens of model manufacturers have taken a crack at the Tri-5 Nomads—take your pick of scale and price point. SUMMER 2017 35
Sport Wagons and Shooting Brakes Is it a hatchback, a shooting brake, or just a fun and eminently useful coupe? You Volvo surprised the automotive establishment in 1961 with the stylish P1800 coupe. It decide, but the MGB GT was so popular that MG built them from 1965 all the way until surprised again in 1971 with the 1800ES—a gorgeous shooting brake with a glass tailgate. 1980. This is AUTOart’s excellent 1:18 version. Minichamps made this one in 1:18 some years ago. Classic Euro Wagons, Estate Cars, and Shooting Brakes If the formula for the domestic wagon was fairly uniform (big car + lots of passenger space + big, thumping V-8), its European counterparts were much more eclectic. Some were compact people movers, while others were so-called “estate cars” that more closely mirrored their American counterparts. Still others evolved the “shooting brake” concept into its modern interpretation: two-door coupes or even sports cars with extended cargo areas to make them more practical grand tourers. Think of the Morris Mini Traveller and Countryman as something of a pint-size Chevy Nomad. The two- door box had cargo and passenger versions and, despite its looks, retained its smaller sibling’s nimble sporty character—especially if you opted for the 1100 or 1275 engines. This 1:18 model is by Kyosho. With fewer than 20 of these Aston Martin shooting brakes built, this almost qualifies as a custom one-off. But a dozen or so DB5s and six DB6s (like this one) were factory authorized, so they count as (very exclusive!) production vehicles. (Photo courtesy of Bonham’s) 36 DCXmag.com
ODDBALLS AND ONE-OFFS Sports cars are in many ways the antithesis of the station wagon, sacrificing practicality for style and pure driving enjoyment. But a select few have sought to restore some of that practical use while preserving the sporty driving experience—sometimes surrendering style in the process. Jaguar toyed with shooting brake versions of its XK150 in the late ’50s. One wonders if this influenced the configuration of the E-type that succeeded it? e only model of it we’ve ever seen is an obscure Rialto 1:43 resin kit. Some may think the Callaway AeroWagen is the answer to a question no one asked, but this C7-based shooting brake is hardly the first Corvette wagon. In fact, the initial concept for Chevy’s legendary Nomad was a stretched 1954 Vette! (Photo courtesy of GM) Perhaps the most famous shooting brake conversion of a sports car was the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT “Breadvan.” Built as an alternative to the GTO, the design never took off—for obvious reasons—and only one was made. Several models have been made of it though—most in 1:43. Most Porsches are rear- Italian designer Touring engined, which doesn’t lend itself Superleggera crafted to a wagon layout. But the 924 was front- this highly successful engined, which gave designer Gunter Artz the shooting brake opportunity to create 20 924 Turbo Kombi Artz shooting version of the Bentley brakes, which inspired this Premium X 1:18 replica. Continental for the 2011 Geneva Auto Show. Dubbed the Flying Star, the design was so well received that the firm contracted to make 20 more of them. Best of Show makes this one in 1:18, while Neo makes them in 1:43. SUMMER 2017 37
Sport Wagons and Shooting Brakes Volvo continues to produce quirky performance wagons. It even took its hilariously boxy 850 T5-R Estate Wagon touring car racing in the mid-’90s! These days, its road-going V60 Polestar makes 367hp—more than this race car did! (Photo courtesy of Volvo) Modern Production Performance Wagons Both the traditional American wagon and the European sport wagon concepts have evolved greatly, and the current crop of offerings are as diverse and exciting as they have ever been, with unprecedented levels of power and utility available to the discerning buyer even as SUVs continue to overshadow them in the mass market. ✇ Above: No make epitomizes the modern sport wagon more perfectly than Audi. It has been producing Avant models (Audi-speak for “wagon”) with potent turbocharged engines and Quattro AWD to put the power down since the 1992 RS2. (Photo courtesy of Audi) Below: Even Ferrari has hopped on the wagon bandwagon. This GTC4 Lusso is a four-seat shooting brake with AWD and 681hp! (Photo courtesy of Ferrari) Above: The 2014 Cadillac CTS-V is everything we could want from an American performance wagon: world-class handling; edgy, beautiful styling; and a 556hp supercharged V-8 that tops out at 185mph! (Photo courtesy of GM) Top: BMW’s odd little M Coupe recalled echoes of the MGB GT, with a little Ferrari GTO Breadvan thrown in! Based on the Z3 Roadster, the 1998–2002 M came loaded with the E46 M3’s 315hp Inline-6 to keep things exciting. UT made a cool one in 1:18 when the M was current. (Photo courtesy of BMW) 38 DCXmag.com
OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD Best of Show 1964 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser Skylight highlight of the wagon world “Progressive” and “pioneering” aren’t traits many people usually associate with Oldsmobile or station wagons, but that’s exactly what the Olds Vista Cruiser delivered when it was introduced in 1964 alongside the second- generation Cutlass/F-85, with which it shared GM’s new intermediate A-body platform. But unlike the regular F-85 wagon, seat—a unique feature in an the cabin. at and the light tan most unique features. Back to the which rode on the standard intermediate wagon. And because upholstery (officially “Parchment”) exterior for a minute. e color is A-body 115-inch wheelbase, of the extra glass, both sets of work together to give us a highly perhaps fractionally lighter than the Vista Cruiser was stretched rear passengers were afforded visible interior, avoiding the Oldsmobile’s “Holiday Red,” but an extra 5 inches to better scenic vistas from which the traditional drawback of sealed the finish is lovely. e window and accommodate its signature model derived its name. e rear doors. e dash detail jumps right beltline trim are simulated with feature: a roof that was also seats folded down flush, yielding out. I do wish they had chosen to tape and metallic paint under the stretched several inches—up—and 93.3 cubic feet of cargo space— mold the third-row seat; there is a clearcoat, while the front and rear equipped with glass skylights 6.4 more than the brand’s full- faint panel line suggesting its fold fasciae, door handles, and side above the rear seat and along the size wagon! point, but having it unfolded would mirror are all cast and chromed. edges. is gave extra headroom, have highlighted one of the car’s Hood, fender, and tailgate scripts which not only made rear seat So the Vista Cruiser added style passengers more comfortable and practicality, but it also added but also permitted installation driving enjoyment thanks to a full of a forward-facing folding third complement of options from the Cutlass line. ese include the AT A GLANCE Jetaway automatic transmission, a high-compression 4-barrel MODEL version of the brand new Jetfire 1964 Oldsmobile 330ci small-block that made Vista Cruiser 290 horses, and even the B01 Police “Apprehender” package, MANUFACTURER which included the 290hp engine Best of Show (BoS) plus a heavy-duty suspension (beefier anti-roll bars, stiffer GENRE springs, and other reinforcements) ’60s muscle car and a performance rear axle—the same hardware that would serve SCALE as the foundation for the 4-4-2! 1:18 All this added up to make the PRICE Vista Cruiser instantly the station $100 wagon of choice in 1964. It also makes an outstanding scale WHAT WE LIKE replica for collectors looking for something a bit different. BoS + Class of the wagon field in models are sealed resin pieces, the ’60s and that works well for the Olds—the acres of glass on the + Clear “glass” showcases top and sides of the wagon get bright, airy interior the maximum amount of light into + Crisp casting lines on Cutlass-based body 40 DCXmag.com
e Parchment-colored upholstery and all the glass e standout feature that made the Vista Cruiser the wagon to own in ’64 was gives the model excellent visibility to the interior, even the unique bubble-top glass, which the model captures to good effect. with sealed doors. e Vista Cruiser rode on an intermediate Cutlass/F-85 chassis stretched 5 inches, and could be ordered with most of the components that made up the sporty 4-4-2. BoS does its in “Holiday Red,” and the finish is excellent. are etched metal and look little nuances like that correct. e with some experience in the cars. If you’re anything like us, it’ll fantastic, as do the light lenses. tires are likewise accurate to the hobby. Let’s put it this way: surprise you how much you end up optional 15-inch whitewalls with your first Olds model is probably e chassis is devoid of which the Vista Cruiser could be not going to be a Vista Cruiser. liking this model. ✇ detail, but the wheels more ordered off the showroom floor. But if you’ve got the 442s and than compensate. ey depict Toronados covered, this model SOURCE Oldsmobile’s complex three-piece FINAL THOUGHTS is a great way to add depth to Best of Show; distributed by American turbine wheel covers superbly. your Olds collection. And with Excellence american-excellence.com Note that the center cap emblem is Station wagons aren’t for every those big expanses of glass, it the F-85-specific logo rather than collector. Appreciation for the actually presents better than SUMMER 2017 41 the traditional Olds rocket logo— style and uniqueness of a nicely some more traditional muscle we’re very pleased to see BoS get rendered wagon probably comes
