Unser Sr. went back-to-back, winning again in 1971 with the same Ford-powered setup. AL UNSER SR. PJ COLT JOHNNY LIGHTNING SPECIALS: Each of these cars comes 1970, 1971 mounted on a black acrylic base with an engraved identification In 1970-71, Al Unser won back to back Indy 500’s in his Johnny plate. A clear acrylic cover Lightning-sponsored PJ Colt. Working for the Vel’s/Parnelli Jones completes the presentation. All racing team, Crew Chief George Bignotti and Co-Chief Jim Dilamarter are historically important to Indy cloned two additional pavement cars from a highly-modified Lola Car fans and it is nice to see that team car and fitted with turbocharged Ford four-cam Indy engines. Replicarz has done such a nice Unser also won the USAC National Championship Trail in 1970 using a job in making these for us. ere combination of the three pavement cars and one dirt car. is even a hint that sometime in the future we may see these Replicarz’s ’70 and ’71 Unser Johnny Lightning cars are drop-dead same cars in some larger scales gorgeous. With rich blue paint and the high-resolution livery rendered (1:18 and possibly beyond). But, in yellow, red, white and black, the cars have a level of detail rarely in any scale these are highly found in this scale. e Firestone tires add realism and the use of fine recommended. anks, Mark wire and photo-etched pieces really kicks the quality up a notch. Take and Brian! a magnifying glass to the livery and you will be amazed. Even the tiny sponsorship stickers are legible. SOURCE Replicarz.com Al Unser Sr.’s PJ Colt was a highly- modified Lola design. His Indy win helped him secure the 1970 USAC National title as well. REPLICARZ’S ’70 AND ’71 UNSER JOHNNY LIGHTNING CARS ARE DROP DEAD GORGEOUS ... THE CARS HAVE A LEVEL OF DETAIL RARELY FOUND IN THIS SCALE. 50 DCXmag.com
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out of the box by matt boyd T is for Transformation —for Bburago and Maranello Bburago Signature Series Ferrari California T 1:18 | $60 (est) 2015 promises to be the most important year in a generation for Italy’s greatest automotive brand: Ferrari. And it may just be the biggest year ever for another brand with Italian heritage—this one dedicated to slightly smaller automobiles: Bburago. The former is in the process of replacing the engines in its exotic sports and GT machines from the naturally aspirated technological marvels with stratospheric redlines, explosive horsepower, and snarling, shrieking soundtracks that made them among the most visceral—and desirable—engines on the planet, to turbocharging. If you think this isn’t a big deal, consider that the model you see before you—the 2015 California T—is the first turbocharged road car Ferrari has introduced in 28 years—since the fabled F40. Those are big shoes to fill for what amounts to Ferrari’s “entry-level” model; more so because while the turbo motor is new, the California itself has been around since 2008. More T’s are soon to follow, but for now the California T is blazing the trail for force-fed Ferraris. 52 DCXmag.com
Bburago has a rich history with is year marks a watershed years. with crisp casting throughout Ferrari, going back nearly to moment for Bburago. e After hounding my contacts the body. Ferrari freshened the days of the F40. Bburago securing of the Ferrari license up the California with the was a big part of the explosion in 2015 (which had previously at Bburago for months, I was introduction of the T; the most of the 1:18 market in the been held by industry giant able to convince them to part notable differences are at the early 1990s—earning legions Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand) with a prototype of the closed- nose, where horizontal chrome of fans (myself included!) is thrusting the brand back top California T just in time grille bars and shapelier with their affordably priced into the spotlight, and they for this issue. And while it is headlights highlight a tidier models of classic European are ambitiously meeting the still undergoing final tweaks look—which Bburago captures. favorites like Ferrari. After challenge by introducing a (the sample arrived sans Bburago fell on hard times, the new “Signature” series that packaging in bubble wrap with ere’s a new hood that swaps May Cheong Group (parent is substantially upmarket handwritten post-it notes from its scoop for twin extractors, company of fellow value from their traditional offerings the product development guys and the gills on the fenders pioneer Maisto) rescued the and targeted directly at enumerating what was not yet have been replaced with more brand, reintroducing a number hobby-grade collectors—and production-spec!) I can say pleasing meshed vents. e of collectors’ favorite castings specifically at those who have that this is the nicest, most weird character line on the while adding a steady stream been collecting Hot Wheels detailed Bburago piece I’ve door has been smoothed out of new cars to the lineup. Elite Series Ferraris in recent ever laid hands on. e shut- too. Out back, the vertical lines are notably narrower, tailpipes have been ditched in With the new Signature Series Ferrari Bburago moves decisively upmarket, offering detail, trim, and fit and finish improvements to satisfy hobby-grade collectors. FALL 2015 53
