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15th Annual Hot Wheels Nationals JIM WANGERS NWUINMNBIENRGS›››THE PASSION, PRODUCTS & PERSONALITIES GODFATHER OF THE What are your favorite iconic automotive numerals? GTO p. 40 Premium ClassiXXs Mercedes Benz 300 SL BANG-FOR- ACME BUCK BEAUTY! 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Kyosho’s Ousia Display until September 1, 2015 Lamborghini Veneno FALL 2015 $6.99 US $8.99 CAN PLus DCXMAG.COM RMOUUSNCDLEUPCAR › Sun Star ’64 GTO › Auto World Big-block Biscayne and Chevelle › Hot Wheels Fast & Furious Charger « BELOVED BRAND REBORN Bburago goes upscale with the Ferrari California T







CONTENTS DIE CAST X | VOL. 11 | ISSUE 4 ON THE COVER: e power of numbers is on full display on this issue’s cover, with Premium ClassiXXs’ magnificent 1:12 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing spreading its wings. Speaking of power, Dr. Oldsmobile had a secret formula for it called W-30, which he prescribed to ACME’s 1970 Olds 442. In big news, Bburago has secured the license for Ferrari diecast, and used it to launch an upscale new collector’s line called the Signature Series—the first release of which is the California T. THIS PAGE: Porsche gets in on the Numbers Game with its groundbreaking hybrid hypercar the 918 Spyder. Die Cast X (ISSN 1551-854X) published quarterly by Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2014, all rights reserved. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending 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: Call (866) 298-5652. Outside the U.S.: (386) 246-3323, or 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. ADVERTISING: Advertising rates are available on request. Please send advertising materials to Advertising Dept., Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA; phone (203) 431-9000; fax (203) 529-3010; email: advertising@ airage.com. 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 address changes to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA.

FEATURES 20 | Numbers Game e Arithmetic of Automotive Images and Icons 40 | Die Cast Legend: Jim Wangers Pontiac’s Perfect Pitchman and Godfather of the GTO OUT OF THE BOX 26 | Bow-Tie Big Block Bombers Autoworld 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne and 1970 “Jack Reacher” Chevelle SS 454 30 | e Glorious Gullwing Soars in Giant Scale Premium ClassiXXs Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 34 | What the Doctor Ordered ACME 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Dr. Olds Series #2 38 | Japanese-American Icon Lives up to the Legend Maisto 1971 Datsun 240Z 44 | Pontiac’s Promethean Muscle Car Sun Star 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO 48 | Brickyard Champions rough the Ages Replicarz Indy 500 Winners 52 | T is for Transformation— for Bburago and Maranello Bburago Signature Series Ferrari California T QUICK LOOKS UP FRONT REGULARS 60 | GMP 1993 Ford Mustang LX 8 | Editorial 56 | Hot Wheels Highway 61 | AUTOart Aston Martin Vantage V12 GT3 We’ve Got Your Number! Mystery Models 62 | Hot Wheels Elite e Fast and the 10 | Scale Mail 66 | Rear View Furious 1970 Dodge Charger Questions, answers, comments 15th Annual Hot Wheels Nationals 63 | Kyosho Ousia Series Lamborghini 12 | Showroom Veneno New releases & first looks 64 | Norscot Caterpillar TH407C Telehandler DCXmag.com What’s on the web this time around? Well, models — lots of them. It’s true: we can’t fit all the cars we’d e ultimate diecast like into every issue, and several of the releases appear at our doorstep between printings. anks to the DCXmag.com website and the Die Cast X Facebook page, we can keep putting those cars at the top of our community list, with on-the-spot reviews, photos, and the occasional video up for you to enjoy. Just click over to the site, or “like” our Facebook page to join the coolest community of collectors on the web!









Scale Mail YOUR FEEDBACK | WRITE TO US AT DCX AIRAGE.COM WE WANT TO HEAR I enjoyed your cover story on British cars in the last We’re glad you liked the article, and you are FROM YOU! issue (“British Invasion”; Summer 2015) and es- right—the DB4GT Zagato is a stunner. While pecially Wayne Moyer’s review of CMC’s gorgeous racing-style sliding windows may seem odd, of Tell us what you like, what Aston Martin DB4 Zagato. I have a question though: the 19 Zagatos produced at least 15 were sold you don’t and why Die Cast X Why did the model have the sliding side windows? I specifically for racing. So even the cars that is the best diecast maga- would think a solid window would have been easier saw some limited street use were largely dual- zine ever! Send snail mail to to produce, and more in keeping with a road car. purpose machines, and thus the competition- “Letters,” Die Cast X, Air Age Either way I absolutely love the model, but I was style sliding windows are more representative of Media, 88 Danbury Road, just wondering… —Eric B. the character of the car. If a purer competition Wilton, CT 06897 USA, or machine is more your speed, check out the email us at [email protected]. blue race-spec Zagato from CMC in this issue’s We'll edit letters as needed, Showroom on page 13. and though we will read them all, we don't have room to I’ve noticed that there are never enough domestic Signature's 1:32 1956 Plymouth Savoy. Oddball scale, but definitely ripe answer or publish every one. pickup trucks in diecast available—especially in the for customizing. big-box stores like Wal-mart. e Ford F-150 is the Find Us On most popular truck but they are hard to find, as are I have a cool little 1:32nd scale diecast car Facebook Chevys and GMCs. I would really like to see more that I’d like to customize, and I wanted to ask emergency service trucks too: EMS, Police and Fire. if you could help me. It’s a Signature Model Naturally, we want you to And Ford F-450 Super Duty ambulances. Does any- 1956 Plymouth Savoy 2 dr hardtop coupe that be regulars at DCXmag. one produce these, especially in 1:24? anks, and I believe is just screaming out to be custom- com, but if you want to see you have a great magazine—keep it up! ized with skirts, dummy spots, Lakes Pipes and the latest diecast news and —William O’Meara swept-back antennas. I was wondering where I info in your Facebook feed, could find those items to do it?—Nat P. be sure to Like us! Click anks William. ere are a few companies who do over to Facebook.com/ domestic trucks. If you like classic trucks in large 1:32 scale is tough. at scale is popular with military and con- diecastxmag and give us scale, check out Sun Star’s 1960s Ford and Chevy struction models, but the hotrod-specific parts you’re looking the blue thumbs-up. trucks in 1:18. If you prefer 1:24, Norscot does a mod- for would seem unlikely in those genres. 1:32 is also big with ern Chevy Silverado and some Emergency vehicles the slot car crowd, so there might be pre-made pieces available 10 DCXmag.com based on the Chevy Tahoe—as does Jada. Sword there. Beyond that you may have to resort to adapting pieces does some Ford F-250 Super Dutys in 1:50, and from 1:24/1:25 model kits—there are a wealth of kits out there there are tons of domestic police, fire and emergency with the stuff you need, it will just take some selectivity and vehicles—cars and trucks—in 1:64. GreenLight is a imagination to see which ones can translate down to 1:32 most great source for those. 3000toys.com carries all of convincingly. e last option would be to fabricate your own those brands except the Sun Stars, and they special- using styrene, if you’re up to that. ize in construction and emergency vehicles so the helpful folks there may be able to give you additional And if any of you readers know of a good source for 1:32 suggestions. Hope this helps! parts, please email us at [email protected] and we will get the word to Nat. Top: Sun Star's 1:18 1965 Ford F-100. Middle: Green- Light's Dodge Ram 1500 from the 1:64 Hot Pursuit series. Bottom: Norscot's 1:24 Chevy Tahoe PPV.



SHOWROOM NEW RELEASES & FIRST LOOKS Mercury Rising Genuine Ford Parts 1968 Mercury Cougar and Sneak Peeks 1:43 | $95 Last issue we told you about Motorhead Miniatures’ new 1:43 venture called Genuine Ford Parts series. e first cars have been finalized with this 1968 Cougar in Wellington Blue (shown), plus Cardinal Red and Saxony Yellow joining the set. is photo is of the prototype Merc—some slight corrections are already in process for its projected August release. You can also see the nice clamshell packaging that each car comes in, adding to the presentation. Potentially even more exciting are the spy shots of the next two in the series—a Model A and a 1962 underbird! We can’t tell a whole lot about them from these pattern pix, other than that the Model A is a sedan and appears to be next in line, while the T-bird is the more desirable ragtop—al- though a coupe variant could certainly follow. No word yet on release dates, but we will keep you posted, or you can click over to Motorheadminiatures.net and find out the latest. Motorheadminiatures.net Cover Models in 1:64 Show-Boating! AutoWorld Hemmings Series Best of Show 1972 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 1:64 | $6ea 1:18 | $97.99 Nostalgia is king when it comes to models of American cars—par- For much of the 20th Century, nothing said “you made it” in America quite like a Cadillac. ticularly from the 1960s and 70s. AutoWorld takes that to the next Luxurious, stylish, pricey, and just plain big, a Caddy in the garage sent the message that level not just by replicating memorable cars, but by associating you were successful enough to not have to worry about window stickers or gas prices; you them with one of the premiere and most respected publications could afford to look good, be comfortable and go fast—and in class. at was especially covering those cars—Hemmings, with its Hemmings Motor News true of the 2-door Coupe de Ville, with its lavish accommodations and torquey 472ci V8. and Hemmings Muscle Machines titles. How? By reproducing cars Best of Show is a proprietary brand distributed by American Excellence, and they offer a that graced the covers of those fine magazines. Nostalgia kicks number of luxury Caddys in 1:43 and 1:18, including this ’72 Coupe de Ville in burgundy with in all over again when collectors remember reading the stories a beige vinyl roof. ese are resin-cast, sealed-body models, with the focus squarely on fit, about these classics, and then get to collect replicas of the cover finish and surface detail—all of which it nails. e paint has a lovely metallic sheen, and the cars with the same colors and options (although alternate colors immense laser-etched grille is truly impressive, as is the delicate etched hood ornament. are also offered). And a reproduction of the magazine cover itself is part of the packaging to cement the motif. Included in the e price is right too, coming in under $100! We look forward to seeing more BoS releases series are a ’71 Mustang Mach I, a ’70 Hemi Challenger R/T, a ’73 in coming issues. Road Runner, a ’76 Trans Am, a ’71 Dodge Dart Swinger and a ’66 American-excellence.com Chevelle SS396. If plus-size models are more your taste, AutoWorld also has its Luxury Cruisers series of full-size family haulers and luxury models. In that series are a ’69 Chevy Kingswood Estate, a ’70 Chevy Impala Custom Coupe, a ’64 Ford Galaxy 500XL convertible, a ’66 Mercury Comet Caliente and a ’67 Caddy Eldorado. Nostalgia abounds in both of these series—reason enough to collect them all. Autoworldhobby.com

