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Chris Walker enjoying Long Beach. Larry Wood alongside his ’38 COE. Stunt rider Jason Britton. ever-smiling “Miss Muscle Machine.” It was Jimmy Shine and the DieCastSpace.com girls. guys-only at the M2 Machines booth, but the display cases were packed with preview New Location! items that will be in stores later this year. A lot of collectors took the opportunity to 140 Long Road shake designer/product developer Sean Suite 130 Taylor’s hand, and pick up a few choice pieces (including M2’s DCX Expo event car - a ‘69 Chesterfield, MO 63005 Camaro in standard and “chase” versions), fa6l/8l/1210122:552 1PM while previewing the special DCX truck that will be on retail store pegs any day now. Collectors who like their models to move on a track had the chance to wrap their hands around a controller and hammer some of Auto World’s latest 1:64 slot racers around on three different layouts; the “Scooby Doo,” “John Force,” and “100 Years of Chevrolet” tracks offered fun for everyone from little collectors to their grown-up (chronologically) counterparts. The cars were fast—and kept on running, despite some pretty hard falls. It’s for reasons like that that nobody got a shot at driving Hot Wheels legend Larry Wood’s outrageous full scale 1932 Nash Ambassador, or his show-stopping (literally) 1938 Ford COE, but they were allowed to get close; Bruce Schultz also arrived in style with his supercharged bare steel, rear-engined 1957 Chevy 2-door wagon, while Carson Lev rolled onto the show floor in “RedPhin”—his slick red 1959 Chevrolet—a realization of a Hot Wheels car of the same name. Sean Taylor’s dad brought in his beautifully painted Chevy pickup (featured in the Spring 2012 issue of DCX), and outside, showgoers got a chance to see cars from Back to the Future, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Knight Rider. Vendors were happy, and so were collectors: Mike the Diecast Guy, Big Lou’s Toys and Collectibles, 1 Stop Diecast, and others offered loads of diecast for sale, and were restocking their cases and tables all weekend; the show specials were plentiful. Overall, this year’s event was one to remember—and we want you to remember to be there next year to join us. Keep an eye on the Die Cast X and RCX websites for more info, as it becomes available. n Special thanks to C.J. Cramer, Carson Lev and Greg Rogue for all they did to support the show. 45683.indd 1

hot wheels highway HLarary Wnoogd oipnen's uWp hisisthohp toEDClXwoodbymikezarnock He’s also truly generous with his time. While we were out in Long Beach, CA, for the RCX/DCX CollectorsHot Wheels collectors know and cherish the name “Larry Wood” for a lot Expo this past April, we had the opportunity to visitof reasons. Whether it’s the 40 years he spent designing Hot Wheels cars, with Larry at his shop—Elwood’s Garage. The “Elwood”the real-life cars that he’s built and driven around the streets of Southern California, or just the way that he enjoys the company of his fans, he’s a H handle sprang from the way Larry signs his drawings—dedicated car guy through and through. Larry’s retired from his job as a Hot Wheels designer, and when we got to the supplied address and knocked at the door, we didn’t know what to expect. We were in for a treat. Suddenly, there was Elwood himself, smiling from ear to ear, and welcoming us inside. Retirement “L Wood.\" It’s a friendly nickname that Larry enjoys suits the man well; the legend appeared tanned, tall, greatly. relaxed, and smiling. Once inside the front office, we 52 DCXmag.com

fall 2012 53

HOT WHEELS HIGHWAY Two very rare white Classic were blown away by cases of books, hundreds of Hot Wheels, then took us out of his office and into the Cord Prototypes! One paint- models, the stacks of Hot Wheels and vintage “Kustom” main garage. We were now truly in Hot Wheels Heaven: ed and one not. In the center car mags … and a full-on, blown Hemi engine on a Population, us. is a blue hand -carved stand. Larry saw the awestruck look on our faces. TwinMill Prototype. “What can I tell you?”, he said. He made small circles in e first things we saw would have been hard to the air with his fingertips. “ is is just stuff— diecast miss: Larry’s ’38 COE Ford truck and his big-block Above: Elwood’s own orange stuff, Hot Wheels stuff, collector stuff.” He then turned Chevy-powered ’32 Nash—both in a shade of orange, 1932 Nash. Right and below: A to the Hemi with a big smile. “I’m going to put an electric and both of which became Hot Wheels cars. e Nash fiberglass-bodied early 1930s motor in it with a margarita blender on the end, so it’ll was sold as the “Classic Packard”; when we asked Coupe with a Supercharged V6 spin, and make margaritas.” about the name change, Larry laughed. “What kid is in the trunk! going to buy a Nash?” Another car sat square in the HOT WHEELS HEAVEN workshop; an in-progress, fiberglass-bodied, rear- While the images of a engined blown V6 project that’s equal parts VW buggy 1,200 horsepower cocktail and ‘34 Ford. We all agreed that the wild ride—stinger mixer vectored across exhaust and all—should be a Hot Wheels. And why not? our collective minds Who better to bring a Hot Wheels car to life than the (along with the urge to man who designed Hot Wheels for 40 years? “Car stuff bow reverentially), Larry has always been my love. [Working for Hot Wheels] chuckled, showed us a paid me to be able to come here and do this, which is few more rarities and what I enjoy,” he said, nodding at the projects parked in photos from his years at the shop. Forty years of design makes for an impressive amount of memories, and the video cameras rolled as Larry led us to the cases along the walls. Prototypes, bare castings, and never-released pre-production pieces were everywhere. Larry pointed out the rarer items—including original drawings of some classic Wood designs. “We’ve got drawers and drawers of this stuff,” Larry said, “and we could look through the files for the rest of our lives.” After seeing Wood’s original art for the “Zowees,” the “Old number 5,” and his color sheets for some of the projects he’d had a hand in, we were wishing we could. A DREAM LIKE STATE en Larry brought us over to a special display, and showed us something that few get to see: original, hand-built Hot Wheels design models. ese look to be made of plaster or clay, painted in colors we’d never seen; some were hand painted with “windows,” others Continued on page 57 SSHHOOPCK In addition to giving us a personal tour of Elwood’s garage, Larry presented me with a hand-drawn, signed sketch of my real-life Altered Roadster—which became a Hot Wheels Car a few years back. It was an emotional moment that none of us will soon forget. 54 DCXmag.com

