021-dcx2017spring-dl

Hot Wheels Trifecta Star Wars, Redline Spoilers, and Drag Bus » THE PASSION, PRODUCTS & PERSONALITIES « FUNNY CARThe Birth of the Bond in Motion Gassers, Altereds, and A/FX CARS OF 72Hot New 007CONNERY’S Models Auto World Don “The Snake” Prudhomme ’74 Cuda Funny Car Lost Loves Supercar Collectibles Bburago Brings Back Yankee Peddler Original Ferraris Altered-Wheelbase GRAND-SCALE ’65 Dodge GRAND PRIX HAULER Display until February 28, 2017 SPRING 2017 $6.99 US $8.99 CAN CMC Mercedes Lo 2750 DCXMAG.COM







CONTENTS DIE CAST X | VOL. 13 | ISSUE 2 FEATURES OUT OF THE BOX QUICK LOOKS 14 | On a Wing and a Prayer 22 | Altering the Course of 62 | Kyosho Audi R8 Gulf Racing Livery Drag Race History 63 | MCG NYPD 1985 Chevrolet How Altereds, Gassers, and A/FX Changed Caprice Cruiser the Shape of Drag Racing Supercar Collectibles Yankee Peddler 1965 64 | e Return of Hot Wheels A/FX Dodge Spoilers Series 34 | Lost Loves 26 | rowback Track Terror UP FRONT Bburago Original Series Brings Back Ferrari Classic Castings Sun Star Wild Weasel 1952 Henry J Gasser 6 | Editorial Altered Perceptions 48 | Bond in Motion 30 | e Snake’s Star-Spangled Fish 8 | Showroom New Releases & First Looks Connery’s Iconic Cars Auto World 1974 Don Prudhomme Plymouth Cuda Funny Car REGULARS DCXmag.com 40 | Wangan Midnight “Devil Z” 60 | Hot Wheels Highway e ultimate diecast community May the Force Wheel with You AUTOart Nissan Fairlady S30 Z 66 | Rear View We only have so many pages in each issue, so be sure to connect with us at 44 | Homespun Heroes Conquer Indy ese Volkswagens Are a Big Drag DCXmag.com and and on Facebook at DiecastXmag. We always have tons of Replicarz Gilmore Racing Coyote-Foyt bonus content available online: ■ Online Exclusive Reviews 52 | When 428 Plus 7 Was ■ Extended Photo Galleries Greater an 500 ■ Interactive Features ■ Contests and Giveaways Automodello 1966 Ford Galaxie 7-Litre Be sure to visit us regularly online and 56 | Delivering Big with a Giant via social media to get everything DCX Grand Prix Race Transporter has to offer. And you can post your thoughts and questions on there, too— CMC 1934–1938 Mercedes-Benz Lo 2750 we’d love to hear from you. Die Cast X (ISSN 1551-854X) is published quarterly by Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2016, all rights reserved. Periodicals Postage paid at Wilton, CT, and additional offices. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40008153. CONTRIBUTIONS: All materials published in Die Cast X magazine become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc., unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. Descriptions of products were obtained from manufacturers or their press agencies and do not constitute an endorsement by the Publisher or guarantee their safety. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Go to our website: DCXMag.com. Rates one year (4 issues): U.S. $25; Canada, $28, including GST; all others, $32. All international orders must be prepaid in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. EDITORIAL: Send correspondence to Editors, Die Cast X, Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Email: [email protected]. We welcome all editorial submissions but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. To authors, photographers and people featured in this magazine: all materials published in Die Cast X become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc. unless a prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: To make sure you don’t miss any issues, send your new address to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA at least six weeks before you move. Please include an address label from a recent issue, or print the information exactly as shown on the label. For faster service, go to DCXmag.com/cs, and click on the customer service link. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address changes to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA.



EDITORIAL Altered Perceptions SPRING 2017 | VOLUME 13, NO. 2 B uilding every issue of Die Cast X is a different experience. Sometimes we EDITORIAL come up with a great theme, and then go on the hunt for models to support Executive Editor it; sometimes we find out about a new product, and then build a theme Matt Boyd ›› [email protected] around that. And sometimes we have a great idea, but have to table it until Editorial Director/Surface Group the models are there. is issue was the result of that last one. Peter Vieira ›› [email protected] Copy Editor Ever since Scott Dahlberg over at Supercar One of my early reviews for DCX (almost 12 years Suzanne Noel ›› [email protected] Collectibles told me about their forthcoming back!) was of its Carousel 1 ancestor, so seeing Yankee Peddler altered-wheelbase Dodge, I knew how Replicarz has built upon it and made it better CONTRIBUTORS I wanted to do a feature focusing on the evolution than ever was a lot of fun. Our buddy Wayne Bill Bennett, Peter Celona, Wayne Moyer, of Altereds, Gassers, and A/FX into the Funny Car. Moyer took a break from being Mr. 1:43 to take on Alan Paradise, Ron Ruelle, Dan Townsend, I knew I had to have drag racing guru and DCX’s a decidedly bigger topic—the exquisitely detailed Mike Zarnock original editor-in-chief Alan Paradise write it if he 1:18 goliath that is CMC’s Mercedes-Benz Lo 2750 was available. But I had to wait for the Dodge to Race Transporter. Over 2,300 pieces later we’re all ART be ready—and that was agony! I knew Supercar still amazed! We also check out Automodello’s 1:24 Creative Director Betty K. Nero wasn’t going to send their baby until it was just luxury-muscle masterpiece, the ’66 Ford Galaxie Art Director Kevin Monahan right, so this story got tabled for almost three 7-Litre. Mike Zarnock—our resident Hot Wheels Photographer Peter Hall months until everything fell together just right for Jedi Master—examines Mattel’s new Star Wars this issue. e Peddler arrived, Alan signed on, series, and shares some secrets about the Spoilers DIGITAL MEDIA Auto World had just released a new Prudhomme series re-release. And I geek out on the AUTOart Web Producer Holly Hansen Army Cuda Funny Car, and Sun Star even had their recreation of the cult-classic Japanese comic/TV quirky Henry J Gasser. Finally—the light turned star Wangan Midnight 240Z. ADVERTISING green, so we hit the gas! Director Advertising & Marketing ere’s a lot to take in in this issue—from a lot of David J. Glaski Another story that had been percolating for a different directions. I’m so happy it came together ›› 203.529.4637 | [email protected] couple of issues and came to life just in time was the way it did so we could bring you so many great Strategic Account Manager Mitch Brian the “Lost Loves” feature on Bburago’s Original stories we’ve been dying to share. And don’t forget ›› 203.529.4609 | [email protected] Series. Production-grade models of the new to visit us online at DCXmag.com, on Facebook Interactive Account Executive Joe Corrado GTO and F40 arrived, and then the Bburago (diecastxmagazine), and on Instagram @DiecastX. ›› 203.529.4636 | [email protected] guys unearthed some examples of classics and We’ve even got a free newsletter to sign up for so prototypes from the ’90s. Just like that, the feature you can get extra bonus content delivered to your CONSUMER MARKETING/ practically built itself! Another nostalgic blast from inbox between issues! PRODUCTION SERVICES the past for me came in the form of Replicarz’ new release of A.J. Foyt’s ’77 Indy-winning Coyote. And lastly, thank you for sharing our passion for e Media Source, a division of TEN, diecast! e Enthusiast Network MARKETING & EVENTS Marketing Assistant Erica Driver Event Manager Emil DeFrancesco PUBLISHING Group Publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr., Yvonne M. DeFrancesco FOLLOW US On Facebook: diecastxmagazine On Twitter: @DCXmag On Instagram: @diecastx On Google +: DieCast X Magazine Visit us online: DCXmag.com Comments may be sent to: [email protected] EDITORIAL Mail 88 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897 USA Phone (203) 529-4635 Email [email protected] Find us online at DCXMag.com, and on social media too. e Association of e Network for RCX.com Plenty of news and products that we receive between issues Magazine Media Global Media get released there, so please be sure to check us out—and sign up for our newsletter for even more bonus content! PRINTED IN THE USA Matt Boyd diecastxmagazine @DCXMag @DiecastX SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES Executive Editor [email protected] To subscribe, renew, or change your address, go to DCXMag.com/cs. Or write to DCX, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235.



SHOWROOM NEW RELEASES & FIRST LOOKS e Ferrari in All but Name Kyosho 1969 Dino 246 GT 1:18 | $365 Kyosho keeps adding to its repertoire of resin replicas, and up this time is “the Ferrari that wasn’t.” We all think of the Dino as a Ferrari, but the manufacturer itself intended it to be a separate marque, and nowhere on the car will you find a Ferrari badge or crest. Enzo Ferrari, strict traditionalist that he was, had reportedly decreed that no Ferrari road car should have an engine with fewer than 12 cylinders, located anywhere but in the front of the driver. Of course, Ferrari racing cars had used 4- and 8-cylinders, as well as a V-6 that had been developed specifically at Enzo’s son Alfredino “Dino” Ferrari’s urging. Ferrari had used mid-engine layouts for racing as well, and designer Sergio Pininfarina finally convinced Enzo to let him build one for the road, with the stipulation that it use the V-6 and be badged as a Dino in honor of his son. e Dino was a huge success—with nearly 4,000 sold it became the best-selling (non-) Ferrari to that point, and automotive press raved about both its styling and driving dynamics. Kyosho’s high-end resin 1:18 model captures the allure of Pininfarina’s design perfectly, exhibiting a design language that would carry through Ferrari’s mid-engine designs for the next 40 years. Sharp-eyed collectors will note that this model wears the European marker lights and the earlier-style center knock-offs on its Cromodora magnesium wheels. Ferrari switched to 5-lug Cromodoras right after enlarging the engine from 206 to 246-spec, so this would be a rare combination indeed! Like other high-end resin models, the Dino comes on a leather-wrapped base with a nice etched plaque. kyoshoamerica.com; carvillemodelshop.com Gianni Agnelli’s Singular Stallion WhiteBox 1955 Ferrari 375 America Coupé Speciale 1:43 | $30 In 1955, Ferrari and styling house Pininfarina were just ramping up their long and storied collaboration when Gianni Agnelli, chief of Italian auto giant Fiat, put in a request for a grand touring coupe to use as his personal vehicle. It was decided the car would be based on the 375 America—Ferrari’s biggest, most powerful offering. But rather than leave it be, Ferrari engineers and Pininfarina stylists went to work. A custom two-place body was crafted, with a giant glass sunroof that took up virtually the entire roof panel. e rounded fenders and oval grille of the traditional “America” series was discarded in favor of a vertical grille more reminiscent of a British car. In place of a sloping rear deck, twin flying buttresses were sculpted, and between them an almost flat, vertical rear window that rolled up and down. e color combination chosen was a deep British racing green, contrasted with ruby red on the roof and grille to match the interior. e 375’s 4.5L V12 was bored out to 4.9L, giving 330hp. WhiteBox’s 1:43 model captures all of the unique styling cues of Agnelli’s Speciale, from the upright front to the buttressed rear, and from the glass ceiling to the Borrani wire wheels. WhiteBox, distributed by american- excellence.com 8 DCXmag.com

Raging Bull e suffix “SV” means something very special to the Lam- Rookie Sensation borghini faithful. e famed moniker traces all the way back to AUTOart Lamborghini Lamborghini’s first true supercar—the Miura. As Miura production Replicarz Louis Meyer’s 1928 Indy Murciélago was coming to an end and the Countach was being readied to 500-Winning Miller 91 supersede it, founder Ferrucio Lamborghini himself commissioned LP670-4 SV one last, gloriously excessive special edition—with more power, 1:18 | $250 more grip, and more attitude—to send it off right. us was born Louis Meyer had never completed a full race when, that last 1:43 | $60 the “SuperVeloce”—and the tradition of waving a red cape in front Sunday in May 1928, he took the green flag from 13th place. He of the company’s lead bulls just before they are put out to pasture. worked his way methodically up through the field and by halfway he was in the top five, but as an unknown no one took him as a e practice skipped the mold-breaking and seemingly ageless serious threat. Sitting in third with 20 to go, the fates smiled upon Countach, but resumed with the Diablo SV, then continued with this him—once, then twice. First, the leader developed a fuel tank leak Murciélago LP670-4 SV—the alphanumerics denoting its uprated and lost fuel pressure slowing out of contention. en second place suffered a mishap in the pits and dropped out, leaving Meyer to 670hp channeled through a four-wheel drivetrain. It also inherit the lead with just 18 laps remaining. He cruised to victory in cut out more than 200 pounds of weight thanks to big his Miller 91—so named because its supercharged 1.5L engine dis- piles of carbon fiber. e retina-searing Arancio Atlas placed 91ci. To prove he wasn’t a fluke, Myer would return to victory (Atlas Orange) color harkens back to that original in 1933 and again in 1936—becoming the first three-time winner in Miura SV, but it won’t stay in your field of vision the process. But the first is the most important, and that’s the car long given its 213mph top speed, so AUTO- Replicarz has chosen to add to its exclusive series of 1:18 Indycars. art’s 1:43 replica is the way to appreciate its A removable engine cowl held in place by a leather lashing strap and aggressive aesthetic—perfect stance intricate spoked wheels are just two of the notable highlights on and accurate contours depict this last, this piece of rolling history. best Murci expertly. replicarz.com autoartmodels.com Sophisticated Super Sport Auto World 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1:18 | $95 With a 455hp V-8 set into a lighter, stiffer, better balanced and more responsive chassis, this traditional muscle car has been transformed from a straight-line one- trick pony into a decathlete that excels at every type of performance. e Camaro is now world-class, with refinement many would never have thought possible. Auto World’s new ’16 SS replica does the Camaro justice with plenty of refinement of its own. With a nicely appointed interior, solid detail on the 6.2L V-8, and eye-catching Garnet Red metallic paint on the new car’s taut, sculpted flanks, this is the nicest scale rendition we’ve seen so far of the new 6th-generation F-Body. autoworldstore.com SPRING 2017 9