Race-bred Brit in its Natural State HobbyDB Diecast Fine Finds CMC Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Race Car e stated mission of HobbyDB—an online diecast database and community—is to document every collectible of every 1:18 | $489 type in an interactive online archive. at’s a lofty goal, and When the Zagato Coach Works of Milan was contracted by Aston Martin to build a lightweight body although they started small—with mostly 1:64 and 1:43 for its DB4GT, it was with racing in mind. Of the 19 built, the vast majority were sold to privateer racing diecast vehicles—they have since expanded their reach and teams for the express purpose of taking the fight to Ferrari’s dominant 250GT. While it failed to sig- continue to grow. In addition to exploring and discovering tens nificantly interrupt Maranello’s monopoly on victories, the Zagato’s native element is the race track. of thousands of car models (and real cars, hood ornaments, etc.), users can document and manage their own collections: us, CMC’s newest 1:18 edition—a limited edition in blue done up in racing spec—captures even more what you have, when you got it, how much you paid, and of the essence of the Zagato than the street version Wayne Moyer reviewed for us last issue. It has (if your collection is large enough), where you put it. If you the details we admired previously—mesmerizing engine detail, exquisite spoke wheels with functional are looking to sell or trade an item, you can do that too. We knock-off spinners, flawless fit and finish—plus several track-specific tweaks. Items like racing lights thought it would be interesting to get the guys at HobbyDB to in the grille, a pair of quick-fill fuel ports on the rear fenders, a racing exhaust, and the deletion of the profile some of the interesting finds that their site users have trim on the side vents forward of the doors, announce this car’s competition intentions. CMC continues posted. is is the first one they sent: to set standards for realism in the 1:18 class, and this car’s workmanship is world-class. at, plus the rawness of the racing configuration makes this a must-have. DETOMASO PANTERA Cmcmodelcarsusa.com Chances are you’ve never seen a Pantera on the road, at least Gone is not More than 16 years after its Summer 2000 release, the big- not in the last couple of decades. Italian designed and Ford Forgotten budget remake of the cult-classic Gone In 60 Seconds starring powered, these brutes were an interesting alternative to the Nicolas Cage, Angelina Jolie, and Eleanor, the customized ’67 Ford GT40 and other road going supercars. ey’ve been Gone in 60 Seconds Shelby GT500 that is the real star of the movie, continues to be fairly rare in smaller sizes too, at least compared to other ex- Four-Car Collector’s a favorite among car guys and diecast collectors alike—as is the otics. A 1:18 model of the Pantera came out from Hot Wheels 1974 original. e sheer volume of automotive eye-candy on the as they ex- Set list of cars that the protagonists must swipe is enough to bring panded their tears to the eyes of aficionados. A bevvy of ultra-exotic Ferraris offerings into 1:64 | $25 and Lamborghinis, plus a platoon of big-time muscle graces the larger scales in the late 1990s. screen throughout, all given girl’s code names. GreenLight has produced numerous “Gone Girls” over the last e lines and few years in multiple scales, and they’ve just come proportions out with a 4-car Collector’s Edition in 1:64 that on their GTS bundles together some favorites. Eleanor is model are there of course. Joining her is Stacy—a ’67 good, although Chevy Corvette Stingray, plus two other ma- since it was chines that harken back to the original 1974 not a high end film—a custom-painted 1971 Dodge Charger model, it lacked super details like engine wiring and other and a 1972 Corvette Convertible. All four are working features that would not appear until Kyosho and bundled in a cool film canister case. Great others released their much more expensive models a few idea—great presentation! years ago. Greenlighttoys.com e car was available with interesting options: you could buy it as a kit in red, or pre-assembled in blue or yellow. e red variant, especially unbuilt, can fetch upwards of $100 these days. is kind of model car always gets our atten- tion at hobbyDB.com, as the variants of the models extend beyond just the obvious color. By releasing it as a kit, Hot Wheels made an attempt to reach not just collectors, but hobbyists who like to create their own models. You can see photos of the various scale Panteras on HobbyDB.com (as well as the full-size car upon which it is based, and other Pantera related materials). If you have one of those red kits and decide you want to sell it, post it on HobbyDB.com—we know someone who needs it! Hobbydb.com e Good Life in Scale Kyosho Bentley Mulsanne Speed 1:18 | NA Bentley is one of the scions of British luxury, epitomizing refinement, elegance, and sophistication. But it also has a roguish performance streak. Witness the Mulsanne Speed. A giant car, it nevertheless exudes performance with its blacked out grillework, prominent dual exhaust tips and aggressive low-profile tires on beautiful 5-spoke wheels. Detail inside is equally impressive thanks to lovely use of colors and textures, highlighted by polished chrome, including a pair of laptops on trays in the rear seating area! e bonnet behind the winged hood ornament houses solid detail on Bentley’s 530hp V8. Kyosho is really flying high with this one! Kyosho; distributed by Carvillemodelshop.com FALL 2015 13

SHOWROOM Nikki’s Monte Carlo Machine Snake Charmed Hot Wheels Elite Ferrari 312 T2 1976 M2 Machines Shelby Monaco GP Winner Collection 1:18 | $150 1:64 | $6ea e 1976 Formula 1 season began with a dominant run If there’s one name that can be relied upon to charm the hearts for Ferrari ace Nikki Lauda, scoring three victories in of diecast collectors of any scale, the first five races. Race number six took place on the it is that of the ol’ Snake Charmer famed streets of Monte Carlo, and Lauda charged out to a himself: Carroll Shelby. Shelby had commanding lead from pole, his 312 T2 pulling away to an the automotive Midas touch, and easy win on the twisty street course. Ferrari teammate that carries through to diecast. M2 Clay Regazzoni and rival James Hunt in the McLaren Machines knows this well, and has crashed out, leaving the unconventional 6-wheeled had much success lately with Shelbys in scales Tyrrells of Jody Scheckter and Patrick Depailler to finish big and small, like this batch just released in 1:64. 2nd and 3rd, respectively. ough Lauda’s Ferrari was the class of the field, his dominance was coming to an e series is comprised of two pairs of GT350s: end. He managed just one more victory that year while pristine white and a dirty/weathered 1965 model, Hunt put on a ferocious late-season charge, notching five 1966 Hertz special edition GT350H and a forrest wins on his way to a narrow championship victory over green GT350S, and two Shelby-liveried 1965 Ford Lauda in one of the greatest battles in Formula 1 history. Econoline vans. M2 focuses on scale fidelity and Hot Wheels Elite immortalizes Lauda’s beautiful and fast exceptional detail—as evidenced by the GT350’s Ferrari in 1:18. Elite series highlights like scuffed tires, 47-piece parts count! And each comes on a precise livery and top-notch paint are present here, and display base with an acrylic dust cover. Why not make this perfect for F1 collectors and fans of the historic grab the whole set? Hunt/Lauda rivalry. M2machines.com Hotwheels-elite.com Lincoln’s Luminary Pre-War Flagship Sun Star 1933-34 Lincoln KB 1:18 | NA Lincoln had stiff competition in the pre-war luxury segment from the likes of Cadillac, Packard, and others. To be a luxury leader a car had to have the style, power, and technical innovation; Lincoln’s K series had all of the above, and for 1933 it was upgraded further as the KB. Powered by a 7.3L V12 and a new 3-speed transmission, it offered performance to match its obvious beauty—beauty enhanced in the 4-door convertible body style. Two new versions of Sun Star’s excellent Platinum Series KB in 1:18 are coming in August; one with the top up and another with the top down. Nicely cast trim, superior finish, imposing size and high value per dollar are strengths that make either of these worth a look, (but we prefer the top-down version!). Sunstarmodelcars.com 14 DCXmag.com

