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››› THE PASSION, PRODUCTS & PERSONALITIES 2015 MUSTANG RACING LEGENDS TAKES ON THE CLASSICS CMC Alfa 8C 76 FROM LEMANS CARS & TRUCKS TO FORMULA 1 INSIDE TSM 1991 McLaren ACME MP4/6 Shelby GT-500KR 60Batmobiles! AUTOart COMICS, TV, FILM — COLLECT ’EM ALL Koenigsegg Agera Kyosho Austin Mini Countryman ’60s Classic Trucks from Sun Star Display until December 2, 2014 WINTER 2015 $6.99 US $8.99 CAN DCXMAG.COM







contents die cast x | Vol. 11 | issue 1 features 18 18 | 50 Years of Mustang Corralling passion 28 | Diecast Essentials: 1966 24 Hours of LeMans The “Deuce” conquers all 46 | The Wheels of Justice Innovator Eaglemoss delivers a collector’s dream – 75 years of Batman in scale OUT OF THE BOX 56 50 22 | New-Age Pony 42 Maisto 2015 Mustang GT Coupe DCXmag.com —The ultimate diecast community 24 | Street & Strip Stallion What’s on the web this time around? Well, models — lots of them. It’s true: we can’t fit all the cars we’d like into every issue, and several of the releases appear at our doorstep between printings. Thanks to the M2 Machines 50th Anniversary DCXmag.com website and the Die Cast X Facebook page, we can keep putting those cars at the top of our 1965 Mustang 2+2 list, with on-the-spot reviews, photos, and the occasional video up for you to enjoy. Just click over to the site, or “like” our Facebook page to join the coolest community of collectors on the web! 26 | A Horse of a Different Color UP FRONT QUICK LOOKs ACME Trading Company 1968 Shelby GT-500KR “WT” 6 | Editorial 62 | Norscot 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV Back Home Again 63 | Sun Star 1965 Ford F-100 Custom 34 | The Last Pure Racer 8 | Scale Mail and Chevrolet C-10 Trucks Questions, answers, comments 64 | Kyosho Ferrari 365 GTB/4 TrueScale Miniatures Ayrton Senna 10 | Showroom 1977 24 Hours of Daytona 1991 McLaren MP4/6 New releases & first looks on the cover: Our exclusive look at TrueScale Miniatures’ 38 | Alonso’s Breakthrough Racer REGULARS 1991 Senna McLaren MP4/6 anchors this issue’s cover, flanked by CMC’s exquisite Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Coupé. Up Hot Wheels Elite Ferrari F138 58 | Hot Wheels Highway top, Maisto’s 2015 Ford Mustang GT squares off against a pair 2013 Chinese GP Winner Mebetoys: The Italian Hot Wheels of historic ponies. 66 | Rear View 42 | Sculpted for Speed Hotlanta 2014 CMC Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Coupé 50 | Speedy Swede AUTOart Koenigsegg Agera 54 | Maximum Utility, Mini Classic Kyosho Austin Mini Countryman 56 | Touring V-Twins that Ride Like the Wind Maisto 2013 Harley Davidson FLHTK Ultra Limited and FLHRD Road King Classic Die Cast X (ISSN 1551-854X) published quarterly by Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2014, all rights reserved. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Wilton, CT, and additional offices. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40008153. CONTRIBUTIONS: All materials published in Die Cast X magazine become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc., unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. Descriptions of products were obtained from manufacturers or their press agencies and do not constitute an endorsement by the Publisher or guarantee their safety. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Call (866) 298-5652. Outside the U.S.: (386) 246-3323, or go to our website: DCXMag.com. Rates one year (4 issues): U.S. $25; Canada, $28, including GST; all others, $32. All international orders must be prepaid in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. ADVERTISING: Advertising rates are available on request. Please send advertising materials to Advertising Dept., Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA; phone (203) 431-9000; fax (203) 529-3010; email: advertising@ airage.com. EDITORIAL: Send correspondence to Editors, Die Cast X, Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Email: [email protected]. We welcome all editorial submissions but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. To authors, photographers and people featured in this magazine: all materials published in Die Cast X become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc. unless a prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: To make sure you don’t miss any issues, send your new address to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA at least six weeks before you move. Please include an address label from a recent issue, or print the information exactly as shown on the label. For faster service, go to DCXmag.com/cs, and click on the customer service link. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA.