SHOWROOM Röhrl’s Rally Road Warrior Best of Show 1976 Opel Kadett GT/E Rally Monte Carlo 1:18 | $100 e 1976 World Rally Championship was a rout, with the wild and wickedly fast Lancia Stratos doubling up points over its next closest competitor. at second-place manufacturer was Opel, which, thanks to consistent speed and excellent reliability, steadily piled up points despite never finishing higher than third in any individual event. is car took part in the season-opening race in Monte Carlo at the hands of future two-time world-champion Walter Röhrl. He finished a very respectable fourth behind a trio of dominant Lancias, but this result turned out to be Röhrl’s only points of the ’76 season. Opel’s rich rally tradition, the Röhrl tie-in, and the attractiveness of the car itself all add up to a good get for rally fans. And fans of authentic hardware will enjoy the rally light set, beefy skidplate, and nice two-tone Recaro racing seats that match the car’s exterior livery. Best of Show; distributed by american-excellence.com Mighty Wings We all know TSM-Model primarily for their precision replicas or sports TSM-Model Wing and racing cars, but their library is Collection Top Gun more extensive than that. e Wing Collection is a new series of fighter F-14A aircraft, and the planes that are kicking it off will strike home with an 1:72 | $135 entire generation of movie fans. Be warned—we are entering the nos- talgia danger zone! TSM is preparing to launch a pair of Grumman F-14A Tomcats wearing markings for Maverick/Goose and Iceman/Slider from the movie Top Gun. at these models are so highly detailed is almost secondary to the fact that they are the planes from Top Gun! Guilty pleasure though it may be, that movie is the defining aviation film of its generation—and the F-14 as the last great air- superiority fighter/interceptor—so far outclassing anything else in the sky in terms of speed and firepower that it put itself out of a job! It’s still one of the coolest fighters ever—and TSM’s model looks to be one of the best models of it. We’re officially requesting a flyby! tsm-models.com Mastering the Classics Racing Champions Re-Minted! TSM Model 1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera Mint Collection Release 2 1:43 | $100 1:64 | $48 (set of 6) Like so many Detroit brands, Buick didn’t debut its first all-new, post-war designs until the 1949 model With Auto World’s reboot of the Racing Champions brand we year. e Roadmaster was undoubtedly the most important of those for Buick—and also the most now have another quality player in the premium scale 1:64 beautiful. It established several key styling themes that would carry through Buick’s offerings for years arena. e second series from Mint Collection has just been to come, like the distinctive sweeping chrome spear that follows the contour of the rear wheel arches released, and it includes a little something for everyone—but and Buick’s signature “ventiport” portholes on the side of the cowl. TSM’s beautiful red hardtop coupe if you’re a Chevy guy you’re really going to want to pay close captures all these details, plus etched metal fender scripts, the center-mounted antenna, and various attention. Seen here are the Set A colors; set B has also other chrome bits. e Buick comes on a beautiful cream-colored, simulated leather display base. been released, and C and D are on the way, so you’ll have lots tsm-models.com to choose from. Bowtie fans get a ’55 Bel Air in White over Neptune Green, a ’64 Impala in Bahama Green, and a ’66 Nova in Lemonwood Yellow. Ford guys get a gorgeous ’65 Galaxie in Poppy Red, and a very cool ’80 Bronco in Light Sand with Caramel side panels. Mopar guys will have to be satisfied with a single entry, but it’s a good one—an Autumn Bronze Plymouth GTX 440+6! autoworldstore.com

Terrific Town Car Rolls Playing Brooklin 1938 Cadillac V-16 Fleetwood Kyosho Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé 1:43 | $130 Cadillac challenged standard Depression-era logic by introducing all 1:18 | $295 new Mitchell-designed bodies for the entire line in 1938 and a new 431-cid, Last issue we reviewed the extravagant 1:12 Rolls Phantom 185hp V-16 engine for the top-line Series 75 models. By that time obvious Drophead Coupé by Kyosho, and were blown away by its displays of wealth like big, open-front chauffeur-driven cars had become less sheer presence as much as by the meticulous detail. As popular, and Cadillac managed to sell only 11 of the Fleetwood Model 78-9053 seven- awe-inspiring as that piece is, at $999 it’s out of reach for passenger Town Cars that year. is ’38 Town Car had a very short run as a Brooklin with many collectors, and the shelf-space that any 1:12 model blue paint before being transferred to the new Limited line with a new, probably more demands can be prohibitive. For those cost- and space- fitting deep gloss black color, and a realistic semi-gloss black textured “fabric” roof over conscious collectors, we hereby submit the 1:18 versions the closed section of the body. at’s the only change; the chrome between the fender of same! At less than one-third the price and taking up “speed lines” and V-16 badge on the grille are still missing. Vent window frames are much more manageable shelf space, these Rollers are chrome-plated while the remaining window moldings are cast in relief and painted over, nonetheless loaded with detail and exude the prestige that but all other exterior brightwork (and there’s a lot of it) is done with separate chrome- is standard equipment on a vehicle of this stature. And as plated metal pieces. at includes all handles, trunk hinges, and even the ends of the beautiful as they are on the outside, it’s the interior detail running boards. ere’s just a hint of orange peel in that high-gloss black paint. Interior that will really wow you. detail includes an authentic wood-grain dash with accurate relief cast details. e divider kyoshoamerica.com; carvillemodelshop.com window is up, but there are no details on any of the interior panels. Dimensions are right on the money for this big hand-crafted white- metal beauty.—Wayne Moyer brasiliapress.com A Clydesdale of a Ponycar PremiumX 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 1:43 | $46 Lee Iacocca called the second-generation 1967 Mustang a “fat pig”; what he thought of the longer, wider, and much heavier third-generation 1971 Pony isn’t recorded. With the horsepower race stuffing ever bigger V-8s into Ponycar chassis, the all-new ’71 Mustang had to be bigger and stronger (and heavier) to handle big-block torque. Mustang’s Sportsroof now extended all the way to the rear valence, making the almost horizontal rear window useless. e Mach 1 package included color-matched bumpers and mirrors, a unique grille, twin hood scoops, and a variety of graphics based on the powertrain. New from Premi- umX is this gorgeous 1971 Mach 1 in base trim; the lack of flat black on the hood or hockey-stick side graphics, coupled with the silver-printed dual exhausts on the well-detailed baseplate, make this the entry-level Model 63R with a 2-barrel 302 V-8. e shape, including the 14-degree sloped roof, is accurate and the Bright Red paint is excellent. PremiumX has plated the grille surround, rear panel trim, and the authentic base wheel covers—you can actually see Ford Motor Company engraved in those! Looking inside, the dash has very well detailed gauge faces, radio panel, and T-handle shifter. You never see them now, but base Mach 1s had skinny E78-14 tires, probably narrow whites, but mud flaps? PremiumX’s unusual Mach 1 is a fine addition to any Mustang collection.—Wayne Moyer american-excellence.com Making the Grade Diecast Masters Caterpillar 18M3 Motor Grader 1:50 | $117 Diecast Masters High Line Series is quickly becoming one of our favorite sources for industrial and construction replicas. ey strike an ideal balance between meticulous detail and solid value, and their ever-expanding selection means there are dozens of combinations that can be displayed together or configured into scale dioramas. is time out it’s Caterpil- lar’s big 18M3 Motor Grader. It includes a movable drawbar and a detailed fire suppression system. e big rubber tires roll and the front axle steers and articulates on its suspension. e rear frame and subframe articulate as well. Slung just forward and above the rear frame and superstructure is a detailed operator’s cab with driver included. ough you may have difficulty judging by this photo, the model measures a full 9.5 inches at 1:50 scale—making the full-size grader nearly 40 feet long. 3000toys.com; b2breplicas.com SPRING 2017 11

SHOWROOM is Concept Hit the ese Bull’s-Eye Tractors Pull eir Weight Matrix 1954 Dodge Firearrow II Universal Hobbies Massey Ferguson 35 and 1:43 | $120 Case IH 1455 XL Black Edition During the 1950s and ’60s, some manufacturer’s Concept Cars (aka Show Cars) were mild, some were 1:32 | $45 (MF35); 1:16 | $145 (Case) wild, and some were really bizarre, but none were more When it comes to tractors, color tells you a lot. Everyone knows beautiful than the Exner-designed, Ghia-built Chrysler, that bright green means John Deere, and a lot of people know Dodge, and Plymouth offerings. Dodge’s 1953 Firearrow was an that a red body over a gray chassis—like on this MF35—signifies engineless pushmobile, but its styling drew rave reviews so Exner Massey Ferguson. But did you know they didn’t adopt those laid out an even lower, wider, fully functional roadster—the Firearrow colors until 1957? e 35 began production in 1955, so early II—for 1954, along with a coupe designated Firearrow III. Both were built on stock versions were gray and beige from the factory, and 35s only Dodge chassis; the roadster had a 250hp Royal V-8 while the coupe got Dodge’s version of the Hemi. added “Massey” to the markings in 1960—prior to that they were New from Matrix is this absolutely gorgeous resincast Firearrow II with narrow but very crisp panel lines badged “Ferguson” only. UH’s model has the full name and famil- and super-smooth, glossy cream-colored paint. From the frenched headlights to the side-mounted iar colors, so that puts it in the 1960-64 period. Other features quad “rocket exhaust” tailpipes, lines are dead on. e legible name scripts read “fire arrow”—lowercase include steerable wheels, a detailed dash, a cool opening engine and two words just like the real car. And yes, the bumper and side spear really were black, while the thin hatch, and a functional hitch for attaching scale accessories. Case lower molding is chrome. Cockpit details are equally complete and accurate, with big, round tach and IH (formerly International Harvester) is traditionally red as well, speedometer faces, switches, and radio all nicely detailed. Note the PRNDL indicator for the column- although one exception to that is the “Black Series” 1455 XL you mounted shifter and soft carpeted floor. And you’ve just gotta love those Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels see here. IH has a fierce following, and the limited edition will only and their wide whites.—Wayne Moyer enhance that passion further. At 1:16 this model is huge, and it acmediecast.com features an opening engine hatch, posable wheels, and a detailed enclosed operator’s cabin. Mighty Mopar Universal Hobbies; distributed by b2breplicas.com, 3000toys.com Neo 1956 Chrysler 300B 1:43 | $100 Chrysler didn’t invent either the muscle car or the Hemi engine, but they gave both a major boost in 1955 when they dropped their new 300hp Hemi V-8 into a mid-size Newport platform, added an Imperial grille, and called it the Chrysler 300, aka C-300. C-300s swept every form of stock car racing in 1955, but Chrysler engineers weren’t satisfied. For 1956 they punched the block out to 354 cubic inches and added enough goodies to produce 355 horses – the first American engine to exceed 1hp per cubic inch. Exner added subtle fins and new vertical taillights to spruce up the body, too. Now designated 300B, the ’56 “Lettercars” swept racing again and set numerous speed records. Neo’s new resincast model has Exner’s uncluttered body exactly right and its accurate Cloud White paint is per- fect. Up front, the Imperial Grille is plated, “CHRYSLER” lettering is photo-etched, and the 3D-etched badge has red, white, and black colors with a legible engraved “300”! Chrome moldings won’t pop off the wraparound windows because they’re printed on the inside, but once again there are no door lines in the side spear. Leather upholstery patterns are authentic, door panels have printed and p.e. trim and separate plated handles, and there’s a very detailed instrument panel decal. is sample’s steering column is horizontal, putting the delicate, detailed wheel almost on the seat, but that may be assembly error on this one. e 300B was a winner and so is Neo’s model.—Wayne Moyer american-excellence.com Fabulous Fleetline Neo 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan 1:43 | $100 As was the case with most American manufacturers, Chevrolet’s cars from 1946 through 1948 were simply mildly face-lifted 1942s; all-new post-war designs wouldn’t be ready until 1949. e top-line fastback Fleetline Aerosedan 2-door outsold all other Chevys by a wide margin in 1947 and ’48, and the latter is the subject of Neo’s superb new resincast model. e fastback lines are just right and the excellent authentic Dove Gray paint doesn’t soften the very thin, crisp panel lines. Fleetlines had a lot of chrome, and it’s all there with excellent scale fidelity. Neo has used a combination of plated large pieces and photo-etched smaller ones; even the door lock cylinders and tiny vertical bars below the taillights are separate p.e. pieces. Only the window and windshield frames are printed, in chrome, on the inside of the “glass.” e hood side bullets have “FLEETLINE” legibly (with a magnifying glass!) engraved in them and the scale-size “3-D” etched hood crest has an engraved Bow Tie. And then there’s the tiny red “CHEVROLET” across the top grille bar! Turn signals aren’t missing—they were optional. ere are no door panel lines in the p.e. beltline trim, though. Inside, there’s accurate upholstery with armrests, separate plated handles and cranks, correct wood-grain dash and door sills, and a silver decal with legible instruments, radio fascia, and switches. e ped- als and column shifter are there, as well as a tiny multi-color crest in the center of the wheel. e wide whites look great and dimensions are right on scale but there’s no chassis detail.—Wayne Moyer american-excellence.com 12 DCXmag.com

