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BOND IN MOTION Set in Vegas, Diamonds Are Forever had a distinctly American flavor, which required an American Bond car. Ford launched a new Mustang the same year, so a 429CJ-powered Mach I was selected. 1971 Ford Mustang Mach I Built-in Backstory Diamonds Are Forever 1971 Eaglemoss delivers Connery was coaxed back for what everyone—including Connery himself— each new model in the believed would be one final go at the role of the world’s most famous spy series with a nicely (and it was, if you don’t count the thinly disguised off-brand underball produced magazine remake Never Say Never Again from 1983). Diamonds took a then-record booklet containing lots £1.25 million salary to get Connery back, as the rigors of the Bond films had of interesting facts and left the actor shaken but no longer stirred by the challenge. e treatment behind-the-scenes info was much more campy than previous 007 outings and foreshadowed the about the showcased Roger Moore era that would immediately follow. film’s production, cast, and crew and—when If the script wasn’t serious, the automotive hardware certainly was. applicable—about With a large portion of the story set in Las Vegas, it was decided that Bond the vehicle that is the focus of the model. Some issues are needed an American-made ride—and the newly restyled Mustang was more interesting than others, but I love the fact that they do selected, in Mach I trim. e option box was checked off for the biggest this; it provides a richness to the collector experience to be engine available—a big-block 429 Cobra Jet good for 370 horses—making given so much info about what makes each model—and each this relatively unassuming (by international superspy standards, at least) film—unique and interesting. With the Aston Martin especially, coupe far and away the fastest, most powerful Bond car to that point, and the background on all the gadgets—in the story as well as the would remain for another 16 years to follow! (Not until the Aston Martin effects that went into simulating them—is nearly as much fun as Vantage of 1987’s e Living Daylights would the Mustang be eclipsed.) e the model itself! most famous scene involves a nighttime chase on and around the Strip and Freemont Street to evade police, which entails a jump and the famous stunt where Bond drives the ’Stang up on two wheels (called “skiing”) to squeeze through a narrow alleyway. Fans note with much amusement that the car enters the alley on its right-side wheels but exits on the left sides! Apparently none of the continuity editors caught it. e Eaglemoss model depicts it banging over a grungy Vegas curb, with neon casino fronts in the background. CONCLUSION I’m a certifiable Bond-freak, so this series is right up my alley on two wheels! e mix of headlining cars (like the DB5) and more minor vehicles (like the Bel Air) keeps things interesting, but it also affords a diversity that you wouldn’t get if you were assembling your own Bond collection piecemeal. If you’re anything like me, the subscription format has some real advantages. Check out 007car-collection.com and see if it works for you too! ✇ 50 DCXmag.com

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OUT OF THE BOX BY THE DCX CREW Ford had a lot riding on the drag racing engine. It was a riot to Galaxie—and not just because it drive, but it had to be ordered with AUTOMODELLO 1966 FORD tipped the scales at more than a heavy-duty 4-speed manual GALAXIE 7 LITRE 4,000 pounds! Given the car’s transmission (no automatic!) and 1:24 | $300 STANDARD EDITION TO importance, it was peculiar that the lumpy cam could not support $450 HOMAGE EDITION Ford engineers chose to launch air-conditioning. ose two huge their new flagship with carryover limitations ruled out all but a tiny W hen it came to an upscale image car in the engine options from the dowdier segment of the Galaxie’s target 1960s, the Galaxie was the whole world to Ford. 1964 model. Economy-minded customers. at left just the oroughly redesigned and modernized for buyers could select from a thrifty all-purpose 390, which was a 1965, Ford had a platform that served simultaneously as its inline-6, a 289 small-block, or good engine, but its 300hp was top-line 4-door family sedan, and also its largest personal an archaic underbird 352. significantly outgunned by big- luxury-performance coupe and convertible. Performance-minded buyers had block offerings in GM and Chrysler two choices. e first was Ford’s showrooms. at oversight would fire-breathing dual-quad solid be corrected for the Galaxie’s cam 427 that was the street- second year. going version of its NASCAR and e Galaxie needed a top- e 7-Litre was added as the top option in the Galaxie range to introduce the brand new 428ci FE big-block. Automodello offers it in a range of colors and exclusivity levels, from the Standard blue car to the black Homage Edition. 52 DCXmag.com