THIS JUST IN! Drag Cars that Turn! More scale, more speed! M2 Machines has made it a mission to deliver Auto World Legends of the Quarter Mile Carrera Digital 132 LaFerrari and VW Käfer high-detail, high-value Funny Car Slots “Group 5” replicas to collectors hungry for scale accurate, 1:64 | $25ea 1:32 | $45ea historically significant cars With so many cool scale vehicles being rendered as slot cars When it comes to scale looking slot cars, Carrera is the big in 1:64 and 1:24. We love these days, we figured it was time to take a look at a few name. e selection and detail dwarfs any other brand, the philosophy and we love of them. First up is a quartet of HO-scale slots patterned particularly in the 1:32 scale. Here are two cars that illustrate the cars. Now M2 is taking after early-70s Funny Cars as part of Auto World’s Legends the diversity available in the Digital 132 series, an FIA Group to the next level with the of the Quarter Mile line. ere are a pair of Camaros—the 5-inspired VW Käfer Beetle. e wild modifications evident M2 Machines Auto-Expe- Jeg Coughlin 1970 and the Fighting Irish 1971 models. It is here were the hallmark of the Group 5 cars, with huge rience—an official 4-day joined by the Trojan Horse 1972 Mustang and the 1971White fender extensions and enormous wings. Compared to the convention dedicated to Bear Dodge Charger. All are based on Auto World’s 4Gear Volkswagen the LaFerrari looks positively tame—but looks enthusiasts of the M2 extended wheelbase chassis for excellent traction with its can be deceiving, as the hybrid-powered hypercar is the wild- brand. M2 will be debuting narrowed rear end and oversized tires. We look forward to est vehicle Maranello has ever released onto the street. Its new products, and there getting them on the track to see how they compare with F1-inspired Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) boosts will be lots of interactive Auto World’s traditional chassis. the power of the 6.3L V12 to 950 horsepower! Both slot car events like an M2 Diecast Autoworldstore.com versions feature working lights front and rear, and work off of Vending Machine loaded Carrera’s proven Guide Keel chassis. with rare Chase cars, a Carrera-toys.com customizing contest, Autograph sessions, a Composite Jem MARsh and Frank COStin began building Marcos racing cars in 1959 and soon branched out into Sneak Peeks presentation Cruiser small displacement sports cars. eir Marcos 1800 GT, introduced at the 1964 London Racing Car with never-before-seen Show, was unusual even for a British car. Its monocoque chassis was built up from almost 400 pieces upcoming M2 releases, and Automodello 1964 of exterior-grade plywood, the long, low (just 1.5 inches taller than a GT-40) body was fiberglass, more. e highlight will be Marcos 1800 HT steel suspension bits came from several British cars, and its cast-iron engine was from a Volvo the Overhaulin’ Dinner with P-1800. A truly composite car! Depending on your vantage point, the sleek Costin-designed body special guests Chip Foose 1:43 | $119.95 looked like either a small XKE of a Ferrari 250 GTO, and Automodello has reproduced those lines per- and Chris Jacobs! And there fectly. Automodello’s crisply detailed resin body is flawless, as is the dark red paint. e front and rear will be four (!) exclusive show cars available in very window moldings and big headlight surrounds have an especially realistic “chrome set into rubber” limited supply, so reserve look while the side window surrounds, wipers, and smaller trim bits are photo-etched. Both the your spot and secure your bumpers and alloy wheels look like they’ve been done with Alclad. Interior detail is com- cars early! plete, too, with a realistic leather-looking finish on the laid-back seats and door panels, and a full complement of detailed gauges in the authentic e event sounds amaz- dash. Dimensions are as accurate as everything else about ing—we will definitely be this hand-built beauty.—Wayne Moyer there, and you should be Automodello; distributed by www.diecasm.com too! e event is in Ontario, California September 24th through the 27th. For the latest info be sure to visit m2experience.com. Indy Champion Trifecta is Gold Metallic 1965 Ford Econoline is one of GreenLight 2014 Indy Car Series four show exclusives. 1:18 | $60ea FALL 2015 15 As we go to press here at the end of May, the 2015 installment of the Indianapolis 500 has just wrapped up. Veteran Juan Pablo Montoya triumphed for the second time, but he was hardly the only previous winner in the field that day. e winningest driver in the field was Penske Verizon no. 3 driver Helio Castroneves, with three victories under his belt. 2014 winner Ryan Hunter Reay lined up in DHL-sponsored Andretti Autosport no. 28, and 2008 winner Scott Dixon lined up in his Target Chip Ganassi Racing no. 9. All three previous winners’ cars from the 2014 season have been added to GreenLight’s Verizon Indy Car Series lineup. Hunter- Reay’s in particular is notable for its victory, but all three are top- tier drivers with plenty of collector appeal. Greenlighttoys.com

SHOWROOM It’s What? By Whom? Creative Corvette Brooklin 1954 Weller-DeSoto Ambulance TrueScale Miniatures 1974 Greenwood “Sebring 1975” 1:43 | $159 1:43 | $75.00 If you never heard of a ’54 Weller-DeSoto Ambulance, you’ve got By the early 1970s John Greenwood was building the biggest, baddest, and most outrageous IMSA lots of company. Weller Brothers was a small coach-builder in and FIA-legal “silhouette” Corvettes that ever carried the crossed flag badge. He also owned the Memphis from 1936 to 1969. While the better-known companies Sebring racetrack, so the 1975 car he built for the ‘75 season carried “Sebring 1975” graphics as an concentrated on the commercial chassis from Buick, Cadillac, or advertising gimmick. Although it wasn’t terribly reliable, it was terribly fast; it still holds the timed Packard, Weller would—and apparently did—build an ambulance, speed record on the Dayton high banks—236mph—faster than any Ferrari, Porsche, or IMSA GTP car. hearse, or combination vehicle on any chassis the buyer speci- fied. Certainly one of the most unusual (and eye-grabbing!) was e graphics varied throughout the season and the restored car has some slightly different details, this two-tone Lilac Ambulance built on DeSoto’s 1954 Firedome but TSM gets high marks for research—this resincast beauty appears to be exactly right for the ’75 8-passenger Sedan chassis for the Turpin Funeral Home in Stutt- Sebring race. at wide silhouette body looks right from any angle, and it’s clean with lots of crisp gart (Alabama, not Germany!). Brooklin has the all-new upper details. e base white paint is excellent, graphics are very neatly applied decals, and there are lots bodywork and all details, including the faired-in bullet flashers, of small photo-etched detail parts. TSM’s deep five-spoke wheels look great too, and there’s lots of exactly right. Neither shade of Lilac is a standard DeSoto color, relief chassis detail, though none of it has been picked out. e offset instrument panel, racing seat but the finish is one of Brooklin’s best. e big (and heavy!) white- and harness, and roll cage are all as they should be. anks to Wild About Wheels ([email protected] metal body is smooth, clean, and fully detailed. Beltline moldings or 215/322-7593) for providing this very accurate sample. —Wayne Moyer and window surrounds are cast in relief and painted over, but all tsm-models.com other exterior trim, including vent window frames, is done with separate plated parts while graphics are neatly applied decals. e rear compartment’s gurney, folding attendant seats, and equip- ment cabinet are all there too.—Wayne Moyer brasiliapress.com Ford’s Fastest Pony It’s A Duesey! Acme Trading Company 1965 Shelby GT-350R “Charlie Kemp” Minichamps 1936 Duesenberg SJN Convertible Coupe 1:18 | $134.95 Ford asked Shelby to turn the Mustang into an SCCA-winning Ford “sports car” so Shel had Ford build 1:43 | $99.95 a couple hundred white fastback Mustangs without the rear seat, then modified the suspension Although the Duesenberg J and supercharged SJ were and gave the Hi-Po 289 the Cobra treatment to create the GT-350. Just 37 of them got the full-race widely regarded as the finest automobiles built in America, treatment with too many mods to list, and proceeded to beat the B-Production Corvettes in 1965, ’66, by 1935 the styling (even coachbuilt cars used the factory and ’67. R-Model 5R-538 was the next-to-last built and had a lackluster career until Charlie Kemp firewall-forward sheet metal) was dated so the SJN was bought it in 1967. Over the next three years Kemp and 5R-238 started 54 races, finished 41, and won introduced with a lower, wider front end. Most SJNs were 30, including 17 in a row in 1969-1970, to become the winningest R-Model built. It was also the fastest, bodied by Rollston and introduced skirted fenders, smaller it clocked at 184mph on Daytona’s high banks! What you see here is Acme’s first pre-production wheels, and dual teardrop taillights. Minichamps’ superb sample, and at this point it has almost all R-Model details, including the fiberglass front apron (painted new model is easily identified as chassis 2561, engine J533, in Kemp’s “get out’a my way” dayglo) covered quarter-panel vents, functional scoops, and “drooped” with a Rollston Convertible Coupe body. is car, part of the rear window correct. It’s based on the restored car, which has a stock Mustang passenger seat; 5R- Nethercutt Collection, took Best of Show at Amelia Island 238 started out with a lighter Cobra seat which was removed when rules allowed. Engine bay details in 2013 and this model does it full justice. Its highly detailed include the “export brace” chassis stiffener and a wired and plumbed 289; the plain valve covers were resin body and metallic silver paint are both literally flawless, correct for the R-Models. e interior also has the correct R-Model dash with detailed gauges and and every detail, from the “bow-tie” front bumper to those the simple roll bar. is sample has the stock GT-350 filler cap and tank, but ACME plans the correct teardrop taillights, is there with excellent scale fidelity. Every trunk-mounted quick-fill and bigger tank into production models. —Wayne Moyer piece of trim is either plated or photo-etched; no printed acmediecast.com trim on this beauty! Engine components can be seen behind the very fine cowl mesh and those big sweeping chromed exhaust connect to separate exhaust pipes. Visible interior details include realistic upholster with scale-size plated door handles and cranks, big steering wheel with shift and handbrake levers, and the most realistic “engine-turned” instrument panel seen yet in this scale- complete with accurate detailed gauges, of course. ere’s lots of relief chassis detail and the gorgeous photo-etched wheels have detailed drums behind them. As you’d expect, dimension are right on scale, too. 16 DCXmag.com