2F0L0A1SHBACK HOT WHEELS HIGHWAY 2001 Hot Wheels Mainline At the end of the year 2000, Hot Wheels collectors were wondering if the 2001 main line cars were going to continue on with collector numbers from the previous year, as they had since 1989. Since Mattel had started over at “1” in 2000, there was a thought among collectors that that the number cards would continue sequentially into 2001. e thought was erroneous; when the first few cards for ‘01 came out, we quickly saw that Mattel had decided to reset the ticker each year. is started a lot of discussions; some collec- tors liked it, and some didn’t. Either way, that’s what we got—and we’ve gotten used to it. It seemed that a lot of changes were taking cars in the series. It got to the point that col- Greased Lightnin’ with the harder to find 5sp wheels place for the new millennium. e 1957 Road- lectors were chasing after both the incorrect, (top). ster and the “Go-Kart” were the first to get and the later, corrected pieces, so they could the new style mini 5-spoke wheel, and there complete a set. Muscle Tone with old (top) and new HW logo (bottom). was also a change in the Hot Wheels logo that was tampo’d on the body. A good example Less easy to spot was the color of the of that is the black “Muscle Tone.” It has the “peace signs” on the hoods of the “Hippie logo in orange, on the front fender. Both wheel Series” 1968 Mustangs. e first round of cars variations have both logos, making a total of had three silver peace signs on the hood; not four different variations. too long after, they were changed to white. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that this ere were also a number of 5-spoke vari- was a running change, and that the numbers ations that were keeping collectors very busy. on the silver ones are quite low. Not too many collectors knew about them, and I’m sure that e “Shredster”, Dodge Charger R/T, Mustang there are some of the silver ones in collec- Mach 1, “Shoe Box,” “Muscle Tone,” “Ham- tors’ “extras” boxes. I run into them from time mered Coupe,” 1932 Ford Vicky, “Greased to time, so if you don’t already have one, keep Lightnin’,” Ferrari F355 and the Ford Stake Bed your eyes open. were in short supply. Each of them were com- manding $10 to $15 apiece … if you could find All in all, 2001 was a pretty good year for them. variation collectors. From wheel changes to interior colors, misspelled cards and tampo ere was also a card variation on the “Rod changes, there were many different types of Squadron” series or would that be the “Rod variations to look for. Let’s take a look at my Squardron” series? at’s right, they spelled Top 10 Variation Picks for the year. “Squadron” wrong on the packaging of all four #36 Toyota Celica, black plastic front grille and vents, (not paint). Right: Grille and vents are yellow-painted metal. ZARNOCK’S TOP 10 VARIATION PICKS OF 2001 1957 Roadster with old mini-5sp (top) and new style mini-5sp (bottom). 10228 Ford Stake Bed 525 Lotus M250—2001 First Editions 13/36 Candy blue metallic, chrome Malaysia base, asw-5sp Candy gray, black plastic “LOTUS M250” Malaysia base, Austin Healey: Light blue with small door tampo (top); silver painted “Lotus” on rear with silver HW logo Dark blue with large door tampo (bottom). 9 102 Road Rocket Dark gold chrome body, metal Malaysia base, 436 Toyota Celica—2001 First Editions 24/36 5 dot wheel Lighter yellow color, black plastic front grille & vents, asw-pr5 wheel 8204 Ferrari 360 Modena Black metallic with matching black metallic painted 3129 Slide Out metal Malaysia base, asw-5dot Day-glo yellow body, blue plastic Malaysia base, bright yellow in tampos, bright green in side stripes, pr5 wheel 745 Mo’ Scoot—2001 First Editions 33/36 Day-glo orange transparent body, blue tint metal 2159 Cabbin’ Fever Malaysia base & front end, raised silver HW logo on top of Green metallic, gray plastic Malaysia base, red “Hot Wheels” & white “Transport” on side of black plastic rear 6foot board ramp 108 Dodge Charger R/T Metallic purple, black plastic Malaysia base, black interior, 155 ’57 T-Bird— Turbo Taxi Series 3/4 pr5 wheel Yellow enamel, chrome Malaysia base, no porthole in roof FALL 2012 55