option big-block befitting its automatic transmission. To make proves that the company has no Nightmist Blue and is limited to luxury/sport dual nature— sure customers could not miss the easily defined niche. Rather, it 299 hand-numbered pieces. something that could be had significance of this sophisticated looks for interesting cars that have with creature A/C and a Cruise- new power system, Ford offered it not been adequately represented ere’s a “Tribute” Edition in Candy O-Matic that could better keep exclusively in an all-new top option elsewhere in the model world, Apple Red limited to just 66 pieces. pace with crosstown rivals. It on the flagship Galaxie 500 called and then sets about rectifying came in the form of an all-new the “7-Litre” (not coincidentally, the omission. e ’66 Galaxie e “Homage” Edition comes in version of the FE-series engine the European method of dis- 7-Litre—being the germination of Raven Black and is limited to family: the 428—an engine that placement measure equating to the vaunted 428—has significance 50 models. “Enthusiast” Editions would grow to become one of 428 cubic inches). e only other galore, but for whatever reason are offered in both Wimbledon the most respected performance car in which it was offered was the has not been adequately offered White and Antique Gold in ultra- engines in Ford’s history. Created in scale. Automodello has wisely limited runs of 19 each, hand- by putting the long-stroke crank underbird. Advertising touted its chosen to produce this car in the signed by the designer. (Got all from the Mercury 410 in a 406 smooth, silent power delivery with larger 1:24 line (the majority of its that? Don’t worry—it’s all decoded block, it offered essentially the slogans like “a smooth brute” and models are 1:43), as this model on Automodello’s website too.) same displacement as the 427, “a silk shirt over all these muscles,” will fit in nicely with existing Like all Automodello models, but was less expensive to produce, and each 7-Litre—available as 1:24 collections of American iron, these are resin-cast “curbside” and offered stronger low-end a 2-door hardtop or convertible of which there are many. As is (sealed-body) models that come torque and much smoother only—came loaded. their pattern, Automodello offers in a clamshell box mounted on a power delivery (essential in 7-Litres in several color variations, nice inscribed display base, and heavier luxury-oriented cars), At first blush a ’60s luxury- levels of exclusivity, and price— each includes a certificate of and with a hydraulic-lifter cam it muscle car might seem like an so many that it can be a bit authenticity. was less high-strung, so it was atypical choice for Automodello’s confusing! e Standard Edition compatible with A/C and an replica line, but we find ourselves (seen on these pages) comes in We received the very first saying that about many prototypes of the Standard Automodello offerings. is merely Nightmist Blue and Homage Raven Black to reach U.S. shores. And When 428 Plus 7 Was Greater than 500 SPRING 2017 53

AUTOMODELLO 1966 FORD GALAXIE 7 LITRE e 7-Litre’s interior got all of the Galaxie’s best options: bucket seats, console shifting for Both cars feature the same levels of detail, but the beige interior on the Homage Edition the standard Cruise-O-Matic (seen here) or optional 4-speed, and air-conditioning. definitely shows it off better. e driver’s side windows are down to give a clearer view inside. “7-Litre” fender badges and upscale wheels were part of the package, and present on already the quality of the finish with etched or cast metal rather the model. on the blue car is very good. e than merely paint. As you look black car is lovely too, although at the pictures, remind yourself All versions come with a specific Certificate of Authenticity matching the specific edition, it showed some slight fogging. that these are 1:24 scale—33% each hand-numbered. smaller than the more common 54 DCXmag.com e blue looks a shade brighter 1:18 scale, yet we challenge you to here than on photos of real cars, see any reduction in detail due to but that could be because their size. e 3-spoke wheel, bucket hue has faded after 50 years. Or seats, and console shifter for the perhaps Automodello is still dialing Cruise-O-Matic auto trans that theirs in? We’re confident they’ll were standard equipment on the be spot-on by the time production 7-Litre package are all right there. models arrive. Special “7-Litre” As a resin-cast model, of course, badges on the trunk, front fenders, there is no depiction of the 428 and the left corner of the grille are itself. Likewise, there is no chassis perfectly rendered. e sweptback detail; these cars are meant to be C-pillar was cutting-edge in 1966, displayed on their bases. and is accentuated by the hardtop configuration—both of which the FINAL THOUGHTS model gets right. It’s accentuated by the impossibly thin chrome It’s still surprising that no large- trim; the black car’s was a