Above: Careful use of numerous paint tones gives a very upscale look to the interior. Right: Color, texture, and individually molded intake components make the turbo power- house look the part. favor of a more traditional quad Another sign that Bburago is moving up-market is the use of laser-etched metal for the Fine moldings to the 5-spoke wheels and arrangement which Bburago prancing horse emblem on the decklid. Nicely detailed quad exhaust tips compliment a extra detail on the brakes makes for the showcases with fully molded handsomely redesigned rear end. nicest rolling stock I’ve seen on a Bburago and matte-painted exhaust tips model to date. set into a detailed rear diffuser. steering angle (they spring back pieces and a variety of colors to center). e boot opens and and textures to represent the is Signature Series California T e brightwork deserves special there is a separator shelf for boosted motor. Underneath it is a strong first effort—noticeably praise as well; no mere decals, what would be a folding hardtop, is still a plate rather than a fully better in numerous ways from the ‘Ferrari’ and prancing horse but of course the top is fixed 3D-molded engine block, but is previous Bburago models. While badges on the rear deck lid are (Bburago will also sell a top- reminiscent of the levels that collectors will surely point out 3-dimensional laser-etched down version). Mattel and AUTOart produce that it is not quite the equal of the pieces. e ‘Rosso California’ with their molded engine plates. best of the outgoing Elite Series, paint is mostly excellent, but e heart of the it is my sense that Bburago is there are a couple of blemishes T-ransformation is the twin- e wheels have also gone off to a faster start, and better on the front fenders that the turbocharged 3.9L V8 that upmarket, with much finer than those early Hot Wheels developer notes candidly call out replaces the previous naturally molding and more brake detail offerings. And although Bburago and assure will be rectified for aspirated 4.3L mill and tallies behind them. Only the tires lag does not officially prescribe production. up 552 horsepower (100 more) behind; they’re not bad, but the an MSRP, I would expect the and an astounding extra treads are too coarse. Signature Series Ferraris to be Opening the doors reveals 200 lb-ft of torque! To say less expensive to boot. is feels hidden hideaway hinges with performance is improved is a FINAL THOUGHTS like the start of something good tensioners for a chunky, quality slight understatement—not only for the industry, for collectors feel. Color abounds in the does the T lop a full second off I’m excited to see a new and for Bburago. interior, with careful paintwork the old car’s ¼-mile time, its company take charge of the recreating the blonde hue of the 11.3 second @128mph run now Ferrari brand, and excited SOURCE seating surfaces, center console, smokes even the legendary to see Bburago make such Bburago.com and dash panel. Semigloss F40! Bburago dishes up a an ambitious move in the metallic paint recreates the significant increase in detail to marketspace at a time when aluminum surfaces, instrument match, using many more molded many other manufacturers are surrounds and shift paddles being so painfully conservative. (the only option since Ferrari did away with traditional manual transmissions and their signature gated shifters in favor of the F1 paddle-shifted semi-automatic). e interior is hard plastic, but the multitude of matte tones hide it well, and there is even fine flocking on the floorboards—the first such for a Bburago model in my experience. It offsets the chrome pedal set nicely. e steering wheel turns with the wheels, but the tension in the rack does not let the wheels hold their I’M EXCITED TO SEE A NEW COMPANY TAKE CHARGE OF THE FERRARI BRAND ... THIS SIGNATURE SERIES CALIFORNIA T IS A STRONG FIRST EFFORT 54 DCXmag.com
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HOT WHEELS HIGHWAY BY MIKE ZARNOCK Mystery Models HAVE YOU NOTICED how when you’re looking through the not all) have a small peep-hole at els for 2012 came with only 12 Hot Wheels at Wal-Mart, you always seem to end up drop- the lower right-hand side to see vehicles listed on the back and ping a few of the packages off of the pegs, and they either what is inside too. It’s quite easy a small blank white circle on the fall on the floor or into that blue box of pillow packs of Hot to get a complete set for about lower right front which would Wheels Mystery Models below? Most of us ignore those $24.00—they’re not hard to find. eventually end up being a peep- pillow packs for one reason or another, maybe because I think it is a great way to get the hole on the next series packaging. they’re not carded, or maybe we just don’t want to take younger collector in the fam- Again, the front of the package had the time to look through that little hole to see what’s in ily started. e first series came a letter and number representing there. But whatever the reason, most collectors don’t add with a folded poster showing all the model in the package. Series 2 them to their collections. 24 Mystery Models, so they can had the letter ‘E’ and the number; check off the ones that they E51/01 indicated that you had the e Mystery Models pillow And unless you had a copy of my find. e second series started “1/4 Mile Coupe.” packs took over where the black Variation Guide, you likely didn’t including a sticker of the vehicle blister carded “Mystery Cars” left even know they were part of the and that’s something extra to get Series 2 continued with an- off in 2010, with the exception Mainline Cars. them excited; they can collect the other 12 vehicles continuing from being they are no longer part of stickers along with the vehicle. number 13 up to number 24 like the Mainline Collector Numbers e first series of Mystery the previous series. ere was a as were the “Mystery Cars.” e Models pillow packs were released e Series 2 Mystery Mod- different graphic for the face of Mystery Cars had collector num- in 2011 with 24 different models. bers that were at the end of the Each model is pictured on the back mainline numbers (although not of the package with its respective posted on the cards). e “Mys- number. e front of the package tery Cars” were difficult to collect has what looks like a control num- unless you bought every one ber stamped on it, which actually that you saw or got to trade with corresponds to the model in the someone else who had a bunch of package. For example, if there is extra opened packages. ere are a “D33/07” on the front of a 2011 also Variations of the Mystery Cars series package, turn it over and that compounded the difficulty look for no. 7; it will say you have of collecting the complete set. the `67 Shelby GT 500. It’s just that easy! Some packages (but e Ballistik from Series 2 in 2012. e pillow packs box that always seems to catch cars falling off pegs. ese are from 2014. e 2011 Mystery Models came with a poster so you could check them off as you 56 DCXmag.com acquired each one.