2001 Hot Wheels Checklist ❑ 001 ‘65 Corvette Treasure Hunts ❑ 086 ‘99 Mustang Company Cars ❑ 171 Mercedes C-Class ❑ 002 Roll Cage Treasure Hunts ❑ 087 Monte Carlo Concept Car ... Company Cars ❑ 172 Radio Flyer ❑ 003 So Fine ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 088 Dodge Sidewinder ... Company Cars ❑ 173 Talbot Lago ❑ 004 Rodger Dodger ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 089 ‘68 Mustang ... Hippie Mobiles ❑ 174 Baja Bug ❑ 005 Blast Lane ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 090 ‘63 Corvette ... Hippie Mobiles ❑ 175 VW Bug ❑ 006 Hammered Coupe ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 091 ‘64 Lincoln Continental ... Hippie Mobiles ❑ 176 1931 Duesenburg Model J ❑ 007 Vulture ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 092 ‘67 Pontiac GTO ... Hippie Mobiles ❑ 177 Dodge Viper RT/10 ❑ 008 ‘67 Dodge Charger ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 093 Super Comp Dragster ... Skin Deep ❑ 178 Chaparral 2 ❑ 009 Olds 442 ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 094 Willys Coupe ... Skin Deep ❑ 179 Krazy 8s ❑ 010 Pontiac Rageous ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 095 Chevy Pro Stock Truck ... Skin Deep ❑ 180 Corvette Stingray ❑ 011 Deora ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 096 Pro Stock Firebird ... Skin Deep ❑ 181 Surfin’ School Bus ❑ 012 Cabbin’ Fever ... Treasure Hunts ❑ 097 Anglia Panel ❑ 182 Sooo Fast ❑ 013 Cadillac LMP ... First Editions ❑ 098 omasima III ❑ 183 Super Modified ❑ 014 Surfin’ School Bus ... First Editions ❑ 099 Pro Stock Firebird ❑ 184 Jaguar D-Type ❑ 015 La Troca ... First Editions ❑ 100 1970 Plymouth Road Runner ❑ 185 Armored Car ❑ 016 Sooo Fast ... First Editions ❑ 101 Chevy Pick-Up ❑ 186 Rodger Dodger ❑ 017 Super Tuned ... First Editions ❑ 102 Road Rocket ❑ 187 Bywayman ❑ 018 Hooligan ... First Editions ❑ 103 Porsche 928 ❑ 188 Flame Stopper ❑ 019 Krazy 8s ... First Editions ❑ 104 Audi Avus ❑ 189 Dodge Power Wagon ❑ 020 MS-T Suzuka ... First Editions ❑ 105 Demon ❑ 190 Ferrari 308 ❑ 021 Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S ... First Editions ❑ 106 Power Pipes ❑ 191 Ferrari 355 ❑ 022 Shreadster ... First Editions ❑ 107 Surf Crate ❑ 192 Ford Escort Ralley ❑ 023 Dodge Viper GTS-R ... First Editions ❑ 108 Dodge Charger R/T ❑ 193 Rescue Ranger ❑ 024 Maelstrom ... First Editions ❑ 109 65 Corvette ❑ 194 Roll Patrol ❑ 025 Lotus M250 ... First Editions ❑ 110 ‘41 Willys ❑ 195 Duece Roadster ❑ 026 1970 Plymouth GTX ... First Editions ❑ 111 Express Lane ❑ 196 3-Window ‘34 ❑ 027 Honda Civic ... First Editions ❑ 112 Mustang Mach 1 ❑ 197 Austin Healey ❑ 028 Evil Twin ... First Editions ❑ 113 BMW Z3 Roadster ❑ 198 Side Kick ❑ 029 Hyper Mite ... First Editions ❑ 114 ‘96 Mustang ❑ 199 Dairy Delivery ❑ 030 Outsider ... First Editions ❑ 115 1935 Cadillac ❑ 200 ‘68 El Camino ❑ 031 Monoposto ... First Editions ❑ 116 Auburn 852 ❑ 201 Super Tuned ❑ 032 Vulture Roadster ... First Editions ❑ 117 Shoebox ❑ 202 La Troca ❑ 033 Fright Bike ... First Editions ❑ 118 Muscle Tone ❑ 203 Hooligan ❑ 034 Jet reat 3.0 ... First Editions ❑ 119 Sho-Stopper ❑ 204 Ferrari 360 Modena ❑ 035 Montezooma ... First Editions ❑ 120 Hammered Coupe ❑ 205 ‘38 Phantom Corsair ❑ 036 Toyota Celica ... First Editions ❑ 121 Firebird ❑ 206 Panoz GTR-1 ❑ 037 Ford Focus ... First Editions ❑ 122 Forklift ❑ 207 Power Rocket ❑ 038 Mega-Duty ... First Editions ❑ 123 Wheel Loader ❑ 208 Cadillac LMP ❑ 039 Riley & Scott MKIII ... First Editions ❑ 124 Lamborghini Diablo ❑ 209 Ferrari F40 ❑ 040 XS-Ive ... First Editions ❑ 125 ‘32 Ford Vicky ❑ 210 Blimp ❑ 041 School Bus ... Fossil Fuel ❑ 126 ‘68 Mustang ❑ 211 Krazy 8’s ❑ 042 Ambulance ... Fossil Fuel ❑ 127 Roll Cage ❑ 212 Shredster ❑ 043 Firebird Funny Car ... Fossil Fuel ❑ 128 Lotus Elise 340r ❑ 213 MS-T Suzuka ❑ 044 Camaro Z-28 ... Fossil Fuel ❑ 129 Slide Out ❑ 214 Porsche 911 GT3 ❑ 045 Mo’ Scoot ... First Editions ❑ 130 25th Anniversary Lamborghini Countach ❑ 215 Popcycle ❑ 046 Ford underbolt ... First Editions ❑ 131 Greased Lightning ❑ 216 ‘32 Ford ❑ 047 Morris Wagon ... First Editions ❑ 132 MX48 Turbo ❑ 217 Shadow Jet ❑ 048 Fandango ... First Editions ❑ 133 ‘97 Corvette ❑ 218 Ferrari 250 ❑ 049 Old #3 ... First Editions ❑ 134 Oshkosh Cement Truck ❑ 219 Corvette ❑ 050 Ferrari 156 ... First Editions ❑ 135 Corvette Stingray ❑ 220 GT Racer ❑ 051 Cunningham C-4R ... First Editions ❑ 136 Ice Cream Truck ❑ 221 Riley & Scott MK III ❑ 052 ‘57 Roadster ... First Editions ❑ 137 Arachnorod ❑ 222 Outsider ❑ 053 ‘57 Chevy ... Turbo Taxi ❑ 138 Vulture ❑ 223 Pikes Peak Tacoma ❑ 054 Limozeen ... Turbo Taxi ❑ 139 Ford GT-40 ❑ 224 Shadow MK IIa ❑ 055 ‘57 T-Bird ...Turbo Taxi ❑ 140 Hot Seat ❑ 225 Mercedes-Benz SLK ❑ 056 ‘70 Chevelle ... Turbo Taxi ❑ 141 Go Kart ❑ 226 ‘65 Impala Lowrider ❑ 057 Track T ... Rat Rods ❑ 142 ‘63 Ford T-Bird ❑ 227 Mini Truck ❑ 058 ‘33 Roadster ... Rat Rods ❑ 143 SS Commodore (VT) ❑ 228 Ford Stake Bed ❑ 059 Phaeton ... Rat Rods ❑ 144 Isuzu Vehicross ❑ 229 Silver Bullet ❑ 060 Shoe Box ... Rat Rods ❑ 145 Toyota MR2 ❑ 230 Oldsmobile Aurora ❑ 061 Muscle Tone ... Anime ❑ 146 Camaro Z28 ❑ 231 Lotus Project M250 ❑ 062 Ford GT-90 ... Anime ❑ 147 Sharkruiser ❑ 232 Panoz LMP-1 Roadster ❑ 063 Dodge Charger R/T ... Anime ❑ 148 Speed Shark ❑ 233 Maelstrom ❑ 064 Olds Aurora GTS-1 ... Anime ❑ 149 Police Car ❑ 234 1936 Cord ❑ 065 Dodge Daytona Charger ... Rod Squadron ❑ 150 Enforcer ❑ 235 Semi-Fast ❑ 066 Lakester ... Rod Squadron ❑ 151 Surf Crate ❑ 236 Submarine (Fathom is) ❑ 067 Greased Lightning ... Rod Squadron ❑ 152 Deora II ❑ 237 Fire-Eater ❑ 068 Propper Chopper ... Rod Squadron ❑ 153 Chevy Stocker ❑ 238 Ferrari F50 ❑ 069 Rigor Motor ... Skull & Crossbones ❑ 154 Power Pistons ❑ 239 T-Bird Stocker ❑ 070 Blast Lane ... Skull & Crossbones ❑ 155 ‘56 Ford ❑ 240 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C ❑ 071 Duece Roadster ... Skull & Crossbones ❑ 156 ‘40 Ford ❑ 072 Screamin’ Hauler ... Skull & Crossbones ❑ 157 Ferrari 333SP Michael Zarnock has been collecting ❑ 073 Phantastique ... Logo-Motive ❑ 158 Mini Cooper Hot Wheels since 1968; he is con- ❑ 074 Pontiac Banshee ... Logo-Motive ❑ 159 Cabbin’ Fever sidered by many to be the ultimate ❑ 075 Turbolence ... Logo-Motive ❑ 160 Metrorail variation historian. If you would like a ❑ 076 Metrorail ... Logo-Motive ❑ 161 Jaguar XK8 complete checklist of all 2001 main- ❑ 077 ‘59 Impala ... Monsters ❑ 162 Hummer line variations, be sure to pick up a ❑ 078 Tail Dragger ... Monsters ❑ 163 ‘37 Bugatti copy of Michael’s book Hot Wheels ❑ 079 Cadillac 1959 ... Monsters ❑ 164 Dragster ❑ 080 ... Purple Passion ... Monsters ❑ 165 Flashfire Variations the Ultimate Guide, now ❑ 081 ... MX 48 Turbo ... Extreme Sports ❑ 166 Ferrari 456M in its fourth edition. Copies are ❑ 082 ... Double Vision ... Extreme Sports ❑ 167 Austin Healey available from his website, MikeZarnock.com. ❑ 083 ... Twin Mill II ... Extreme Sports ❑ 168 So Fine ❑ 084 ... Probe Funny Car ... Extreme Sports ❑ 169 Blast Lane ❑ 085 ... Jaguar XJ220 Company Cars ❑ 170 Solar Eagle III 56 DCXmag.com