e First Trans-Am F-Body Exultant Embiricos ACME “50th Anniversary” Chevy Camaro Z/28 Spark Bentley Corniche Paulin 1949 Le Mans 1:18 | $140 e unexpected publicity and sales benefit of the Ford Mustang’s victory in the new- 1:43 | $80 While Spark is technically correct in calling this a Bentley Corniche, for-1966 Trans-American Sedan Championship prompted Chevrolet to respond with the vintage car world knows it as the “Embiricos Bentley.” Greek a “Z/28 Package” for their new Camaro, consisting of a 302cid engine and select other shipping magnate A.M. Embiricos wanted a Bentley, but also wanted race-oriented goodies. With that, the Pony Car Wars were on. You might think the first Z/28 it to be much different from any other. After buying a 1938 chassis, he would have gone to Roger Penske, Don Yenko, Jim Hall, or some other Chevy stalwart, but had Georges Paulin design a sleek aerodynamic body, which French Number 1 was shipped to Hugh Heishman by way of Aero Chevrolet in Alexandria, Virginia, to be coachbuilder Pourtout built in aluminum. After driving it for a year race-prepped for Johnny Moore to run the first Trans-Am event of 1967—the Daytona Continental. and entering a few races, he sold it in 1939 to Englishman H.S.F. Hay, Moore was never competitive, finishing only two of the six races he entered, so Heishman who drove it routinely through the war years. When the Le Mans converted the Z/28 back to street condition and sold it as a (low mileage) used car! A few years ago it 24-Hours resumed in 1949, he drove it to Le Mans, slapped on race was re-discovered and fully restored to its 1967 Daytona configuration, making it an excellent choice for number 6, and finished sixth overall. Hay and the Bentley returned ACME’s 50th Anniversary Camaro, of which you’re looking at the first prototype sample. ACME has to Le Mans in 1950 (14th) and 1951 where, with 120,000 miles on the already done the Penske/Donohue Camaro, so you know the lines and most race details are right, clock, it finished 22nd, becoming the first car ever to finish the race though there were several differences. A vintage color photo of Moore beside the Jerry Titus Mustang three years in a row. Between races it set speed records at Brook- shows the excellent gold paint and crisply printed graphics are correct, and photos of the restored car lands and other venues. Whatever Spark calls this model, it’s the back that up. ACME’s partly stripped interior is accurate; 1967 rules required “looks like stock” inner door Embiricos Bentley in Le Mans form and it’s a beauty! Its aerodynamic panels and dash. Note the simple roll bar Heishman installed instead of Donohue’s chassis-stiffening shape is dead on and the metallic gray paint is as good as you’ll find. cage. Wipers, door handles, and window moldings were still required in 1967, too. ere aren’t any seat belts, but this is the first prototype. Chrome rocker panels are incorrect and Heishman’s quick-fill gas e additional lights, twin hood straps, and oddly placed rear number disk are correct for the 1949 race. Most exterior details, including the cap on the left fender is missing; ACME will correct the first but not the fender skirts, are photo-etched. Spark’s interior is just as good, with second. e racing wheels are very well done but there accurate upholstery, plated inner handles and cranks, aluminum- are no fuel lines or brake hoses. All in all, this will colored dash decal with nicely done instrument and switch details, be a fine model of an almost-forgotten, very and right-hand shift and handbrake levers.—Wayne Moyer historic Camaro Z/28.—Wayne Moyer motorsportsminiatures.com acmediecast.com Winning Streak Picture Perfect Pierce Brooklin “Limited” 1934 Graham Blue Streak 4-Door Sedan Esval 1930 Pierce Arrow Model B Roadsters 1:43 | $130 1:43 | $99 Graham-Paige was formed when the three Graham brothers bought the ailing Paige-Detroit company During the first part of the Roaring Twenties, the “ ree P’s”— in 1927. e first Graham-Paige cars were marketed in 1928; by 1930 the name was simply Graham Packard, Peerless, and Pierce Arrow—were the recognized and they were the best-selling “independent” manufacturer. Graham’s 1932 Blue Streak set the entire American leaders in automotive luxury, craftsmanship, and automobile industry scrambling to catch up—it had a reflex-curved chrome grille without a shell, fully quality. But while Pierce Arrow retained those qualities, their skirted fenders, and flowing body lines that concealed all the chassis components. Brooklin has really engineering and styling fell behind until Studebaker bought the done their homework; their new Limited Series model’s near-vertical hood louvers, slightly canted company in 1929. In an immediate turnaround, the 1930 Pierce A-Pillars, longer hood, and 119-inch wheelbase identify it as a “First Series” ‘34 Standard Eight 4-door Arrows—designated Models A, B, and C in order of size and sedan. Graham introduced the industry’s first “Pearl Essence” paint for the Blue Streak and Brooklin price—were all new from the chassis up and wore handsome has done a superb job of getting a very fine pearl effect in the authentic “Golden Tan” paint; you may new bodies in a wide variety of striking colors. What you’re not see it in these photos, but it’s there! With a plated hood hinge, windshield frame, and running board seeing are the first two pre-production samples of Esval’s new edges, along with the usual separate plated metal parts, the exterior of Brooklin’s Graham is fully 1930 Model B Roadster. Esval notes that production models detailed. Inside, the deeply pleated tan seats and relief-cast dash details are accurate, though nothing will have better paint and details, but that doesn’t appear to be has been picked out. High-relief chassis detail correctly includes Graham’s industry-first outboard possible! eir overall shape, including the oddly faired-in head- lights, is very accurate, and the beltline moldings have razor- springs. Overall, this is a fine model of a sharp separation lines. Every piece of brightwork is there, done long-neglected marque and hopefully we’ll with either plated or photo-etched parts—there are eight p.e. see more Grahams in some of the more parts on the trunk alone. Photo-etched wipers have p.e. motors spectacular “Pearl Essence” colors. behind the p.e. windshield frame, the hood hinge is segmented, —Wayne Moyer hood latches and handles are there—you get the idea. ere are brasiliapress.com more differences in the models than just the top and color; the top-down model has wire mesh in the grille, metal spare covers, and wire wheels, while the less expensively optioned top-up version has vertical bars (shutters?) in the grille, canvas spare covers, and spoke wheels. Dimensions check out closer to 1:45 scale than 1:43, but these are big cars and it’s not obvious since proportions are dead on.—Wayne Moyer esvalmodels.com SPRING 2017 13

Al Vanderwoude’s Flying Dutchman Plymouth is an example of the altered-wheelbase Mopars that foreshadowed the Funny Car class. WOPn arinaygeanrd a How Altereds, Gassers, and A/FX Changed the Shape of Drag Racing by Alan Paradise One of the most famous Altereds was Pure Hell. Today, the Bantam-bodied machine is a huge fan favorite—just as it was when Rich Guasco debuted the wild ride in 1964. Guasco was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2011. 14 DCXmag.com

Above: The Funny Car that launched a million n the years before boyhood dreams. When Mattel partnered with Wally Parks created Snake and Mongoose, the collaboration opened up the National Hot Rod drag racing to mainstream America. The Snake’s Association, drag racing ’Cuda is the biggest seller in Hot Wheels history. I was a renegade, anti- Below: The popularity of Gassers at nostalgic drag establishment form of racing events is as high as ever. The unique straight motorsports. It was outside the mainstream and its passionate axle stance is a hot trend on the street as well. base celebrated it being such. Participants relished the idea that rules need not apply. It was a time when anything went—fast! Unfortunately, it was also a time when youthful enthusiasm and the feeling of immortality often had dire consequences. When Parks’ NHRA brought order to the burgeoning sport, with it came legitimacy. Drag racing became more than just a raucous, out-of-control display of raw horsepower and daring. The NHRA enacted a rulebook of competition classes, as well as of required safety regulations that, almost overnight, yielded benefits for track owner, participants, and spectators alike. One of these rules was a ban on the use of nitromethane as a fuel. While logic might presume this would prohibit the sport’s progress, in actuality, it accelerated it. By outlawing the sport’s most potent fuel, racers were forced to innovate. This led to such inventions as the Crower multi-plane intake manifold, “zoomie” style headers, and the slider clutch. It also sparked a plethora of new cam grinding formulas, experimental tire technology, and massive amounts of forced induction. Drag racing had never been a rich man’s sport. In fact, because so much of the development was coming from participants in their mid-20s or younger, the lack of big-money funding actually fed the sport’s rapid growth. It also meant using whatever was available. This led to the use of old cars with more modern engines. Because these car shells were plentiful and cheap, there was no hesitation in modifying them as needed. Thus, three early build styles emerged as fan favorites: the classes that would become known as Altereds, Gassers, and A/FX. Spring 2017 15

On a Wing and a Prayer Before they were called Funny Cars, NHRA classed these early machines as A/FX. This is an early, stock-bodied Plymouth Barracuda driven by Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen. Note the rear-engine configuration. A severe crash destroyed the car in 1966. Altered History served as street and strip stars of the strip. The old hot unruly machines that more often machines. As enthusiasts like rods were sold off. Some were than not went sideways down Pure Hell, Winged Express, Pure Ivo and Chrisman became discarded; others became more the track. Many a driver learned Heaven—these are just a few of successful drivers on the track, and more modified over time. his craft piloting some kind of the more famous Altered drag cars their ventures leaned toward The engines were altered, the Altered racecar. of all time. Each became popular purpose-built cars. As a result, wheelbases were altered, the by first becoming unpopular. The the era of “slingshot” dragsters or driver’s position, the bodies—and Classic by Default early days of drag racing featured “rails” (named for their tubular- so, these cars became known as souped-up jalopies—homebuilt framed structure) became the “Altereds.” These were wild and When the NHRA banned hot rods that were heavy on nitromethane in 1957 (the engine power and light on weight. American Hot Rod Association Prime examples were Tommy Ivo’s had no such restriction), every T-Bucket and Jack Chrisman’s car was a “Gasser” in that it ran Model A sedan, which originally on gasoline. However, when the nitro ban was lifted in 1964, most of the sport’s top dragsters were The most famous Gasser of all time came from Stone, Woods & Cook. It was popularized in model kit form by Revell and later became a fast seller in diecast. 16 DCXmag.com

