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hot wheels highway by mike zarnock Spot the Difference International cards vs. U.S release cards From time to time I get questions about Variations that Though I would like to include international cars collectors have found but cannot locate in my books. I’m in my publications, I live in the U.S. and don’t have always interested in discovering and listing things that I may access to all of the world-wide releases. Most col- have missed, so I tell them to send me a photo. Usually, I lectors wonder about the difference, because they find that the car they have is either a custom that has been don’t know that there are varying details between re-packaged, or a car that’s on an International card - and the U.S. and international models, and don’t know that’s why it’s not listed in my books. how to tell them apart. In the past it was quite easy to pick these out - they would have a different language written on the front and/or back of their cards, and they didn’t have Collector Numbers. But, with the start of the new millennium, the cards have gotten closer in decoration, and more confusing to the untrained eye. 2007 was the year that the U.S. Hot Wheels “First Editions” Series changed its name to “New Mod- els” Series. Back in 1995, Mattel had used the name “1995 Model Series” for their “New” models, but it wasn’t the same. Don’t forget the one and only car in the “1996 Model Series,” the Monte Carlo Stocker, Collector Number 440 (which, by the way, has two Variations). Either way, I have no idea why it was the only one in the series or why they even kept it that way. The International Line had also used the “First Editions” label since 2003 and continued to use it until it was changed to “HW Premiere” in 2009. The international short cards and long cards were num- bered 1 to 156, unlike the U.S. Collector Numbers cards that were numbered up to 180. The reason that the numbers are different is that the Interna- tional series didn’t include the Mystery Cars. These were a U.S. release only, and were numbered 157 to 180. I’m sure by now you’re wondering what I’m get- ting at, by explaining all of the different changes here. Well, it’s because of all of those changes that collectors get confused with what they’d collected and thought were U.S. Collector Number Variations for 2007. 50 DCXmag.com

Some of the other names that FLASHBACK 2007 differ on U.S. and international release cards from 2007 are T he 2007 Main-Line Hot Wheels releases had so many variations and name changes that it easy to spot: made most every collector confused. ere were color changes, base changes that went from chrome to black to silver, wheel colors and style differences, interior color changes, and United States International changing paint types in the tampos, which went from enamel to metallic. ere were card and base name changes, too, as we just outlined in “Spot the Difference.” “New Models” “First Editions” e first car on the list is the Dodge Chal- “Treasure Hunt” “T-Hunt” lenger Concept 2007 New Models 1/36. “2007 All Stars” “Hot Wheels Stars” is car had eight variations that included four color changes, along with shade “Hot Wheels Design” “Hot Wheels Originals” swings and wheel changes. Right after that is the Chevy Camaro Concept 2007 New More often than most, the international Models 2/36, with nine different variations releases will have different variations of including an international carded variation, the same U.S. released car. These varia- making for a total of 10. ere were four tions are readily available on the Interna- color changes, three base color changes, a tional cards, but very hard, if not impossi- front grille which kept changing from flat to ble, to find on the U.S. card. All of the name semi-gloss, and one interior change that changes and confusion led to collectors happened with the pearl orange metallic thinking that the international variations Kmart Event car. e international variation were U.S. releases, and these were added is the red enamel car with black plastic to their collections in the belief that they Malaysia base and 5-spoke wheels. were all the same. Unfortunately, they’re not. As stated earlier, the differences are e first release of the New Models 9/36 in the cards. The short cards (no matter was candy blue metallic and labeled ’67 what they’re labeled) are international Chevy Nova. at was quickly changed to cards; long cards, with the old “First Edi- ’66 Chevy Nova, along with a color switch, tions” name no longer used for the U.S. to Champagne Metallic. e only color that line, are international cards. Even if you was labeled ’67 Chevy Nova was the blue can’t remember all of these differences, one. All the others were labeled ’66 Chevy here is the easiest way to tell the differ- Nova and there were four variations of ence between U.S. and International cards: those. All told, there were only five varia- on the back of the long International card, tions of this car. the numbers underneath the bar code in the lower right hand corner always end in One of the oddest things that happened “13.” in 2007 was with the 1966 Batmobile New Models 15/36. e first release came with Grocery stores and some chain stores in smooth front and rear lights, smooth grilles, the United States seem to get only interna- and all small 5-spoke wheels. Very shortly tional release cards and this is where a lot after, the lights and grilles became textured. of the international variations are found. If that wasn’t enough to strain the eyes (and Even Walmart and Toys ‘R Us have gotten minds) of every collector, there happened them in the past. Since these stores are in to be a major wheel mess-up at the factory. the United States, collectors don’t think Maybe the wheel guy lost his glasses, or twice about the possibility that they’re it was a bleary-eyed Monday; Batmobiles buying an international package - they just emerged with 5-spoke rear wheels and see a car that they already have, but with 5-dot front wheels, or vice versa, with the a variation … so they buy it to add to their rarest being a model equipped with 5-dot collection, thinking it’s a U.S. Collector wheels all around. ose