HANGIN' WITH ELWOOD Continued from page 54 were monochrome color tests, and more of Untitled-4 1 6/6/12 1:50 PM the models were just plain castings. All of these were physical representations of what BUYDIECASTONLINE.COM we’d seen in Larry’s drawings, and were built by Mattel’s shop after each sketch had Pre Orders been approved. Some of the models never New Releases saw production. Other proto design pieces—a wooden Pantograph buck for the “Twin FREE SHIPPING [email protected] Mill,” and a pair of first-shot “Classic Cords,” on orders over $150 859-282-8625 among others—are, frankly, priceless. 47741.indd 1 12/7/11 5:49 PM e memories of the models that those very pieces spawned had us in a dream-like CUSTOMȱDISPLAYȱCASESȱ state—but what we saw above our heads shook us back to the present. In addition to InnovativeȱDesignsȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱMuseumȱQualityȱ cars and motorcycles, Larry Wood collects Hot Wheels signage—and like every machine OVER 60 Order Display parked below it, the giant vintage “Mattel Hot STANDARD Cases Wheels” neons and antique sales and show Online banners adorning the shop's walls and roof SIZES beams each have a story to tell— but we can't PLUS Call for tell those stories here. We promised. CUSTOMS Free Brochure Same deal on other mementos, like the www.customdisplaycases.com (888)889-0396 Hot Wheels jackets and the Hot Wheels Soap Box Derby Car hanging from the rafters, or the side of Kyle Petty’s Hot Wheels Race car, hanging on the wall. It’s all fair and square, for sure, but the amount of Hot Wheels product and promotional paraphernalia Wood oversees is astonishing—not surprising, given the 40-year span that’s passed outside those walls as the memorabilia accumulated within. Larry invited us to see the antique aluminum camping trailer that he’s been resurrecting over the past few years; it’s a cherry piece that’s as much an imposing streamlined sculpture as it is a comfy camper. Larry is polishing the aluminum to an as-new luster and updating the interior with fragrant wood and hand-fashioned chrome detailing, as well as modern electronics. It’s as timeless as the man himself. Forty years of Hot Wheels history have soaked into the walls and floor of Elwood’s Garage; the small things often mean the most, and the large things, though impressive, tell the quiet history of this humble man who has brought millions of people joy. He’s thoughtful, creative, and caring. We stepped back into the Long Beach sun feeling that Larry Wood’s heart, like his shop, is an open door. ough the walls are finite, what lies within will expand, if only in our memories, for as long as kids— and the adults they become—treasure his work. Mr. Hot Wheels … thanks. ■ 47720.indd 1 FALL 2012 57 12/2/11 3:56 PM