bit scale model of the 7-Litre had ruffled on the passenger’s side, been done before now, but that but the blue car’s was immaculate. just makes these Automodello replicas all the more relevant. e Galaxie’s big square taillights with center emblems are a ey look tremendous, even in signature feature that the model prototype form. We wouldn’t renders with remarkable delicacy. mind seeing the edition scheme simplified somewhat, and the e front end is just as good. exclusivity of the special editions You may have noticed the certainly comes at a price. But asymmetric window treatment for the clientele for whom these on these models; the passenger’s cars are designed, they deliver a side windows are up while the high-quality, sophisticated owner driver’s sides are down, giving a experience—just like the 7-Litre better view of the highly detailed interior. Both cars have the same itself did 50 years ago! ✇ features, but the black car’s light tan interior makes the details SOURCE more visible, and is thus our Automodello.com; distributed by favorite. Both cars show some diecasm.com wood grain and lots of chrome in the interior—done mostly

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out of the box by wayne moyer Sadly, none of these impressive outlining the functional features transporters survived World War is nine pages! And this model CMC 1934-1938 Mercedes- II; they were most likely converted is big—almost 16 inches long, Benz Lo 2750 1:18 | $764 into Army trucks to support the and so heavy that stands are war effort. When Mercedes saw provided to give you the option S ay “Mercedes Transporter” to just about any Grand the success and popularity of to display it with the weight off Prix or sports car fan and they’ll likely think of the their “Blue Wonder” recreation, the tires and suspension. The “Blue Wonder,” the specially-built hauler from the they decided to recreate an exact bed, hinged sideboards, and 1950s that was capable of carrying a replacement race replica of the prewar transporter tailgate are crafted of real wood car from the factory to any European circuit in a matter of using a surviving Lo 2750 chassis. for maximum authenticity, and of hours at speeds upward of 100mph. But when Mercedes That, in turn, provided CMC with course the interior is upholstered first entered Grand Prix racing in 1934, that technology the perfect opportunity to have a in real leather. Even the straps was inconceivable, so Mercedes built a fleet of modified pristine example of the Lo 2750 for the cloth top are real (very Mercedes Lo 2750 (low chassis) trucks to deliver team race as a starting point from which to thin) leather. All told, this truck cars and spare cars for each event. Each was capable of create one of its superb models. comprises some 2,365 individual carrying a ready-to-race car, spares, and tools to service CMC sent us one of their it. The hinged wooden sides and tailgate could be dropped preproduction 1:18 Lo 2750s, to load and tie down the cars. The transporters were and the sophistication of this covered with a white canvas top on the way to model defies belief. The first the races to keep cars and parts clean and hint? The instruction sheet protected, but when a Mercedes won, the top would be removed and the sides dropped on the return trip to the Stuttgart factory to display the cars for parades through German cities. 56 DCXmag.com

parts, and the scale fidelity is outstanding, as are the printed powered, and they left the badge Photos don’t convey the magnitude everything we could ask for. The stripes and Mercedes-Benz off. Yes, the asymmetric horn and or the intricacy of CMC’s model. only out-of-scale things are the scripts. CMC has actually done additional fog light are also correct, size of the cord used to tie down Mercedes one better; the original and the “Wag. No. 1” license plate is At 2,365 individual pieces, this is one the cloth top and the huge bow transporters were diesel-powered accurate as well. of the most sophisticated 1:18 knot stretching across the width and carried a big three-pointed models we’ve seen. of the tailgate. Most of us will want star and “DIESEL” badge on the to remove those anyway (more on grille, but Mercedes’ full-size that in a bit). recreation is gas- Although this is a pre- production sample, the paint is Delivering Big with a Giant Grand Prix Race Transporter spring 2017 57