are very hard to Number variation. find and have sold for as high as $140. After all of the wheel commotion died down, the I also wanted to straighten this out Batmobile started being found with smooth because the Flashback for this issue is the grilles again, but only in front. All the others year 2007, and I know that people were were textured. is car had a lot of collec- going to ask me about some cars that I tors running crazy for a couple years, look- left out, like the #10 black Buick Grand ing for all of the variations. National with 5 spoke wheels, #22 silver Lincoln Continental with white 5-spoke As I said, name changes were a big part wheels and the #143 yellow Ford Thun- of 2007, too — and not all were as easy to derbolt with black base and red chrome figure as the Chevy Nova with its simple 5-spoke wheels. These are all internation- card change. New Models 21/36 started al carded cars, and are not part of the U.S. out with the name “Ferracin”; the card was variations. labeled as such, and the metal Malaysia base was also imprinted with that name, Hope you enjoyed the “toy-torial”— below a car painted in red enamel. e next see you next time! release was still red enamel, and was found continued on page 53 FALL 2013 51

2007 Hot Wheels Mainline ❑ 001 2007 Dodge Challenge Concept New Models ❑ 065 Preying Menace Street Beasts II ❑ 129 Enzo Ferrari Treasure Hunts ❑ 002 2009 Chevrolet Camaro Concept New Models ❑ 066 Sharkruiser Street Beasts II ❑ 130 Custom ’69 Chevy Treasure Hunts ❑ 003 Nitro Doorslamme New Models ❑ 067 Arachnorod Street Beasts II ❑ 131 Cadillac V-16 Concept Treasure Hunts ❑ 004 ’69 Ford Mustang New Models ❑ 068Rodzilla Street Beasts II ❑ 132 Evil Twin Treasure Hunts ❑ 005 Dodge Ram 1500 New Models ❑ 069 Nerve Hammer X-Raycers ❑ 133 Slideout All Star ❑ 006 .Shelby Cobra DaytonaCoupe NewModels ❑ 070 Stockar X-Raycers ❑ 134 Ford GT-40 All Star ❑ 007 Dodge Charger SRT-8 New Models ❑ 071 Phastasm X-Raycers ❑ 135 Go Kart All Star ❑ 008 Rogue Hog New Models ❑ 072 Vandetta X-Raycers ❑ 136 Deuce Roadster All Star ❑ 009 ’66 Chevy Nova New Models ❑ 073 Mad Propz Aerial Attack ❑ 137 1967 Pontiac GTO All Star ❑ 010 Buick Grand National New Models ❑ 074 Killer Copter Aerial Attack ❑ 138 Blast Lane All Star ❑ 011 Wastelander New Models ❑ 075 Poison Arrow Aerial Attack ❑ 139 Ferrari 333 SP All Star ❑ 012 Straight Pipes New Models ❑ 076 Blimp Aerial Attack ❑ 140 1964 Buick Riviera All Star ❑ 013 Sky Knife New Models ❑ 077 ‘41 Willys Coupe Hot Wheel Racing ❑ 141 Shift Kicker All Star ❑ 014 Ferrari 599 GTB New Models ❑ 078 24/Seven Hot Wheel Racing ❑ 142 Invader All Star ❑ 015 1966 TV Series Batmobile New Models ❑ 079 Formul8r Hot Wheel Racing ❑ 143 Ford underbolt All Star ❑ 016 ’70 Pontiac Firebird New Models ❑ 080 Datsun 240z Hot Wheel Racing ❑ 144 Pontiac Firebird All Star ❑ 017 Ford GTX-1 New Models ❑ 081 Tantrum Rag Tops and Roadsters ❑ 145 Mo’ Scoot All Star ❑ 018 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL New Models ❑ 082 ‘33 Ford Rag Tops and Roadsters ❑ 146 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup All Star ❑ 019 CCM Country Club Muscle New Models ❑ 083 ‘70 Chevelle SS Rag Tops and Roadsters ❑ 147 Whatta Drag All Star ❑ 020 Chevy Silverado New Models ❑ 084 Mitsubishi Eclipse Rag Tops and Roadsters ❑ 148 Ferrari F50 All Star ❑ 021 Ferracin’ New Models ❑ 0851969DodgeChargerDaytona CodeCars ❑ 149 Shredded All Star ❑ 022 ’64 Lincoln Continental New Models ❑ 086 Cadillac Cien Code Cars ❑ 150 ’63 Corvette All Star ❑ 023 Ferrari 250 GT LM New Models ❑ 087 Muscle Tone Code Cars ❑ 151 ’59 Cadillac All Star ❑ 024 Supdogg New Models ❑ 088 Audacious Code Cars ❑ 152 Nissan Z All Star ❑ 025 Solar Reflex New Models ❑ 089 Overbored 454 Code Cars ❑ 153 Purple Passion All Star ❑ 026 Buzz Bomb New Models ❑ 090 Rocket Box Code Cars ❑ 154 Dodge Charger All Star ❑ 027 Volkswagen Golf GTI New Models ❑ 091 Monoposto Code Cars ❑ 155 Dodge Tomahawk All Star ❑ 028 Drift King New Models ❑ 092 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Code Cars ❑ 156 Dodge Sidewinder All Star ❑ 029 Jet reat 4.0 New Models ❑ 093 I Candy Code Cars ❑ 157 What 4-2 Mystery Cars ❑ 030 Cloak and Dagger New Models ❑ 094 Lotus Esprit Code Cars ❑ 158 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Mystery Cars ❑ 031 Ultra Rage New Models ❑ 095 Toyota RSC Code Cars ❑ 159 Corvette C6 Mystery Cars ❑ 032 Porsche Cayman S New Models ❑ 096 Xtreemster Code Cars ❑ 160 Symbolic Mystery Cars ❑ 033 Fast Fortress New Models ❑ 097 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Code Cars ❑ 161 Power Rage Mystery Cars ❑ 034 Custom ‘53 Chevy New Models ❑ 098 Dodge Power Wagon Code Cars ❑ 162 DC Batmobile Mystery Cars ❑ 035 Shell Shock New Models ❑ 099 Whip Creamer II Code Cars ❑ 163 Side Draft Mystery Cars ❑ 036 Split Vision New Models ❑ 100 Honda Civic Si Code Cars ❑ 164 Sand Stinger Mystery Cars ❑ 037 Mini Cooper Pop Offs ❑ 101 AMG Mercedes CLK DTM Code Cars ❑ 165 1965 Bonneville Mystery Cars ❑ 038Hyperline Pop Offs ❑ 102 Suzuki GSX-R/4 Code Cars ❑ 166 Maserati MC12 Mystery Cars ❑ 039 Volkswagen New Beetle Cup Pop Offs ❑ 103 Dieselboy Code Cars ❑ 167 VW Bug Convertible Mystery Cars ❑ 040 Ground FXPop Offs ❑ 104 ’68 Cougar Code Cars ❑ 168 Dodge M80 Mystery Cars ❑ 041 ’69 Camaro Team: Camaro ❑ 105 Motoblade Code Cars ❑ 169 F-Racer Mystery Cars ❑ 042 ’67 Camaro Team: Camaro ❑ 106 Custom Cougar Code Cars ❑ 170 Bugatti Veyon Mystery Cars ❑ 043CamaroZ28(BlownCamaro) Team:Camaro ❑ 107 So Fine Code Cars ❑ 171 Battle Spec Mystery Cars ❑ 044Camaro Z28 Team: Camaro ❑ 108 Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept Car Code Cars ❑ 172 Corvette Stingray Mystery Cars ❑ 045 Pony Up Hot Wheel Design ❑ 109 Pharodox Track Stars ❑ 173 Steel Flame Mystery Cars ❑ 046Hyper Mite Hot Wheel Design ❑ 110 Subaru Impreza Track Stars ❑ 174 Riley and Scott MkIII Mystery Cars ❑ 047 Asphalt Assault Hot Wheel Design ❑ 111 Split Decision Track Stars ❑ 175 Track T Mystery Cars ❑ 048 CUL8R Hot Wheel Design ❑ 112 Backdraft Track Stars ❑ 176 Rapid Transit Mystery Cars ❑ 049 Cockney Cab II Taxi Rods ❑ 113 Flathead Fury Track Stars ❑ 177 Road Rocket Mystery Cars ❑ 050 ’55 Chevy Taxi Rods ❑ 114 Rivited Track Stars ❑ 178 Fish’d and Chip’d Mystery Cars ❑ 