HOT WHEELS MYSTERY 3/12...Slikt Back 6/48 .. Ballistik MODELS 2011-2015— 4/12...Bone Shaker 7/48 ... Fast FeLion USA RELEASE 8/48 .. Fish’d & Chip’d 5/12 ... Bedlam 9/48 .. Ford Shelby GR-1 10/48 Formul8r 2011 6/12... ‘06 Dodge Viper SRT-10 11/48. La Fasta 1/24 ... 2011 Custom Camaro 7/12......Chrysler Firepower Concept 12/48. Maelstrom 2/24... 24 Ours 8/12... ‘66 Chevy Nova 13/48 Mid Mill 3/24... ‘71 Dodge Challenger 9/12... CCM Country Club Muscle 14/48 Monoposto 4/24... ‘65 Ford Ranchero 10/12. Ultra Rage 15/48 Mustang Cobra 5/24... ‘11 Dodge Charger R/T 11/12.. Triumph TR6 16/48 Night Burner 6/24... ‘83 Camaro Z28 12/12 . Power Pro 17/48 . Overbored 454 18/48 Troy Soldier 7/24 ... ‘67 Shelby GT-500 2015 19/48 Ratbomb 20/48 Rocket Oil Special 8/24... Dodge Drag Neon 1/12.... Nitrium 21/48. Salt Shaker 22/48 Spector 9/24... Chevy Camaro Concept 2/12 ... Chrysler 300C HEMI 23/48 Spin King 24/48 Honda Civic Si 10/14. ‘69 Ford Mustang 3/12 ... ‘63 Corvette Stingray 25/48 Mitsubishi Double Shotz 26/48 Cadillac LMP 11/24 . Pass ‘n Gasser 4/12 ... 40 Somethin’ 27/48. Old #3 28/48 Avant Garde 12/24. Pikes Peak Tacoma 5/12 ... Cadillac Cien Concept 29/48 Steel Flame 30/48 Brit Speed 13/24. ‘70 Chevy Monte Carlo 6/12... Med-Evil 31/48 ‘63 T-Bird 32/48 Asphalt Assault 14/24. Toyota RSC 7/12.... Toyota MR2 33/48 Fangula 34/48 Hot Tub 15/24. Firestorm 8/12.... Ford Shelby Cobra Concept 35/48 Hypertruck 36/48 Lotus Sports Elise 16/24. Nerve Hammer 9/12... Deora II 37/48. 40 Somethin’ 38/48 Pony-Up 17/24.. Prototype H-24 10/12. Drift King 39/48 Teegray 40/48 Tesla Roadster 18/24. Fast Fish 11/12.. Pony-Up 41/48 Track T 42/48 Scorcher 19/24. Surf Crate 12/12 . Torque Twister 43/48 Twin Mill 44/48 Vulture Roadster 20/24 Amazoom 45/48 Whip Creamer II 46/48 Formula Street 21/24. Urban Agent HOT WHEELS 2011 – 47/48. Turboa 22/24 HW40 2014 INTERNATIONAL 48/48 Tire Fryer 23/24 Shell Shock MYSTERY MODELS 24/24 Yur So Fast 2014 12 CAR SERIES Also known as Circuit Champions 1/12.... Power Bomb 2012 Series and World Race Series. 2/12 ... Accelium 3/12 ... Deora II 1/12.... 1/4 Mile Coupe 2012 10 CAR SERIES 1 4/12 ... Lotus M250 5/12 ... ‘11 Dodge Charger 2/12 ... ‘65 Corvette 1/10 ... Ford Mustang GT Concept 6/12... ‘10 Aston Martin 7/12.... ‘70 Pontiac GTO Judge 3/12 ... ‘69 Pontiac Firebird 2/10... Astro Funk 8/12... Lamborghini Reventón 9/12... Battle Spec 4/12 ... 2001 Mini Cooper 3/10... ‘69 Pontiac Firebird 10/12. Reverb 11/12.. Growler 5/12 ... 2010 Infinity G37 4/10... Camaro Convertible 12/12 . Power Pipes 6/12... Ballistik 5/10... Fish’d & Chip’d 7/12.... Fast FeLion 6/10... ‘65 Pontiac GTO 8/12... Fish’d & Chip’d 7/10 ... ‘68 El Camino 9/12... Ford Shelby GR-1 8/10... Jaded Mystery Models were distributed internationally as well. At 10/12. Formul8r 9/10... Formula Street the top is the World Race Series; below is the Circuit Champi- ons packaging. 11/12.. La Fasta 10/10. What 4-2 the package, but this time there was a peephole to 12/12 . Maelstrom 2012 10 CAR SERIES 2 see what was inside the package along with the stamping of what model was in the package. e 2013 1/10 ... Flight ‘03 back pictured and listed the models just like before. 13/24. Mitsubishi Double Shotz 2/10... Yur So Fast e stamping on these packages started with the next letter—‘F’—and the number. 14/24. Cadillac LMP 3/10... ‘69 Corvette e next two series do not have any series 15/24. Old #3 4/10... Dodge XP-07 numbers listed on the face of the package, and only have 12 vehicles listed on the back of the packages. 16/24. Avant Garde 5/10... Open Road-ster ey do show the stamping to continue in letter 17/24.. Steel Flame 6/10... Fast Fish order with “G” and “H.” ere are also International packages that are called “Circuit Champion Series,” 18/24. Brit Speed 7/10 ... Scorcher “World Race Series” and “Mystery Models.” I’m still looking into how many different series and cars are 19/24. ‘63 T-Bird 8/10... ‘92 Ford Mustang in those, but I’ve listed what I have found so far. 20/24 Asphalt Assault 9/10... Twinduction As of this writing, only a few Variations have been found from the five different USA releases of 21/24. Fangula 10/10. ‘68 COPO Camaro the Mystery Models pillow packs. But who knows? Maybe if we get enough of us collecting them, we’ll 22/24 Hot Tub 2013 48 CAR SERIES find more! 23/24 Hypertruck 1/48... 1/4 Mile Coupe 24/24 Lotus Sports Elise 2/48... ‘65 Corvette 2014 3/48... ‘69 Pontiac Firebird 1/12.... Acura HSC Concept 4/48 .. 2001 Mini Cooper 2/12 ... Anthracite 5/48... 2010 Infinity G37 FALL 2015 57
HOT WHEELS HIGHWAY FLASHBACK 1995 T he year was 1995, and produced for the 1995 production e Hot Hubs series Suzuki Quad Racer had color and wheel variations that were unique. Mattel decided to change year, with JC Penny having two is it the Light Lime version. things up a bit when it thousand sets, leaving only eight came to collecting Hot Wheels. thousand of each car to be found Here it is with the odd PAW wheels. Instead of the all blue cards with in stores. Unfortunately, many large white collector numbers on unscrupulous people were buying And here, the standard wheel in Yellow. them, they changed to blue and up all the JC Penny sets that they white cards with smaller collector could find, taking the sets apart, numbers and put the cars in a four replacing the cars with regular car series. ey gave them names mainline cars and returning them like “Race Team,” “Pearl Driver,” to the store to get their money Real Riders” and “Dark Rider.” back. ere was talk of stopping the promotion because of that, ere were 14 series all together, but the very next year, Mattel including the very first year for the started putting a seal on the boxes “Treasure Hunt Series.” to discourage that. If the seal was tampered with, the set was not Now no one knew anything returnable! about the Treasure Hunt cars or how in-demand they would end is was also the one and only up being—or the troubles they year that there was an actual Real would cause! At the time, they Riders Series. Four vehicles with were readily available. ey were Real Riders tires that got collectors left on the pegs just like any other excited for the possibility of having car. A couple friends of mine went wheels and tires for customizing shopping one day at Bradlees other Hot Wheels cars at regular (Remember Bradlees?) when they Hot Wheels car prices! In the were having one of their 2/$1 Hot series were the Peterbilt Dump Wheels sales. ey both found Truck, Mercedes Unimog, `59 Cad- Treasure Hunt Camaros