CMC 1934-1938 Mercedes-Benz Lo 2750 The canvas top can be rolled up on the signal arms can be deployed and model The model includes cable tie-downs with sides or taken off altogether, and the retracted, and the drivers mirror is comes functional turnbuckles to secure a car on sideboards fold down. Included ramps adjustable for proper angle. Reach with an the bed. are ideal for loading one of CMC’s in and you can lift the bench seat authentic canvas prewar Silver Arrow race cars. up and out to reveal the battery canopy top supported turnbuckles!) and wheel chocks. In and tools in compartments under by diecast and wood terms of display configuration, that INTERIOR it! Now, brace yourself—and the frame. When you remove the may be the way to go. model—and very carefully hold it aforementioned cord threaded With the side-flaps unclasped, The doors simply pull open, and on its side while you reach into the through the metal clasps on the the bed sideboards can be the rather spartan interior is cab and move the handbrake lever; sideboards, you can remove the unlatched and swung down—just exactly as it should be. The minimal the pushrods move all the way canvas. If you also unbuckle the lift the pins out of the catches instrumentation is fully legible, back to actuate the rear brakes! thin leather straps on the canvas at the front and back of each with separate chrome bezels and Speaking of moving back—time corners, the rear- and side-flaps sideboard. The real wood top glass faces for each gauge. All to exit the cab and work our way can be rolled up, but the thickness bows that support the canvas knobs and switches are separate toward the back of the truck. of the canvas means the rolls can be unlatched and removed if plated pieces, too. The upper part Note the toolboxes on the left will be a bit out of scale. In its of the split windshield is hinged, side beneath the front of the bed documentation CMC includes a and as on the real vehicle, can (the 1:1 recreation has only one; photo of the model with one side be pushed forward (gently!) The CMC correctly has two). The scale flap open and a race car secured wipers are also hinged so that clasps are functional so the boxes with the provided cable tie- they remain in contact with the can be unlatched and opened. The downs (complete with functional windshield when it is tilted. There are amber “trafficator” turn signal arms sandwiched into rectangular frames on each door—the driver’s side doubles as the mounting point for the side mirror. Those Detail on the 4.9L diesel engine is impressive. Copper wire simulates fuel lines, and the In one regard, CMC’s model is actually more authentic to the original race transporter than crank-driven Bosch injection pump is wonderful. Mercedes’ own recreation. The factory omitted the “DIESEL” badge on the grille because theirs is gasoline-powered, but CMC included it here. 58 DCXmag.com

you wish, although we could find All frame and suspension parts The cab is fairly utilitarian, but that didn’t stop CMC from working their magic. Pull the brake no historical photos that show are separate, of course, and most lever and the linkage actuates all the way back to the rear axle! the truck without them, so you are bolted together with miniature probably want to leave them in bolts and nuts. The massive The wheels and tires are beautifully accurate—but they aren’t removable. With eight place—they look great uncovered. differential case has its front and miniscule lug nuts per wheel, that would be impractical. You can, however, loosen the To release the ramps, unscrew one rear covers bolted in place. The bracket to drop the spare tire. side of the latch holding them in suspension is fully functional, with place, then remove them and snap the real metal multi-leaf springs Another place where CMC’s accuracy trumps the Mercedes recreation: CMC correctly has the pins into the corresponding flexing as a wheel is compressed. two storage boxes on the chassis—and both actually open. holes at the trailing edge of the And just look at the leaf-spring bed. The ramps themselves are mounts and shackles—even those metal with a roughened surface workmanlike pieces are works of so the chocks will hold a car in art! As mentioned, the mechanical place partway up if you want handbrake controls work through to display one that way. Any of multi-link rods and all the hydraulic CMC’s prewar Grand Prix cars hoses are in place, too, along with will fit. Don’t have one? CMC has their lines. Pull a pin out and one a few available, although they side of the spare tire support opted not to supply one for this drops, allowing the spare to be review, so supplies may be limited, removed. It should be noted that and demand for them may jump the wheels don’t appear to be with the release of this truck. Our dismountable on this model the advice: don’t wait. way they are with some other CMC replicas, but given that each ENGINE & CHASSIS of the Lo 2750’s six wheels is secured by eight lug nuts, that’s The engine is partially visible perhaps a sensible choice on the through the big open louvers in model maker’s part—what are the the sides of the engine cover, but odds you wouldn’t misplace at to really enjoy the intricate detail, least one of those 48 tiny nuts? lift and turn the hood hold-down latches at the bottom edge of the FINAL THOUGHTS side panels. The hood is a three- piece affair—true to the original— Yes, this one is expensive. But and can be lifted off to reveal consider what you are receiving CMC’s take on the power plant. for that sum. With nearly Mercedes equipped the Lo 2750 2,400 separate pieces—more than with a 4-cylinder diesel engine 80% of which are metal—CMC’s displacing 4.9 litres. It was a Lo 2750 Transporter has ten long-stroke design to maximize times the parts count of many torque, producing more than upscale 1:18 models. Very few 180 lb.