quick LOOK by Joe Kelly Jr. Sunstar 1960 Plymouth Fury Convertible 1:18 | $90 Top left: There was no shortage scale can cause a reaction akin to cramming a wedge of of things to do and see in the ’60 P lymouth had a bit of a problem when the ‘60s wedding cake into your mouth all at once. Step back and Fury, and Sunstar put most of dawned: just three years earlier, it had trumpeted take smaller bites, however, and it comes across as a piece that out in scale, right down to its groundbreaking lineup with the catchphrase that’s worthy of the “Platinum Collection” moniker that the swiveling seats. “Suddenly, it’s 1960!”... and, now, it was. But Chrysler it will wear once on sale. The casting is big and smooth, Design had been hit by bad luck. The brilliant Virgil Exner, and it’s been painted well; under the Buttercup Yellow Top middle: If “Golden Com- who had penned the fantastic 1957 lineup, suffered a mas- and Oyster White two-tone, the fitment of the doors and mando” sounds like a superhero, sive heart attack in July of 1956, and, despite ill health, was opening hood and trunk, all on real-aspect hinges, is good, you’re close—it was actually trying to cover his position as Chrysler’s first VP of Design. too, especially for a pre-pro. And, joy of joys—the photo- Plymouth’s second-to-top line Then, a late 1957 power struggle literally fractured the etched “Fury” and “Plymouth” badges that always add so V8 for 1960, and it’s looking design department. much in the way of realism to this line of models (and that super here. And, did we mention the recession? In 1960, folks were have, on prior releases, occasionally caused heartburn), hanging on to their wallets; after the high water mark of are firmly and securely attached here. Top right: The real fabric mat 1957, big cars with big fins were hardly flying off the show- The model’s lensing is a treat. In addition to the head looks like a 1:1 pattern—in full room floors. Instead, gas-sipping compacts like FoMoCo’s and taillights, there are clear faces for the parking lights up scale—that’s been cut to fit Falcon and Comet, Chevrolet’s Corvair, and Chrysler Corp’s front and for the reverse lamps, and each has a “bulb” cast the model’s trunk; something own Valiant, which was sold through Plymouth dealerships, in; while you have the loupe out, have a look at the medal- Sunstar does with every model were becoming the stars of the showrooms. Plymouth lion on the tailfin, and in the center of that “Sport Deck” from this lineup. needed a car that would bring back big-car buyers. trunk adornment. The interior warrants a couple of visits, As it happened, the 1960 Plymouth was not that car. too; even if the clear-sectioned “Aero” steering wheel Bottom: It was wild-looking, Sales of full-sized Plymouths tumbled, and had the Valiant seems to be at an odd angle, the patterns on the seats to be sure, and Plymouth’s not been a part of the division’s overall sales numbers, and the neat dash, plus the tri-toned color scheme— 1960 Fury is just the kind of car it’s a good bet that a few Highland Park higher-ups would trimmed in gold, mind you—make the top-down car pop. that Sunstar does best—big have been using those tailfins to dangle upside down So does the optional ($52 ) RCA record player mounted American machines with styling from—or worse. under the dash, and the sweet swiveling front buckets and flair that could only have Given that context, Sunstar’s choice to do a top-line and visors. The trunk’s matted with real fabric, and the come from the Motor City. This ’60 Plymouth Fury convertible is beyond bold—it’s outra- mid-range 361 cube, 305-horse Golden Commando 395 example gets a little help from geous. So was the car. In retrospect, few design elements engine under the hood (the “395” was its torque rating) is aftermarket “Foxcraft” chrome from the era can match the drama of those front fenders, a dazzler with a red block, gold-toned valve covers and air fender skirts, and offers major or that … interesting trunk treatment. cleaner, and pretty much every wire, pipe, and hose you bang for the buck. It’s all on display from bumper to heavily chromed could want, hung right where you’d want it. bumper on this pre-production piece. Though a couple of Sunstar keeps finding new ways to engage 1:18 collec- details are still cooking, first looks at the model are almost tors, and the Platinum Collection has become one of the overwhelming; seeing all of those styling elements in few remaining steady sources of good, highly detailed models in the hobby. The price points have remained reasonable, and the subject matter—especially when it’s as left-field as this—makes for enter- taining collectibles. Suddenly, it’s 1960—and that’s just fine by us. Sources Sunstar Toys sunstartoys.com 58 DCXmag.com

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Driven SLOT CAR RACING | BY THE DCX TEAM Rolling Classics Auto World Bus vs. Brat 1:64 | $120 When was the last time you remember see- ing a school bus run the quarter mile? Well, when super-designer Tom Daniels pens a choice partnership with one of the hobby’s most prolific scale racing manufacturers, the Pick a Pair unimaginable becomes reality. Teaming with Auto World, Tom has developed a drag rac- Kyosho DSlot43 Porsche 917K ing set in which two of his classic creations come to life in scale, and on the track. 1:43 | $50 each e Daniels-fired set features exclusive e recent debut of Kyosho’s DSlot43 racing platform and track sets is still rippling through the versions of the “S’Cool Bus” and “Brat scale racing community, and the lineup seems to grow larger by the day. is pair of Porsche 917K Boy” vehicles on Auto World 4Gear slot (“K” for “kurz”, for short) racers is another example of how enticing this middle scale is, both on car chassis; combined with a 13-foot track, the track and on display. Elford and LaRousse’s Martini-liveried No. 3 car from Sebring ’71, and its a fully functional LED Christmas tree, and companion release, the Atwood/Herman 917K, the vehicle that took Le Mans in 1970, are perfectly an electronic finish line with win lights, the shaped, accurately decorated, and an absolute hoot to tool around a track, especially if your trigger mix of style and scale racing fun will get finger is used to larger scales. With strong motors, spring- loaded carriages and adjustable neo your adrenaline pumping for hours as you magnets, these things don’t just accelerate, they lunge out of the corners; out-of-the-box-true master the perfect launch. Even standing wheels and sticky tires mean virtually zero prep, and snap-off bodies mean swapping shells takes still, the set offers up some cool visuals. seconds … literally. Even better: Kyosho recently announced a development partnership with one of Keeping with the old school theme, the 1:43’s giants—Spark—just in time for cooler climes and more indoor fun. - Joe Kelly Jr. track set features vintage-style, full-color kyosho.com/dslot43 race decals of Daniels’ artwork to decorate the course your way. It’s a great team effort, To the track, sir and a modern spin on a true classic. Rock on, Tom! —Andy Goodman Carrera Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT autoworldstore.com 1:32 | $50 Do you have an extra $1.2 million burning a hole in your pocket? If so, you can be the proud owner of an SLR Mercedes 722 GT. e cash will lighten your load; Mercedes did the same to the already exotic 722 by dropping 600 pounds from the stock version, and folding in a laundry list of added racing goodies purposed for showroom-to-track sprints. Don’t have the scratch? You can still drive one, in scale, thanks to Carrera and its 2009 CBR/TRG Motorsports “No. 71” SLR McLaren 722 GT. is maker’s been around the track a few times, and this car’s finesse and engineering show it. In addition to a highly detailed body and durable, tamped-on markings, the vehicle has working front and rear lights and magnetically enhanced acceleration and handling. Also included is an extra set of pick up brushes; Carrera knows that once you get this one on your home track, it’ll be hard to slow down. - Andy Goodman carrera-toys.com 60 DCXmag.com