Editorial Back Home Again winter 2015 | volume 11, no. 1 A s I sit here looking over the fine issue we’ve just finished putting together — my EDITORIAL first back home here at Die Cast X and my first in the Executive Editor’s chair — Executive Editor not surprisingly, I’ve got anniversaries on my mind. Ford has been celebrating the Matt Boyd ›› [email protected] Mustang’s 50th in grand fashion this year, culminating in the awesome 2015 Mustang Editorial Director/Surface Group which just started rolling off Dearborn assembly lines earlier this week. We mark the occasion Peter Vieira ›› [email protected] with a look at Maisto’s forthcoming ’15 Mustang GT. On a more somber note, 2014 marked the Deputy Managing Editor 20th anniversary of the death of the great Ayrton Senna, but the beautiful TSM McLaren MP4/6 Katherine Pierpont ›› [email protected] model featured on our cover is a fitting tribute. This past year was also the 50th anniversary of the mighty 426 Hemi, and coming up in a couple months is the 100th anniversary of the Dodge contributors brand. Just imagine all the scale fun we can have with those! Bill Bennett, Peter Celona, Wayne Moyer, But on a more personal level for us here at DCX, this issue also kicks off our own 10th Alan Paradise, Mike Zarnock anniversary year. Hard to believe we launched Die Cast X a decade ago! Keep your eyes peeled for lots of exciting developments in the magazine and online at DCXMag.com over the next few art issues to celebrate! Creative Director Betty K. Nero That’s enough strolling down memory lane — let’s look at the road ahead, starting with this Art Director Kevin Monahan amazing issue! Our good friend Alan Paradise explores the history of and fascination with Photographer Peter Hall the Mustang as we review new ponies from M2 and ACME. In Diecast Essentials Bill Bennett reflects back on Ford’s victory over Ferrari Le Mans in 1966 and some of the models that played digital media a key role in that epic battle. Mike Zarnock gives us his usual keen insights and latest news from Web Producer Holly Hansen the world of Hot Wheels. We welcome back fan-favorite GMP to the market, and we introduce you to a newcomer to the U.S. market — Eaglemoss — and their awe-inspiring 1:43 Batman advertising Automobilia series. Advertising Director Mitch Brian ››203.529.4609 And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much I enjoyed Senior Account Executive Ben Halladay ››203.529.4628 putting it together for you — readers are why we do what we do! I also Account Executive Lisa Kittrell ››203.529.4628 want to close with a huge thanks to everyone at Die Cast X who has Sales Assistant Tracey Terenzi welcomed me back. We have a great group, and I know even greater things are yet to come! consumer marketing The Media Source, a division of TEN, The Enthusiast Matt Boyd Network Executive Editor marketing & events 6 DCXmag.com Associate Creative Director Leslie Costa Event Manager Emil DeFrancesco publishing Group Publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr., Yvonne M. DeFrancesco How to reach us editorial MAIL 88 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897 USA Phone (203) 431-9000; Email [email protected] for customer service and subscription questions, such as Renewals, Address Changes, Email Preferences, Billing and Account Status, go to DCXMag.com/cs. You can also call (800) 827-0323 or + (386) 246-3323 (outside the U.S.) Magazine Publishers RCX.com of America PRINTED IN THE USA



Scale Mail YOUR FEEDBACK | WRITE TO US AT DCX AIRAGE.COM I’ve been a collector of 1:18 scale cars since 1999. Vintage race photos are gorgeous, but their artistic angles are not My first car was a Maisto Mercedes CLK GTR race always the best for creating accurate scale molds. car. Since then, I’ve moved on to the high end brands of race cars such as CMC, BBR, Kyosho, DIECAST ESSENTIALS Donohue's versatility allowed Exoto, AUTOart and so on. I collect both diecast him to compete in a broad range and resin-bodied race cars even though I’d rather MARK of venues, not all of which have have cars that open up and show off the detail. DONOHUE been represented in 1:18 scale. WE WANT TO HEAR I have a bit of a rant. Some of us pay a lot of money for Winning with e Unfair Advantage FROM YOU! our little cars. For what we pay, I expect the car to be as historically accurate as possible. Lately on several occasions, BY BILL BENNETT Tell us what you like, what I have bought cars that are not accurate, but it seems the you don’t and why Die Cast X inaccuracies could have been prevented with some simple ROGER PENSKE SAID, “MARK WAS A THINKING DRIVER. Donohue's book e 1965 Ferrari 250 is the best diecast maga- searching of images on Google. May I give you an example? A He knew when to go and when not to go. He wasn’t going Unfair Advantage LM #29 sebring zine ever! Send snail mail to certain F1 car was recently represented with rear suspension to win it on guts, he was going to win it on using his head.” details his journey as a Hot Wheels “Letters,” Die Cast X, Air Age pushrods that were simply NOT there on the real car. When I racer and gives a road 11th overall and 2nd in class at Media, 88 Danbury Road, wrote to the manufacturer, the excuse I got was that the car Mark Donohue (March 18, 1937-August 19, 1975) was one map for the aspiring 1965 Sebring. Wilton, CT 06897 USA, or they used for modelling was a museum-restored car that was of the most talented and valuable drivers of his era. Besides competitor that can email us at [email protected]. not displayed the same way as the original car was run. Why being a brilliant “wheel man,” he also had a bachelor’s be summed up in two Besides being We'll edit letters as needed, would manufacturers look at a museum-restored car instead degree in mechanical engineering and his ability to bring words: meticulous a brilliant and though we will read them of simply Googling archival images? an engineer’s approach to car design and setup gave him