-ft. and a peak power of model makers could even create a 65-75hp—an impressive sum museum-quality masterpiece like by mid-1930s standards, and this, and those that could would enough to haul any Silver Arrow likely charge a lot more! CMC’s in Mercedes’ quiver. CMC does model is amazingly accurate, a delightful job replicating the absolutely gorgeous, and the engine, starting with the pair of delivered value makes it a bargain 2-cylinder heads with their bulky even at this price. We’d have liked pre-combustion chambers. You to showcase it with an appropriate can clearly see the Bosch injection race car—perhaps the 1934-35 pump mounted to the right side W25—but CMC could not make of the block and driven off the one available at press time. If you crank at the front. Copper wire have one, this Lo 2750 Wagon no.1 simulates the fuel line that runs all is a must-have complement for the way from the side-saddle fuel it. If you don’t, we have it on good tank to the fuel filter and then the authority that CMC will soon also injection pump, and there’s even a be offering a limited edition set return line. There’s fine wire mesh with a Lo 2750 marked “no.2” and in the air intake element, and a nice a W25 “T” test car—both exclusive Y-shaped waterline that runs to editions to that combo bundle. each head that includes real metal Whichever version of the Lo hose clamps and rubber joints. 2750 you choose, you will be the You can’t see it when the engine proud owner of one of the most is installed in the truck, but CMC sophisticated pieces of diecast even modeled a scale flywheel and housing! ever produced in 1:18. ✇ And then there’s the chassis. SOURCE CMC cmcmodelcarsusa.com spring 2017 59

HOT WHEELS HIGHWAY BY MIKE ZARNOCK May the Force Wheel with You HOT WHEELS STAR WARS SERIES F ans of the legendary franchise will be excited for yet another collection of vehicles celebrating the many diverse worlds within the vast Star Wars universe. From the lava seas of Mustafar to the frozen surface of Hoth, Hot Wheels has depicted each of these eight planets’ landscapes on the card faces, along with intriguing tampo designs on the vehicles themselves. Starting off the series is the Rapid Clawdite. It has a light gray plastic maroon plastic base and black the series, and looking like a droid Transit in baby blue pearl paint, base and looks just right with blue MC5 wheels with red chrome rims, parts transport driven by Luke tampo’d with many darker blue chrome Trap5 wheels. it looks more reminiscent of Darth Skywalker on his home planet of colors, representing the aquatic Maul than anything else. Tatooine. Painted in a desert-light planet of Kamino where the Clone Second in the lineup, coming tan color with black, brown, and Army of the Galactic Republic from the small volcanic planet of e Vanster is number three in olive side tampos, the effect gives was created. e dark smoked Mustafar, is the Fast Fish. With its it more of a camouflage look. It has windows and charcoal interior flat black paint and burnt orange a dark blue transparent canopy to would make it harder to see if tampos it looks like it’s very lessen the desert sunrays, chrome indeed it held Obi-Wan Kenobi and capable and ready to race through base, and small gold MC5 wheels Anakin Skywalker in pursuit of the the underground caves left behind to get around when your Land by lava flows. With a very dark Speeder isn’t up to the task. Given the choice, I would have put the Rockster out in the desert, but it seems that the Alliance to Restore the Republic felt it was a much better vehicle to get back and forth from Echo Base across the frozen planet of Hoth. Number four is the Rockster, painted white pearl with blue, gray, and orange tampos. It has orange tinted windows to help keep the driver from snow blindness, and all large blue chrome OR5 wheels to get through the icy terrain. Far left: Dagobah Pony-Up Left: Bespin Silhouette 60 DCXmag.com