051 ’70 Roadrunner Taxi Rods ❑ 115 Iridium Track Stars ❑ 179 Chaparral 2D Mystery Cars ❑ 052 1964 Chevy Impala Taxi Rods ❑ 116 Baseline Track Stars ❑ 180 Super Comp Dragster Mystery Cars ❑ 053 Chrysler 300c HEMI Gold Rides ❑ 117 Anthracite Track Stars ❑ 054 Cadillac Escalade Gold Rides ❑ 118 Spectyte Track Stars ❑ 055 HUMVEE Gold Rides ❑ 119 Piledriver Track Stars 120 ❑ 056 Unobtainium I Gold Rides ❑ Hollowback Track Stars ❑ 057 Ferrari 512m Engine Revealers ❑ 121 ’69 Pontiac GTO Treasure Hunts ❑ 058 ’69 Dodge Charger Engine Revealers ❑ 122 Nissan Skyline Treasure Hunts Michael Zarnock has been collect- ing Hot Wheels since 1968; he ❑ 059 ’58 Corvette Engine Revealers ❑ 123 ’69 Camaro Z28 Treasure Hunts is considered by many to be the ultimate variation historian. If you ❑ 060 Tire Fryer Engine Revealers ❑ 124 Corvette C6R Treasure Hunts would like a complete checklist of all 2005 mainline variations, be ❑ 061 Hummer H2 Team: HUMMER ❑ 125 Mega rust Treasure Hunts sure to pick up a copy of Michael’s ❑ 062 Hummer H3T Team: HUMMER ❑ 126 Hammer Sled Treasure Hunts book Hot Wheels Variations the Ultimate Guide, now in its fourth ❑ 063 Hummer Team: HUMMER ❑ 127 Brutalistic Treasure Hunts edition. Copies are available from his website, MikeZarnock.com. ❑ 064 Hummer H2 (Bling) Team: HUMMER ❑ 128 Jaded Treasure Hunts 52 DCXmag.com

continued from page 51 ZARNOCK’S TOP 10 VARIATION PICKS OF 2007 10 73 Mad Propz Aerial Attack 1/4 612e Straight Pipes 2007 New Models 12/36 a. Candy tangerine metallic, semi-gloss black e. Black enamel, black interior, 5sp Malaysia base, blue enamel stripe on top, blue enamel stripe on wings 511a Wastelander 2007 New Models 11/36 b. same as (a) metallic blue replaces blue in stripe and tampos a. Black enamel, blue tint metal frame & handlebars, black spoke wheels, front wheel larger than rear wheel 9 9a '67 Chevy Nova 2007 New Models 9/36 11b Wastelander 2007 New Models 11/36 a. Candy blue metallic b. Same as (a) gold spoke wheels 9a `66 Chevy Nova 2007 New Models 9/36 (name change) b. Champagne metallic 415a 1966 Batmobile 2007 New Models 15/36 All smooth grilles and lights, 5sp 821a Ferracin 2007 New Models 21/36 a. Red enamel, metal Malaysia “Ferracin” base 315c 1966 Batmobile 2007 New Models 15/36 21e Nitro Scorcher 2007 New Models 21/36 5sp rear/5dot front e. Red enamel, metal Malaysia ““Nitro Scorcher”” base 215d 1966 Batmobile 2007 New Models 15/36 7122a Nissan Skyline 2007 Treasure Hunts 2/12 5dot rear/5sp front a. Candy tangerine metallic, silver-blue metallic plastic Malaysia base, black & white sponsor decals on side 115e 1966 Batmobile 2007 New Models 15/36 b. Same as (a) orange now added to side tampos all small wheel 5dot on the Ferracin card, but had a metal Malaysia over from the first release and wanted the Nitro “Nitro Scorcher” base. After that, the color Scorcher base cars to have the correct card. was changed to candy blue metallic, and also Who knows? After the red cars came and went, had a metal Malaysia “Nitro Scorcher” base. the next release was a silver metallic car with Well, you had to know it was coming - and it the metal “Nitro Scorcher” base. did. e next release had a new card, with the name changed to “Nitro Scorcher New Models 2007 was a year of so many changes and 21/36”. is car was the same candy blue confusion that it took us all quite a while to metallic with metal Malaysia Nitro Scorcher figure things out. ere were many other base that was on the Ferracin card. After that, changes, too, but we don’t have the space to Hot Wheels went back to the red enamel color write about those here. Check out my Top 10 car with the metal Malaysia “Nitro Scorcher” Variation Picks, and look for the rest in Hot base from before. I’ve never seen a Variation go Wheels Variations, e Ultimate Guide, 4th backwards before. Maybe they had a bunch left Edition. 1/2H.indd 1 6/6/13 9:33 AM

QUICK LOOK PAUDI NISSAN TEANA/ALTIMA 1:18 | $119.95 by Joe Kelly, Jr. Above: e cabin is surprisingly A lmost anyone can nese hánzi characters on the front license plate and deck plush, with wood grain, a hefty make a buck tooling lid, this advance sample is a dead-on match to the images center stack, and a nice carpet up rare or exotic we created while cyber-building our own example on on the floor. Who says mid-size machinery in scale, but if rel- Nissan’s “Build Your Own Altima” web page. With leather economy has to be déclassé? ative newcomer Paudi Mod- seats and wood grain trim, it’s actually a fairly plush ride; Far Above: Paudi uses a “plate” els is proving one thing, it’s if our math is correct, this penultimate member of the casting to replicate the tight that there’s also room in the Altima lineup would tag north of thirty grand in the U.S., as engine bay of the Teana. barn for high-detail, highly equipped with the optional moon roof and “Technology featured models of late- Package.” model import street cars. We liked their 1:18 Infiniti G37 For a whole lot less, this early deco sample of the L33 Coupe (in “Showroom” of displays as almost ready for prime time,and looks just like the summer 2013 issue), the real Teana/Altima from every angle. e assembly is and their heavy-as-a-brick great, and though the shut lines on the opening doors, FX50 crossover pushes hood, and trunk are a bit uneven here and there, the overall the gizmo-per-square- impression is very good. It’s also very heavy: rolling well inch envelope almost to on a spring-suspended full metal chassis, the mid-sizer the bursting point. So far, makes for a model capable of an alarming thud (not to each image this maker has mention damaged tarsals) if dropped. brought forth has been uniformly well done, highly Topside, the pearl white paint is sweet, smooth, and enjoyable, and detailed like ... full of fire, and it reaches into every visible area; the details well, this Nissan Teana. under the hood, done on a deep-relief plate matrix with a few added upper bits, replicates the four-banger well. Ever seen a Teana? Sure you have, in cicada-like e cabin’s tidy plastic pieces all get a shot of buff beige, numbers. Around here, the accented with wood grain on the dash, doors, and console; car is called the Altima — a though the number of interior