out of the box by matt boyd Kyosho Shelby Cobra 427 S/C An American iron fist in a British aluminum glove If there is one thing that the last half- The big 427 pushed the transmission back into the century has shown, it’s that the automotive cabin, necessitating the odd shifter angle. Note also world’s fascination with the wildest, rawest, the nice fabric race belts. fastest roadster ever to slither its way out of the Venice, California, fabrication shop of one Carroll Shelby—Le Mans–winning race driver, car builder, chicken farmer, entrepreneur, and promoter extraordinaire—will never die. Old Shel himself may have shuffled off this mortal coil spring a few years ago, but the hope of car guys everywhere to, one day, own a Cobra 427 S/C springs eternal. Original S/Cs have auctioned for Blue” with white stripe scheme, stock 427 straight out of the Ford properly to the hood scoop, but as much as $2.1 million, and an but Kyosho also offers the S/C in Galaxie, the S/C got treated to a detail on the carb is noticeably entire industry of clone Cobras has Dark Silver (Lincoln’s “Princeton few of the tricks Ford’s Holman- lacking compared to the rest of developed to fill voracious demand. Gray”) without sponsor decals Moody race team had brewed the engine presentation. Even Shelby himself capitalized or number roundels. Both have up for its NASCAR stockers. The Kyosho makes a solid effort to by making his own “Continuation” chrome side pipes and roll bar, standard motor was rated at depict the beefy ladder frame that copies, which far outnumbered plus cast chrome pieces for the either 410hp or 425hp, depending underpins original 427 Cobras. The the original car. With built-in hood latches, racing fuel cap, light on whether it had a single- or tube diameter is spot-on, down demand like that, it’s no wonder bezels, side vents, and hood and dual-carb setup, but the S/C got to a fraction of a millimeter! The that diecasts of the Shelby Cobra trunk snake emblems. a massaged 427 with a race- differential and stubby driveshaft 427 S/C remain evergreen in S/Cs didn’t have exterior door spec Holley 4-barrel encased in are separately molded, and the the eyes of collectors and why handles, but they didn’t have a “turkey pan” plenum chamber, rear suspension—although not manufacturers like Kyosho keep windows either, so owners could with 12.5 compression, and it functional—looks realistic (the releasing them. simply reach in to open the tiny bellowed through unmuffled front less so). I like that Kyosho Kyosho has been working doors. The driver’s seat features side pipes to the tune of 485hp! took time to mold the rear-brake with this casting for more than a fabric four-point racing harness Kyosho gets the big stuff right and cooling ducts. The chassis could a decade, which, under normal with beautiful metal buckles; the some nice, smaller touches too: use a bit of paint shading to break circumstances, would make this passenger makes do with only a plug wires with painted retainer up the monochromatic black snake seem a little long in the lap belt. There’s no battery behind brackets connected to a properly plastic. Color does wonders for the fang, but a steady stream of the seat, though. Note the odd painted distributor, a remote-fill wheels; gunmetal gray centers, updates and options have kept it angle of the shifter. Because of the coolant tank, and a puke tank on highlighted by chrome outer pretty fresh. The car you see here size and weight of the 427, Shelby the firewall to collect blow-by represents a more track-oriented engineers mounted the engine and caused by high compression. S/C—with sponsor decals and gearbox as far back in the chassis Chrome headers connect to number roundels on the flanks— as possible. This pushed the shift the side pipes through realistic but it’s definitely an S/C rather linkage well aft of the optimal notches in the fender. The turkey than a full competition model, as angle for the driver, so the shifter pan looks good and mates up identified by its full windscreen and was pitched sharply forward to license-plate bracket as well as compensate. A competition-spec a nicely detailed fender emblem. dash with essential gauges is Paint is one of those items Kyosho installed (road cars had a glove box has upgraded over the years; the and a few additional amenities). metal flake in earlier versions was Beneath the hood lurks a rather coarse, but this car has a fire-breathing serpent of a 427 pearly sheen with no discernable with NASCAR DNA. Whereas the grains of metal in the paint. I’m standard roadster was delivered partial to the classic “Guardsman with a full exhaust system and a 42 DCXmag.com