and kept dy Convertible and the Corvette looking for more new cars. One of Stingray. ey were being bought them came across more Camaros up and pulled apart by the handfuls and said, “Hey, I found another one with the assumption that they of those white Camaro’s with the were going to be mass produced orange stripes! Do you want it?” by the millions just like the other series cars. But for some reason e other guy said, “No, I got one. (and I’m going to go out on a limb at’s all I need....” True story! here and guess that it was produc- tion cost), the Real Riders Series at Christmas, JC Penny had was a very short production run. the complete 12-car 1995 Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt Series for ey came and went very quickly sale in an impressive blue window and were soon in huge demand. box that included a certificate of authenticity. Ten thousand of e prices sky-rocketed, selling for each Treasure Hunt vehicle was 1995 was the first year of as much, if not more than some of card with a much smaller collector \"Treasure Hunts.\" Here the Treasure Hunts! number in a banner at the center is the box set, along with of the card. Any way you look at the included certificate of As with years past, the new it, the year 1995 was filled with a authenticity. series cars had their share of tremendous amount of variation Variations too. Series like the Dark from the cars to the packaging, Riders had wheel and chrome and made for some interesting changes. e Hot Hubs series things to come! Suzuki Quadracer had some odd wheel changes that were only If you want to know more about released on that casting. And we the 1995 Series and their Varia- can’t leave out the Speed Gleamer tions, check out my book “Hot T-Bucket with its many different Wheels Variations, e Ultimate shades of light blue to dark purple Guide” from my website www. engine chrome, clear or purple MikeZarnock.com, your local tint windshield, and 5- or 7-spoke bookstore or anywhere on-line. wheels. ere were also earlier Collector Number cars released on ere are four editions to choose the new-style cards that were the from that show all the Collector same car, same color, but pack- Numbers from number 1 to 1121 aged on the new blue and white and all their known Variations. 58 DCXmag.com
005 .........................................................Good Humor Truck 305 ...Classic Cobra .........................Roarin’ Rods Series ..................3/4 1995 Hot Wheels Checklist 028 .........................................................‘37 Bugatti 302 ...Mini Truck ...............................Roarin’ Rods Series ..................4/4 031 .........................................................Classic Cobra 307 ...Cybercruiser ..........................Hot Hubs Series .........................1/4 035 .........................................................Ferrari Testarossa 310 ...Shadow Jet .............................Hot Hubs Series .........................2/4 135 .........................................................‘32 Ford Delivery 308 ...Vampyra ...................................Hot Hubs Series .........................3/4 162 .........................................................‘65 Mustang Convertible 311 ....Suzuki Quadracer ................Hot Hubs Series .........................4/4 164 .........................................................Mercedes 540K 312 ....3-Window ‘34 .........................Speed Gleamer Series ..............1/4 200 .........................................................Custom Corvette 313 ...T-Bucket ..................................Speed Gleamer Series ..............2/4 227 ..........................................................Lamborghini Diablo 315 ...Ratmobile ...............................Speed Gleamer Series ..............3/4 252 .........................................................Street Roader 316 ...Limozeen .................................Speed Gleamer Series ..............4/4 264 .........................................................Lexus SC400 317 ....Peterbilt Dump Truck .........Real Riders Series .....................1/4 267 .........................................................Olds 442 W-30 318 ...Mercedes-Benz Unimog ....Real Riders Series .....................2/4 269 .........................................................Oshkosh Cement Mixer 320 ...‘59 Caddy ................................Real Riders Series .....................3/4 321 ....Corvette Stingray .................Real Riders Series .....................4/4 343 ...Speed Blaster .......................1995 Model Series ....................01/12 322 ...Fire Eater .................................Silver Series ................................1/4 342 ...Mercedes-Benz SL ...............1995 Model Series ....................02/12 323 ...Rodzilla ....................................Silver Series ................................2/4 341 ...‘58 Corvette Coupe .............1995 Model Series ....................03/12 325 ...Propper Chopper ..................Silver Series ................................3/4 345 ...Speed-A-Saurus ....................1995 Model Series ....................04/12 328 ...School Bus ..............................Silver Series ................................4/4 347 ...Power Pistons .......................1995 Model Series ....................05/12 331 ...Ford Aerostar ........................Photo Finish Series ...................1/4 346 ...Hydroplane .............................1995 Model Series ....................06/12 332 ...Flyin’ Aces Blimp ..................Photo Finish Series ...................2/4 348 ...Dodge Ram 1500 ..................1995 Model Series ....................07/12 333 ...Tank Truck ..............................Photo Finish Series ...................3/4 349 ...Camaro Convertible ............1995 Model Series ....................08/12 335 ...Hiway Hauler ..........................Photo Finish Series ...................4/4 374 ...Power Pipes ...........................1995 Model Series ....................09/12 336 ...Race Truck ..............................Racing Metals Series ...............1/4 350 ...Ferrari 355 ..............................1995 Model Series ....................10/12 337 ...Ramp Truck ............................Racing Metals Series ...............2/4 351 ...Power Rocket ........................1995 Model Series ....................11/12 338 ...Camaro Racer ........................Racing Metals Series ...............3/4 352 ...Big Chill ....................................1995 Model Series ....................12/12 340 ...Dragster ..................................Racing Metals Series ...............4/4 353 ...Olds 442 ..................................1995 Treasure Hunts ................1/12 Note: The Series Cars Collector Numbers were printed on the back of the 354 ...Gold Passion ..........................1995 Treasure Hunts ................2/12 packages and for some unknown reason are not in order of succession. 