American-Oriented Jag Wildcat Concept Car Spark 1966 E-Type Series 1 2+2 Minichamps 1953 Buick Motorama Show Car 1:43 | $75.00 is country was Jaguar’s most lucrative market, and even while the XK-E was selling like hotcakes, 1:43 | $94.99 Buick got a lot of favorable publicity with the prewar “Y-Job” Jaguar management realized they could sell even more cars if there was space for a child or two. e concept car, so the company was quick to respond with result was the 2+2, with a nine-inch stretch in the wheelbase and roofline extended back to provide another big, fully operational two-seater for the first GM headroom for “adult” back-seaters. e longer roof and side windows did spoil the two-seater’s Motorama. e Wildcat featured an experimental fiberglass classic lines, but XK-E sales did go up. Give Spark high marks for research; the late Series 1 larger grille body with Buick’s trademark Ventiports on top of the fend- opening, covered headlights, more upright windscreen, and blade bumpers are all correct for this 1966 ers, wraparound “Panoramic” windshield, and four subtle fins car, as are the LHD seats and dash for the American market. Spark has the stretched shape and all (two on the deck lid) at the back. Its most unusual feature the details exactly right; yes, that chrome strip below the windows did extend onto the rear fenders. was the “Roto-Static” front wheels whose centers (with big brake cooling scoops) were fixed while the rims and tires is sample’s glossy “Dark Blue” paint has just traces of orange peel but every bit of trim is there. rotated around them. Minichamps excellent new resincast Headlight and window moldings and the chrome hood and under-window trim are printed in bright “Joe Bortz Collection” model has all those details exactly right chrome, bumpers, handles, and exhausts are plated, and the excellent wire wheels, wipers, and tiny except for those front wheels, which rotate cooling scoops rear-deck badge are photo-etched. Interior detail is equally well done, with authentic tan upholstery, and all. e Ivory paint is excellent and most of the exterior plated handles, cranks, and handbrake, delicate “wood-rim” wheel, and correct dash layout with a full trim is done with bright plated parts; the long “Sweepspear” complement of detailed instruments. anks to Wild About Wheels for this very accurate sample. — is cast in relief and then printed with bright chrome while Wayne Moyer the hood and deck ornaments are 3D photo-etched pieces. sparkmodel.com Interior details are critical on an open car, and Minichamps has done them beautifully. e green/aqua interior color Mercedes Motivation is correct and the seats have thin white piping while door panels have separate plated handles. e deeply hooded CMC 1955 Mercedes 300SLR speedometer and small gauges have black faces with white Engine details and the thin plated windshield frame appears to have vacuum-formed “glass” that fits flush. ere’s good relief 1:18 | $147.00 chassis detail with the engine sump and exhaust painted in After winning the 1954 Formula One World appropriate colors. —Wayne Moyer Championship with the W196 GP car, Mer- JMmodelautos.com; CarVillemodels.com cedes decided to add the World Sportscar Championship to their plate for 1955. e Coulda, Shoulda Corvette W196 chassis was simply widened to accept two seats and its 2.5 liter desomdromic- Matrix 1954 Chevrolet Corvair Show Car valve straight-eight was bored out to three liters. In that form it produced 302 horsepower, the first engine to exceed 100 hp/liter. A sleek 1:43 | $94.99 open body completed what Mercedes PR men designated the 300SLR, although its Mercedes Most of the “concept cars” built for the GM Motoramas were far type number was W196S. In the hands of Fangio and Moss it was unbeatable, winning every too impractical for production, though often design cues found race except Le Mans, where the Fangio/Moss car held a lead of more than a lap when the team their way onto later street cars. Others could have been produced withdrew. CMC has added the 300SLR engine as a stand-alone model, making it possible to see with some additional work, but very few could have gone directly all the meticulous detail work, much of which is hidden in the complete car. ere are at least into production. One that could was the 1953 Corvair, a good- five metallic colors to be seen, plus the photo-etched flywheel cover and multitude of clamps looking fastback version of the new Corvette. What kept GM from and straps, bolts, and screws. All eight fuel injection tubes are there, along with 16 plug wires, and offering a fastback ‘Vette before 1963? Two Corvairs were built and more wires, lines, braided hoses, and coolant lines than can be counted, most with tiny separate Matrix has released a gorgeous resincast model of the Seafoam metal clamps. A magnifying glass makes it possible to read the serial number on the OHC cam Green one shown at the L.A. Auto Show. e sleek fastback lines cover. ere are lots of photos of the engine, and everything seen in them is on this model with are just right from every angle and the paint is as good as you’ll excellent scale fidelity and workmanship. —Wayne Moyer find in this scale. Most of the exterior trim, including the tiny Chev- cmcmodelcarsusa.com rolet scripts, is done with carefully fitted photo-etched pieces. e rear plate appears to say “Carvair,” but so did the one on the real Unbeatable Audi car! Matrix has neatly modeled the exit vents at the top of the rear window, but the “bumps” on the hood should be mesh-covered Spark 2014 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro “1st Le Mans” intakes—or perhaps vents? Upholstery, including the dash and parcel shelf, really was a clashing shade of blue. Chrome trim on 1:43 | $75 the seats, door panels, and dash is printed bright chrome, while Spark was able to get their excellent model of the 2013 Le Mans winner out just a couple of months the stock Corvette dash has a full set of detailed gauges. Authen- after the race, but there were so many changes in the 2014 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro that it took tic wheels and realistic wide whites complete a fine miniature of a almost eight months for this one. But it was worth the wait; Spark has really done this one right. It’s Corvette GM should have built. —Wayne Moyer very complex resin body is smooth, clean, has crisp panel lines, and every detail matches photos. Most JMmodelautos.com scoops and vents are open all the way through the body while the tiny ones have carefully painted openings. e paint is excellent and the even more complex seven-color Joest Rac- ing graphics are precisely right. e chromed areas appear to be foil but all other graphics are carefully applied decals that have been completely snugged down into all those tunnels and over the bumps. Yes, the asymmetric roof graphics are correct! Photo-etched pieces are used for the canted “dive planes,” vanes in the fender-top openings, big side vents, and aero tunnels, along with the body latches and rear wing end-plated, resulting in a much more realistic look than diecast parts. —Wayne Moyer grandprixmodels.com FALL 2015 17

1:43 1980 Checker Marathon, Yel- 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Pick Up 1958 Chevrolet 3100 Pick Up low Cab - New York City Taxi No. E55-186639 23.95 No. E55-196467 23.95 No. E55-197396 23.95 1936 Buick Special 1965 Chevrolet Veraneio 1936 Chrysler Airflow 1966 Dodge Dart No. E55-196487 23.95 No. E55-197397 23.95 No. E55-194607 23.95 No. E55-186643 23.95 1956 Ford Fairline 1959 Plymouth Savoy 2003 Aston Martin DB7 1933 Auburn Boattail Roadster BMW 2002 No. E55-186648 Vantage Zagato 23.95 No. E55-197393 23.95 No. E55-186634 23.95 No. E55-195265 23.95 No. E55-195070 23.95 1939 BMW 327 Convertible 1938 Horch 853A 1961 Jaguar E-Type Coupe 1974 Lamborghini Bravo 2008 Lamborghini Estoque No. E55-197157 23.95 No. E55-194615 23.95 No. E55-196466 23.95 No. E55-198328 23.95 No. E55-194608 23.95 % SALE % 1978 Lamborghini Countach 1986 Lamborghini LM 002 2010 Lamborghini Sesto 2012 Lamborghini Urus 2,000 items LP400 S Elemento No. E55-194598 23.95 No. E55-198327 23.95 No. E55-194599 23.95 No. E55-195273 23.95 2013 Maserati Gran Turismo 2013 Maserati Gran Turismo 2013 Maserati Gran Turismo 1971 Maserati Indy 2013 Maserati Quattroporte Mc Stradale Mc Stradale Mc Stradale GTS No. E55-194755 23.95 No. E55-194754 23.95 No. E55-194756 23.95 No. E55-196490 23.95 No. E55-194752 23.95 2013 Maserati Quattroporte 2013 Maserati Quattroporte 1930 Maybach DS 8 Zeppelin 1934 Mercedes 130 (W23) 1933 Mercedes SS GTS GTS No. E55-194751 23.95 No. E55-194753 23.95 No. E55-194604 23.95 No. E55-196463 23.95 No. E55-195267 23.95 1938 Rosengart Super 5 LR4N 1973 Volvo 145 1956 Volvo Amazon 120 1956 Volvo P1900 1968 Willys Rural 23.95 No. E55-197395 No. E55-197158 23.95 No. E55-197394 23.95 No. E55-194609 23.95 No. E55-195269 23.95 www.american-excellence.com

1:18 SOMETHING OF A RARITY 1977 Aston Martin V8 Bentley Continental Super- Bentley Mulsanne, Vantage, CMF sports Convertible ISR, Bburago LHD, Rastar No. E55-203718 155.95 No. E55-183635 30.95 18.00 No. E55-199118 Bentley Continental Super- 42.95 sports, Welly No. E55-188026 50.95 30.00 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand 2011 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ferrari 250 Monza, Bentley Continental Super- Bentley Continental Super- Sport Vitesse, Rastar CMF CMF sports, Welly sports, Welly No. E55-201667 47.95 No. E55-198251 97.95 No. E55-202846 145.95 No. E55-176353 50.95 30.00 No. E55-176354 50.95 30.00 Ferrari 312 P Prototype, 1968 Ferrari 350 P4 Can 1992 Ford Escort RS GMP Ferrari FF, Mattel Am, No.22, CMF Cosworth, Minichamps No. E55-200897 277.95 175.00 No. E55-176336 48.95 26.00 No. E55-199408 145.95 No. E55-188999 72.95 47.00 Lamborghini Huracan LP 1987 Lamborghini LM002, 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG Porsche 550 A Spyder, 18,000Discover more than different 610-4, Bburago CMF Roadster (R197), Minichamps Schuco miniatures No. E55-196812 26.95 No. E55-202845 145.95 No. E55-178339 97.95 47.00 No. E55-168122209.95 122.00 1964 Ford Mustang Coupe, Rolls Royce Phantom VI, 1950 VW Beetle pretzel 2012 VW Beetle, Willys Jeep, U.S. Army, Queen Version, RHD, CMF Welly Welly window, Welly Welly No. E55-203380 164.95 No. E55-185395 No. E55-136731 33.95 No. E55-195343 39.95 42.95 No. E55-174387 41.95 1:43 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4, 1958 Edsel Citation 2-Door 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe 1960 Ford Country Squire, 1974 Ford Maverick GT, Dongguan Hardtop Coupe, Spark Pinin Farina, Dongguan Premium X Premium X No. E55-201107 32.95 No. E55-192764 71.95 47.00 No. E55-201108 32.95 No. E55-194528 29.95 No. E55-186917 29.95 1915 Ford Model T Speed- 1968 Ford Mustang GT 2+2 1920 Hinstin, Dongguan Lamborghini Aventador 1972 Moskwitsch 412, ster, Dongguan Fastback, Lucky Die Cast LP700-4, Welly Police, IST Models No. E55-199189 32.95 No. E55-202922 16.95 No. E55-199190 32.95 No. E55-194617 31.95 No. E55-195179 29.95 Pagani Huayra, Welly Shelby 350 GT, SpecialC.-74 1911 Stanley Steamer Model 1953 Studebaker Champion, VW T4 California, 62, Dongguan Spark Premium ClassiXXs No. E55-201913 29.95 No. E55-201224 13.95 7.00 No. E55-199188 32.95 No. E55-200624 71.95 No. E55-153120 42.95 www.american-excellence.com