Kyosho captures the extras that transformed a road Cobra into an S/C: wider fender flares, unmuffled side pipes, and a roll bar. WHAT WE LIKE AT A GLANCE MODEL + Side pipes and a big block Shelby Cobra 427 S/C in a sports car! Updates and color options MANUFACTURER Kyosho ++ When you say “Shelby,” this is the car you think of GENRE ’60s sports car/racer SCALE 1:18 PRICE $135 sections, capture the accurate today will be more popular in 50 e S/C received a special competition-prepped version of the 427 with more compression look of the Halibrand wheels with years? For a diecast company, a and a race Holley 4-barrel tucked into a “turkey pan” plenum chamber. Kyosho does a nice knockoff spinners. My only gripe: Cobra model is a no-brainer—and job with the wiring, plumbing, and all the peripherals. they are too big! ey measure out an S/C even more so. Kyosho to 17 inches in scale; the Cobras has done a nice job keeping this SUMMER 2017 43 wore 15s. e 17-inch wheels Cobra current, and the price tag give the model more of the look seems quite reasonable compared of a modern Cobra clone than an to what other companies are original S/C. charging for comparable models. And the cars have held their value FINAL THOUGHTS surprisingly well over the years, so collector prospects are favorable. e Shelby Cobra is an old sports If you don’t yet have one of these car that never gets old. After 50+ in your collection—or you have an years, it’s no longer the fastest older piece without this model’s production car on the planet, but updates—you should consider with the power-to-weight ratio of a modern supercar—around 5 picking one of these up. ✇ to 1—it’s still amazingly capable. And it has that “it” factor that few SOURCE cars of any era can touch. ink of Kyosho America kyoshoamerica.com; it this way: Which cars on the road distributed by Minichamps carvillemodelsshop.com
out of the box by the DCX team The dashboard is very well done, with finely molded Model 777 switchgear, a nav screen, 2016 Ford F-350 and detailed King Ranch instruments. The suave Super Duty Truck guys are a loyal lot. When they find a vehicle that suits their tastes and needs, they stick with it, and no group is more loyal than the Super Duty Ford guys. Over the years, the Super Duty has received several minor styling refreshes, and with its myriad option packages and configurations, it comprised literally hundreds of different combinations during that time—and sold millions of trucks. For most of its run, the F-350 has with this model’s visible options the hood seem to have interfered reverse sensors. There is an been the most potent consumer- would sticker for) buys you an with the final waxing/buffing, so exclusive King Ranch leather- grade Ford platform and the impressively versatile machine, if a it may need a quick rub with a wrapped steering wheel, and the premium King Ranch package slightly contradictory one. polishing cloth to shine it up. The “Running W” King Ranch logo is among its most popular. If you King Ranch badges on the doors emblazoned on the seatbacks and want a truck that can do it all Model 777’s replica is a Crew and tailgate are etched perfectly, center console. The dashboard is and look good doing it, you can’t Cab F-350 with the 8-foot bed— while the F-350 emblems are cast. very well done, with finely molded do much better than an F-350 making this the longest pickup The only other adornments are switchgear, a nav screen, and King Ranch. The concept of a Ford sells, stretching 22 feet the FX4 decals on the rear and the detailed instruments. workhorse truck so stuffed with stem to stern over a 172-inch big blue oval castings on the front comfort and style appointments wheelbase. That translates to a and rear fasciae. The front has As a sealed-body model, the that its sticker price tops that model nearly 15 inches long; cast nice clear lenses on the vertically King Ranch has no engine. It of a premium European luxury in resin, it has impressive heft. stacked headlamps and the fog doesn’t carry external engine sedan strikes many as odd, but The finish on the Ruby Red over lamps that are integrated into the badges, but we can infer from the $70K (roughly what a truck Caribou two-tone is outstanding, front bumper just outboard of the large-bore twin-exhaust tips that although the two protrusions on tow loops. The only miss is on the this carries a 440hp 6.7L Power The 8-foot bed comes with a bed liner, power-folding heated mirrors. On Stroke turbodiesel V-8. With that and you can clearly see the molded-in the King Ranch, the top segment motor’s 860 lb.