355 ...‘67 Camaro .............................1995 Treasure Hunts ................3/12 356 ...‘57 T-Bird ..................................1995 Treasure Hunts ................4/12 e one and only year for a Real Riders series got collectors excited. is is the 357 ...VW Bug .....................................1995 Treasure Hunts ................5/12 Dump Truck. 358 ...‘63 Split Window ..................1995 Treasure Hunts ................6/12 359 ...Stutz Blackhawk ..................1995 Treasure Hunts ................7/12 e Real Riders '59 Caddy had the perfect wheels for using on custom projects. 360 ...Rolls Royce Phantom II ....1995 Treasure Hunts ................8/12 361 ...Classic Caddy ........................1995 Treasure Hunts ................9/12 e Real Riders Corvette. e fourth in the series (not shown) was a Mercedes 362 ...Classic Nomad ......................1995 Treasure Hunts ................10/12 Unimog. 363 ...Classic Cobra .........................1995 Treasure Hunts ................11/12 364 ...‘31 Doozie ................................1995 Treasure Hunts ................12/12 380 ...Lumina Stocker ....................Race Team Series ......................1/4 381 ...Hot Wheels 500 ....................Race Team Series ......................2/4 382 ...Side-Splitter ..........................Race Team Series ......................3/4 383 ...Dragster ..................................Race Team Series ......................4/4 280 ...Sharkruiser ............................Krackle Car Series ....................1/4 281 ...Turboa ......................................Krackle Car Series ....................2/4 282 ...‘63 Split Window ..................Krackle Car Series ....................3/4 284 ...Flashfire ..................................Krackle Car Series ....................4/4 285 ...Steel Passion ........................Steel Stamp Series ...................1/4 287 ...Zender Fact 4 ........................Steel Stamp Series ...................2/4 289 ...‘56 Flashsider .......................Steel Stamp Series ...................3/4 387 ...‘57 Chevy .................................Steel Stamp Series ...................4/4 295 ...Talbot Lago .............................Pearl Driver Series ....................1/4 292 ...Pearl Passion ........................Pearl Driver Series ....................2/4 293 ...VW Bug .....................................Pearl Driver Series ....................3/4 296 ...Jaguar XJ220 .........................Pearl Driver Series ....................4/4 297 ...Splittin’ Image II .................Dark Rider Series ......................1/4 298 ...Twin Mill II .............................Dark Rider Series ......................2/4 299 ...Silhouette II ..........................Dark Rider Series ......................3/4 300 ...Rigor Motor ............................Dark Rider Series ......................4/4 303 ...Street Roader ........................Roarin’ Rods Series ..................1/4 304 ...Roll Patrol Jeep CJ ...............Roarin’ Rods Series ..................2/4 FALL 2015 59
quick LOOK GMP 1993 Ford Mustang LX The Final Fox-Body Five-Oh! 1:18 | $140 byMattBoyd When the third-gen Mustang debuted for the transmission case itself is a 5-speed. I hope the produc- 1979 model year, it was the ray of light that tion pieces swap the former and keep the latter; (LX 5.0s ended a dark decade for Ford faithful. The much represent budget speed—save the slushbox for a loaded maligned Pinto-based Mustang II had struggled to muster GT)! The hatch opens; there are no pneumatic supports as the muscle to carry the banner of Ford. The ’79 model on this prototype but I expect them on the finished model. was lighter and leaner than the Mustang II despite being Fox Mustangs are all about that “Five-Point-Oh” and based on the “Fox” platform shared with the midsize Ford GMP’s is stellar. That side-induction EFI manifold is as rec- Fairmont/Thunderbird. Having learned from its mistake, ognizable as any engine of the last quarter century even Ford designed the Fox-body Mustang to carry a V8 from without the big “5.0 HO” and galloping stallion decal. Copi- day one, and a steady stream of performance-oriented ous wires and hoses, a detailed accessory belt assembly, updates and revisions helped cement it as the pony car to delightfully molded shorty headers, and wonderful subtle beat in the 1980s. Everyone, regardless of their auto- variations in paint to simulate all the different materials motive awareness, knew a “5.0.” Chevy guys hated it; will add up to a thoroughly satisfying engine presentation. everyone else loved it. So successful was the Fox-body The LX came with 16x7-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, but 5.0 that it resisted attempts to retire it, soldiering on fun- these are more like 17s—and the sidewall markings that damentally unchanged for 15 model years—making it the announce the tires as ZRs with a 45-aspect ratio confirm longest running Mustang. it. LX 5.0s wore 225/55s—the 245/45-17s on this car Now that GreenLight has helped bring GMP back to are from the SVT Cobra. I’m withholding judgement until production we got an early preview of the first new Mus- I see the final versions. GMP’s fully functional springs are tang in more than 6 years! This sample is way pre-pro- always appreciated, and the rest of the suspension looks duction, but we’re familiar enough with the GMP Mustang good as well. tool to see what it portends. This is a final-year Fox—a The 5.0 Mustangs were a pivotal in fostering automo- Vermillion Red 1993 fastback in LX trim. Well, mostly. This tive enthusiasm in my youth. And I always preferred the prototype still has GT side skirts cast into the rocker area, elemental LX over the more ostentatious GT, representing although the front and rear overhangs are LX pieces. Paint as it did the cheapest way to go fast. This 1993 model was is pretty good, with just a couple of pre-pro blemishes on the last of the breed, as the SN-95 replaced it in 1994. the hood. The antenna is also absent, but that, the rockers GMP and GreenLight pay it tribute, and while this proto- and the paint will be right by release time. type was a little raw, the essentials are all here. And we The interior is basic black, (hey, it’s an LX!) with a mix can all celebrate the return of this casting to the diecast of hard and soft plastics. Short-pile flocked carpet and market. woven fabric seatbelts with etched hardware give a bit of flair to the interior. Interestingly, the gear lever and SOURCE 2-pedal arrangement indicate an automatic car, while the GMP; distributed by Greeenlighttoys.com The first GMP Mustang in more than six years, collectors will be thrilled. This prototype still has GT-spec rockers, but we know the final version will be stellar. 60 DCXmag.com