quickly converted to the more Chevy coupe, ’40 Willys coupe, explosive fuel. Consequently, a ’57 Chevy, and a ’65 Mustang. these cars became “Fuelers,” Monogram released a Hemi while many of the B- and C-class Fiat years before releasing Tom competitors still ran on gas. Daniel’s Bad Man ’55 Chevy. A ’66 Most of these cars were older, Malibu followed these model kits. full-bodied coupes, and became Even minor player MPC scored known for their elevated, straight big with the Mr. Gasket and Malco axle front suspension (to help Mustangs, ’57 Corvette, and ’57 weight transfer to the rear wheels Chevy. All of these kits stayed in under acceleration), and wild paint production for decades in various schemes. Even at a time when forms. In the years that followed, the Fuelers were setting speed many of these model kits have and elapsed time records, the been replicated in 1:18, 1:24, and/or charismatic Gassers remained fan 1:64-scale diecasts. favorites. THE BIRTH OF A/FX Interestingly, one thing that helped fuel the popularity of e next “big thing” in drag racing Gassers further was the plastic started, strangely enough, with model kit industry. Beginning in European sports car the early 1960s, Revell flooded racing—specifically, hobby shop shelves with scale the tragedy at Le model kits of the Stone, Woods Mans in 1955 involving & Cook Willys, “Big John” a Mercedes-Benz Mazmanian’s Willys, a ames 300 SLR. is horrific Panel, an Austin Coupe, Henry J, accident killed ’54 Chevy, and Willys Pickup. AMT 84 people and injured countered with a ’36 Ford, Malco an estimated 120 more, ’33 Willys, ’33 Willys Panel, ’37 and in the aftermath Once Mattel saw the sales figures for the first run of the Snake and Mongoose Hot Wheels Funny Cars, they made a heavy investment into a “Mongoose & Snake” Drag Kit. e match race idea was heavily promoted in store posters and a million- dollar television and print ad campaign. Above: e Gasser craze stepped aside Mercedes withdrew from factory automakers appeared to publicly for the A/FX class cars. Detroit’s “Big sponsorship of all forms of racing. live up to their agreement, each After a rash of fatal crashes remained covertly involved ree” covertly created programs to help across multiple series—including in various forms of racing by the class to thrive. Bill Lawton’s Tasca NASCAR, drag racing, and Indy channeling parts and support Ford 1965 Mustang was just a taste of cars—Ford, General Motors, and to racers out the back door. By what would come in the next two years. Chrysler followed suit in 1957, 1963, drag racing had become a instituting a self-imposed ban on favorite with Detroit’s primary direct factory backing of any form target audience, so the Big ree of auto racing. created special programs to funnel high-performance models While each of these “Ohio” George Montgomery converted his Willys Gasser into a Mustang at the request of his sponsor Ford, but it still used the solid axle suspension and blown 427 Cammer from the Willys. is is a 1:18 version GMP did several years ago. SPRING 2017 17

DRAG RACING TIMELINE 1950 1951 1953 1955 1956 1957 1958 1961 1962 1964 First drag strip Wally Parks Revell offers NHRA holds American NHRA bans Don Gralits Doug Cook The first NHRA lifts opens in Santa starts the its first plastic its first Hot Rod the use of takes over as partners with “Gassers its ban on Ana, California. National model car kit. “Nationals” in Association nitromethane. President of Fred Stone and Wars” tour hits nitromethane. Hot Rod Great Bend, (AHRA) is the AHRA. Tim Woods in the road. Association Kansas. started a 1941 Willys (NHRA). by Walter coupe. Mentzer. and equipment into the hands Tommy Ivo, Chris “ e Greek” needed to attract the massively the factory would “sell” him a new of select drag racers, effectively Karamesines, and Tom “ e growing youth market that flocked Comet as well as an experimental circumventing the ban on factory Mongoose” McEwen. But the rails to drag racing events. “heavy-duty” engine to build into a involvement. ese were mostly that populated the Top Fuel class fuel-burning car. in stock classes to maximize the were not instantly identifiable with …AND THEN SOMETHING image benefit to the showroom automotive brands. And Gassers, FUNNY HAPPENED Chrisman was no fool; he quickly models. However, after the NHRA while cool, were pieced together secured the deal with the caveat lifted its ban on nitromethane, the out of older models, and therefore One of the most important moves that there would no restrictions stakes escalated exponentially. did not promote what was on new came from Mercury. Aside from on what he built. Given free rein, car showroom floors. is left only being a top-level driver, Jack Chrisman, with much trial and More and more attention was the much less spectacular (and Chrisman was a shop foreman error, evolved the car by replacing lavished on Top Fuel dragster slower) stockers to promote Bow at a Southern California Mercury the front of the chassis with a drivers like Don “ e Snake” Tie, Blue Oval, or Mopar Pentastar dealership. In 1965, a Western tubular frame, and a straight axle Prudhomme, “Big Daddy” Don brands. A new strategy was States director approached suspension under it. He relocated Garlits, Jack Chrisman, “TV” Chrisman with a deal whereby the engine into the firewall, and moved the driver’s seat to the Mattel’s Larry Wood (foreground) center and rearward. is made designed a majority of Hot Wheels from the Comet a combination of a fuel-burning Altered and a Gasser, 1969 until he retired in 2013. He loved but housed within a new car body. drag racing and pinned nearly all of the e result was thrown into the classic Hot Wheels Funny Car- and A/FX (Factory Experimental) Gasser-inspired creations. class, which was already populated by wild machinery in the likes of Chrysler’s altered-wheelbase cars. e NHRA reclassified what was previously A/FX into the new Super Stock class. e following year—after Plymouth, Dodge, Chevrolet, and Ford made similar deals with top drivers like McEwen, Gene Snow, Dick Harrell, and Mickey ompson to build full-body fuel cars—A/FX became “Funny Car.” Drag racing had a new fan favorite and what followed forever changed the sport. Almost overnight Funny Cars became drag racing’s biggest draw. In 1969, McEwen convinced Mattel Toys to fully back him and rival Prudhomme. When the Hot Wheels Plymouth Duster and ’Cuda arrived in both full and 1:64 scales, it opened the door for non- endemic sponsorship in all forms of racing. Soon, every established 18 DCXmag.com

1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1970 1991 1998 Tom “The Funny Cars Team of Jack Chrisman Funny Cars Pure Hell and Mattel NHRA creates NHRA holds NHRA Museum altered builds the first become a Pure Heaven releases Mongoose” become an Pro Stock its first Hot opens in wheelbase tube chassis, featured match race for the first class. Rod Reunion Pomona, Dodges fiberglass- category the first time Hot Wheels McEwen and official NHRA in Bakersfield, California. competes in bodied at an NHRA at Irvindale, diecast cars. California. AHRA events. Funny Car. event in Tulsa, California. Don “The Snake” championship Oklahoma. Prudhomme class. partner with Hot Wheels. Malco, Bones, Dubach & Pisano, and K.S. Pitman The Gassers have always all used ’33 Willys five-window coupes. All three enjoyed a unique space with models are from Precision Miniatures. collectors, thanks mainly to such classics as the Willys of Stone, Woods and Cook and the Malco Willys, Mustang, and Corvette. The Pure Hell, Pure Heaven, and Winged Express Altereds have earned display space as well. But, without question, Funny Cars from the late 1960s to the early 1980s have been the biggest sellers. Much of that is due to the re-release and new hot shoe was in a Jack Chrisman could be considered the father of the Funny Car. His GT-1 1967 Mercury Cyclone shows the configuration that would be Funny Car—many with big time the standard for the class for the next seven years. He was also the first to use a fiberglass body. sponsorship. For the first time in its history, the NHRA was faced with the dilemma that the fastest of the bunch—Top Fuel—was second banana to a class with an even more rabid fan base. The sanctioning body wisely embraced its new superstar class, and so did fans, as television coverage spread the good word. Mattel did its part as the Snake and Mongoose diecasts became its biggest sellers, and remain among the brand’s most iconic creations. Made For Scale Whether in full scale or diecast replica, nothing is more spectacular than an Altered, Gasser, or early Funny Car. Each embodies the danger, innovation, and brute power that made drag racing the fastest growing sport in America from the 1950s to the 1980s. Diecast makers have never ignored the opportunity to celebrate this golden age of the quarter-mile. Spring 2017 19

The Hot Rod Heritage Series has made the Funny Cars from 1969 to 1974 the biggest draw in drag racing. Randy Walls is one of the pioneers of the class that has never put away his guns. The long-nose Nova is one of two original Funny Cars he still runs—just the way he did back in 1971. of fan favorites in 1:64-scale, events dubbed the Hot Rod Don “The Snake” Prudhomme sits in the cockpit of his restored 1971 Hot but the popularity extends to Heritage Racing Series. The lasting Wheels ’Cuda. Behind him are the Pepsi Challenger and Skoal Bandit Pontiacs, 1:24 and 1:18 scales as well. interest in the Golden Age of Drag as well as the restored Snake Hauler and original Hot Wheels ’Cuda. All of these Don “The Snake” Prudhomme Racing proves there is a strong himself acknowledges it: “I’ve affinity for the wild machines famous Funny Cars have been released in diecast. accomplished a great deal in that made the sport so popular. the racing world. Won many The fat fenders, winged wonders, championships and had a very and fuel-burning floppers have good run of it. But what I get secured a place in the hearts asked about the most from fans and minds of fans and collectors, and the media is my years with and diecast makers continue to The Mongoose and driving the Hot expand their offerings to capitalize Wheels cars.” on that popularity. ✇ Everything Old is New Again By the early ’70s, flip-up fiberglass bodies Today, the NHRA faces a new, over tube chassis albeit welcome dilemma. Vintage, and supercharged restored, and replica Altereds, nitro power were the Gassers, and Funny Cars are standard in Funny Car. growing in popularity at such a This is the Whipple & rapid pace that they threaten to McCulloch ’71 Cuda from take over contemporary Top Fuel, Auto World. Funny Cars, and Pro Stockers in terms of fan appeal. In 1991, the NHRA sponsored its first Hot Rod Reunion at Formosa Raceway in Bakersfield, California, to help fund improvements to the Wally Parks Museum. The event was projected to draw a few thousand people; that number was eclipsed five-fold. The event has been held each October since, and the number of crowds and cars participating has grown by 10 to 15 percent each year. With the continued success of the Hot Rod Reunion, the NHRA turned it into a series of nostalgic 20 DCXmag.com



out of the box by matt boyd Mustangs built by legends Holman engineers decided to shift the & Moody that had shortened entire body rearward! They cut Supercar Collectibles wheelbases and weird custom 15 inches out of the floor pan just Yankee Peddler 1965 torsion-leaf front ends. Hemi behind the rear seat and slid the A/FX Dodge 1:18 | $140 power matched up well against rear section of the chassis forward, the Cammers—especially when including the rear axle mounting The tale of Chrysler’s altered-wheelbase A/FX the Mopar guys switched to points. A similar operation was program is as fascinating as the cars themselves. It fuel injection and nitro fuel—but performed on the front subframe encapsulates the cutthroat competition between the how to get all that power to the (requiring a new K-member top factory teams in drag racing’s door-slammer divisions pavement? fabricated out of thin stainless in the early 1960s, and the breakneck pace of evolution NHRA rules permitted steel), which pushed the front it inspired. Perhaps the story has no definitive beginning, lightweight materials and altering axle forward ten inches. The net but 1962 seems as good a place as any; that was the year the wheelbase up to 2%, so the effect was a wheelbase just five Chrysler simultaneously introduced the 413 Max Wedge and Mopar engineers decided to get inches shorter than stock, but that effectively ended its factory racing ban by openly supporting creative. Initially, they chose shifted the body (and the center the group of in-house engineer racing enthusiasts known eleven B-Body hardtops—five of gravity) comically rearward. as the Ramchargers. Plymouth Belvederes and six Competitors weren’t laughing, Dodge Coronets (see sidebar)— though; the car’s weight sat plus a development mule. The car squarely over the rear tires, giving on these pages was the twelfth it a huge advantage. As delivered, car, and the first sedan (more the cars weighed about on that in a bit). The bodies were 2,700 pounds, and carried acid-dipped until they were 56% of that on the rear! practically see-through—and Unfortunately, the over 200 pounds lighter. The altered-wheelbase factory replaced the hood, trunk, (AWB) Mopars doors, and front bumper with looked too “funny” fiberglass pieces. The rulebook For 1963, Chrysler punched out of a Dodge A100 Sportsman van (!) limited how much they could the 413 to 426ci and dropped it to aid in weight transfer. shorten the wheelbase, but it into a limited number of stripped- Meanwhile, Ford engineers didn’t technically say where down, factory lightweight Dodges hadn’t exactly been sleeping that wheelbase had to be, so and Plymouths equipped with on the tree. For 1965, Dearborn aluminum body panels for the stuffed “Cammer” SOHC 427s new A/Factory Experimental into a series of fiberglass- class, or A/FX. With that, the era nosed Comets and of factory-special Mopar drag a handful of cars was officially at full throttle. 1964 saw the introduction of the Hemi-headed 426, and the birth of the most influential engine design in drag racing history. But with 100-plus extra horsepower to play with, traction was becoming a real problem. Two leading Mopar drivers— “Dandy Dick” Landy and a young East Coast hot shoe by the name of “Wild Bill” Flynn—even experimented with solid beam front axles out Yankee Peddler was the first altered- wheelbase Dodge sedan, and this model represents the first time it has been produced in diecast. 22 DCXmag.com