48463.indd 1 6/6/12 4:37 PM 48448.indd 1 is on 6/4/12 5:06 PM Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. are you? facebook.com/diecastxmag Die Cast X is growing on Facebook and we encourage you to join us in building a commu- nity where we can swap stories, videos and photos, answer questions and stay updated on the latest news in die cast. “Like” us today!

quick LOOK by Bill Bennett TrueScale there are still issues to be addressed, collectors will be Miniatures getting a beautiful piece. Done in a sponsor-free black Right: Under the nose is a wealth Lotus 56B and gold livery, the first car’s main difference from its of detail, including the batteries, soon-to-follow Indy brother is a bulging waist, which was fire system, pedals, reservoirs, 1:18 | $195 necessary for the oversize tanks that were fitted to carry and a wired binnacle. the additional fuel load.  Under the removable nose, both Below: Remove the aft cover, A ndy Granatelli narrowly models will feature operational rack and pinion steering, and the car’s semi-inboard rear missed winning the 1967 a fully wired instrument panel, and an authentic battery brakes, oiling system, and fully Indianapolis 500 with the four- and fire extinguishers forward of the pedal cluster. Getting realized suspension system wheel-drive, STP-Paxton turbine-powered to those sights is a technophile’s dream: as with all of the come into view. “Silent Sam” race car driven by Parnelli Jones. In removable panels, the nose is held in place with tiny, hid- 1968, he returned to the Brickyard to give the turbine a den neodymium magnets, and it snicks back into place on Above: Beneath the intake second shot at the laurels—but this time, the monster was the car as if by magic. plenum is the Pratt & Whitney sheathed in a radically new, wedge-shaped car penned The Pratt & Whitney 500hp STN6 turbine engine is STN6 turbine engine, beautifully by Lotus’s Colin Chapman. Once again, Lady Luck—in a derivative of the PT6 family of powerplants used to executed in molded and photo- the form of a broken fuel pump shaft—denied him the motivate aircraft and equipment. Here, in its historically etched pieces. win. USAC, who oversaw the Indy rulebook, soon sealed unusual fitment, the Lotus’ shell hosts the gas turbine Below: Skimming the surface, the deal, and any chance of realizing the potential of the perfectly—so much so that it’s a natural for open-body the wedge-shaped, turbine- car at Indianapolis was quashed when it was effectively display. In addition to a detailed main section, the engine’s powered race car was not just exhaust is a complex casting and its intake, though not a radical power departure for legislated out of contention. finalized here, will come to market as a photo-etched Lotus; its aerodynamics foretold But Colin Chapman was not to stainless piece. TSM has gone to great lengths to get the design concepts for its future plumbing and wiring correct and complete, and at either open wheel machines. be deterred, and continued the end, the suspension components and four-wheel-drive development of the 56 to race elements are executed with a feel for true precision. in Formula 1: a move that was This F1 version is scheduled to be available in July, and in line with Chapman’s desire we can expect Graham Hill’s Indy car in August. Make to front a singular design that room amongst your racers. Like the real car, TSM’s latest could be raced both at Indy and offering represents a giant leap forward from much of on the F1 circuit. With drivers what has come before it, and comes across as a magnifi- Emerson Fittipaldi, Dave Walker, and cent piece at this price point, or at any price point, for that Reine Wisell, the car was entered in three races during the matter. We’d call it a winner. 1971 F1 season. In the wet, the car’s exceptional traction and aerodynamics occasionally gave it the lead; on dry Sources pavement, however, the 56B proved uncompetitive to its relatively heavy machinery. TSM Model tsm-models.com Nonetheless, the design was revolutionary, and TrueScale Miniatures will be bringing us both the Indy and the Formula 1 versions of the Lotus 56 in 1:18 scale diecast. First to be introduced will be the car Emerson Fit- tipaldi brought to an eighth place finish at the 1971 Italian Grand Prix—the best finish the car ever had before it was permanently retired. This is exciting stuff; it’s a brand-new tool that will yield a model with greater detail and features than those of the old Carousel 1 models to which it will invariably be compared. It took a little string pulling (and a road trip to Chino), but DCX managed to borrow the only pre-production sample outside of China to show readers a preview of what they should expect. Here’s the deal: although 62 DCXmag.com