AUTOART ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE V12 GT3 A Positive Step in Composite Models 1:18 | $120 by Matt Boyd O k, let’s get it out of the center console, and a cool ballast plate in the passenger AUTOart’s new composite way right up front: Yes, floorboard. ABS holds a finish beautifully, this model’s body is matching the quality of Aa’s made of—gasp!—plastic. More Veteran Die Cast X authors Bill Bennett and Wayne conventional models. specifically, a newly devel- Moyer also had the opportunity examine AUTOart’s com- oped type of Acrylonitrile posite Aston, so I asked them for their thoughts: e stronger material also per- Butadiene Styrene mits opening doors, which gives (ABS) composite ther- “I think we may be looking at the future of diecast here. us an unobstructed look at the moplastic polymer with e paint on my sample had just a bit of orange peel, outstanding detail on the racing the strength and precision seat, wheel and dash. to produce highly detailed 1:18 but I think AUTOart gaining familiarity with the material replicas. We’ve become accustomed will improve that. ABS is a lot less costly, and we already to resin-cast replicas in 1:18 and they can look see that reflected in the price. I suspect tooling costs are great. But resin lacks the strength to permit opening reduced, too, which may lead to models we wouldn’t see panels so they are almost always closed-body models. produced in metal. e model itself is very accurate in shape, details, and dimensions. I like it very much and look e issue is that resin can’t be molded thinly enough to forward to seeing more.”—Wayne Moyer produce realistic depth panels or to reliably secure hinges small enough to look reasonably scale. AUTOart’s new “ is is a wonderful compromise between resin and ABS is strong enough, and the proof is the first release diecast. e car has nearly the heft of diecast, it has pos- in its Composite line, the Aston Martin Vantage V12 GT3. able wheels and opening doors to expose a nicely detailed interior. e body has excellent finish and detail with tight e Vantage GT3 was engineered by Aston to be the ideal shut lines on the doors. is model is superior to its resin customer race car in the highly competitive international counterparts with non-articulated steering, barely turning GT3 category. e car’s production-based 6.0L comes wheels and brittle body pieces. AUTOart has a real win- with more than 600hp, but can affordably be up- or ner.”—Bill Bennett down-tuned to accommodate performance adjustments in various series. And its aerodynamics are modular As usual, these two gentlemen sum it up perfectly. is to allow upgrades year to year without requiring more model should help put to rest any remaining stigma extensive (and expensive) replacement body panels. against using composites in precision models. If it trans- lates to savings for the collector and presents as well as e formula appears to be sound, with the Vantage GT3 this Aston does, things look good for the future. racking up nearly 40 victories in the various GT3 series globally. SOURCE Autoartmodels.com At first blush, the Composite Vantage GT3 model may seem like any number of AUTOart’s previous sealed- body race cars, but peeking from in between the door seam is that telltale ribbon that indicates opening doors. But you cannot distinguish the body material by look- ing—the casting precision and finish quality is the equal of traditionally crafted AUTOart models. is is worthy of particular mention because historically the knock against plastic has been that the material’s softness has tended to compromise paint and finish quality. With this new material AUTOart appears to have licked that one; paint is great, as are the panel gaps. e NACA ducts have sharp, even edges, the headlight lenses fit perfectly flush, and little details like the Aston hood and deck badges, emergency off-switch, and the exhaust cutouts are all spot-on. e traditional AUTOart strengths of wheels and tires are superb here too; 10-spoke BBS style centerlock- ing wheels with Michelin sidewall racing slicks spin freely in front of slotted metal brake rotors with Brembo calipers. Flick the doors open (their lightness is one of the clues to the construction material) to see a well-detailed racing cockpit. ere’s a squashed X-shaped door bar sec- tion of the roll cage, behind which sits a detailed Recaro carbon racing seat with a rubber Sabelt safety harness. e steering wheel has a variety of switches on its hub, and large wheel-mounted paddles behind it to actuate the sequential gearbox. ere are more switches on the FALL 2015 61
quick LOOK Though it only runs in the one climactic scene, Dom’s blown Charger is the most popular car in The Fast and the Furious. Hot Wheels The Fast and there have been multiple configurations, but the car that the Furious 1970 Dodge Charger starred in most of the beauty shots was equipped with a 528 Hemi crate motor topped with a 9-71 blower and Dom’s Scene-stealing Blown Hemi Beast 1:18 | $150 byMattBoyd fuel injection system from BDS. This is the configuration Hot Wheels has chosen; it certainly validates the 900hp Below left: A blown 528 Hemi. In W ho would have thought back in 2001 when claim in the script. That supercharged Hemi is the star so the script Dom tells us it is “900 the original Fast and Furious debuted that 14 Hot Wheels gave it a lift-off hood just like in the movie so horses of Detroit muscle.” Hot years and seven films later the franchise would collectors can see the engine in all its glory. Detail on the Wheels’ version looks it for sure! be the highest grossing automotive related film series in BDS injector scoop is very good, with a throttle cable