for NHRA rules-makers, and were drag racing as you’ll find in the and C-pillar area. The model has all the cues to deemed illegal for 1965. The AHRA diecast world. Both did some While that may seem a minor match the original Yankee Peddler wasn’t quite as restrictive, and racing back in the day, and Scott difference, it played an important Dodge, starting with the absolutely there the odd-looking Dodges drove a ’70 Hemi Challenger to the role in performance. Back in 1965, stunning metallic burgundy and and Plymouths dominated. At Brainerd International Raceway “Wild Bill” Flynn was slated to gold paint scheme. Many of the the 1965 Super Stock Magazine Championship back in 1981. He has receive the twelfth factory AWB earlier AWB cars were white or Nationals—which turned out the owned and restored an authentic hardtop. While he was waiting for red, but Flynn’s car really stood largest single-day crowd in drag Mr. Norm’s Hemi Coronet and a it to be delivered, he noticed that out and became a fan favorite. A racing history to that point—the ’Cuda that belonged to Ronnie some of the other guys were larger version of the Super Stocker finals were all Mopar. Ford wouldn’t Sox. A while back Scott developed struggling with twisting on the hood scoop was molded, but Flynn be truly competitive again until a 1:18 series of AWB Dodge paper-thin acid-dipped bodies. (and many AWB guys) converted the end of the season, when Jack and Plymouth hardtops, which So he requested that his car be a their cars to Hilborn fuel injection, Chrisman introduced his full-on included many of the most famous sedan, where the extra beef in the so the scoop got cut up anyway. funny car Comet. of the first eleven AWB cars. Now B- and C-pillars would help keep The hood on the model is plastic— The guys behind Supercar he has spearheaded a sedan the body rigid. Other racers soon an appropriate substitute for Collectibles—Scott Dahlberg and version, with a proper door post followed suit, but Flynn’s Yankee fiberglass—and features functional Jim Thoren—are as serious about and a significantly revised rear roof Peddler was the first AWB sedan. hood pins; oddly, the trunk pins are purely decorative. The pins look great but are a pain to take out—and an even bigger pain to put back in!—so I’d actually prefer if the decorative pins were used Altering the Course of Drag Race History spring 2017 23

Supercar Collectibles Yankee Peddler 1965 A/FX Dodge This is a jewel of an engine. Detail is amazing; even the length of the intake trumpets on the The factory hood scoop was sacrificed when teams started using fuel injection. Hood pins on Hillborn fuel injection is specific to the choice of transmission! this model are functional but tricky to remove, and more so to put back. on the hood as well. That’s about brackets. All the sound deadening Race Hemi common to a variety collectors at the transmission the only thing that comes close and heat insulation was removed, of race cars—but race teams cross-member, and those headers to criticism on this car’s exterior. and the most basic carpeting was immediately got to work making it even have sectioned weld seams. The Moon tank inset into the grille, used—or removed altogether—to even stronger. The most obvious Everywhere you look, this long the perfect lettering on the sides, save weight. A 4-point roll cage change was the installation of block is long on detail! the parachute perched on the rear was installed, more for stiffness those tall Hilborn injection stacks. Out back, the peculiarly large bumper, complete with a pull cord than for safety. Both 4-speed An interesting detail: the height of and flat trunk has a few unusual— routed through the valence—there and automatic cars were built, the intake trumpets was dictated and very cool—details. Most are so many little bits of detail that but Chrysler’s TorqueFlite was by transmission choice; stick cars obvious is the gigantic marine/ make this car satisfying. the best drag racing transmission used 7-inch tall stacks, while industrial battery mounted A/FX cars were still nominally in the business, so that was TorqueFlites like Yankee Peddler against the back corner. While stockers—at least in name—so the preferred setup—especially used longer 14-inchers. So you can the Hemi definitely needed strong they retained functional doors and because it was actuated by tell what gearbox an AWB Mopar amperage to run well, the battery a reasonable approximation of a pushbuttons on the left side of has just by looking at the hood! selection was as much for weight production interior. Those doors the dash (hence no gear lever on The detail on this elephant distribution, placing an extra were fiberglass, and the dashboard the floor or the column). I love the motor is colossal. Not only are 70 pounds over the rear tires. Extra face was replaced with a light vintage steering wheel with the there correct-gauge plug wires points for the battery cable that fiberglass replica of the stock part. horn ring intact—what a perfect tracing through the valve covers traces across the trunk floor, and The windows were Plexiglas and symbol of the weird way these to the properly canted and colored more bonus points for the chute fixed—no rolling them down. The cars bridged production cars and distributor, as well as the coil on cord that goes all the way into the seat was a light Bostrom bucket racing machines! the fender, but there are individual driver’s compartment—how’s that out of a van mounted on aluminum Once you wrangle off those fuel lines going to the base of for realism! each intake tube. An appropriately The realism doesn’t let up hood pins, feast your eyes skimpy brake master cylinder underneath. The diecast chassis on an absolute jewel of a with metal brake lines sits on looks a little odd in pristine white, power plant. It’s a Hemi, of the firewall. An immaculate set but that’s how Flynn’s car was course—essentially the of headers dump into jumbo painted. The car’s perfect stance is 550hp Super Stock Left: The parachute cable traces through the trunk all the way into the cabin where the pull handle is hanging off the roll bar. How’s that for detail? Right: The wheelbase was relocated forward to put as much weight as possible over the rear tires. The model’s functional metal leaf springs peeking out from under the elongated rear quarter yield the perfect stance. 24 DCXmag.com

The interior remained surprisingly stock. The dash was a fiberglass replacement to save The Dirty Dozen weight and the seats were lightweight van buckets. There were just 12 original altered-wheelbase Mopars delivered achieved out back with real metal subject matter. This car wasn’t from the factory—plus a test mule that was raced occasionally leaf springs. Up front the custom going to come out until it was as for development purposes. Eleven were hardtops, and the stainless steel K-member shows perfect as Supercar Collectibles twelfth—the Yankee Peddler—was a sedan. Individual teams then the correct reinforcements for could make it. It was a long wait, built numerous others based off of these originals, and a few of the torsion bars and even rivet but now that it is here it was worth these were subsequently sold to other teams later. Here is the and machine marks. The painted it—this car is amazing. And a dead list of the original AWB cars: driveshaft revolves in time with steal at $140! Subject-wise it’s a the geared diff. The 10-inch wide winner, with the wild and weird Dodge Coronet “piecrust” slicks (wrinkle walls looks, legitimate performance wouldn’t appear for another a pedigree, and its role in birthing the n Bud Faubel—Hemi Honker year or two) on the Torq Thrust- most popular class in the history n Bob Harrop—Flying Carpet style magnesium wheels are of drag racing—Funny Car. The n Dick Landy—Landy’s Dodge gorgeous too. Yankee Peddler is limited to n Roger Lindamood—Color Me Gone (later sold to Mr. Norm’s 1,050 pieces, and highly likely to FINISH LINE sell out quickly. Make sure you’re Grand Spaulding Dodge) n Dave Strickler—Dave Strickler Racing Enterprise When I discussed this model with not left sleeping on the tree! ✇ n Jim Thornton and Mike Buckel—Ramchargers him, Scott told me this project was n Bill Flynn (Sedan)—Yankee Peddler five years in the making. It shows— SOURCE as does his sincere love for the Supercar Collectibles supercar1.com Plymouth Belvedere n Al Eckstrand and Forest Pitcock—Golden Commandos n Tom Grove and Cecil Yother—Melrose Missile n Butch Leal—California Flash n Lee Smith—Learner Plymouth n Ronnie Sox—Sox and Martin Paper Tiger n A/FX test mule (for Plymouth) spring 2017 25

out of the box by the DCX crew In their never-ending quest for as a misshapen monster, far more more speed and performance, potent and fearsome than it was in Sun Star Wild Weasel 1952 these mad scientists would its former life. Henry J Gasser 1:18 | $110 salvage any discarded carcass It’s impossible not to love that could yield a few tenths or a gassers. These wild, weird, T he original Kaiser-Frazer Henry J of 1950 was few mph down the quarter mile. wonderful creations are a simple and economical compact sedan, but And despite its modest origins, sometimes homely, but their it arrived at a time when American car buyers the Henry J had some hidden single-minded dedication to wanted something bigger and better. It sold slowly and virtues that drag racers prized: dragstrip dominance and the was cancelled after less than four years of production. The it was light, it was simple, and ingenuity they demonstrate are Henry J could easily have been relegated to the fringes of junked ones were essentially free undeniably appealing. The diecast automotive obscurity were it not resurrected by an unlikely for the taking. So drag racers took world is well stocked with Willys group: drag racers. the hunchbacked little sedan and Ford gassers, but the little bodies, hollowed them out, and Henry J hasn’t received that much installed big V-8s and drag racing attention in scale. Sun Star had suspensions in them. Thus, like a respectable stock 1951 model Frankenstein’s proverbial creature, in 1:18, but when the company the Henry J was jolted back to life announced it was adapting the 26 DCXmag.com

tooling into a series of gassers Like so many gassers, the The nostalgia-circuit Weasel loop around the crossbar of the last year, it really revved up our Henry J drag cars were built and is nominally a ’52. Sun Star roll cage. The hot rod-appropriate interest. run mainly by amateur racers. As advertises its model as a ’51 in steering wheel has metal spokes It should not be underestimated such, there aren’t really too many some of its literature, though and the stock Henry J has chrome how extensive an overhaul is specific, prominent, or historic cars the box materials don’t specify a trim and readable gauges. The needed to turn a production to pattern a model after. Instead, model year and the class markings instrument panel is augmented Henry J into a convincing gasser. Sun Star has chosen to do a on the windshield clearly say by a supplemental tach mounted It’s not just the molded parts number of “tribute” gassers, some “52J.” No matter—the only major on a stalk atop the dashboard. (although nearly every plastic based off of modern cars being difference between the two Interestingly, the column-mounted piece on the car did have to be run in nostalgia drag series. The years is the grille, which has been manual shift lever with exposed changed); the body casting had Wild Weasel is one of these, but removed here anyway! The biggest linkage is still present, but is no to be modified as well, especially since no two gassers are ever built visible difference between the real longer utilized because a rachet- around the rear wheel arches quite the same, Sun Star’s version Wild Weasel and this replica is the type floor shifter has been where the shape is completely is representative of a breed rather lower front valence panel; the real installed to operate the racing different. One wonders whether than a literal scale recreation of a car has a custom piece closing transmission. Sun Star knew what it was getting specific car. The paint scheme is up the bumper gap, whereas the As mentioned, the model has into when it undertook the project! true to the nostalgia Wild Weasel, model leaves it open and retains an a stock-style hood, mounted But we’re glad they did, because but while the real car has a fiber­ awkward bumper bracket. on scale hinges that even have the result is quite convincing. glass flip-up recreation nose, the Open the doors on their hidden springs to help keep it open. The model retains metal fenders and hinges to see a faithfully replicated engine itself is a bit of a mixed a hinged hood—albeit one with gasser interior. Nostalgia racers bag. The bug catcher sits atop the proper vintage bug-catcher have to meet modern safety a roots-style blower that looks scoop on it! standards, so the model has good, and the drive pulley and 6-point racing harnesses and high- belt assembly are well-shaped. backed bucket seats. Those have The real Wild Weasel uses small- nice touches, like the belts that block Chevy power, but Sun Star’s thread through the seat backs and engine appears to be more akin to Throwback Track Terror Sun Star had a stock Henry J in its stable, but the modifications to turn it into a convincing gasser were extensive. The casting had to be modified at the wheel arches, and virtually every molded piece had to be changed. spring 2017 27