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Aut Rewind BACK IN TIME | BY JOE KELLY JR. PRECISION MINIATURES 1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 4 DOOR HARDTOP 1:18 | SECONDARY C alifornia-based Precision Miniatures danced on the ragged edge Ivory were on the menu; so was the eye-grabbing Cro- of the collectible 1:18 hobby for the better part of six years, for- cus Yellow and Tuxedo Black combination our sample saking meat-and-potatoes subjects in favor of releases aimed wears. Beneath those festive hues, the bodies were at alternate collecting tastes. is included everything from high-end extraordinary castings with pin-straight shut lines, hearses to impeccable gassers, dragsters, and dry-lakes speedsters. correctly hinged doors, and, save for the tampo’d “Bel Air” scripts below each rear fender peak, hard trim for e drop-dead beautiful (ouch) hearses came with marvelously ma- everything from the window surrounds to the wonder- cabre felt-lined caskets and chromed metal church trucks. e latter ful side spear that separated the flawless paint. Where series of Bantams, Willys, Fiats, and a single (and singularly amazing) there were lenses, they were beautifully etched and Corvette were booming with delicate detail and noble materials. placed; where there was chrome, it was show-quality stuff that outdazzled the brightwork on just about any Below left to right: e interiors In between the dead sled, the historic racers, and even model, even those with far heftier price tags. e grille, on these classic cruisers were a giant ‘59 Caddy limo, Precision (which had previously in particular—a delicately cast, see-through plastic done well by Precision Minia- been known more for its 1:43 models) also produced mesh—looked amazing placed beneath the color- tures, and the color combina- a slightly more mainstream image—a 1956 Chevrolet ful Chevrolet crest and “V” on the hood, and with the tions were as well chosen as Bel Air. But because PM was always just a little left of airplane-inspired hood ornament above, it set the stage the textures and finishes on the center, this tri-five Chevy was released not as a sure- for the eye to wander—and wonder—at the perfect seats, door panels, and dash. bet two-door coupe or convertible, but as a four-door proportions and nearly flawless display of the replica. ■ e 265V8 wasn’t overly hardtop. done, but it was certainly pre- Under their hoods, the Chevrolets had 265 V8s — sentable for the price … ■ … and Like the equally quirky 1950 Ford Crestliner that it nothing hi-po; just the motor your dad or granddad the trunk detailing—save for had released in 2005, the circa-2006 Chevy was a mid- might have sprung for. Nicely painted and assembled, the serialized number plate— price release at the time, originally ticketing at nearly but only moderately (and somewhat incorrectly) wired, brought out the Bel Air’s boot $60, or at around half that of the drag cars, and a third the engines were decent for the time; more effort just fine. less than the hearses. e Chevys were also a colorful went into the cars’ interiors. From the lensed dome lot. Sierra Gold and Dune Beige, Matador Red and Dune light above to the flocked floor below, the cabins were Beige, and Dusk Plum or Twilight Turquoise over India thoroughly detailed and deco’d with authentic-looking Fifties-era two-tone upholstery, which was hot printed onto soft vinyl seats and painted onto the door panels. 64 DCXmag.com

www.DiecastMusclecars.com 11111:::::1111188888 DDDDDiiiiieeeeeCCCCCaaaaasssssttttt We specialize in 1/18 Scale Diecast Serving the World Wide Web with Quality Service Since 1999 Musclecars from Auto Art,Auto World, Exact Detail, GMP, Greenlight, Hwy 61, Sunstar, Maisto,Welly and more. Call (715)874-6037 for more info or visit www.DiecastMusclecars.com All cars are packaged very carefully and shipped out within 24 hours via UPS. We accept Mastercard and Visa on our Simple-Secure Online Order Form. “Mention this ad for a Free Shipping OFFer on your first order” Get in46897_dcx_fall11_1/6.indd 1 12/7/11 6:02 PM HHHooonnnkkkeeerrr /// MMMrrr NNNooorrrmmm the know! HHoonnkkeerr // MMrrNNoorrmm Sign up for the Ramchargers / Strickler FREE Die Cast X e-newsletter. CS55SCRS5RCCR5eeeoaoaoao0000vvvmmlllmlmoooo000eee0occcrrrrrrrcr+++---+-aahahh+-hMMMMMlllaaaaeeee“““rrrerggg--GG-G-CCCCg-CGGGGeeeGrrreoroororHHHuuHuorHsssnnnnsmmmnOOOOeeeeO//e/ppp/yyy/S//IS/SIII/SI”””CCCCtttHCHHHrtrrHCCCiriiaEaaacEEEcciaaaaEcrrrrkkkrrrrrrrSkSSSllolsssroooeSeelop!!!erppp!rr!!!pr! DCXmag.com/newsletter Sevveerraall““GGrruummppyy””CCaarsrs! ! e chrome-heavy dashes were crisp, as 666 cccooolllooorrrsss ooofff YYYeeennnkkkooo’’’sss were the stalks for the directionals, and the auto-trans shift lever on the column. 66 ccoolloorrssooffYYeennkkoo’s’s Aside from what could be seen in profile, SSS 111Want to see chassis detailing wasn’t a strong suit on (763) 425 - 6020your ad in these models, and except for the neat, S 1(763) 425 - 6020Die Cast X? hollowed-out dual exhaust tips, the inclu- SwSwSwwwuuuwwwwwpppwwwwweee....rrr.ScccaaauuuurrruCCCpppppoooeeeelllellleeerrrrrccccccctttciiiaaabbaballlreerrerrss1s,,, ....LLLcccc.ttctoooodddommmm...m sion, or lack thereof, of realistic textures and pieces in the area under the cars never Supercar Collectibles, Ltd. seemed to be a concern, because it didn’t im- (763) 425 - 6020(763) 425 - 6020Email us at pact the car’s wonderful looks on display. e Supercar Collectibles, Ltd. trunk featured a removable spare (actually 48425.indd 1 6/4/12 4:59 PM just another copy of the road wheels used on the model—mounting hole, one-piece wheel cover and all) and in true “Mint” fashion, there was a hand-numbered serial plate af- fixed to each car’s trunk floor. e main line releases saw only 1,500 of each color made; if rarity is your thing, look for the “Vicki’s Gifts” variants—Green and Cream with a Continental kit and fender skirts (200 made), or the same color combo, sans skirts and kit (400 built). We can only imagine what these models—and this mak- er—would have become had the company survived. ere’s still hope that Precision Miniatures will come back from hiatus some day, and rejoin the hobby. Until then, keep an eye out. ese little bombs are well worth looking for, out there on that ragged edge. ■ (763) 425 - [email protected] 1 6/4/12 4:59 PM 48425.indd 1 6/4/12 4:59 PM 48425.indd 1 6/4/12 4:59 PM 48425.indd 1 FALL 20162/46/152 4:59 PM