NUMBERS GAME eArithmeticof Automotive Images and Icons 27601935840632871594276019358406328715945946

WORDS & PHOTOS ALAN PARADISE 27601935840632871594276019358406328715945946 T here’s an age-old adage that says “numbers don’t lie.” While that is certainly true in mathematics, when it comes to the car world the calculus becomes more complex. For gearheads and car junkies, numbers carry all sorts of connotations—from raw data about cubic inches and cylinder counts to implied messages about image, quality, performance or even less direct associations intended to spark desire. But regardless of their specific use, numbers—most often in three-digit combinations—evoke powerful images, be they of the dream machines of today or memories of classics long since disappeared from showrooms and driveways—and even of a few that never were. Ferrari keeps to the tradition of naming its models based on engine size. is 458 Spyder is fitted with a 4.5-Liter V8 engine. Numbers have been used to enhance all manner of makes and models, even redefining the desire for cars that would have otherwise been overlooked or pigeonholed as mundane grocery-getters. ey have become a familiar part of the automotive vernacular. At car shows, racetracks and cruise nights, 250, 302, 350, 396, 426, 427,440, 454, 512, and 911 are bandied about—and whether or not they’re accompanied by words like GTO, Boss, SS, Hemi, Six-Pack, Boxer or Porsche, car guys still know exactly what they mean. Numbers are a universal designator—they transcend language and culture. European automakers picked up on this allure decades earlier than Detroit. And perhaps no one has done it better than Ferrari. Nearly every Ferrari has been linked to a number—usually an indicator of the machine’s engine size and/or configuration—such as 275GTB, 308GTS, 456M, BB512, and so on. Porsche also made its mark using number designators, but in the German automaker’s case the numbers did not call out engine details; rather they denote the factory’s assigned project number. Despite having no grand symbolism, numbers like 356, 550, and the iconic 911 are forever etched into the hearts of sports car fans. Japanese automakers embraced the numbers game as well. Some, like Honda’s S2000 and Toyota’s 2000GT, derived their names from displacements, while other classics like the Mazda RX-7 and MX-5 employed alphanumerics. Oddly, one of the most famous and beloved of all numerically named Japanese cars—the Datsun 240Z—became linked more closely with the letter “Z”, a letter that has no Japanese counterpart. It was simply a marketing tool for English- speaking western markets, much like the brand name “Datsun” itself. FALL 2015 21

















out of the box by matt boyd The Glorious Gullwing Soars in Giant Scale Premium ClassiXXs Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 1:12 | $200 Mercedes Benz has built a reputation as one of the most admired automotive brands based on superior engineering, quality and style. No other brand has maintained all three at such a high level simultaneously year after year—and they have been doing it for over a century! But while consistent excellence has been a hallmark of the brand, every company has its heyday, and for Mercedes that golden era arrived in the early 1950s. The company proved its mettle on the racetrack by winning Le Mans as well as the grueling Carrera Panamericana in 1952. The car that triumphed in both events was the W194—a purpose- built 3.0L racing coupe designed by Mercedes chief engineer and race team leader Rudolf Uhlenhaut. To save weight and make the car a match for larger, more powerful competition, Uhlenhaut prescribed an aluminum tube space frame for the sleek GT. It was strong and light, but the high sills prevented the use of conventional doors in the coupe body. Uhlenhaut’s solution was to install gullwing-style doors—a detail born of engineering convenience that became the car’s signature styling element. 30 DCXmag.com

The W194’s racing success The signature gullwing doors were born out of necessity, but grew into one of the most admired styling elements. prompted American-based This model does them superbly. importer Max Hoffman to suggest to Mercedes lubrication and the first-ever it almost single-handedly niche in the diecast space— management that they sell a OEM application of fuel injection. transformed Mercedes’ image large-scale but value-oriented. street-legal version. Mercedes And then there’s that body! in the United States, its primary This model retails for around was working hard to establish The gullwing coupe was market; (it debuted at the New $200—quite a value for this its sporting credentials, and labeled the W198, but it was York Auto Show rather than in scale. The casting quality is good, he believed a road-going introduced to the world as the Europe). Premium ClassiXXs with tight, even shut-lines and version of W194 would be the 300 SL (for the displacement and recognizes the universal appeal excellent contours. The finish perfect way to capitalize on its for its “Super Light” structure) of the Gullwing, and has selected is also very good, with only one racing success. In a bold move and has grown to become the it as one of their flagship 1:12 minor flaw above the left rear Mercedes agreed, and even more most iconic Mercedes road car replicas. It’s an imposing, elegant taillight. Those taillights, as well boldly chose to retain much of of any era. It has a timeless piece—its curvaceous form still as all other trim, are comprised the race technology for the road beauty—far surpassing its looks like nothing else on four of separately cast and molded version—including the tubular racecar predecessor—and wheels. Premium ClassiXXs 1:12 pieces, and the badging—on the space frame and the gullwing models occupy an interesting trunk and below the driver’s doors. To it they added a 3.0L door— is laser-etched brass. inline-6 fortified with dry-sump fall 2015 31

e dashboard is perhaps my single favorite detail on the model. e metallic finish is perfect, the gauges beautifully clear, and the fold-down steering wheel to aid entry/exit is fully functional! I only wish the plaid upholstery pattern had been optioned. e 3.0L six was sourced overall engine presentation is is functional on the model—and FINAL THOUGHTS from Mercedes’ sedan, and it very convincing. A clear plastic without impeding the functional was too tall to fit upright under reservoir bottle, an ignition coil, steering! A gear lever with the is Premium ClassiXXs the SL’s twin-bulged hood, so it various labels and even the drive same ivory finish as the wheel Gullwing is a soaring was canted over 45 degrees and motor and mechanism for the dresses up the transmission achievement in scale and value. equipped with a dry-sump oiling wiper blades decorate a well- tunnel. Seating surfaces are system and the first ever factory executed firewall area. e trunk simulated effectively with is model delivers huge content application of fuel-injection is accurate as well, although the textured, soft-touch plastic, but and visual impact—it looks at on a road car—a long-runner spare tire and jack assembly are they are solid blue to simulate home parked next to 1:12 models mechanical injection setup by really all there is to see. leather. Premium ClassiXXs costing three to four times its Bosch. Its 220hp was competitive did not opt for the plaid pattern asking price. And while it would with the best contemporary is is a 300 SL, so let’s get upholstery that is one of the be unfair to compare them road cars from Ferrari and those gullwings up and check Gullwing’s signature styling feature for feature, in terms of Jaguar, and the aerodynamics out the interior! e doors glide options, and it is sorely missed— bang for the buck this model has gave the Gullwing superior top up smoothly and the hinges hold about my only miss on the their measure. For me, a car has speed bragging rights. Premium them open firmly—essential interior. to really be something special to ClassiXXs has reason to brag on a model of an SL. ere are justify the shelf space that a 1:12 as well; it does an excellent job simulated pneumatic supports Of course the car carries model commands. e 300 SL replicating the inline-6. e but they are not weight- the signature Rudge wheels, is. is casting has been around distinctive intake plenum and bearing. e dashboard is with their chrome knock-offs for a couple of years in various runner assembly has a lovely absolutely gorgeous—easily embossed with the tri-star logo. color combinations, but classic cast metal texture to it. ere my favorite detail on the model. silver is the most appealing. It is is an authentic metal throttle ey are wrapped in square- being distributed by American spring and ignition wires. Most e gauges are wonderfully shouldered Dunlop Sport tires Excellence—a new American of the other lines and hoses are detailed and clear and the metal with the appropriate (and division of the German-based replicated using hard plastic, but finish is perfect. To offset the appropriately skinny) width Model Car World. ey have they are present, well-shaped cumbersome ingress/egress and tread. e SL was equipped jumped into the US market with and properly painted so that the over the wide doorsills, Mercedes with aerodynamic belly a ton of very appealing brands in installed a unique tilt-down pans—a precursor to today’s various scales, including some steering wheel, and this detail sculpted under trays on high- previously hard to find European end exotics—and for the same stuff. Best of all is the price—at purpose. With its slippery body under $200 this is a fantastic profile, the belly pans in place, value. And a bargain—like a and the right gearing the 300SL Gullwing itself—never goes out was capable of 160mph! e pans of style! do hide chassis detail though, so the suspension and tube frame SOURCE are left to the imagination. Premium ClassiXXs; distributed by American-Excellence.com In a rare reversal, the road-going 300 SL’s engine is more potent than the race car e trunk area is authentic with its Rudge Big scale and little details like these open- forbearer’s, with dry-sump lubrication and the first-ever production application of fuel wheel equipped spare and jack, but it ing wing windows add up to a lot of bang injection. lacks the eye-candy of the rest of the car. for the buck. THIS PREMIUM CLASSIXXS GULLWING IS A SOARING ACHIEVEMENT IN SCALE AND VALUE. THIS MODEL DELIVERS HUGE CONTENT AND VISUAL IMPACT ... 32 DCXmag.com



out of the box by matt boyd What the Doctor Ordered ACME 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Dr. Olds Series #2 1:18 | $135 W ith all the wild and wooly muscle cars laying down strips of rubber from the showroom, down Main Street, and onto local drag strips in the late 1960s, manufacturers were under increasing pressure not only to build faster cars, but also to find new and creative ways to market them that would grab the attention of buyers in the increasingly crowded marketplace. Oldsmobile’s halo performance model was denoted by the numbers 4-4-2. A variant of the intermediate Cutlass, the 442 was a more mature and sophisticated muscle car, but its maturity—and its price—left it to vie for the comparatively smaller luxury-muscle segment with the likes of Buick and Mercury. For the 1968 model year, Oldsmobile decided to step things up with some additional performance, and to create some buzz that would translate into more sales, so Olds came up with a decidedly un-Olds-like ad campaign for its performance models. It centered around “Dr. Oldsmobile,” a maniacal doctor character in a lab coat who was purported to be the creator of the 442, and brewer of mad horsepower-inducing potions for the various Olds performance models dubbed “W Machines.” The Dr. Olds ads continued through 1972—effectively the end of the Olds performance era. The ads are … odd, but amusing and memorable, and they have definitely become a positive part of Oldsmobile lore—which brings us to ACME’s model. 34 DCXmag.com