Sun Star Wild Weasel 1952 Henry J Gasser Sun Star’s engine is dominated by a bug-catcher perched atop a roots-type blower on a The interior is one of the model’s best features, with the stock dash and column shifter high-rise manifold over a passable rendition of a Hemi. augmented by race gear like a roll cage, tach, and a ratchet-type floor shifter. The chassis is very interesting. Sun Star has replaced the Henry J front suspension with a leaf-sprung solid front axle—perfect for a proper gasser. Above: The markings a Chrysler Hemi with plug wires FINISH LINE replicated on the wind- in the center of the valve covers shield confirm that this is and a front-mounted distributor— Gassers have an irresistible appeal a 1952 model Henry J, probably because other models to many racing fans. Their unique and that it was running in the series will use the same style and wild reputation made in the C division of the engine. The block shape is fairly them crowd-pleasers in the NHRA Nostalgia “Geezer generic, and there isn’t much 1960s; their appeal has endured Gasser” class—hence the detail below the valve covers, but throughout the years since and “C/GG.” a nice set of chrome headers exit translates well to the diecast through the front wheel wells in world. The Henry J was a popular Left: Cool in-fender head- vintage gasser style. choice among amateur racers ers are an authentic gas- The chassis is very interesting. looking to build a fast, affordable ser touch, visible behind Sun Star has replaced the Henry J gas racer. Today there are far more the slotted mag wheels. front suspension with a leaf- gassers and street machines than sprung solid front axle—perfect surviving stock Henry Js, and that for a proper gasser. The rear probably explains why Sun Star suspension is mounted on leaf took their stock Henry J casting, springs made out of soft rubber, which has been around for several a novel solution that allows them years, and treated it to the same to flex in realistic fashion. The tricks hot rodders used on the real rear axle itself is much beefier cars to create a nostalgia gasser. than the stock Henry J unit and Sun Star’s versions are the only is painted a steel color; notches, Henry J gassers available in 1:18, as if to accommodate additional and the Wild Weasel displays very suspension pieces, suggest it was well. It could use a bit more detail perhaps sourced from another Sun on the engine and some bigger Star hot rod. The real Wild Weasel slicks, but those are relatively easy has slapper bars, and it would be fixes that would help make the nice to see these on the model as model’s asking price a stronger well. The slotted mag wheels are value. As it is, it’s a good addition correct, but the rear tires are too to the collections of drag racing small. Henry J gassers should have slicks that extend out past the fans. ✇ fender line. SOURCE Sun Star sunstarmodelcars.com 28 DCXmag.com

Bring Home a Piece of racing history today!

out of the box by matt boyd Auto World 1974 Don colors that season. The Army Now, Auto World has produced Prudhomme Plymouth livery was initially applied to a a 1:18 replica of Snake’s Cuda Cuda Funny Car 1:18 | $100 new Chevy Vega body shell, but wearing its Army colors. The Snake couldn’t get the little Chevy model’s body is composite, as D on “The Snake” Prudhomme didn’t set out to to put up the numbers he had was the case with the actual be one of the most famous names in Funny Car been running in the tried-and- Cuda Funny Cars; that allowed history. It just sort of worked out that way—through true Cuda, so he parked the Vega race teams to update the front a mixture of excellent timing, keen business savvy, and a and hauled out the car that had and rear fasciae to match the new partnership/rivalry that propelled the sport to new heights won him the U.S. Nationals in ’73, model year with paint rather than even as the Snake’s nitro-burning Hemi propelled him repainting over the Carefree Gum creating a new body. The same is down the track. As the 1960s drew to a close, the sport’s sponsor logos with the now- true of the scale version, allowing two foundational iconic red, white, and blue Army Auto World to depict the Cudas of sanctioning scheme. The Cuda was a huge half a dozen drivers over multiple bodies—the success, carrying Snake to two seasons by using just decals. National Hot Rod more Nationals wins, runner-up This Army car is dressed with Association in the ’74 NHRA Funny Car points a ’73-’74 grille and taillights, which (NHRA) championship, and claiming the presents a slight problem. By and its rival title in AHRA Funny Car. 1974, advances in slipper clutch American Hot Rod Association (AHRA)—codified classes for the extreme breed of racing machines known as Funny Cars (see “On a Wing and a Prayer” on page 14 for the full story). Snake was not among the initial showroom models, and provided crop of Funny Car pilots; he made more real estate for sponsor his name in the Top Fuel ranks, decals. Funny Car was quickly where he was a multiple champion. becoming the favorite with fans But when toy giant Mattel too, and the Snake vs. Mongoose signed a sponsorship deal with rivalry became the stuff of legend, Prudhomme and his teammate/ even continuing for years after the rival Tom “The Mongoose” Mattel deal concluded at the end McEwen in 1970 to drive a pair of of the 1972 season. Plymouths, the terms specified In 1974 Snake picked up Funny Car to be the primary sponsorship from the U.S. class. The bodywork drew a direct Army—not a coincidence given connection with Plymouth’s that Mongoose was flying Navy “Lil’ John” Buttera built a narrow-frame chassis for the Cuda—note how the cylinder heads hang over the sides of the chassis. 30 DCXmag.com

Snake ran this same Cuda during the ’73 season with Carefree Gum as a sponsor. For ’74 it was drafted back into service for the Army! technology had pretty much the Cuda’s independently sprung on the top end. But that required its stance is more accurate to the eliminated the front-wheel bounce front end for for a solid-mounted wheel arches to be cut into the 1970-72 cars. Sponsor decals are that plagued earlier Funny Cars, torsion bar axle. is allowed the body to clear the front tires, as well crisp and nicely legible, and they so legendary chassis-builder “Lil’ body to be mounted at a steeper as a larger blower opening because are quite accurate for the most rake angle, getting the Cuda’s big more of it was protruding through part. ere are a couple minor John” Buttera ditched square nose down out of the air the lowered hood. Set up this way, ones missing on the rear fenders the Cuda was good for low sixes at compared to archival photos to reduce aerodynamic drag better than 230mph, with a best and box art (omitting the “Revell of 6.015 at 235.60mph during a Models” one is understandable!) match race at Lebanon Valley in but decals varied slightly August of ’74. throughout the race season anyway, so I’m not knocking the While the model showcases model’s authenticity for that. the correct torsion bar front end, it does not have Flop that body upward and the wheel cutouts rest it on the provided metal or lowered ladder stand to get a view of the nose, so Buttera-built chassis, the capsule- like cockpit, and the monster The Snake’s Star-Spangled Fish SPRING 2017 31

Auto World 1974 Don Prudhomme Funny Car Goodyear skinnies up front and M&H Racemaster slicks in back—both mounted on dish wheels. Auto World’s examples have a nice finish and sidewall markings. The Keith Black-built blown nitro Hemi was good for more than 2000hp! Auto World does a fantastic job with all the fuel and oil lines. supercharged nitro Keith Black transmission, which is nicely Snake sat nestled between those race slicks—a simple yoke and his right foot were all he Hemi. This is an example of what painted on the model; the giant had to keep the Cuda pointed straight. The little red handle under the wheel shifted the is considered a “narrow frame” red lever on the right was for the Lenco 2-speed, and the big one to the side activated the brake. Funny Car. Most early Funny brake. There is a basic bucket seat, Cars were built on tube chassis and fabric shoulder harnesses made radiators and coolant lines FINISH LINE that were considerably narrower with etched metal buckles, too. an unnecessary complication. A than the stock floorplan. Snake’s Of course, a Funny Car is all small volume of oil for the dry- Don “The Snake” Prudhomme original 1970 Cuda chassis was about the blown nitro V-8 that sump system and the tiny fuel is the embodiment of Funny Car just slightly wider than its engine, dominates the interior of the car. tank sitting behind the front axle racing in the 1970s. His battles but Buttera brought the side rails Snake went to longtime partner are the only fluids onboard. I really with The Mongoose, Raymond in even further on the ’73-’74 and legendary Hemi builder Keith like the shades of metallic paint on Beadle’s Blue Max, and other model. The cylinder heads now Black to construct a 480ci big the block and blower housing, and luminaries, along with his four drape over the side rails, and the block beast that produced better the detail on the mechanical fuel consecutive NHRA Funny Car chassis is scarcely wider than the than 2000hp. The model is quite injection scoop is great. championships—from 1975 to driver’s seat! The narrow design detailed, with high-visibility red Snake used M&H Racemaster 1978—at the wheel of the Army weighed several hundred pounds plug wires on its ignition system slicks out back and a set of cars, made him the first true star less, and gave extra clearance and a nest of flexible hoses and Goodyear skinnies upfront, of the class. This Cuda is really for wider slicks. The cockpit is lines for its fuel and oiling systems. mounted on dish wheels. The the beginning of that run and of nestled between the slicks and That extensive plumbing is all model does a nice job with both, the colors that would come to features a minimalist steering the more remarkable for the fact down to sidewall markings and epitomize it. For that reason alone yoke connected to the torsion that none of it relates to cooling: it will be a hit with collectors. There bar steering. Mounted just below Funny Cars run no radiator. The matte finish on the wheels. are a couple of spots that where the yoke is a simple pull-lever cooling effect of the high volume A set of rolling wheels on the technical details vary slightly to actuate the low-to-high- of nitromethane fuel and the the wheelie bars and a from the as-run spec, but only gear shift in the 2-speed Lenco sub-seven-second track time soft-touch plastic drag hardcore tech geeks (like me!) chute with a realistic will likely notice. The early days of ripcord round out the Funny Cars were such a wild time car. The model lacks of experimentation and volatility, the extensions on it would be nearly impossible to the rear deck duckbill model any car perfectly anyway— spoiler, but otherwise the it’d only be outfitted differently the very next race weekend! This tail tells the story. car has appeal and detail to satisfy most fans—especially for the sub- The chute helped whoa the Cuda down from 230+mph runs. The wheelie bars on $100 price. ✇ the model have rolling wheels. SOURCE Auto World autoworldstore.com 32 DCXmag.com



Bburago Original Series Brings Back Ferrari Classic Castings BYMATTBOYD Do you remember the cars that first got you into diecast collecting? If you’re anything like me, and came of collecting age in the late '80s and early '90s, chances are Bburago brand models helped form your collection’s foundation. Of course, many of us got our very beginnings in 1:64, but the proliferation of affordable large scale—primarily 1:18—cars in toy shops and big-box stores formed a bridge from our dollar- car childhoods to the adult-collectible world. Sub-$20 Bburago sports cars were a fixture at all kinds of retail outlets back then, competing with similarly priced Maisto, Mattel/Hot Wheels, and Ertl American Muscle models (among others) to cover a wide spectrum of automotive interest. Sure, they weren’t the most highly detailed replicas out there, but for the collector just starting out they offered excellent bang for the buck— and if you caught a good sale you could pick up a shelf full of Bburago Porsches and Ferraris for $10 apiece. Many a week I’d come home with an armload of cool cars, even on a college kid’s income! Those were good days…but you just knew they couldn’t last. Eventually, market pressure started to squeeze the flow of entry-level 1:18. With foot traffic declining, retail stores could no longer afford to stock huge supplies of large-size, small-pricetag items. Meanwhile, production costs for diecast manufacturers were climbing—especially for Bburago, who did their manufacturing in Italy. en came a devastating blow in the late ’90s, when diecast giant Mattel scooped up exclusive rights to the prestigious Ferrari license. Just like that, Bburago’s best-selling marque was off-limits to them, and overnight all the tooling it had developed for Ferrari vehicles became just so much dead weight. e brand struggled on for a few more years, but finally succumbed to the inevitable in 2005. Bburago could easily have been relegated to a footnote in diecast history were it not for the intervention of former rival—now savior— Maisto, whose parent company bought Bburago and relaunched it in 2007. However, with the licenses for all of those great classic Ferraris long expired, the tools used to create them had been long-since mothballed, and even feared lost. But there was a cadre of enthusiasts within the Maisto/Bburago organization that remembered Bburago’s glory days and had an appreciation for the brand’s history. When rumors about the fate of those tools trickled out of Bburago’s Italy offices, they paid attention, and they started planning. Fast- forward a few years to the blockbuster announcement that Maisto/Bburago had scored a marketing coup and wrested the Ferrari license back from Mattel. ey would now be in control of the mass- market 1:18 Ferrari diecast market, and it was immediately announced that the Bburago branch would be the primary beneficiary. And along with a steady stream of new Ferrari models, the way was now cleared for the classic tooling to re-emerge from nearly two decades of embargo! at brings us up to present day, where we see the first two releases in what is now known as the Bburago Originals Series. And man, did they kick things off with some horsepower—producing not one, but two of the most desirable supercars ever to wear a prancing horse crest! During the late ’80s and early ’90s, when Bburago was atop the 1:18 world, the all-conquering Ferrari F40 was the ultimate performance car. But long before the F40 redefined performance standards, another Ferrari racecar for the street shocked the world and set the bar for speed, beauty, and eventually collector value: the rare and exquisite 250 GTO. We’ll take a close look at these two new releases, and also look back at some of the first editions that helped make Bburago the king of 1:18 Ferrari diecast in the 1990s. Who knows? Maybe one or two of these will make it into the next round of Original Series releases! 34 DCXmag.com

e F40 was the king of the supercars during Bburago’s heyday, and was a popular model. Now it’s back as part of the Original Series. e real 250 GTO is among the rarest and most valuable Ferraris. While Bburago’s relaunch of its 1:18 GTO won’t do anything for 1:1 auction prices, it will make the diecast dramatically easier to obtain!