operating features (limited name also used in Australia, to sliding seats) is down a couple of clicks on this one, the New Zealand, and Canada visual, above a neatly flocked floor, is great. for this same fifth-gener- ation “L33” platform. Pow- We had a spot of trouble getting the protective plastic ered by a 182-horsepower, off the lettering on the trunk before photography - one 2.5-liter 4 or an available of a couple tweaks that we hope gets addressed during 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter production. But with its steel brake discs, dazzling lensing, V6, these ubiquitous sedans and even a pair of fold-down side-view mirrors, we think can be optioned out for ev- this latest Paudi is well worth looking into, no matter what erything from thrifty family it’s called. Make room in the barn. duty to near-Infiniti levels of lux and thrust. Paudi has twisted up an Asian market version of SOURCES the Teana that compares to the nicely equipped North American 2.5 SL, and save for different wheels, a couple of Taylor Sports Collector taylorsports.com chrome trim bits on the doors and rear bumper, and Chi- 54 DCXmag.com

MSLinRiMchcaLamrpesnM“eSrtcireldinesg-MBeonssz” 1:18 | $135 by Joe Kelly, Jr. W ith tiny cargo space, price tags that read like bespoke 10-spoke wheels Above: Great paint and slick, binary math, and gas mileage that guarantees are precise and attractive, ten-spoke wheels are part of favored customer perks in any oil-producing and behind the long hood the super-exclusive Moss SLR, nation, the average supercar is far from practical. Who are two clear “interference and they look great on the cares? They’re amazing. panels” that act as air foils model. For around $455,000, the Mercedes-Benz McLaren for the driver and one very Far Above: The low-profile 5.4 SLR introduced in 2003 had a 640 horsepower V8 on tap frightened passenger. The liter V8 is snuggled in here in a and a 208 mile per hour terminal velocity, but also sported cabin is done in well-dec- deep-relief plate casting, under a reasonably comfy cabin and a more than marginal trunk. orated plastic pieces that a lift-up nose section. In 2009, Mercedes took all of that and chucked it right out replicate the car’s snug the door as they hired designer Yoon Il Hun to restyle the black and orange seats, car for a final run of 75 exclusive pieces. The result was carbon-fiber center stack, one of the most startling machines ever delivered by the and door panels. The doors company for actual sale to the public: the Mercedes-Benz are cast shut, but the hood SLR McLaren Stirling Moss. Let’s qualify “public”: in order lifts up to reveal a nicely to obtain one of the 75 machines made, you had to already deco’d, broad-shouldered own an SLR — and have a cool $1.1 million on hand. 5.4 liter V8; below the You also had to own a decent helmet and goggles; model, the plastic belly pan though this 217mph homage to Sir Stirling came with the is almost completely flat, SLR’s same twin-huffed V8 and carbon-rich architec- as it is in life. ture, the design didn’t include a roof, or, for that matter, Back up top, the model a windshield. That made for a classic profile, which lucky offers up a neat display option: a pair of hard covers for for us, has provided the basis for an interesting model car the cockpit. We tried to shoehorn these into the car’s from Minichamps, who have not only replicated the wildly carpeted trunk for storage, but no dice. Supercars are exotic Mercedes, but delivered it here in the even more ex- certainly amazing. Just don’t call them practical. clusive “McLaren Orange” worn by the last 25 Moss SLRs made. SOURCES This thing is a hoot, plain and simple, and if the sheer audacity of the car doesn’t get you giggling, please, see a Carville Models carvillemodels.com doctor immediately. The perfect casting carries the car’s edgy look, and the shape is part predatory fish, part attack drone, starting with a down-sloped nose and headlights angled as if locked on prey. The heavy model’s side slung exhaust, faux LED lighting, and crisp replicas of the Moss’ fall 2013 55

QUICK LOOK ESVAL 1941 PACKARD ONE EIGHTY LIMOUSINE 1:43 | $95 by Wayne Moyer Above: Every bit of trim and I ntroducing something stateside companies are always noteworthy, but this one’s decoration is here, and done to new isn’t ever easy. gone ahead and joined the fray with a model so good that scale on a perfectly realized and Before World War II, the it deserves all the headlines it can get. In fact, Esval Models’ painted body casting. Packard Motor Company new 1:43 scale resin-cast 1941 One Eighty Seven-Passen- Far Above: Go ahead - squint. had ended production of its ger Limousine is as fine as anything we’ve ever seen at “Twin-Six” V12 in 1939, re- twice the price. Photos and scale drawings show that every e cabin is complete, easy to placing it in 1940 with a new line and detail of the body (not to be confused with the see, and sweetly decorated “Super-8” straight-8 engine LeBaron version) is exactly right; the resin casting and black throughout. making 160 horsepower, us- finish are literally flawless, and the details are complete with ing Packard’s first hydraulic exquisite scale fidelity. e accurate ’41 grille has exception- lifters to keep it quieter. ally thin photo-etched bars, and the headlights have clear Dealers had doubts that lenses, while the running lights above them have frosted the drop in cylinders would lenses with a thin chrome strip (really ... how did they do satisfy former V12 buyers that?). Even the tiny clear tail of the mascot is done to scale. hungry for power, so Packard Side and hood moldings, window surrounds, perfectly had to stage a race at their scaled legible “One Eighty” scripts, and the segmented proving grounds — where hood hinge are photo-etched, while everything else is done the Super-8 cars handily with bright plated parts. Interior details are as fine as the beat the older Twin-Sixes. exterior, with very realistic wood-grain trim on the dash and upper door panels, the speedometer, radio panel, and In 1941, Packards got new glove box. It’s all here, from the correct upholstery patterns front ends with their head- to the separately cast