-ft. output and the caps between the wheels that should match the body color or optional fifth-wheel hitch kit (you denote the presence of the be chrome (depending on the can see the attachment-point fifth-wheel mounting kit— option package); the model’s are covers in the bed), the tow rating a nice touch. plain black. is a herculean 15,700 pounds! We know for sure that it has the FX4 44 DCXmag.com A look through the large windows Off-Road package, which comes at the cushy cabin gives you a with electronically locking diffs, a sense of the dual nature of this full set of skidplates, and 34-inch machine. The King Ranch package Michelin tires in case the owner includes leather seats that are feels like taking it trail running! memory power-adjustable But this model also carries the and heated and cooled, a huge premium step bars and optional premium nav/entertainment 20-inch premium wheels with system, maple woodgrain appliqué Running W center caps to keep up trim, a power-sliding rear window, appearances on those trails. The and a rear-view camera with wheels don’t roll, so those logos
AT A GLANCE MODEL 2016 Ford F-350 King Ranch Crew Cab MANUFACTURER Model 777 GENRE Modern pickup SCALE 1:18 PRICE $165 WHAT WE LIKE + Accurate depiction of King Ranch nuances Impressively detailed interior ++ Sheer size and presence are always pointed in the right design that was introduced way A big part of this model’s appeal is its stance and commanding presence. But the little details direction. ere is no chassis or back in 1999 and the final year for are there, too—from the etched badges to the crystal-clear light lenses. suspension detail, but the model a steel-body Ford (2017 switched comes with a nice display box and to aluminum body panels.) at mounting plinth, so it’s doubtful makes this model significant as most owners would ever see the well as striking. I suspect a larger chassis anyway. percentage of buyers will be Ford guys—and specifically Ford truck FINAL THOUGHTS guys—than traditional diecast collectors. But the quality level e 2016 Ford Super Duty repre- will make it satisfying to both. Just sents the final year of a truck make extra room on your shelf for this big boy! ✇ SOURCE Model 777; distributed by American Excellence american-excellence.com e King Ranch package doesn’t spare the interior luxury. e special steering wheel and e only miss on this model is the color of the mirror housings. On a King Ranch, they’re seat leather are unique to the King Ranch, and they are on display in the model, as is a nicely body-colored unless the chrome package is ordered. detailed dash. SUMMER 2017 45
out of the box by matt boyd Diecast Masters High But in all the years (more than I operation employing one would Line Series Underground care to admit to) that have passed not also have need of the other, Mining Loader & since, my concept of mining and as both were announced at Articulated Truck equipment has not really evolved the same time, it’s clear that Cat much past those giant trucks like envisions them working in tandem. This pair digs deep and strikes my dad’s that roamed the surface Let’s start with the loader. Caterpillar gold roads in and out of the mines. I The hue is the familiar Cat yellow had absolutely no idea there were on both vehicles, and it is applied My dad worked in a copper mine when I giant vehicles under the earth as smoothly and evenly throughout. was a kid. He drove one of those four-story-tall well. But there are, and they’re the There are a lot of edges and ore-hauling dump trucks for a few years—a job subject of Diecast Masters latest surface corrugations on the my 6-year-old self was convinced was right up High Line releases: the Caterpillar loader, but there is no evidence of there with astronaut and cowboy as one of the R3000H Underground Wheel pooling or paint rash. Cat logos and coolest jobs a person could possibly have. I had Loader and the AD60 Articulated model designations are peppered several models of my dad’s truck, and those Underground Truck. around the machine, and they vehicular behemoths were captivating—in scale These are nominally indi are nicely rendered as well. Atop and especially in person! vidual models—and they are the superstructure are a series of sold separately—but to get a painted-on anti-slip grip strips. full appreciation for just how There are steps cast into the body interesting and capable they are you really have to view—and display—them together. In fact, most of Cat’s technical and sales literature shows the two machines together, as they are the largest underground mining vehicles that Cat makes in their respective categories. It’s doubtful that any Excellent models in their own right, the Diecast Masters underground mining vehicles become even more appealing displayed in tandem. 46 DCXmag.com