1957 Testa Rossa If there is any Ferrari to rival the 250 GTO for the title of most desirable collector car of all time, it would be this sultry redhead. The deeply scalloped fenders of the Scaglietti body were both beautiful and functional, and are nicely rendered on Bburago’s model, despite its modest price point. This survivor was unearthed amongst various others at the Bburago facilities in Italy—its slightly rough condition makes it an authentic barn find! 1984 288 GTO 1989 348TB The precursor to the F40 was the somewhat more restrained 288 GTO. The At the time Bburago was at its peak, the 348 TB (for second car to wear those letters, it established the longitudinal twin-turbo “Trasversale Berlinetta”, not a respiratory ailment!) V-8 formula that the F40 would make the stuff of legend, and the curvy body is was Ferrari’s mainstream model, and borrowed liberally definitely a winner in scale! from the flagship Testarossa’s side-straked styling. Its controversial looks and diabolical handling have eroded its legacy in the decades since, but as a car of its time it still warrants consideration in diecast. 1999 360 Modena One of the last models to come out of the Bburago studio was the 360 Modena—seen here in Challenge Stradale form. It’s also one of the nicer models. The company was finalizing a Spider variant when it lost the Ferrari license agreement, so it is not known if any actually made their way into customer hands. 36 DCXmag.com

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO e instrumentation decal looks good, and the separately molded chrome switchgear is very welcome. A movable shift lever is cool, but I miss the signature metal shift gate. I ’m thrilled Bburago chose the original GTO to launch its Originals Series, because this was the first Bburago proper to the car, and it’s cool that Bburago molded separate car I ever bought! Seeing the curvaceous body in three switchgears for the dash face. Even the sticker replicating the dimensions (I had only seen the GTO in photo and film to gauges is pretty good. Lift the mail slot trunk hatch to see a full that point, and would not see a real one in person until years after) spare with the same chromed plastic representation of a Borrani drove home what perfect proportions the car has. To this day it is wire wheel the car wears at each corner—including the knock-off my favorite Ferrari—and one of my two or three favorite cars of any spinner. brand—of all time. All that is great, but let’s be honest: we’re not really here to judge In a very real sense, Bburago’s model cemented my love for the Original Series cars by strict authenticity standards like we this car. It also gave me one of my early benchmarks of what to would with a newly minted model. The nostalgia is the key thing expect in terms of chassis detail on a diecast model. Remarkable effort was made to represent the tubular spaceframe rather than here. Bburago knows that, and so do I. And damn, if they didn’t just taking the easy way out and using a plastic slab chassis with get me with it anyway! I loved my original relief-molding. That allowed Bburago to do a full 3D engine and Bburago GTO from 25 years ago, deliver realistic suspensions, too. and that makes me love this one too. Of course, the car is by no means perfect. While decent effort was made to mold an accurate 6x2 Weber carb intake, the cam covers on the Colombo V-12 are red. GTOs are not Testa Rossas— in word or in deed. While the 3.0L engine is virtually the same internally, GTOs had black crinkle-finish covers—the crimson- colored ones were for the TR only. I do dig the 3-into-1 headers and full-length quad-exhaust system, though—how often do you see four exhaust pipes run the full length of a vehicle? The interior is a mixed bag. On the one hand, having a shift lever that you can move back and forth is pretty cool, but it was either that or have a classic metal shift gate—Bburago couldn’t really do both. And after you reach in and flick it once or twice, the novelty is satisfied, and I think I’d have preferred the visually accurate gate. Stripped-out bare metal and minimalist bucket seats are 1992 456 GT Spyder Here’s one you probably haven’t seen before: a droptop version of the four-seat 456 GT. Pininfarina made a pair of them for the sultan of Brunei, and a few more were made by the coachbuilder Straman. This model is obviously a prototype, and as far as we know Bburago never got one to production. SPRING 2017 37

A huge helping of twin turbo boost helped the tiny 2.9L V-8 churn out supercar levels of performance. Bburago's version is impressively detailed. 1987 Ferrari F40 rear third of the car levers up, so lots of engine, suspension, and chassis structure are going to be on display; Bburago made sure T he F40 was a different breed of thoroughbred than it was worth seeing. The twin-turbocharged and intercooled motor the Ferraris that had come before it. And this model is is buried in plumbing, but the muted metallic tones are more notably different than its Original Series GTO stablemate convincing than super-gloss chrome. Wishbones and coil springs as well. Objectively speaking, it’s a better model—more are there to enjoy. The front bonnet opens as well, detailed and more sophisticated in terms of materials—but it showing more tech goodies and a spare tire. doesn’t connect with me quite as viscerally. I didn’t own one of these back in the day (although I did own the Mattel version By any fair measure the F40 shows evolution that succeeded it), but those who did will surely experience the in the model-making art. While it wasn't a part same rush I do when I see the GTO. And first-time owners will of my youth the way the GTO was, it’s a fine probably be more satisfied with the F40 because of the additional piece. I should have bought one of these sophistication. back in the day, too! The body has finer lines and crisper casting. The various vents and hollows have nice flat paint in them to accent the depth, and items like the headlight buckets are just better. There’s even cool blacked-out mesh in the grille and rear valence. The doors have hidden hinges instead of old-school doglegs. There are lots of varied surfaces and colors in the interior and the seats have convincing 4-point harnesses. There’s even an honest-to-goodness shift gate! Out back, the Plexiglas engine cover with molded in vents gives a preview of an impressive engine presentation. Essentially, the 1965 250 LM The successor to the 250 GTO was the LM—a car that embraced the mid-mounted V-12 formula that would define future Ferrari flagships. This was a street car in name only—lifting the tail reveals a chassis structure that is decidedly competition-oriented. You can see the Bburago hallmark of tons of functional parts on a low-cost model well on display here. 1984 Testarossa Few cars scream “the ’80s!” as loudly as the iconic Testarossa. Although recalling the name (minus the space) of the racer from a quarter century earlier, this car was purely a roadgoing exotic—and the widebody stance and flat-12 power made sure everyone knew it! Lots of details are evident on this model, even in prototype form. ✇ 38 DCXmag.com



OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD e star of the series is a midnight go prowling the Wangan looking AUTOART NISSAN FAIRLADY blue S30 Z that was heavily for the mysterious Blackbird—a S30 Z 1:18 | $190 modified by its original owner. menacing black Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 that is the reigning king of the e protagonist of the series is road. Akio’s obsession turns dark Akio Asakura, who falls under and dangerous when friends learn the spell of the Z when he spots of the Z’s grim history and sinister its wrecked carcass in a local reputation. Its original owner died junkyard. Akio becomes obsessed in a crash on the Wangan in it, and with restoring the Z so he can everyone who has driven it after has lost control and crashed too, thus earning the car the reputation as “Akuma no Z” (“Devil Z”). H ave you heard of Wangan Midnight? AUTOart is betting at least some of you have. It started as a Japanese manga comic book about racing on the famed “Wangan-sen”—the Bayshore stretch of highway skirting Tokyo Bay from Yokohama to Chiba, notorious for street racing—and has morphed into an animated television series and even a feature film. ink of it as something like a Japanese Fast & Furious franchise, with a little Christine- like supernatural obsession for a cursed car thrown in. It’s developed a huge cult following for its faithful treatment of the technology and culture surrounding some of Japan’s most beloved performance cars—and specifically the 1st-generation Nissan Fairlady S30 Z, better known in the U.S. as the Datsun 240Z. 40 DCXmag.com

at’s the context for the extensive mods hidden within—a dual-purpose 4-point harnesses shock towers under the rear hatch. model AUTOart has produced. big-bore 3-inch exhaust system and an aftermarket steering To stay out front of the GT-Rs, and a large intercooler tucked into wheel. e center console, gear ey have chosen to pattern their the lower grille. AUTOart hasn’t lever, and dashboard are all nicely the 512TR Ferrari, and the replica after the car as it appears neglected the scale touches either; appointed but essentially stock. Blackbird Porsche in the story, in the original comic text, and individually cast chrome window Most of the carpeting has been the Z needed quite a bit more as such there are some minor surrounds and delicate side removed—from the floorboards than its stock 150hp 2.4L inline-6. differences from the versions in marker lights give the model a very and under the rear hatch—but the TV series and film that may be complete look. the transmission tunnel retains e source material on the more familiar to some collectors. the signature Z-car quilted power upgrades is quite specific, For example, the model features Being a Japanese-market Z padding. e biggest alterations documenting an engine transplant headlight covers, whereas the it is right-hand drive, of course, to the cockpit are the addition based on the L28 2.8L motor out TV and movie versions have and in keeping with the car’s of a street/track-style 6-point of an ‘83 280ZX Turbo, bored and open headlights. But the key purposeful character the changes roll cage with low sidebars to be stroked to 3.1L. Akio bolts on twin external features are all here—the to the passenger compartment compatible with opening doors and IHI RHC6 turbos blowing huge gorgeous midnight blue paint, an emphasize function over form. a brace that stretches between the boost into triple 47mm Mikuni aggressive but tasteful aero kit, carbs through a custom-fabricated and a lowered stance. ere are ere’s a set of racing seats with intake plenum from that huge a couple of external clues to the front-mounted intercooler. All that adds up to 600hp—and before Aggressively tasteful tuning of the 1st-gen S30 has made the Wangan Midnight Z a cult classic—virtues AUTOart’s model shares. Wangan Midnight “Devil Z” SPRING 2017 41

AUTOart Nissan Fairlady S30 Z The original 2.4L inline-6 is long gone. In its place is a 2.8L out of a 280ZX turbo with bigger Being a home-market Z, this car is right-hand drive and appears fairly stock. A low sidebar carbs and uprated twin turbos. roll cage, shock-tower brace, and some dual-purpose sport seats are about the only obvious additions. AUTOart has also done well in you chalk that figure up to fiction, coil-over shocks and various replicating the custom bits in the consider that Wangan Midnight other exotic suspension upgrades. engine bay. You can clearly see the author Michiharu Kusunoki based We can see heavier swaybars custom air box, oversized carbs, and the the Z on a real Wangan street racer and upgraded lower A-arms, but plumbing to and from the intercooler. with a very similar engine setup otherwise the suspension looks that made 670hp! pretty stock. The same cannot Left: The RS Watanabe AUTOart has also done well in be said for the replicated RS 8-spoke wheels are a defining replicating the custom bits in the Watanabe 8-spoke wheels, which visual element of the Devil Z engine bay. You can clearly see the are gorgeous, as are the tires that in the comic, in the show, in custom air box, oversized carbs, envelop them. the film, and now in diecast. and the plumbing to and from the Below: The chassis itself is intercooler. You can even see a FINAL THOUGHTS pretty standard. Tuned parts bit of the turbos tucked up under include a large-diameter the intake on the left side of the This car will be an acquired taste exhaust system and beefier engine. The various plug wires, for collectors, simply because the lower A-arms. coolant lines, and miscellaneous subject matter isn’t conventional other hoses are typical of AUTOart, fare for diecast. If you’re a fan of which is to say very authentic. the Wangan Midnight stories—in Chassis and suspension detail whichever medium—the fact are fairly good, but it is here where that AUTOart went to this extent the replica falls a bit short of the to replicate the Devil Z will thrill originating text, which describes you. For the rest, it’s an excellent example of a tastefully tuned early Z that is appealing in its own right. If you find yourself irresistibly tempted by the Devil Z like I am, we certainly aren’t the first. Maybe it’ll even lead you to check out the series from which it originates—it’s actually quite good. (You can even find subtitled versions of the TV show and live-action movie free on YouTube.) ✇ SOURCE AUTOart autoartmodels.com 42 DCXmag.com