and Below right: The sheetmetal in- movie history? That first movie was decidedly tuner- brass wire simulating the fuel lines. Plug wires and ignition terior is all business. So too the centric, with hopped-up Hondas, turbocharged Toyotas, coil wiring are also fully detailed. The valve covers are a aftermarket gauges and a B&M and nitrous-huffing Nissans tearing across the screen. bit square but not bad. There is a brake master cylinder shifter for the Torqueflite. But with all that high-tech import hardware, for many on the firewall but little else in the engine bay. There is fans it’s an old-school musclecar that steals the show: more power-producing hardware in the trunk, as befitting a certain black ’70 Dodge Charger that the seemingly a proper street and strip warrior. A racing fuel cell and a fearless antihero Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) has stored pair of nitrous bottles fill most of the available space. The away in his garage. Dom confesses to Brian (Paul Walker) interior is stripped down to bare metal, with a single racing that the Charger that he and his late father built utterly bucket and a 6-point roll cage. A woven 5-point harness terrifies him, so much so that he has never driven it. When sits in the seat, but a couple of the glue joints holding it he introduces it it’s no wonder: “It’s a beast. 900 horses of down gave up. There’s a race-grade B&M lockout shifter Detroit muscle” that ran “9 seconds flat” at Palmdale. for the Torqueflite automatic and a brace of auxiliary Hot Wheels has produced Dom’s beast as it appeared gauges. Cragar 5-spoke wheels with extra-wide DOT in that first film (it returned in various forms in episodes 4, slicks look right at home. 5 and 7 of the franchise) as part of its Elite series. As such It’s fun to look back on the origins of the film series that has become such a phenomenon. And this car is the most memorable car in a film that’s all about cars. It’s a good subject for diecast, and Hot Wheels’ Elite series is usually a solid bet for speculative collectors. I would have liked to see a bit more detail in a model with a $150 pricepoint, but the strong appreciation potential of the Elite series makes the retail price less important. If you’re a Fast and Furious fan, this beast is one to get. SOURCE Hotwheels-elite.com 62 DCXmag.com
Kyosho Ousia Series Lamborghini Veneno A New Spin on a Familiar Favorite 1:18 | $99 byMattBoyd Kyosho has been one of my favorite brands for years, with car carries the same tri-colored vinyl tape stripes as the The metal body maintains the quality renderings of a broad and appealing selection of factory-retained car. There is a gloss black applied to the first-class finish Kyosho collec- vehicles. Like so many brands, Kyosho has felt the upward carbon fiber center-lug wheels. tors are used to, while the sealed pressure on prices due to materials and labor costs in The Veneno’s drivetrain is derived from the Aventa- shell reduces complexity—and China. With the introduction of its new ‘Ousia’ series, Kyo- dor and uses its 6.5L V12 (tuned up to 750hp), 7-speed price! sho is pushing back by offering a sealed body model that sequential transaxle and all-wheel-drive system. The delivers the surface detail and shelf-appeal of its tradi- interior is also sourced from the Aventador, and is reason- tional models, but with less complexity and tooling costs— ably detailed on the model. The aggressive aerodynamics and a correspondingly lower pricetag. They’re targeted to is what sets it apart, and they are wild—especially the come in at less than $100—a significant achievement for enormous rear diffuser and the vertical stabilizer remi- a diecast metal model. Yes, I said “metal;” this car retains niscent of a Le Mans prototype that juts up from the rear the refinement and heft of metal that so many collectors engine cover. Deep channels just aft of the doors route value so dearly. To kick off the series Kyosho has selected airflow up over the haunches for additional downforce. Lamborghini’s ultra-rare, ultra-exotic halo model the But with a top speed pushing 240mph the extra stability Veneno, in coupe and roadster forms. is warranted! The Veneno is an odd choice given that only four real Appropriately, Kyosho has named their new series coupes were produced, and only a maximum of nine “Ousia”—which roughly translates to “Essence” in Greek. roadsters will be, but from a prestige standpoint it makes These closed-body models do capture the essence of perfect sense. At nearly $4 million apiece, the Veneno what makes Kyosho models appealing. In the case of a car makes production Lamborghinis look like rental cars. like the Veneno, where interior detail would be no more The coupe is the more serious of the two with its more visible with opening mail-slot-sized doors, and the engine efficient aerodynamics and less ‘busy’ appearance, but compartment would be scarcely more than a modesty it requires one minor compromise in fidelity. The four panel anyway, a sealed body is no vice. And the savings coupes (three customer cars, and one to be retained by is definitely welcome. I’ll be interested to see what other the factory) were finished in the same metallic gray color, models Kyosho adds as the Ousia line expands. But this with only highlight trim colors to differentiate them. That first release is worth your consideration. doesn’t make for an ideal model lineup, so Kyosho applied the Rosso Veneno hue from the roadster as an option for SOURCE the coupes as well—and that is the color of our sample. Kyosho; distributed by Carvillemodelshop.com The paint is gorgeous, with a subtle metallic sheen and smooth, even application throughout. There is a fair bit of carbon-fiber look accent for the ground effects, and the fall 2015 63