leading up from behind the right AT A GLANCE rear wheel, but the railings that MODEL bracket the steps are molded Caterpillar R3000H plastic. e aft section also Underground Wheel contains a reasonably detailed Loader & AD60 Articulated rendition of the 15.2L C15 engine Underground Truck rated at 409hp. e main chassis MANUFACTURER is articulated via a joint just Diecast Masters behind the front wheels to enable GENRE steering; its range of motion is Construction equipment perhaps 20 degrees, and the joint SCALE is bridged by a realistic driveshaft 1:50 with U-joints and a series of PRICE hydraulic hoses. $78 (loader); $90 (truck) e front third of the vehicle WHAT WE LIKE is dominated by a giant bucket assembly capable of holding + Good models individually, more than 15 cubic yards of even better as a set material and 44,000 pounds + LED lights add an extra level of engagement + Some of the coolest packaging in the industry LED lights are a real highlight (no pun intended) and enhance realism of both models, especially given the dark subterra- nean environment they operate in. THEIR SKILLFUL RE-CREATION BEGS YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REAL VEHICLES TO BETTER APPRECIATE JUST HOW ACCURATELY THEY’VE BEEN RENDERED. SUMMER 2017 47
DIECAST MASTERS UNDERGROUND MINING LOADER & ARTICULATED TRUCK per scoop! e loader arms can cabin positioned on the left, just are foldable to give the truck be raised, and the pitch angle of behind the articulation joint. Oddly, added clearance in tight confines. the bucket adjusted allowing it it is faced perpendicular to the to be positioned high enough to vehicle itself—perhaps to give the e wheels are the same tread realistically load the truck. e operator a better vantage point pattern and come mounted on arms are properly detailed with during loading? e molded driver the same wheels. e operator’s simulated hydraulic pistons and figure is painted but not terribly cabin and driver figure are similarly more hydraulic lines. e hefty tires detailed. detailed. e chassis is again have realistic tread, and the shine articulated with a detailed joint has been knocked down on their e AD60 truck shares a that has a simulated hydraulic finish. ey are mounted on cast- number of traits with the loader. piston actuating it. ere’s also metal rims. ere is an operator’s a swiveling brace that locks the e finish is equally satisfying, and chassis from bending if you wish to on the truck, most of the railings e dump bed raises on nicely simulated hydraulic pistons. Left: e models are 1:50 scale (about 10 inches long) but feature excellent surface detail around the engine spaces and railings. Above: e detail on the functional articulation joints of both vehicles is impressive. Below: e removable plastic payload of rocks isn’t quite as convincing as the rest of the model, but at least it doesn’t endanger the finish! 48 DCXmag.com
have it remain rigid. e tow hitch e screen-printed premium metal tin each model comes in makes for a beautiful is also articulated. e gigantic presentation. dump bed—capable of holding more than 66 tons!—raises and FINAL THOUGHTS rendered. ey’re perfectly suited lowers on another set of pistons for each other, and I can’t imagine and hydraulic lines. ey even ese models serve as an a serious collector not wanting give you a simulated payload, but introduction to a subterranean both to display together. And their its realism isn’t quite up to the world of industrial machinery that price—while not inexpensive—is standard of the truck itself. Given most people will never lay eyes quite reasonable for the level of the actual payload, the truck on. But their skillful re-creation craftsmanship delivered. As an requires a more powerful Cat C27 begs you to learn more about the added perk, each model comes 27.0L turbodiesel good for 776hp, real vehicles to better appreciate in a premium metal tin (think and the model again does a solid just how accurately they’ve been lunchbox) that has been screen- job replicating it. printed with data panels and a series of photographs of the real e real highlight of both vehicle and the model. It really is models is just that—lights! A a beautiful presentation, which switch mounted on the top of adds to the sense of value these the operator’s cabin on each model triggers a set of bright LED models deliver. ✇ lights. On the loader, there are big spotlights fore and aft, some deck SOURCE lights, plus colored LEDs—white, Diecast Masters, distributed by amber, and red—along the edge of b2breplicas.com; 3000toys.com the operator’s cabin. e truck has spotlights and deck lights, plus a low-mounted taillight panel. Given the dark, confined spaces these vehicles operate in, the functional light systems really deliver an extra level of authenticity to the presentation. e giant bucket on the front of the loader can lift 22 tons at a time, allowing it to fill the truck in three scoops!
Search