out of the box by matt boyd The Foyt motor was technically 1976 would see the car excel a hand-me-down rather than a again, improving Foyt’s finish to Replicarz Gilmore Racing clean sheet design, but when Ford second, and in 1977 he finally broke Coyote-Foyt 1:18 | $170ea abandoned its Indy V-8 program through for the win, becoming the following the 1970 season, first-ever four-time winner—an I t took the wily old Texan A.J. Foyt ten years to get back Foyt purchased the tooling and achievement made that much to the winner’s circle for his record-setting fourth continued to develop it. It would sweeter for the fact that he did it Indianapolis 500 in 1977. It’s taken me 12 years to be three years before Foyt was driving his own car powered by his circle back to reviewing another 1:18 replica of his winning confident enough in it to challenge own engine. Coyote-Foyt. If I was truly in the Foyt Indy spirit, I could the dominance of the Offenhauser Like Foyt at Indy, the guys at probably have just re-run that old article from the Summer engine. Sadly, he qualified last Replicarz are wily veterans of the 2005 issue of Die Cast X. After all, Foyt re-ran the Gilmore and would complete only 37 laps diecast biz, and they certainly Coyote with only minor tweaks from 1973 through 1978, before a rod bolt failure ended know a quality model prospect and this Replicarz release model shares a direct lineage his run. when they see one. The Carousel 1 with that Carousel 1 model from back in ’05. It makes Foyt returned in 1974 with the brand’s demise in 2009 left a void sense that Foyt would have gotten maximum mileage same combination to much better in Indy replicas that Replicarz has out of this car. It was a chassis of his own design, and he success, thanks in part to rules stepped in nicely to fill. In acquiring handled the engine program in-house as well—making changes that made the most of the ’74-’78 Coyote tooling they it the only driver-developed vehicle and power plant the little 2.6L turbocharged V-8’s accomplish two important things: combination to ever win Indy. inherent efficiency. Foyt took pole they resurrect an exceptional and traded the lead with Johnny model, and they add to their own Rutherford most of the race until a turbo problem ended his run late. He would qualify first for the second consecutive year in ’75, and this time the engine held together for the full 500 miles, carrying him across the yard of bricks in third place. 44 DCXmag.com

impressive Indy model library. fortune acquiring the rights to the plastic—a necessity given that same stuff, and the paint matching They’ve chosen to launch their Ford Indy V-8, and another fortune it’s mounted on a spindly tubular is excellent. The transparent 1:18 Coyote with not just one, but developing it into a contender, frame hung off the rear suspension aerodynamic ground effect strips two versions—the pole-sitter so he kept after it until it yielded that likely could not safely support border the lower edges of the from 1974 and the race-winner victory. a heavy hunk of diecast metal. side pods for an interesting visual from ’77. The models you see here Steady refinement can be seen The cars’ appearance does not element. The sponsor decals are pre-production, but already in the differences between the suffer for the material—in fact, are very similar, but feature the they showcase what is interesting ’74 and ’77 cars. The earlier car is the noses are constructed of the appropriate minor differences in about these cars, including some sleeker—the nose doesn’t have subtle differences. the pronounced ramps deflecting Foyt has always been a fiery air over the front wheels that the character and a furious competitor, ’77 does. More aero refinements but he’s also eminently pragmatic. can be seen on the engine cover, From all the seat time he had at where a teardrop-shaped pylon Indy, he figured the best way to headrest fills the gap under the ensure he got just the driving feel roll hoop on the later car. The ’74 is he wanted was to build the car missing its roll bar—as mentioned, himself. He began doing so in 1967, these are pre-production, and the and it paid off that year with his correct shape for that piece had third Indy win. When he added an not been finalized at press-time. engine program in 1971, he spent a The rear wing is constructed of Replicarz offers two versions of the Coyote-Foyt: the ’74 pole winner (background), and the ’77 race winner (foreground). Subtle differences—mainly relating to aerodynamics—are evident even on these pre- production samples. Homespun Heroes Conquer Indy spring 2017 45

Replicarz Gilmore Racing Coyote-Foyt The nose bodywork lifts off to show the front wing structure with its mesh-covered air intake. Above: The shape of the Goodyear slicks placement of secondary sponsors. on the right rear, and a brilliantly is just right, and the scuffed rolling surface There are a couple of subtle clues, detailed rear suspension in full yields proper coloration. however, that the casting was view. It includes strikingly long Left: Hard to believe the burly Foyt could developed as a ’77 car and then control arms that tie the front squeeze into a cockpit that narrow. Shift retro-engineered to produce a edge of the hub carriers all the linkage, a weight jacker, and fabric belts are ‘74. For one thing, the ’74 had a way to the bulkhead between the just a few of the highlights here. pair of NACA ducts on the nose engine and cockpit. Contrast those just below the windscreen, against the thick, stubby links on The Foyt turbo V-8 is fascinating. Notice how the orange intake tubes route down through whereas both models have just the front suspension—all polished the center of the head, and the exhaust exits through the center valley (under a ribbed heat a single duct, matching the ’77 to a wonderful semi-gloss metallic shield) on its way back to the turbo. configuration. Also, the fuel refilling finish. They just don’t make race ports were apparently relocated cars like this anymore, and it’s The jumbo-sized turbo is just out there in the breeze behind the left rear wheel. Check out after ’74, but both cars have them a shame. Goodyear slicks are the intricate suspension on the Coyote as well. in the post-’74 position. perfectly shaped and have a bit of It’s hard to imagine the burly scuff on their rolling surfaces to Texan squeezing down into such yield the right coloration. a tight cockpit, but Foyt spent more time in there than anyone in FINAL LAP Indy history. There’s a simple gear linkage, a flat-bottom steering Over his many years at Indy, wheel, and a narrow instrument Foyt learned how to develop a panel with essential gauges all car, how to persevere, and above well represented. The low-slung all, how to win. He was the first seats have a soft-touch feel, and man to do so four times. In the the 5-point harnesses have fabric 12 years since I first examined the belts and etched metal buckles. precursor to these outstanding There’s even a weight jacker for Replicarz models, I’ve learned a chassis adjustment. few things too—things that make The Foyt turbo V-8 is a joy me appreciate them all the more. for engine geeks. To permit The detail is exemplary, but what mounting in the chassis as low as stands out most is the spirit these possible, the cylinder heads are cars represent. The notion that a on “backwards”—i.e. the exhaust racer’s racer like Foyt could build valves exit inboard toward the his own car, and his own engine, valley between the heads where and ride them into history as intakes conventionally reside. The the first four-time Indy winner intake ports channel through the is almost unimaginable in this center of the head, fed by stubby age of corporate mega-teams orange velocity stacks attached to and standardized technology. a Hilborn mechanical fuel injection But that’s exactly what he did, setup. Detail on this system is and exactly why collectors will tremendous; you can glean much welcome the return of the Gilmore about the novel functioning of this Racing Coyote-Foyt to the 1:18 engine simply by studying the ranks. That Replicarz has expanded model! I love the braided texture of the offering to include the ’74 pole the numerous lines and hoses, and winner—really the first validation their detailed fittings. of the Foyt’s homebrewed As did all competitive Indy combination—is most welcome. engines of the day, the Foyt The ’74 prototype still needs a bit V-8 relied on copious amounts of polish, but that will come. And of boost from a gigantic turbo hung way out next to the left rear so will collector demand. ✇ wheel. There’s a nice little cooler (oil? transmission?) opposite it SOURCE Replicarz replicarz.com 46 DCXmag.com



Bond O ver the half-century that Ian Fleming’s seminal super-spy IN MOTION James Bond has graced the silver screen, he has come to CONNERY’S define—and then re-define all over ICONIC CARS again—not only the spy/action thriller genre, but cultural perceptions about what is fundamentally BY MATT BOYD influential and just plain cool. Who hasn’t ordered a vodka martini “shaken, not stirred” because 1957 Chevy Bel Air Dr. No 1962 that’s how 007 takes them? How many of us, upon appraising ourselves in a tuxedo for the first e first two Bond installments—Dr. No and the following year’s From Russia time, have murmured “Bond—James Bond” into the with Love—didn’t lend themselves to featuring automobiles prominently, due to mirror with a tug at the cuff? The Bond character their settings and storylines. Dr. No does showcase Bond briefly driving a cute has become a lens through which we judge many little Sunbeam Alpine up a windy Jamaican dirt road, but the most pivotal scene things—and none more so than the automobile. involving a car is one in which Bond is a passenger—in the back of a very stylish The Bond films have also become the preferred black ’57 Chevy Bel Air convertible—and although he is being driven by villainous vehicle for auto manufacturers to introduce chauffeur Mr. Jones, 007 doesn’t let himself get taken for a ride! e Chevy was new aspirational cars to the public. Both of just five years old when the film was released—too new to be a classic, too old to these trend-setting phenomena make Bond cars be a new model—so it was deemed an appropriate vehicle to use as a cab on the uniquely desirable as diecast collectibles—a fact island of Jamaica. As the ’57 has matured into an enduring classic, its on-screen we have seen repeated throughout the 24-film appeal has increased tenfold. (and counting) run. Eaglemoss contracted with Universal Hobbies to create its Dr. No Bel Air (as Eaglemoss Publications is a British firm they did for the other models in this story). Not only have they captured the (appropriately enough) that has been a prominent player in the world of subscription- based collectibles—especially diecast—for some time. They have a huge library of James Bond vehicles that they have marketed extensively in Europe, and now they are updating that series and bringing it to Bond fanatics stateside. What better time then to explore a sampling of vehicles featured during the tenure of the first—and many say the greatest—Bond, Sean Connery? appropriate color schemes inside and out, they have even worked in a couple of details appropriate to the scene—including Bond’s briefcase and Jones’ pistol in the open glovebox. As is typical of Eaglemoss’ presentation, the Chevy is mounted to a mini-diorama base with a surface evocative of the scene—in this case, low Jamaican scrub brush on a dirt road where Bond thwarts Jones’ ambush. e most pivotal automotive scene in Dr. No features Bond as a passenger. e diorama base depicts low Jamaican brush and a scene of Bond roughing up the villainous chauffeur. 48 DCXmag.com

1965 Aston Without question, the most iconic Bond car is the Aston Martin DB5, which has appeared Martin DB5 in seven films. The second time was in Thunderball, where a host of new gadgets was revealed. Goldfinger 1964 and Thunderball 1965 in a total of seven Bond films. In addition to the aforementioned, the DB5 also showed up in GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Casino From the moment Major Royale (2006), and most recently Spectre (2015). (A bit of obscure trivia: Boothroyd (that’s “Q” to a DB5 was also filmed for 1999’s The World Is Not Enough, but the scene you—played by the indomitable was cut from the final version of the film.) Desmond Llewelyn in 17 of the 24 Bond films!) introduced Bond to the Aston Martin DB5 in the first act of Goldfinger, the business of product placement in films would never be the same—and after audiences saw Connery hustle the DB5 through the Swiss Alps and deploy the first of its gadgets, neither would Aston’s financial fortunes! The use of the DB5 in Goldfinger, coordinated with the car’s official launch, is often credited with rescuing Aston Martin, and would ensure that no Bond film production would ever have to pay for another vehicle ever again. (So sensational was the DB5 debut, people often forget that the other car in that chase through the Alps was also making its first public appearance —Tilly Masterson’s ’65 Mustang Convertible.) The DB5 would return with Connery for Thunderball—it is visible in the first seconds of the cold open at the French chalet. The Aston showcases some additional gadgetry, including water cannons mounted under the rear bumper that help 007 thwart pursuing henchmen. It is this scene that Eaglemoss has chosen for its Thunderball DB5, with a rough cobblestone street and a mansion in the background. The bullet screen is deployed and the water cannons are in mid-dousing. You can even spot drenched henchmen in the backdrop! The Thunderball DB5 is one of four in the Eaglemoss library. There are also two for Goldfinger (depicting the Alps scene, and also Auric Goldfinger’s industrial compound—with appropriate gadgets for each) and one for Skyfall (2012). But there is room for more, as DB5s have appeared Toyota 2000GT Toyota chopped the top off of its 2000GT to accommodate the burly You Only Live Twice Connery, but this was no hatchet job. 1967 The one-off roadster is a fan favorite. Connery’s fifth Bond film—and any case, the result was a truly fetching sports car that Connery could the last before his hiatus, which (mostly) fit in. The 1:43 replica depicts it driving through the industrial gave George Lazenby his single neighborhood that hides Tiger Tanaka’s underground HQ with Aki at the starring role as 007—featured wheel. The deployed headlights and Aki’s scarf pinpoint the scene nicely. a car that didn’t actually exist! You can also see some of the Sony-branded communications gear inset I’m speaking of the Toyota 2000GT into the panel behind the seats. convertible. The 2000GT itself was a styling and performance tour de force—a Spring 2017 49 mission statement that declared that Toyota engineers could compete with the best that the world had to offer. It was viewed by many as the Japanese Jaguar E-Type—a long, low coupe with a silky DOHC inline-6 and superb handling balance, albeit at about 7/8 scale. And therein lay the problem. The tight confines of the coupe were simply not compatible with Connery’s 6-foot-2-inch height and 200-pound bulk. Toyota’s solution? Chop the top off and make it a one- off convertible! (Technically, it’s a two-off, as there were two coupes decapitated for filming, and since the convertible boot was fake, they’re probably more accurately described as roadsters or speedsters.) In