Clockwise from left: Kamino Rapid Transit ■ Mustafar Fast Fish ■ Tatooine Vanster ■ Hoth Rockster ■ Endor HW Pursuit ■ Jakku Torque Twister e Force is very strong with like the HW Pursuit? Looking like a this one... Number five is the family-style station wagon, it’s Pony-Up coming from the planet perfect for loading up a clan of Dagobah. You can just imagine Ewoks and heading out for a day in Yoda driving Luke Skywalker the forest or mountains to search through the swamps and forests in for a shield generator outpost left this copper metallic speedster as by the Galactic Empire. At number part of his Jedi training. e black, seven on the list, the dark green orange, gold, and mint green side enamel paint and brown plastic tampos look like this vehicle has fenders allow it to blend in with the been there and back! It has a green forest, although one might think transparent canopy and rides on that the light blue, white, and brown black MC5 wheels with orange side tampos might just give it away. chrome rims. e final car in the series is the e Silhouette II, at number six, Torque Twister, done in light tan would look right at home driving enamel with gold, burnt orange around Cloud City on the planet of and black tampos. It has a brown Bespin. It’s painted in burnt orange plastic base with light copper OH5 enamel with a dark smoked wheels. e dark smoked windows canopy and chrome fuel injection hide the interior, as well as anyone coming out of the hood. e light who may be driving in the Wheel blue, black, and white side tampos Races on the planet of Jakku. make Cloud City look like a nice place to visit! All eight of these Star Wars- themed vehicles are licensed from Where else but on the planet Disney and distributed exclusively of Endor would you have a vehicle at Walmart stores. ✇

quick LOOK Kyosho Audi The Gulf livery pays tribute R8 Gulf Racing Livery to one of the most iconic color 1:18 | $150 schemes in Le Mans history, and it By the DCX team works well with the R8’s inherent beauty. W hen Audi’s road-going R8 debuted in 2007, it was a at Lamborghini! When Audi parent Volkswagen revelation—and revolutionary for the Ingolstadt manufacturer bought controlling interest in the Italian supercar known for “quattro” interlocking rings and Quattro interactive manufacturer in 1998, Audi was put in charge of developing all-wheel drive. But it wasn’t the first groundbreaking performance the AWD drivetrains for all subsequent models—including the innovation the company had unleashed. That tradition began in 1980 2003 “Baby Lambo” Gallardo. Not coincidentally, it was deemed the when Audi developed the portentously named “Quattro”—the 4-wheel- best-handling Lamborghini ever to that point. Three years later, when drive coupe variant of the Audi 80 that promptly turned the rally world Audi wanted to commemorate its string of Le Mans successes with its upside-down and established the defining characteristic Audi would R8 prototype, it released its own version of the Gallardo platform. The embrace from that point forward. If the Quattro forged the effectiveness road-going R8 shared nothing with the racer but the name, yet it was of AWD for rally cars, the R8 did the same for the production sports car. engineered from day one to not only use the AWD system, but to leverage it for a specific handling performance benefit. Audi engineers tuned it Of course, the R8 was hardly the first AWD sports car. Porsche had perfectly; the R8 was universally lauded as one of the very best handling been making an AWD variant of its 911 since 1989—the Carrera 4—but cars available at any price! It was also one of the most visually striking, while it offered some benefits to traction and all-weather utility, it did making it a great subject for diecast. not enhance overall handling performance over the standard 911—quite Kyosho’s R8 casting is a familiar one, as it depicts the 2007-2012 the opposite, in fact. Lamborghini took much the same approach with 1st-generation R8. What makes it worthy of revisiting here is the classic its Diablo supercar. It was RWD when it appeared in 1990, but in 1993 Gulf Oil colors, first made famous at Le Mans by the likes of the GT40 Lamborghini added the Diablo VT (for Viscous Traction) version with part- and Porsche 917. One of the R8 racers adopted that retro scheme for a time AWD to tame the car’s diabolical tendency to power-oversteer. This season, spawning similar treatment on a series of road cars—which this was more of a safety feature than a performance enhancement, and the model emulates. The classic livery makes the handsome R8 even more Diablo continued to behave like a bull in a china shop in corners. so—and it’s nice to see it applied to an elemental driver’s car version. An honest 3-pedal manual transmission with a proper metal shift gate—no However, Lamborghini did play an important role in the development namby-pamby paddles here!—this is the V-8: lighter, and more nimble of the R8—principally because Audi played an even more important role than the heavy (and heavy-handed) V-10. The casting retains the virtues we’ve admired previously, too: a speed-sensitive active rear spoiler that can be raised via push of a button under the bumper. Interior detail features the avant-garde styling Audi has become famous for, and that detail is very good. The engine cover is supported by simulated pneumatic struts, which helps facilitate a view of an artistically decorated engine bay that looks much more attractive than that of your typical modern car. And the split 5-spoke wheels give an excellent view of the carbon- ceramic brake rotors. This will likely be the final time we see this casting. The 2nd-generation R8 launched in 2015 is sufficiently different, and thus will require new tooling. The appeal of the car and Kyosho’s arrangement with Audi makes it highly likely they will release a new R8 sooner rather than later. If in fact this is the swan song for the 1st-gen casting, using the Gulf colors is a great way to give the model a proper send-off! This car features the 4.2L V-8 engine, making it more of a driver’s This R8 is a proper 3-pedal manual transmission car. The stylish metal shift SOURCE car. It’s pretty, too. gate is one of several nice interior details. Kyoshoamerica.com; carvillemodelshop.com 62 DCXmag.com