and plated inner door handles and lights blended into the front detailed ashtrays. fenders, but the classic tall grille announced to the world Every dimension is virtually perfect, and below it all that the car was still a Pack- is nice frame, suspension, and drivetrain detail on the ard. Buyers could continue baseplate, which rides on accurate wheel covers with fully specifying one of several detailed red “Hexad” centers and wide whitewall tires. When coach-built bodies, and along with the limited-production something is this good, introductions get a lot easier. We Packard-Darrins, the top of the 1941 line was the Model can’t wait to see what Esval brings out next. is one, and 1450 “Custom Super Eight One-Eighty” 7-Passenger Tour- the 1942 variant, which is also currently available, comes ing Limousine (talk about a mouthful), a most impressive very highly recommended. automobile built on Packard’s limited-production 148-inch wheelbase chassis. SOURCES at’s the very car that’s been chosen as a first release — ever — from a new company based here in the U.S. New Esval Models esvalmodels.com 56 DCXmag.com

B ack in the days of factory-backed drag racing, AUTO WORLD “AL JONIEC” 1968 Detroit muscle joined local hustle to bring out the MUSTANG COBRA JET best machinery and the most talented drivers. Drag racing was fast, it was exciting, and any idea that 1:18 | $79.99 by Joe Kelly, Jr. might result in a lower elapsed time (and more sales in the showrooms) could be tested in a literal matter of seconds. assembly is tight and true, Above: e old Ertl castings get everywhere. e interior a good shake, and while it isn’t Ford knew this, and like many manufacturers of the is carpeted, and is indeed wired, the drag motor is still era, they were aggressive in putting loads of cash and missing a radio, and the passable, given its age. engineering know-how into being a dominant force at deep dash wears a cabled- Far Above: e interior is missing the strip. In late 1967, they homologated the new 428 in tach. Under the hood, a proper roll cage, but it’s got all Cobra Jet engine for racing by building fifty cars for Ertl’s 428 gets some the right Mustang bits in all the sale to the public; VIN numbers 8F02R135007 through decent paint, good chrome, right places. 8F02R135056 were all non-GT Mustang Fastbacks and tidy assembly - not a finished in Wimbledon White. Under the hood, each 428 show-stopper, but more wore 390GT exhaust manifolds and a Police Interceptor than adequately detailed. aluminum intake, and the cars were all equipped with rear drum brakes, and left the factory minus a radio or power e same holds true for the steering. car’s chassis. Nicely cast, and adorned with headers First Hubert Platt took a CJ to the AHRA Winter Nation- and a fully painted drivetrain, als in late January ‘68 — and red-lighted in the first round it does the job without breaking the bank. of C/SA. It was a tease; the stage was now set for six Ford Drag Team cars to appear, and appear they did, a few Overall, it’s a great-looking model, and save for a miss- days later at the Winternationals in Pomona, California. ing roll cage, it looks exactly like Joniec’s recently restored racer. Heavy-footed Ford fans, rejoice. ey came loaded for bear. According to the Mustang 428 Cobra Jet Registry (428cobrajet.org), these cars had been SOURCES culled from the homologation batch, got sold to the team drivers, and were then sent to Holman-Moody-Stroppe Auto World autoworldstore.com in Long Beach, CA, to have a few rulebook-legal — but major — modifications performed. ose mods worked. By the time the tire smoke had cleared, Joniec had taken Super Stock, beating teammate Hubert Platt after Platt red-lighted his Mustang in the final, then walking Dave Wren’s Plymouth when he did the same in Super Stock Eliminator. It was a great day for the new Cobra Jet. anks to Auto World, it’s a good time to grab a piece of that history in scale. is very nice tweaking of the old Ertl 1967/8 Mustang mold recreates Al Joniec’s victorious ‘Stang in a slightly bright white. All the correct markings are here, and the car is set up on the right combination of Cragar fronts and chromed reverse steelies in the back. Once again, the build on an Auto World release surpasses anything we’ve ever seen on an old Ertl. e paint is perfect, the tamped-on markings razor sharp, and the FALL 2013 57

quick LOOK Hot Wheels Elite The Dark The Bat Pod’s radiator and foot controls look great, and replicate the Knight Rises “Bat Pod” rests and pedals that made the movie bike a road-worthy machine. Those rims and tires are outrageous, too. 1:18 | $159 by Joe Kelly, Jr. model collectors alike. This Bat Pod is destined to join the D irector Christopher Nolan had a real dilemma on larger model, on all counts. The giant wheels and scaled his hands during the making of The Dark Knight. 20-inch tires are the exact ones used on the Tumbler, During a particularly intense chase scene, Nolan, and the armament up front, including 40mm cannons, .50 his production designer Nathan Crowley, special effects caliber machine guns, and grappling hook launchers, looks supervisor Chris Corbould, and stunt coordinator Paul Jen- well-used and realistic. The Pod doesn’t need any kick- nings would need to bring an amazing vehicle to life from stand — those giant meats keep it upright — and the detail the ruins of Batman’s “Tumbler.” If all went to plan, this on the front fork and the elbow-rest handlebars, replete vehicle would emerge from the dying fortress on wheels, with cabled-in trigger grips, is done in spot-on plastic and and drive into cinema history as one of the trickest escape vinyl. Farther back, it’s possible to see the fuel tank and gadgets ever filmed. engine hidden below the central shroud; a single exhaust Though the scene did rely on CGI for its more dan- pipe winds its way down to the bottom of the Pod, and gerous and improbable stunts, the “Bat Pod” that we it’s metallized and heat-darkened. All of the cables and ultimately saw on screen was an actual, drivable two- hydraulic hoses are here, run along the wicked-looking wheeled vehicle — but far more than a motorcycle. Nolan machine’s boxed main frame, and at the