A few months ago ACME through into the engine bay, but the dashboard. The three-gauge The “Dr. Oldsmobile” ad campaign was launched the Dr. Olds series of the hood stripes are gorgeous cluster is medium-legible, but odd but endearing, and it provides a great 1:18 Oldsmobiles. The concept and the twist-lock hood there is enough detail evident theme for ACME’s 6-model series. is to pattern each release after fasteners are nicely simulated. to recognize the left-most one of the cars that appeared in I do wish the fender, hood, and gauge as the gimmicky “Tic Toc the famous ad campaign. This trunk badges—the “442” and Tac” combination clock and Sebring Yellow W-30 Holiday the “W-30”—were etched rather tachometer. Coupe (Olds-speak for ‘hardtop’) than painted on. But the unique The W-30 package is the is number two in the series. vertical rectangular grille pattern holy grail of 442 options, and This model is both aesthetically of 1970 442s this model nails. 1970 was its most potent year. pleasing and representative of ACME’s 442 delivers the The GM ban on big engines was the image Olds was going for in requisite upscale interior finally lifted, and the 442 made 1970. This is an evolution of the features we’ve come to expect. the most of it by adding 55 cubic familiar and admired Lane/Exact The surfaces for the seats use inches—up to 455. In addition to Detail tool, which has always soft-touch plastic, there are the scoop-fed forced-induction done a fine job capturing the fabric seatbelts with metal system, the W-30 package added gracefully arched fenders and buckles, and the seat backs have an aluminum intake manifold, aggressively raked backlight. chrome trim and fold forward. unique carb jetting, Olds’ best The wheel well trim, drip rails There is fine flocked carpet on head castings and, in the 4-speed, and window surrounds are all the floorboards. This car has a a higher-lift, longer duration separate pieces, skillfully set 4-speed—a comparatively rare cam. The items in the W-30 into the body casting. For 1970, option, as most 442 buyers opted package that are visible ACME the W-30 forced-air induction for the automatic—preferably replicates faithfully for the most package switched from under- with Hurst’s dual-gate shifter. part, starting with the special bumper scoops to scoops The 4-speed has Hurst linkage air cleaner assembly that ducts mounted into a special fiberglass too, and here it is mounted in air from the hood vents. The hood. ACME’s hood is metal, and an optional Sports Console, gasket that encircles it is hard the scoops don’t actually pass which has chrome trim and plastic rather than dense foam, faux wood paneling to match but otherwise this part looks very good. The aluminum intake manifold below it is likewise Dr. Oldsmobile’s secret potions worked wonders on the 1970 442 W-30 ... It is flashy without being tacky, and it had the capability to back up its looks fall 2015 35

The W-30 was doing Ram-Air before Ram-Air was cool! For 1970 the scoops moved Three pedals in a 442? It wasn’t a popular option, but its great for enthusiast collec- to the hood. ACME knocks it out of the park with engine detail. I love the wired tors. Detail is great throughout the interior, with nice wood and chrome accents. You everything and the beautiful paint on the block. can just make out the “Tic Toc Tac.” convincing, as is the proper 442s came with the Rally Sports FINAL THOUGHTS that is equally multifaceted, with metallic blue engine paint and suspension, which featured style, substance and a clever markings. Every wire and hose specific shocks and spring rates, Dr. Oldsmobile’s secret potions theme to enhance collector you can imagine is represented, and hefty anti-roll bars front and worked wonders on the 1970 appeal. The first car in the Dr. as are brake lines that run rear, making the Olds among 442 W-30. It was a legitimate Olds series sold out quickly; no from the master cylinder to the the best handling muscle cars. sub-14-second car that retained reason to think this one won’t wheels, battery cables and even a The suspension features are all stellar handling plus a host of do so as well. Make sure you get line from the wiper fluid reservoir present, and the coil springs are creature comforts that made your doctor’s prescription filled to the firewall. functional front and rear. The it among the most livable and before that happens. Chassis detail on the wheels are superbly molded multifaceted performance cars perimeter frame is outstanding, and painted, and the Goodyear of the day. It is flashy without SOURCE with separate pieces for the frame Polyglas tires are contoured to being tacky, and it had the Acmediecast.com rails and floorpan, and everything match their G70-14 sidewall capability to back up its looks is painted with appropriate tones. markings. in a way many others did not. ACME delivers in scale a model 1/2H.indd 1 2/23/15 2:57 PM



out of the box by alan paradise Japanese-American Icon Lives Up to the Legend Maisto 1971 Datsun 240Z 1:18 | $35 On the surface, there is something terribly wrong with calling a Japanese car an American icon. However, when you look closer at the original Datsun 240Z, the evidence begins to reveal the story of how this two-seater was created with the specific intent to be an American sales success. The saga begins long before the Datsun 240Z’s introduction. Nearly a decade earlier, in 1961, Nissan began exporting limited numbers of its Fairlady Roadsters to the fertile United States market. Rebadged under the Datsun name and branded as a 1500, the rugged entry-level sports car outperformed its European competition. However, it did not have the lofty perigee afforded to MG, Triumph or Alfa Romeo, and so initially the diminutive little Datsun’s popularity suffered. This changed as the model became more refined, culminating in the 1969 Datsun 2000. It was on this foundation of quality and growing popularity that Nissan Corporation was able to create the 240Z—a sports car that completely and forever changed the market. The First Datsun 240Z was the new Datsun that Porsche (Nissan color code 903) is the The factory specification sticker unveiled in October of 1969. Unlike patterned the 914’s replacement— latest, and the iconic New Slight on the air cleaner housing adds its British and Italian competitors, the 924— after it, producing its Orange (color code 918) remains to the illusion. Also of note is the this was a stylish coupe—not a first front engine, water-cooled in production. The paint is applied hook-and-pin hood hinges. traditional convertible or roadster. model. It also prompted Mazda to with consistent finish and color. Maisto has earned a This gave the car the look of an develop the first RX-7. The “Series II” release is the reputation for over-delivering upscale sports car more akin to Over the years the 240Z version that features the “Circle at its price-point, and this is a Ferrari 365 or Jaguar E-Type. became better known as the “Z Z” logos on the swing pillars and evident by the 240Z interior. The The Datsun model also carried a Car.” It grew in size and comfort does not have the two small vents door panels feature accurately more powerful inline six-cylinder to the 260Z, then the 280Z, 300Z aft of the rear hatch window. Trim painted trim on the armrests, engine in place of the smaller and on up to the current 370Z. is appropriate for the price point, window cranks and ashtrays. inline four-cylinder engines Along the way the brand name but it’s the head and taillights that This leads to the excellent Datsun offered by MG, Triumph, Fiat changed to Nissan. Later models present above entry-level status. sill plate covers. Next are the and Alfa Romeo. The 240Z also were definitely more powerful, The opening doors, hood and rear molded bucket seats with the had a very refined suspension but it’s the original 1970-73 240Z hatch offer tight, smooth and proper flat bolster panels and and silky smooth gearbox. And, that have become true collector consistent gaps. tuck-n-roll pattern center seat to boot, it delivered rock-solid cars. Under the forward-tilting and back stitching. The dash and performance and reliability at hood features just what instrument panel looks good a price at or under other sports AGELESS BEAUTY collectors have come to expect as well—especially the AM/FM cars in its class. This sent buyers from a Maisto product—nothing radio face. The steering wheel sprinting for the nearest Datsun Maisto is known for the same fancy but nothing missing. The and gearshift knob are color dealership. In the first three virtues that made the original Z one-piece molded, drop-in coordinated. Completing the years of production, its 130,000 so popular; namely quality and engine tray is highlighted with interior review requires lifting units outsold the entire run of value. It all starts with a faithful painted accents. In a sea of the rear hatch. The budget build 1961-1969 Fairlady Roadsters. It replication of the exterior. Maisto matte black the silver cam cover, becomes more apparent in also uprooted MG as America’s first introduced this casting a few orange air cleaner housing and the fishhook style hinges. The entry-level sports car of choice. years ago, but a steady stream blue sparkplug wires give the molded rear cargo area is nothing So profound was the affinity for of revisions and new colors have effect of multiple-piece detail. special but does have the correct kept it fresh. Universal Blue 38 DCXmag.com

Maisto has earned a reputation for over-delivering at its price-point, and this is evident by the 240Z interior Above: The 240Z’s inline-6 is a drop-in plate, nicely accented with paint on the cam cover, air cleaner assembly and plug wires. Left: The interior is a study in bang-for-buck value. The well-dressed dashboard and diamond-stitching on the transmission tunnel and rear shock towers definitely impress. diamond stitch pattern over the executed. Factory Datsun gray FINAL THOUGHTS country in transition with an oil wheel well and rear shock mount wheels with polished rims look embargo on the horizon and a covers. showroom stock. The “D” center Time has proven the Z-Car’s shift in entry-level sports car Special Edition Maisto logo is a stand out feature. Tires lasting appeal. It’s drawing record power from British to Asian. This pieces usually enjoy an active are generic 14-inch radial design auction prices and the model 1:18-scale Datsun 240Z holds the suspension—each corner is with period correct sidewall has been given a “Plus” rating same basic qualities that Datsun independently spring-loaded. height. In the day, many buyers by nearly every collector-car bestowed on American buyers— The undercarriage also has the of these cars replaced the stock expert. So it also goes with value and quality in a stylish usual Maisto accents anchored wheels with an aftermarket US diecast versions, which remain package. by a molded chrome-plated Mag slotted dish style, which sought after at every level of exhaust system. The tires and would be a welcome feature on a detail. In scale, these models SOURCE wheels are especially well future Maisto release. represent an iconic car and Maisto.com time in American history: a fall 2015 39

Die Cast Legend Jim Wangers Pontiac’s Perfect Pitch Man and Godfather of the GTO Jim maintains quite a collection of his old race and street cars.