MCG NYPD 1985 Chevrolet Above: A nicely crafted light bar tops off Caprice Cruiser this classic ’80s-era police vehicle. Left: Chrome hubcaps over heavy-duty 1:18 | $45 By the DCX team steel wheels were a staple of the 9C1 police service package. Diecast licensing is a strange business. For example, to get a 1:18 model of something as quintessentially American as an ’80s-era The MCG Caprice is a sealed body model so the 350 is left to the NYPD Chevrolet Caprice cruiser, the place to go is to German imagination, but the surface detail presents very well. The A-pillar- model manufacturer Model Car Group (MCG). Strange, yes—but we mounted spotlight is present, along with a nice hood ornament, antenna, collectors are a determined bunch. If a company makes the car we want, it and a very slick light bar. Fleet-style hubcaps look the part, although makes no difference if we have to shop internationally to procure it. In this the tire sidewalls look a little too tall and square-shouldered. The body’s case it’s even quite reasonably priced! rocker panels are similarly too square; they should taper in more. Given this model’s modest asking price, we can forgive those minor The car shown on these pages is billed as a 1985 Caprice Classic Sedan discrepancies. In today’s market $45 is quite a bargain for an unusual from MCG. Close inspection of the model reveals it to be a slightly newer subject like this, particularly when it comes with a diecast metal body. year—most likely an ’87 Caprice with the 9C1 police package. The clues MCG is also making a New York City taxicab version of the Caprice, along are in the grille: the Caprice underwent a facelift in 1986, wherein the with a civilian version. We think the cop car is the coolest—just remember previous single-piece chrome grille and headlight assembly was replaced to call it an ’85 when placing your order! with a slightly more streamlined front fascia that separated the grille and headlight surrounds into individual pieces, divided by thin borders SOURCE of body material—as can be seen on this model. What pegs it as an ’87 Modelcarworld.com (or perhaps newer?) are the headlights within that new fascia. Separate paired headlights were replaced with twin lights covered by the single glass shield you see here starting in 1987—and carried through to 1990, the final model year for this body style. Model year notwithstanding, the appeal of a NYPD prowler car is undeniable. As probably the most famous police force on the planet, the colors and insignia are universally recognizable. And as the last of the traditional square police cars, this Chevy—along with its contemporary Ford Crown Vic—epitomizes the end of an era. The Caprice has the added appeal of being the more formidable. The 9C1, with its optional 4-barrel equipped 350 V8 (the only way to get a 4-barrel 350 was through the 9C1 Special Equipment Option) made 195hp—15 more than the Ford, and lighter to boot. While not that impressive by today’s standards, at the time the 9C1 Caprice was the third-most powerful Chevy—trailing only the Corvette and the Camaro. SPRING 2017 63

QUICK LOOK Spoiler alert! e Light My Firebird and TNT Bird are the first two Spoilers to be re-released, but they will be followed by three more! THE RETURN OF HOT WHEELS SPOILERS SERIES 1:64 | $20EA By Mike Zarnock W hen we talk about toys with staying power, Hot Wheels cars KEY INFORMATION ON REDLINE are at the top of the list. We were first “spoiled” in 1970 by CLUB PURCHASES: Classic Hot Wheels designer Ira Gilford with his takes on the Ford underbird and the Pontiac Firebird, which he called the “TNT Bird” ■ Limited Edition: Only 5,000 produced! and “Light My Firebird” respectively. ese two birds of a feather (so to speak) are among the first cars to return to the HP chrome Spectraflame ■ $19.99 plus shipping and processing each process. And as you can see, they look absolutely amazing and pay a great tribute to the original “Spoilers” series. ■ Canadian Collectors pay standard shipping plus $5 e HWC Spoilers TNT Bird features a shiny Spectraflame purple finish ■ RLC members earn three (3) Rewards Points per with a full-metal, chrome-plated chassis and exposed engine. Lead Hot car when purchasing this item during the RLC Wheels Graphic Designer Steve Vandervate brought back the