rear, the massive wanted the emerging Pod to look like an “anti-aircraft gun suspension also holds the foot pads, accelerator, and on wheels,” and after mocking up a series of ever-larger brake. Only one thing works — the extendable wheelbase, models in his garage, he gave the task of constructing activated by pushing gently down or lifting up — but the a running machine to Corbould and his cohorts. It took easy-to-accept trade-off for not having more gizmos is some trial and error, but the crew did the trick. In addition true scale fidelity. to its hidden driveline (and the cinematic armaments the This is a great effort - and yet another movie-based Pod wore on its nose), the 1,300-pound machine featured replica from this maker that’s been built with a solid end result, and not the bottom line, in mind. For fans of The steering activated by the Dark Knight, and great models alike, it’s a no-brainer. driver’s shoulders. When the cameras rolled, stunt SOURCES man Jean-Pierre Goy pulled on a cape and piloted the Hot Wheels Elite hotwheels-elite.com beastly bike through all of the live-action driving that Nolan needed to “sell” the sequence to the movie audience. Hot Wheels Elite has got- ten major mileage from the Batman license, and their models of the modern- generation Tumbler got rave reviews from fan sites and Unlike traditional handlebars, the Bat Pod’s steering is manipulated by the driver’s shoulders - as these elbow rests and hand grips show. 58 DCXmag.com

AUTOart Lancia Delta S4 Above left to right: Yes, there’s a motor in there, and AUTOart’s 1:18 | $259.99 by DCX Staff put every bit of plumbing, wiring, and ducting that the hairy little A UTOart’s 1:18 Lancia Delta S4 is a gonzo model packaging also contains instructions — and we suggest twin-charged four required. car. Wildly detailed, deeply featured, and built to a you read them fully. The front hatch opens, as do the The little Lancia is a full-access high grade of precision, it’s a perfect study of one doors and giant rear section (which is screwed to the body piece, and every detail is done of the craziest Group B rally rides ever to trip the stages. for shipping — hence the small included screwdriver). The nicely. Check out the screening Group B, itself, was nuts. Established by the FIA in 1982, front wheels steer, and the two quarter-inch square vents in the cowl. The control room is it allowed homologation to occur with only 200 cars, and in the roof are hinged, as well. The cabin is sanitary; great done in a bunch of neat sub-as- also gave manufacturers a chance to try new technologies castings and finishes are set off with a smattering of met- semblies, all deco’d with tampos, in their efforts to gain an edge. Virtually nothing was off al pieces (in this case, a knee brace on the door). Fabric decals, and textured paint. the table — lightweight materials, driveline setups, even seat harnesses might have played better in here, but the how much boost an engine could develop were all fair red vinyl “Sabelt” units do the trick; more vinyl castings game. Lancia took advantage of it all, and the Delta S4 was are used to decorate the engine bay, and the overall visual the result. Its 1759.3cc 16-valve four was twin-charged, looks more like a time machine than a rally car — but with with both a supercharger and a turbo; on paper, Lancia photo-etched screens on the massive intercoolers and claimed 480 horsepower. In reality, 550-plus was more in radiators, and steam house-sized air ducts everywhere, line with the truth - with 1,000 possible. Mounted midship, it looks right, and matches all the historical photos we the engine was shifted through a five-speed box and a browsed. Hewland central diff that fed up to 75 percent of its twist to The mega-candlepower lights up front are cast and the rear wheels. Wrapped in an easily replaced carbon- placed perfectly, and so is everything else we could see fiber body, the car won its first rally, the RAC, in 1985 with — which, in this case, is plenty. AUTOart includes a menu Henri Toivonen at the wheel, and raced successfully into of the parts included in the model, as well as the materials 1986; however, the loss of Toivonen and his copilot Sergio used and all the processes. At the end of the day, it’s good Cresto at Portugal that year (in a Delta), and the overall reading - a gonzo journal, if you will. Highly recommended. increase in fatalities related to the no-holds-barred seg- ment, signaled the end of Group B when the 1986 season Sources drew to a close. AUTOart seems to be having more and more fun with AUTOart autoartmodels.com this scale, and with all the tiny hinges, struts, and photo- etch bits that festoon this one almost everywhere, we’re enjoying it, too. The car emerges from its upscale “Signature” packaging with a pamphlet, a numbered certificate, and a neat little wire antenna to perch atop its roof. The fall 2013 59

quick LOOK Hot Wheels Elite Ferrari FF T1:18 | $90 byJoeKelly,Jr. o say that Ferrari’s four-wheel-drive FF (Ferrari the right amount of sheen. The dash is fully gauged, and Four) got a polarized reception when it first rolled the paddles for the seven-speed auto trans hang right out is an understatement. The Negative Nancys where they should. Some of the detail in here needed a little exploration to locate, like the foil “Ferrari” above said it was ugly, poorly conceived, and not worthy of the the touchscreen infotainment system, and the twin TV monitors mounted in the front seat headrests – perfect Ferrari name. Those who loved it, however, continue to for keeping the kids occupied while daddy (or mommy) enjoys the millisecond-quick shifts and spine tingling celebrate the FF as the tour de force it is: a truly practical sound of the 6.2 liter V12 under power. At this model’s price, that big twelve’s detail is stun- supercar with all the amenities a family could want, plus an ning, with keenly tooled castings, impeccable paint with faultless separation lines, and wiring and plumbing that honest-to-Godfrey V12 under its hood. Owners of the FF reach deeply back into the shadows. Aluminum chas- sis elements are at the sides, the twin air intakes have know it can haul to 60 in under four seconds