collector Tell us what profile fuels your Meet Mr. Lucky passion! Bob and Lori Jackman make Mississippi proud | by bill bennett Is it the hunt? The purchase? B ob Jackman is one of the luckiest guys in the world—at least in the world of car Or the display? collecting. But Bob isn’t lucky simply because of the beautiful cars in his collection. He’s lucky because his wife Lori actually puts up with them—in fact, she says she Share your col- enjoys them as much as he does. lection and your passion with thousands of other collectors just like you. Die Cast X magazine is look- ing for collectors who want to show the world what fuels them. Visit DCXmag.com/cp, answer the profile questionnaire and attach a few pictures of your collection. It’s easy. And who knows ... you might be featured in a future issue of Die Cast X! Lucky? That’s borderline blessed. there are quite a assures that the Jackman Collection will Bob and Lori Jackman retired from St. few Hot Wheels be channeled to charities serving sick and Louis, MO, where Bob was an executive in the mix. Only abandoned pets and critters. Bob, you’re a for a large shoe company, to a quiet, one element is lucky man, indeed—and thanks for sharing wooded suburb of Jackson, MS, where missing: race your collection with us. n they could enjoy their hobbies and their cars. Bob says furry family of four dogs and three cats. that he’s shied Over 40-plus years of car collecting, away from buying Bob has owned 143 full-size cars; his those, because current collection includes a 1963 Ford doing so would Thunderbird Sports Roadster, a 1961 double the size Corvette, and a 1929 Ford Roadster semi- of his collection, rat rod.  and he’s already Bob’s talent for car restoration is running out of room. respected from coast to coast. A few Bob’s friends and neighbors realize years ago, he tackled an original, full- there’s something very special lurking sized 1930 Ford Model A two-door inside his house and garage, and as sedan, and when the work was done, the such, he has become a celebrity of sorts. Model A Ford Club of America crowned Mississippi Public Broadcasting did a it “The Best In The Nation.” But it’s his feature on his model car collection for off-hour play that truly impresses us. its Mississippi Roads TV program, and Bob presently owns over 5,300 models, the Jackman residence has become a displayed in “wallpaper” fashion on the destination for car clubs throughout the walls of his house and garage, in acrylic state.  cases. Bob and Lori favor all kinds of Wait—it gets better. Lori likes to build subject matter, in all scales, including dioramas, and over the years, she’s cars, trucks, and motorcycles from worked with Bob to incorporate his around the world. The collection runs models into a scale decorated garage and the gamut from expensive and rare even an old-fashioned scale gas station. 1:43 scale hand-builts through 1:18 and And the couple’s love for animals will 1:12 limited-production replicas. And yes, continue for years; a codicil in their wills 66 DXCMag.com

OVER 2000 DIFFERENT MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM. Available only at Select Hobby Shops, Catalogs and Mail Order Companies. 2012 Edition 1 228 pages color catalog available www.MinichampsNA.com www.KyoshoUSA.com 2012 catalog • 56 color pages www.SparkNA.com Available only at Select Hobby Shops, Catalogs and Mail Order Companies.

7+('8.(%2<6$5( %$&.,167</( The Dukes of Hazzard made the General Lee a TV superstar. Now in 1:18 scale die cast, the Dodge Charger is made of more than 100 parts and packed with tremendous detail. There are lots of moving and functional parts on this showpiece, but don’t even think about opening the doors. The Dukes used the windows. !:*(3, +0,*(:; 9,730*( www.autoworldhobby.com/silverscreenmachines $YDLODEOHDWKREE\\VWRUHVDQG autoworldstore.com ;/, +<2,: 6- /(AA(9+ HUK HSS YLSH[LK JOHYHJ[LYZ HUK LSLTLU[Z HYL [YHKLTHYRZ VM HUK >HYULY )YVZ ,U[LY[HPUTLU[ 0UJ Z +VKNL ]LOPJSL UHTLWSH[LZHUK[YHKLKYLZZHYL[YHKLTHYRZVM*OY`ZSLY.YV\\W33*HUK\\ZLK\\UKLYSPJLUZLI`9V\\UK33**OY`ZSLY.YV\\W33*(>(\\[V >VYSKHUK:PS]LY:JYLLU4HJOPULZHYL[YHKLTHYRZVM9V\\UK33*9V\\UK33*:V\\[O)LUK05<:((SSYPNO[ZYLZLY]LK Hey, hey, it’s the Monkee Mobile! One of the most recognizable cars on the planet is really rockin’. Somewhere under the wild styling, blown engine cover, triple rows of seats, and gigantic T-bucket convertible top is the beating heart of a GTO®. This 1:18 scale beauty is packed with details and a real head-turner. 1:18 SCALE DIE-CAST REPLICA www.autoworldhobby.com/silverscreenmachines $YDLODEOHDWKREE\\VWRUHVDQG autoworldstore.com ;OL4VURLLZ¹PZH[YHKLTHYRVM9OPUV,U[LY[HPUTLU[*VTWHU`<ZLK\\UKLYSPJLUZL(SSYPNO[ZYLZLY]LK^^^TVURLLZJVT.,5,9(346;69:;YHKLTHYRZ\\ZLK\\UKLYSPJLUZL[V 9V\\UK33*(>(\\[V>VYSKHUK:PS]LY:JYLLU4HJOPULZHYL[YHKLTHYRZVM9V\\UK33*9V\\UK33*:V\\[O)LUK05<:((SSYPNO[ZYLZLY]LK