original Priority Window (advanced sale) sticker designs with up-to-date tampos featuring the unforgettable circle “1” on the door, a black roof, and a wide white stripe down the center of ■ Limit of TWO of each car per RLC membership the car. It sports a pale violet interior and light blue tinted windows, all during the 24-hour Priority Window rolling on speedy Neo-Classics Redline wheels. ■ After the Priority Window, anyone can buy a limit e HWC Spoilers Light My Firebird features a shiny bright orange of TWO of each car per order Spectraflame finish with a full-metal, chrome-plated chassis and engine, this time with the circle “2” on the sides, black interior, and a light blue e vintage-look backing cards have tinted windshield, also rolling on Neo-Classics Redline wheels. Both blurbs that outline some of the packages include a collector’s button and decal sheet—just like the history of the Spoilers series. originals! After the Light My Firebird and TNT Bird, the Hot Wheels Redline Club will release the King ‘Cuda, Heavy Chevy, and the Boss Hoss as the rewards vehicle. You don’t need to be a Redline Club Member to purchase these cars, but it does give you priority for the first 24 hours. After that, whatever quantities remain will then be available to non-RLC Members. SOURCE Hotwheelscollectors.com 64 DCXmag.com

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REAR VIEW These it is heavy!) e cockpit is a separate plastic piece!) Once Hot Wheels Volkswagens sparse—much like a stock VW the body is flipped open, the rest followed up the Are a Big Drag Bus, come to think of it—yet the of the details are the mostly initial release of the gauge cluster has detailed dials the same, except that they Drag Bus (on the right) BY RON RUELLE and the seatbelts are separate thoughtfully changed colors on with a VW-based pieces. e steering has minimal almost every component, and I n 1996, Hot Wheels capabilities, but since this is a the blower on the top of the Drag Truck. introduced a casting dragster, going in a straight line is engine is a different style from that would become far more important anyway. e the Bus. Since these are easy to wheelie bar that does not quite one its most iconic and engine has a lot of good detail and, disassemble, components can be live up to the rest of the model. sought-after models depending on the variant, multi- easily traded from one to another since the early Redline cars. e colored parts. A complicated or repainted if you prefer. e bar arrives in the package customized Volkswagen Drag wiring harness is a really nice unattached, most likely to keep Bus, a VW Bus funny car, was an touch. e rear slicks are massive Both of the large-scale box size down, but when snapped instant hit, with its heavy metal and feel like solid rubber, so they versions come with a snap-on on, it just looks like a cheap construction and reverse flip-up roll with authority. afterthought. Since the small body. Since it’s more expensive model never featured this part, to produce than most models, A few years after the initial many collectors probably haven’t many subsequent releases have 1:64 release, Hot Wheels came bothered attaching it. been in premium range, enhancing out with another utilitarian VW collector values. e relatively flat dragster, this time based on the e large Drag Bus came in sides and easy disassembly have Transporter pickup. In this case, several different paint schemes also made it a favorite for limited the body does not flip open, but over its brief production time, editions and custom models. a clear bed cover does, revealing but the Pickup only came in one two engines. e 1:18 Drag Truck, In 2000, when Hot Wheels as it’s known, is the same basic was dabbling in 1:18 scale, they vehicle as the big Bus, but the figured it would be wise to offer a top half of the body has been larger version of the Drag Bus. As swapped out for a pickup-style expected, the body flips open, still cab and bed (and now you know hinged at the front. Everything why the top of the Drag Bus is found on the original 1:64 Drag Bus is where you expect it to be, but gloriously huge and with surprising detail. e jumbo model is full of some great bits, but a couple of head-scratching decisions as well. e frame is a nicely thought- out metal structure that adds a lot of heft to the model (and e best part about the big-scale Drag Bus is the lift-off e big slicks on both VWs are hefty and body. A funny car chassis and a blown big-block give roll with authority. e clip-on wheelie collectors lots to look at. bars are more of an afterthought. 66 DCXmag.com version that we can find. As nice as they are sitting on display, there is definitely something satisfying about opening and closing the body, and zooming it around. ✇ Ron Ruelle is Social Media Guy for hobbyDB.com, a website for documenting, buying, and selling collectibles. His parents drove a much slower version of the classic VW Bus when he was a kid.