on the way chromed clamps on them, and the “Ferrari” atop each intake log is done in pinpoint-correct foil. Close the hood, for gardening supplies - or become a comfortable cocoon and the car’s multi-element headlights contain rows of faux LEDs; go to the rear of the car, and under an opening for four on the town, then get the kids to hockey camp. hatch is a creditable boot bracketed by great reps of Fer- rari’s now-standard bullet taillights. Yes, good people; thanks to the all-wheel hookup, this is Ferraris as family cars? Who would have believed it? Then again, as of a few years ago, nobody could have the first Ferrari one can confidently drive … in ... snow. imagined Hot Wheels as one of the truly premium model makers in the hobby. They are - and that’s no snow job. Being from the Northeast, we’ll admit to a certain af- SOURCES finity for that last bit, and that made us pleased to see the Hot Wheels Elite hotwheels-elite.com Hot Wheels Elite model of the family Ferrari come through Below left to right: Unmistakably here. The FF’s sleek profile is perfect, and the casting is Ferrari, the FF’s dash and cockpit are exotic - but welcoming for one of Hot Wheels Elite’s best ever, with dead-straight, every day family needs. Great nearly scale correct shut lines. Our red sample rolls on little screened vents, neat tail- deeply detailed wheels, with little “Pininfarina” scripts lights - even an air splitter under on the body sides, and chromed prancing ponies at both ends. Behind those wheels are crisp calipers emblazoned the bumper - are just some of with “Ferrari,” and static discs that have been painted to the details Hot Wheels Elite look like ceramic. has worked in so well here. The Inside the car, the seats, lower dash, and door panels 6.2 liter V12 is not detuned or are brought out in sharp styrene that’s been painted in a humbled for duty in the FF - it’s buff tan; secondary areas are done in matte black with just Ferrari, through and through. 60 DCXmag.com

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QUICK LOOK MAISTO 2014 CORVETTE STINGRAY 1:18 | $35 by DCX Staff Above left: e engine’s a plate T o those who worship at the crossed flags, news of vents, and spoiler are decently casting that needs a little more a new Corvette is always cause for a mix of antici- done black styrene that’s been detailing to sell the 6.2 liter’s pation and dread. America’s Sports Car means that fitted well. So is the glazing for image - and a lot of collectors much to its followers, and Lord help those who get in the the front and back light, and the will certainly add their own. way … including those who actually design and build the tiny quarter windows — the first Bone stock, for the money, this object of their desire. To us, that concern extended into to appear on a ’Vette in decades. budget bomb will find its way who would be tooling up and building the car in scale. So, onto many collectors’ shelves. when budget-meisters Maisto announced that they had Love them or hate them, secured the rights to do the seventh-genny Stingray in the all-in-the-Chevy-family Above right: e C7’s cockpit diecast (at around the time that peeks of the real car were taillights are here, too, done in looks right - and right for the emerging into the media), we locked in, and we’ve been red plastic that’s been set into a price, with good castings and a following it since. proper black bezel with built-in decent level of painted textures vents. Up front, the chiseled nose and markings. is company has always been known as a value leader wears a brace of good head- (read that: “inexpensive models”), and we expected the lights, and a sharp, tamped-on C7 Corvette to be right in line. And, we were right. is crossed-flags emblem - just one solid, everyman model will be typical Maisto when it hits of the nine individual hot-printed the market around the time you’re reading this — and markings the model wears. e cabin is nice, for the price, that’s not a bad thing. Is it high buck? No. High-tech? Hell, with a sharp dashboard that’s been tamped and stickered no. But on display, the two samples we got were perfectly into moderate detail. e center stack, in particular, shows shaped, and covered with good coats of paint — Laguna off a selection of buttons and dials, set into a carbon-fiber Blue Tint, and Black - and came off their bases rolling on look face. e seats are missing the proper flag logo, but spring-loaded, standard-issue silver painted QC6 18 and they represent the upscale “Competition Sport Seat” that 19-inch wheels, with Corvette calipers visible behind. e Chevy’s fielded, in response to years of owners nagging shut lines on the opening doors, deck, and hood are good, about lack of support. and the plastic pieces used to work out the grille, side Under the hood, a plate casting does all the heavy lifting; it’s a deeply struck piece that’s been kissed with a Corvette tampo on both covers, but not much more. ere’s no telling whether the additional details, like the silver intake cover, or any of the reservoirs along the side of the 450 horse (estimated) 6.2 liter engine will get a bit of brushwork in production - or if the body color will actu- ally make it all the way into the door jambs, hatch, or under hood areas (it’s been hand-applied, here). Someday, someone will make a high-end model of the new Stingray, and will happily divest collector/fans of much more cash, per copy. But for right now, we can say that this is the hot ticket for any Corvette altar. SOURCES Maisto maisto.com 62 DCXmag.com

1/2H.indd 1 6/6/13 4:43 PM GREAT NEWS! Subscribe now to Die Cast X and get immediate access to our Digital Editions New in this issue, look for our expanded coverage of new releases and more show room reviews! Get the #1 diecast magazine on your PC, Mac, smart phone or tablet! To access your digital issue, go to DCXmag.com and select Digital Edition from the top navigation. Select Die Cast X Digi- tal from the drop-down menu. Use the email you subscribed with in the pop window to access your digital edition now! If you need to add or update your email, you can do so via the customer service link and then follow the above steps. Go to DCXmag.com to sign up!