By Bill Bennett Photos Bill Bennett and Courtesy of Jim Wangers Usually, when a marketing executive is good at his job, it’s his client—his product—that becomes the legend. But Jim Wangers is far from just your usual marketing guy. Jim is a car guy through and through. He’s also a racer, a visionary—bold and creative and more than a little wily—and the Uprinciple architect of one of the most memorable and effective automotive marketing campaigns of the last half century. The Pontiac GTO would not have been the success it was without his vision. Very probably the muscle car phenomenon would not have been what it was had Jim not understood so perfectly what resonated with young, performance-hungry buyers. But his influence at Pontiac went far beyond the GTO. He was instrumental in cementing Pontiac as the performance brand in the minds of the enthusiast market. Jim has earned a considerable measure of fame for his efforts—along with the gratitude of Pontiac enthusiasts the world over—but ironically, he never actually worked for GM directly. Rather, he worked for the ad agency Campbell-Ewald that The 8-lug wheels with integrated aluminum brake drums were a technical and styling novelty that sold a lot of Pontiacs. serviced the GM account, and then later McManus, Top: Jim drove a Royal Pontiac-prepared Catalina to an NHRA Stock Eliminator title at Detroit in 1960. John and Adams, with the Pontiac account. Middle: The Royal team cars still exist today—with all their special factory lightweight parts. Nevertheless, his impact on Pontiac’s image during Botom: Jim's ad campaigns touted Pontiac's \"Wide Track\" stance. that era was enormous. A great deal of his “street cred” with GM management and enthusiasts alike was earned behind the wheel rather than behind a desk. Deep in his heart, he is a car guy and racer first and a marketing powerhouse, second— something that is apparent the moment you meet him. Jim grew up around Chicago and attended Illinois Tech’s School of Engineering. He explains that he loved cars and thought he wanted to be an automotive engineer, but he struggled with calculus and physics. “A wise counselor convinced me that getting the cars sold was as important as designing them, and maybe my talents were better utilized in marketing and advertising.” With ad writing stints at the Chicago Daily News, Esquire Magazine, Kaiser-Frazer, Campbell-Ewald (for General Motors) and then Dodge, he earned FALL 2015 41

DIE CAST LEGEND JIM WANGERS 1964 Pontiac GTO JIM'S FAVORITE MODELS “Generally accepted as the ‘First Factory Musclecar.’ A real winner!” Jim is an avid diecast and automobilia collector and has (Sun Star). 1:18 scale diecast models, many of which are of the cars that played an important role in his career and life. 1966 Pontiac GTO He shared some of his favorites with us during my visit and gave us these thoughts on them: “At more than 97,000 units sold, the ‘66 was biggest selling and 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge most popular GTO.” (Ertl). “Of course in Carousel Red! is was Pontiac’s spoof of the contemporary performance car trend.” (Ertl). 1969 Arnie Beswick GTO Judge Funny Car Jim's well-crafted performance image for Pontiac was campaigned on the dragstrip as well as the street. (Ertl). 1954-1955 Kaiser (Frazer) Manhattan “ e supercharged 6-cylinder engine provided competitive power, matching V8s. I originally put the ‘Pike’s Peak Hill Climb’ program in front of Kaiser Management. at Supercharged 6-cylinder would have set a new record!” (Highway 61). 1962 Pontiac Catalina Coupe “My favorite drag-race car. It was released by Pontiac with many factory aluminum parts.” (Ertl). 1955-1956 Chevrolet “ e first modern V8 engine statement from Chevrolet. I wrote presentations for Chevrolet Management that led to an organized Racing Program, and Pike’s Peak Hill Climb promotions.” (Ertl). 42 DCXmag.com

a reputation for being in touch with the newly- defined “youth market” consumer segment. So Jim keeps many of his the ad agency McManus, John and Adams, which prized diecasts right had the Pontiac and Cadillac accounts, hired Jim in there on display in his 1958 to focus on Pontiac. “Bunkie” Knudsen had office. just taken the helm at Pontiac, and an engineer named John DeLorean was enjoying a meteoric rise through Pontiac’s management. Knudsen put Pontiac on a new course, discarding its dowdy family car image for one based on performance and style. As Pontiac’s Chief Engineer, DeLorean had developed a number of new features that supported this change in direction. Best known was “Wide Track,” introduced in 1959. It pushed the wheels out into the widened fender wells, giving the cars a squatter, more planted look. e accompanying 8-lug wheels (along with aluminum brake drums) are still considered one of the most beautiful automotive accessories ever made. “ ose 8-lug wheels sold a lot of Pontiacs!” Jim recalls. Jim further pushed the Pontiac performance image by getting dealers to sell customers cars with features that enhanced power and handling rather than just the performance parts to be retrofitted to the cars of customers wanting rudimentary “plain vanilla” cars found on the dealerships’ backlots. more “stoplight juice.” is program was test-marketed at Royal He also worked with the dealers’ Parts Departments to order high- Pontiac in Royal Oak, Michigan, just off of Woodward Ave. and halfway between downtown Detroit and Pontiac’s headquarters in Pontiac, Michigan. It should come as no surprise that Woodward Ave., 21 miles of arrow-straight highway heading north out of Detroit would become a hotbed of street racing with the local gendarme often turning a blind eye to the goings-on. And Jim was in the thick of it; his name will forever be indelibly linked with the street racing and cruising that was so much a part of Woodward Ave. and the Detroit car culture. Jim had a wonderful relationship with Royal Pontiac owner Ace Wilson and unofficially ran their performance program. In 1960, Jim piloted a Royal-sponsored Pontiac Catalina to a Top Stock Eliminator title at the NHRA Nationals in Detroit. During his years with Pontiac, Jim is probably best known for his work marketing the famed Pontiac GTO. Although the “Goat” wasn’t his idea, (the brain trust of DeLorean and engineers Russ Gee and Bill Collins came up with it while playing around with chassis/engine combinations at GM’s Milford, Michigan proving grounds), Jim came to “Although gaudy and stupid-looking, it turned out to be one of the most remembered be known as the “Godfather of the GTO” for the work he did to bring TV/movie automotive tie-ins.” the first GTO to market and kick off the Musclecar Era. It was during this time that Jim really cemented his relationship with John DeLorean, who had been promoted to run Pontiac when Knudsen moved up to head General Motors. Other people sometimes had to wait days or even weeks to get a return call from the new Pontiac boss, but Jim tells us “I could always get right through to DeLorean when I needed to talk to him. We had a great relationship.” Jim also helped develop ad and promotional programs for the 1968- 69 GTO “Judge”—named after Rowan and Martin’s “Laugh-In” TV show and their catch-phrase “Here come ‘da Judge.” Jim facilitated e Monkeemobile, a Dean Jeffries-modified GTO built for the TV show “ e Monkees”, the black & gold Pontiac Firebird 400’s used in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies with Burt Reynolds and numerous other ad campaigns, not all of which went according to plan. One incident Jim recalls with the Monkeemobile: “I thought I was really in trouble with the Monkeemobile. Jeffries didn’t use any of the suggestions that our designers gave him for the car. When people started calling it “Wangers’ Folly”, I thought this project would ruin my career. But it all worked out in the end.” Indeed. At its peak, DeLorean’s cars and the Wangers’-led marketing put Pontiac in the #3 spot of all domestic auto brands. In 1972, Jim Wangers left McManus, John & Adams and went on to work for George Hurst at the Hurst Corporation, a builder of automotive shifters and other performance products, as well as e Godfather of the GTO next to the legend he helped create. specialty conversions of existing production automobiles. He then eventually opened his own automotive marketing and consulting firm, AMCI, where he is still active today. FALL 2015 43

out of the box by matt boyd MPounstcilaecC’saPrromethean Sun Star 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO 1:18 | $55 T he story of the Pontiac GTO should serve as the blueprint for how to create an automotive legend. Step1: conceptualize a vehicle that will inspire excitement and desire. Step 2: get it past the corporate management minefield and to market with as few compromises as possible. Step 3: engage a bold, brash marketing mastermind to craft an image that plays to the car’s strengths and resonates with enthusiasts. And step 4: get it into the hands of the media so that they can carry tales of your car’s heroic capabilities far and wide. And if you have to pull a fast one on those media guys to make sure those tales are truly heroic? Well … ”fast” is the name of the game, isn’t it? The heroes of our tale—beyond Stock Eliminator). Legend has it down, so he gave Collins and (which Maranello had failed to the GTO itself—are four in number. that as the three engineers were Gee the green light. DeLorean copyright). So DeLorean quickly Visionary Chief Engineer John Z. inspecting an early prototype figured he could circumvent the slapped the ‘GTO’ moniker on DeLorean, Director of Advanced of the newly upsized-for-’64 prohibition on engines larger the big-engine Tempest, offered Engineering Bill Collins, and Tempest, Collins casually pointed than 330ci in intermediate upgraded suspension and brake Race Program Engineer Russ out to DeLorean and Gee that chassis by making the 389 part options, making it one of the best Gee worked for Pontiac directly, the Catalina’s 389 cubic-inch of an option package—a “Grand all-around performers available, while legendary marketing V8 would bolt right in in about Tempest Option.” It didn’t hurt and set Wangers to work crafting maven Jim Wangers worked for 20 minutes. DeLorean had been that the acronym formed by those an image for the affordable the advertising firm servicing looking to pump up Pontiac’s three words just happened to mid-sized rocketship they were the Pontiac account (when he street image since GM’s corporate coincide with the hottest Ferrari brewing up. He had an unerring wasn’t winning NHRA titles in ban on racing had been handed GT racer from the previous year sense of what the youth-oriented 44 DCXmag.com