quick LOOK With three interchangeable at- tachments and a fully articulat- ing boom, this CAT Telehandler delivers a lot for the price. Norscot Caterpillar TH407C Telehandler Versatile Workhorse 1:32 | $65 byMattBoyd too—in scale. It is supported by simulated pneumatic rams that are attached to the chassis. That chassis is essen- P art bulldozer, part tractor, part forklift, part crane, tially a center backbone with side pods left and right—the the Caterpillar TH407C Telescoping Handler (Tele- left being the operator’s compartment, and the right the handler) is, for all intents and purposes, a 10-ton, power unit, underpinned by a 4-wheel-drive driveline. The rolling Swiss Army knife. With the array of quick-change engine is sealed, so no detailing is evident on the Caterpil- attachments to its main boom, it can be reconfigured lar 4.4L turbodiesel inline-4, but the driveshafts, differen- in minutes to do jobs previously performed by multiple tials and heavy-duty Carrao axles are well rendered. Even vehicles—saving time and money on job sites of all kinds. better are the painted steel 24-inch wheels and hubs, The versatility doesn’t compromise strength; the drawbar wrapped in convincing 15.5/80 tires. can pull up to 10 tons and the bucket is rated at more than The driver’s cab features tremendous detail for 1:32, 12,000 pounds of breakout force. Amazingly, it doesn’t starting with the protective cages over the windscreen compromise mobility either; the TH407C can hustle itself and roof panels. The driver’s pod is glass-sided, affording along at 25mph when needed. the operator an excellent view out and us collectors an As has become the norm for CAT series manufactured excellent view in at the highly detailed instrument panel. by Norscot—particularly those in the larger, more detailed About the only minor drawback is that it is molded in scales—the 1:32 Telehandler (item no. 55278) comes monochrome dark gray, and doesn’t have any offsetting remarkably well equipped for its pricepoint. The signature color for the switchgear or gauge faces. CAT yellow is smooth and even, with a mix of gloss black The Telehandler is an impressive machine, capable of fill- highlights and flat black fittings and trim. That trim is exten- ing any number of roles with strength and versatility. That’s sive, with a variety of lights and mirrors mounted on braket a given, and a prime reason why collectors will be drawn to arms around the vehicle. CAT insignias and model designa- it. But one of the most appealing things about this particu- tors dress up the engine pod; they are tampo-printed, and lar model is its approachability. It’s a large, satisfying size of with good color and contrast, and sharp edges. The Norscot a machine that is familiar enough to be relatable to a wide TH407C comes with a trio of attachments to showcase the range of collectors. Detail is really nice—especially given the vehicle’s range of configurations. The model comes with $65 MSRP. Plus, the CAT series has several related models, Utility Grapple Forks attached, but the set also includes Pal- so it’s a natural to start or continue a collection. let Forks and a Multi-purpose Bucket. They are friction-fit, snapping in easily and then rotating to lock. They open and SOURCE close, and pivot appropriately on the boom. Norscot; distributed by 3000toys.com Speaking of the boom, the full-scale Telehandler’s can elevate to a maximum height of 24 feet; the model’s does 64 DCXmag.com
REAR VIEW 15TH ANNUAL NATIONALS Above: Chris \"Nightstalker\" Walker did the 2015 Charity 1,100 Hot Wheels Collectors Car. Right & Below: Hot Wheels Descend on Lexington, KY! BY MIKE ZARNOCK designers like Larry Wood (right), Mark Jones (below Lexington, Kentucky was the destination of more than 1,100 left) and Steve registered attendees for the 15th Annual Hot Wheels Nationals. Vandervate (below right) e event was scheduled for March 25-29, but collectors started were on hand arriving at both hotels as early as Saturday the 21st. I say “both” to chat and because it took two hotels to accommodate all of the collectors, sign auto- but because they were connected by an overhead walkway graphs. everyone had an easy time traveling back and forth. It’s always exciting when you come to an event such as this, not only for Some of the Limited Edition cars available at the various events at this year's Nationals. the comradery but also for the adrenalin rush you get in anticipating what you might find to add to your collection. You never know if you’ll finally Events like Down Hill and Sizzler Racing for adults and kids, coloring find that “Holy Grail” piece that you’ve been in search of, or as in my case, contests, scavenger hunts and seminars on many different subjects from find something that you never even knew existed and then have your “Collecting Redlines” to “Customizing How-To’s” with award winning wife buy it for you! Pro Customizers like Chris Walker of Nightstalker Customs, who did the charity car for this event. ere are autograph sessions where you Wednesday was the first day of the Souvenir Sales and the first can meet your favorite Hot Wheels designers like Larry Wood, Steve opportunity to get your special limited edition “Hot Wheels Newsletter Vandervate, Mark Jones and Howard Reese. At some events collectors get Car”—if you’re a Newsletter Member that is. e souvenirs included event a chance to win dinner with their favorite designer too. Other attractions t-shirts, hats and of course more limited edition cars. Wednesday was include the “Vending Machine” that’s filled with Hot Wheels. If you’re also the first day of the special events that continued everyday until the lucky, you may win an extra prize like the young lady who won a complete Finale on Saturday evening with yet another Limited Edition Hot Wheels set of Hot Wheels Classics! ere’s also a bingo game that’s played with Car! Most events included a Limited Edition car specific to that event with Redline Buttons. the chance of winning an even more Limited Edition car. ese events can keep you busy for the whole event—just make sure you have extra One of the most anticipated events that always fill the seats is the luggage to bring home all those limited edition cars! Charity Auction where everyone has the opportunity to bid on rare prototypes, one of a kind designer drawings, banners, flags and just Chris Parker hams it up with the about anything Hot Wheels related that the folks at Mattel might dig out Stangler family and the author. of the archives to donate to the auction. I’ve seen some pretty amazing things go across the auction block over the years and seen some big money go with them too—all for charity. Saturday evening’s Finale featured the Mattel rep showing us all about the year to come and the new cars to be looking out for. en it’s shaking hands and hugging goodbye, taking pictures and making those final trades before loading up the truck and getting back to reality. We had a wonderful time at the 15th Annual Hot Wheels Nationals and would like to thank the promoters Collectors Events Unlimited and the folks at Mattel for having us there! See you all next time! 66 DCXmag.com
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