quick LOOK Kyosho Ferrari 250GT “Sebring 1963” 1:18 | $285 by Bill Bennett Above: The Colombo-designed T he 1962-1964 Ferrari this same car is part of Ralph Lauren’s automobile collec- V12 is beautifully put up, with 250 GTO is arguably tion and is painted Rosso Corsa. a great deal of soft vinyl, hard the most prized Gran Kyosho’s in the deep end of the Ferrari pool; as per the plastic, and even a bit of steel Turismo sports car of all license agreement, their offerings can’t encroach on Hot here and there. time. Loved by racers, own- Wheels Elite’s price point for similar cars. Not to worry: Below: Kyosho set the standard ers, and auctioneers alike, this piece has the features expected on a higher-end for 1:18 250GTs with this mold Ferrari built only 39 of these 1:18 model, including photo-etched hardware, an opening set, and this Sebring winner iconic cars. Now, Kyosho has quick-release gas cap, simulated leather bonnet belts, represents one of the more im- dug deep and built a replica wire-wrapped hoses, upgraded wiring, and a photo-etch portant cars among that classic of chassis 3987GT — pos- and composite steering wheel. cadre. What a beauty. sibly the most revered of all And, we might add, it’s gorgeous. It sits low, as did the of the GTOs. 1:1, and the paint, while certainly glossy, isn’t overly so, and Ferrari was motivated that makes it more appropriate (and accurate) for a ‘60s to build the 250 GTO when race car. It also features an extraordinary set of miniature Girolamo Gardini witnessed the 1961 unveiling of Jaguar’s deep-dish Borrani 56-spoke wire wheels, done to a level XK-E. Looking at the E-Type Jag, Gardini could tell that the that approaches hand-lacing. The lensing and glazing are Jag would be far faster than Ferrari’s boxy 250 GT SWB distortion-free, and even the little freestanding auxiliary on the high-speed endurance circuits like LeMans, Monza, headlight in the middle of the nose looks right. The K-crew and the Nurburgring. And so the GTO was created as an has even included the little twin amber pit-signaling lights extension of the line of 250 GTs using the V-12 Colombo for the racer’s roof. Below that, the cabin is all business, engine with six twin-choke Weber carburetors and a dry with what looks to be finish-simulated leather or vinyl sump from the Testa Rossa. Chassis components came bucket seats and rubber floor mats. The space behind the from the SWB, but were wrapped in far more slippery seats is covered in a matted diamond-tufted vinyl, and the Scaglietti coachwork. instrument panel includes chrome bezeled and glass- After winning its first race outside Paris, 3987GT was covered gauges, with the massive tachometer sitting bought by Texas oilman and sportsman, John Mecom, and centrally among the smaller gauges. No speedometer is driven by Roger Penske and Augie Pabst to a 1st in Class provided. and 4th overall at the 1963 12 Hours of Sebring. With its The shut lines are tight, with accurately scaled dog- beautiful white livery laid over a deep, metallic blue paint legs on the opening bonnet and boot, and the “real job, it made for a breathtaking competitor; 50 years later, aspect” door hinges pivot the leading edges inside the fenders. On the nit-picker side, Kyosho hasn’t scrubbed away the parting lines on the cast hoses and tubing within the engine bay,or on the undercarriage, and the chrome pieces seem overly bright. Still, this is one for the books, and for the shelves. An important race car, done to a high standard, and reason- ably priced. SOURCES Carville Models carvillemodels.com 64 DCXmag.com

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collector profile “Crazy” Jack Struller ... Above: Meet “Crazy” Jack Strul- ler, street racer, car junkie, and ... isn’t really crazy, he’s just focused master of all things collectible. Below: Deb Struller likes cars too by dcx staff — especially the Strullers’ rapid, warmed-over yellow Duster. Jack and Deb Struller are a typical suburban New Jersey couple who just happen to have a house, a garage, and an off-site storage facility filled with decades worth of Hot Tell us Wheels, GI Joes, plastic kits, and diecast cars. We know that because we’ve seen it — and what so have millions of American television viewers who caught the collecting power couple on fuels SyFy Channel’s Collection Intervention last summer. your passion! That show wasn’t Jack’s first ride at the TV rodeo; throughout the Strullers’ home so that Jack and Deb can Struller (who is the president of the United Street Racers enjoy them. They range from classic Corgi, Matchbox, Is it the hunt? Auto Club, in Passaic, NJ) also rocked Speed Channel’s and Bandai tin toys to cereal prizes and dealer promo The purchase? Car Warriors with his “Plum Crazy Auto” crew — and cars. Along with a miniature army of GI Joes, Jack’s Or the display? they won the builder-against-builder contest on that collection of Hot Wheels — by far the largest segment of episode by slamming a tricked-out ‘73 440 Challenger his collecting — is legendary, and so are the rooms full of Share your col- together in 48 hours. They also got to keep the car, which accessories, magazines, and specialty items. lection and your regularly appears at car shows and special events. passion with Our favorites on the day we visited Jack and Deb were thousands of other “I guess I started collecting the older plastic kits, some long collectors just like because my parents would buy out of production, but complete; you. Die Cast X us lots of toys — Robbie the Robot, in among the N.O.S. muscle car magazine is look- stuff like that,” says Jack, “then parts and pieces in Jack’s garage, ing for collectors I got into cars and motors. My we lost count of the limited edition who want to show first car was a ‘53 Studebaker diecasts, some signed by Jack’s the world what with a straight axle and a 492 idol, Richard Petty. “The King” has fuels them. Visit Caddy engine.” That triple-carbed been a constant inspiration to DCXmag.com/cp, menace to society was soon Jack, and he signed one of Jack’s answer the profile joined by a Plymouth GTX, then favorite full-sized cars, too — questionnaire several other Mopars, including a Jack’s 1970 Superbird. He’s owned and attach a few ‘50s-vintage rose metallic Imperial — with a warmed- pictures of your over Hemi, of course. All told, Jack — “Crazy Jack” to his the winged beast for decades — and it’s an ever-evolving collection. It’s easy. friends — owns 30 cars in various stages of completion, work in progress. “I saw Petty racing in one at Daytona, And who knows— and scores of classic bicycles, pedal cars, mini-bikes, and I knew I had to have one, one day.” you might be and go-karts. featured in a future When you’re as passionate as Jack Struller — and issue of Die Cast X! As for tallying up the small cars, good luck trying. have someone like Deb at your side — anything is There are literally tens of thousands of them, all arranged possible. If that’s what being “crazy” gets you, sign us up. Thanks, Jack — we’ll see you on TV. 66 DCXmag.com