Any GTO has appeal for the diecast collector, but the car that started it all is truly something special The muscle car formula prescribes a big-car engine in a small-car package. The first half comes courtesy of a Tri-Power 389. Sun Star’s has a solid foundation, but could use bronze color on the carbs and a shade lighter on the block. performance market wanted, V8 in a midsize chassis with a hood. Prominent badges on the colors: Pinehurst Green (no. 1827) and he gave it to them. The ad sprinkling sporty styling and grille, trunk lid and fenders, plus and the Yorktown Blue (no. 1826) campaign for the GTO was as handling options—no wonder the dress-up items like faux spinner you see here in prototype form. It audacious as the car itself, and it GTO touched off the muscle car hubcaps and quad exhaust tips has a few minor blemishes in the hit home: the GTO sold more than golden age and inspired a herd of made sure everyone knew this paint we see on prototypes, but 32,000 units that first year (six imitators in the years to follow. It was something special. The GTO nothing worrisome. Panel gaps times GM’s predicted demand!). sits low and wide by the standards was available as a post sedan, are a bit broader than production Looking at Sun Star’s 1:18 of the day (the brand was a hardtop and a convertible— spec too, but otherwise this is model, we start to see why famous for its “Wide Track”) with Sun Star offers the latter two representative of what you can the GTO struck such a chord. uncluttered lines and a strong in scale. The casting has been expect in finished form. There It epitomizes the archetypical Pontiac family resemblance with around for a while, but they’ve is a seam where the separately muscle car formula: a high-output its split grille and arrowhead just released two new-for-2015 molded roof piece joins the rear fall 2015 45

The GTO’s instrument panel performs above its price point, with a nice metallic finish shift lever with its cue-ball knob U.S. Royal Red Line tires—they and readable gauges. The console is good too, with the requisite offset cutout for the and beefy Hurst linkage that are spot on. Hurst shifter. was so much a part of the GTO’s performance experience. FINAL THOUGHTS deck to allow Sun Star to use the forward. Lap belts are molded Under the pointed hood lies same casting for both hardtop into the seat surfaces. The that Catalina-sourced Tri-Power Fifty years on, perspective and convertible models. Wheel floor is a little too flat, and the 389 that started it all. Rated at on the GTO has changed a lot. arch and window surround trim pedals don’t have the chrome 348hp, it outgunned the best 326 At the time it was a dynamic are painted, but everything else surrounds that they should, but by 70hp and an equal amount performer and an excellent value is separately molded. The hood those are the only noticeable of torque. Sun Star’s is a mixed that was perfectly tuned to an scoops are cast metal and given flaws. GTO dashes were done bag; the block is fully molded eager, underserved market. The a paint wash to shade the vents in a complementary offsetting with especially nice detail on phenomenon it inspired could nicely. color—dark blue in this case— the intake manifold. The carbs not have been predicted—even Doors open to reveal a well- with a textured metallic finish are well shaped too, but they are by the four men who originated outfitted interior in medium to the instrument panel. Sun done in chrome rather than the it. Any GTO has appeal for the blue with lots of well-executed Star’s is polished, but otherwise more bronze-hued finish of the diecast collector, but the car that chrome. The brackets on the seat excellent—as are the gauges. actual Rochesters. The engine started it all is truly something sides aren’t merely decorative; The center console is also nice, color is a couple shades too dark special. It’s also somewhat rare; they allow the seats to fold nailing the offset cutout for the for Pontiac engine blue. The left- with Ertl and Franklin Mint now side valve cover is well done but defunct, Sun Star is the last the right side is on backwards on man standing among affordable, this prototype. Both the upper large scale ’64 GTOs. And their and lower radiator hoses are habit of releasing new colors properly located and there is a periodically to keep things fresh nice set of decals and warning for collectors means you have labels on the radiator bracket a much higher likelihood of and fan shroud. The good news getting just the configuration is that the mistakes are all easy you want. I like the period-feel of fixes—paint and flipping the the Yorktown Blue hardtop, and valve cover around—so hopefully the model—while not perfect— Sun Star makes the corrections delivers some nice perks for the for production. Nothing needs to $55 asking price. be done to the 14-inch wheels with spinner hubcaps and the SOURCE Sunstarmodelcars.com 1/2H.indd 1 9/5/14 1:56 PM

1:18 INDY MODELS BY REPLICARZ The difference is in the details! R18010. . . $249.99 1947 Blue Crown Special, Winner Indianpolis 500, Mauri Rose COMING Summer 2015! R18004. . . . . $249.99 1967 Paxton Turbine STP, Indy 500, Parnelli Jones FCaOllM2IN0G15! 166 Spruce Street • Rutland, VT 05701 • www.replicarz.com One Stop Shopping! P. 800-639-1744• F. 802-775-1981 • [email protected] • We Buy Collections! Over 50 Brands, Over 3,000 models in stock. All the top lines of Die Cast Models, Displays, and Accessories. We Ship Worldwide • We accept PayPal! 1/2H.indd 1 6/4/15 2:39 PM

OUT OF THE BOX BY BILL BENNETT & MATT BOYD tBhrricokuygahrdthCehAagmepsions REPLICARZ INDY 500 WINNERS 1:43 | $90EA T he Fothergill brothers at Replicarz are at it again, this time in 1:43 scale resin, and bringing us some of the most delicious cars that ever raced the Indy 500. Manufactured under their own Replicarz brand name, these will be a joy for anyone who loves spending that one day in May—glued to the TV or there in person—hearing the melodious rendition of “Back Home Again in Indiana” followed by “Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!” LOUIS MEYER MILLER SPECIAL: 1928 Replicarz has given us Louis Meyer’s Miller Special that he drove into the winner’s circle at the 1928 Indy 500, this was Meyer’s first of Harold Arminius Miller’s creative vision, along with his obsession with three career wins at Indy. Replicarz’s model is beautifully executed the smallest details, made the race cars and engines coming out of with a gleaming gold finish, black racing numerals and several photo- his L.A. shop beautiful works of art that ran as good as they looked. etched pieces and lots of chrome. e wire wheels are molded plastic, Miller’s cars were so dominant at Indy that they represented 83% of but look totally credible with their delicately executed spokes, and are the starting grid for the 500 between 1923 and 1928! Along with six mounted with white-lettered Firestone balloon tires. Indy-winning race cars, 12 other cars won the race with Miller engines that were coveted for both power and reliability. e Great Depression took its toll on Miller’s business, and in 1933 he declared bankruptcy. He was bought out by his shop foreman, Fred Offenhauser, and the business continued—later under partners Louis Meyer and Dale Drake—to build racing engines on into the 1970s based on Miller’s original designs. Miller engines powered almost every Indy Champ of the 1920s, including Louis Meyer’s ‘28 winner. e engines lived on as Offenhausers for decades to follow. 48 DCXmag.com

Bill Holland finally broke through with a win in 1949. Caption 1 MAURI ROSE AND BILL HOLLAND BLUE CROWN Mauri Rose passed teammate SPECIALS: 1947, 1948, 1949 Bill Holland for the win in the closing laps When Lou Moore hung up his driving helmet and of the 1947 Indy 500. became a team owner, he sought the Indy 500 victory that had narrowly eluded him Moore, Rose, and Holland were able to convert a single car as a driver. For the 1947 race, he hired configuration into three winners, and Replicarz does the same thing in hot shoes Mauri Rose and Bill Holland 1:43 scale. e Blue Crown Specials from ’47-’49 differ only in paint (the to drive his cars—Offenhauser- ’47 was repainted and won again in ’48), so all use the same excellent powered Deidts. e rookie Holland led mold. ere are delicate louvers over the Offy engine and down the most of the way, but a late-race pit board flanks of the cars. ere’s a bulge in the left side where photo-etched miscommunication caused him to slow, and intake trumpets sit almost flush with the body, and a nicely chromed his teammate Mauri Rose passed him for the exhaust header exits on the right. Delicate steering rods run half the win in his Blue Crown Spark Plugs-sponsored no. length of the car to connect to wonderfully molded front suspension pieces. Intricately spoked wheels (with etched spinners) are wrapped 27. Moore brought the winning car back for the in Firestone racing tires with proper sidewall markings. 1948 event, again with Rose at the wheel and Blue Crown on the flanks. Only the number was different; it now wore no.3. e car was still fast, and took the checkered flag with teammate Holland in 2nd for the second consecutive year. It could have been three in a row but for a magneto failure on Rose’s car in 1949, finally allowing Holland to cross the line first at the Brickyard in his own no.7 Blue Crown Special— giving Moore three consecutive victories, and his 5th overall as a team owner. e 1947 car was repainted with a number 3 but the result was the same for Rose in 1948. FALL 2015 49