preparation. “wheel man,” all, we don't have room to “the unfair advantage” over his competitors at every venue Donahue also answer or publish every one. I love my model cars and I love all the details, but I don’t he entered (along with some acid and a few buckets of ball '65 had a bachelor’s want to be buying cars that have errors if I can help it. For the bearings). And he entered a broad range of venues in his degree in e Mercedes CLK-GTR — the amount of money we are paying, we shouldn’t be accepting career, including the Can-Am and USRRC, endurance racing mechanical start of many a diecast mistakes. at Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring, SCCA Class racing, the engineering collection. William de Boer TransAm, Indy 500, Formula 1, NASCAR, and IROC. and his ability William, we hear this sentiment a lot — and occasionally we say to bring an something similar around the DCX offices, so I feel your pain! With Roger Penske’s assistance, Mark was successful at engineer’s Some inaccuracies are simple errors, and we try to call those everything he did. His foray into Formula 1 racing ultimately approach to out when we see them. But keep in mind that a lot more goes cost him his life when a tire failure during test laps in Austria car design and into manufacturing a model than many collectors may realize. caused him to have a fatal crash. setup gave him “the unfair Your example of the museum-restored Here is a comprehensive collection of Mark’s cars done advantage” over car — model manufacture often involves in 1:18 scale. All are diecast except the resin Spark IROC his competitors. taking literally hundreds of photos from Porsche. With a little patience, most of these cars can every conceivable angle, at multiple be found on the secondary market. In the case of the 1965 Shelby depths, that are then scanned into a 3D modified 917/10 Can-Am Porsche, you'll need to add a few GT350 #29 B CAD program to create a computerized 3D decals from author Bill Bennett. Email us at DCX@airage. production model from which molds can be created. com and we'll put you in touch. GMP 1965 B Production ere simply are not enough archival Northeast SCCA Divisional photos from the needed angles (angles Champion sponsored by which don’t generally make for pretty or exciting pictures that Archway Ford, Baltimore. get published) to do the job in most cases. It is true that if the car has been restored to a different specification, such can 34 DCXmag.com introduce confusion or inaccuracies. But in most cases, taking a complete set of diecast-production-specific photos will tend to We got a lot of fan mail on behalf of Bill Bennett produce a more accurate replica than eyeballing it from random last issue for his excellent retrospective in vintage shots. But of course there is always the exception that Diecast Essentials: Mark Donohue—Winning proves the rule – which is why you read Die Cast X!—Matt with e Unfair Advantage. P.S. I have that CLK GTR too! “I really enjoyed the fall issue, particularly the article on Mark Donohue. Could you provide me with Bill Bennett’s coordinates so I can extend him my compliments?” Romeo Poirier “Hi, I’m writing to request guidance on how to contact Bill Bennett in order to secure \"Mark Donohue\" decals for Porsche 917/10 as per your Fall 2014 issue of Die Cast X.” Herb Hayde ank you, everyone for your kind words! Rest assured, we pass along your questions and comments to all of our contributors. We all thought Bill did a great job on the Mark Donohue article, too — so much so that we had him do another Diecast Essentials piece for this issue! —Matt Find Us On Facebook Naturally, we want you to be regulars at AUTOart did a variety of Subaru specials in diecast (like this 22B) that may command a higher resale premium. DCXmag.com, but if you want to see the latest diecast news and info in your Facebook feed, be sure to Like us! Click over to Facebook.com/ I have a collection of classic Subaru WRXs by diecastxmag and give us the blue thumbs-up. AUTOart. I just wanted to know if you could help 8 DCXmag.com me value them, as the prices of these models vary online and I’m considering selling them. Patrick P. Valuing a collection can be quite difficult, particularly with AUTOart because of their production numbers. As varied as online prices are, sites like eBay are still your best bet. Certain special edition Subarus — like the 22B, Spec C, RA-R, and S204 — might potentially be more valuable. And you are always welcome to post inquiries on Die Cast X’s Facebook page if you want feedback from other readers about values. Good luck, and thanks for writing in! —Matt



SHOWROOM NEW RELEASES & FIRST LOOKS AUTOMODELLO STEPS UP BIG! BROOKS STEVENS CORD AND TIMBS STREAMLINER 1:24 & 1:43 | prices vary We used to think of Automodello as an impressive new brand wellon its way to becoming a player in the premium 1:43 segment. Weno longer need to qualify the statement — they are a player, andnot just in 1:43. ey have just released this 1:24 replica of the1930 Brooks Stevens Cord L-29 Speedster, and it is a stunner,dressed in formal black and white with etched and polishedbright work. Stevens was known for his workat Kaiser and Studebaker, but this was the car hedesigned for himself, and he loved it so muchhe kept it until his passing in 1995! Collectors will treasure theirs as well, presented asit is as a 499-piece lim- We just got a sneak ited edition andmounted on a presentation base with a clamshell peek of a gorgeous box.1:43 is still Automodello’s bread and butter though, and the- 1:12 1967 Jim seprototypes of the Norman Timbs Streamliner showcase why. Clark Lotus 49 in theworks at Auto- e luscious curves of the one-of-a-kind special are beautifully modello! It’s a replica captured. ofthe car Clark won the automodello.com Dutch Grand Prix with, and it will be limited to 499 pieces. We don’t know much more yet, so we’ll let the photo do the talking here! e Story of the Hurricane BBURAGO 2015 LAMBORGHINI HURACÁN LP 610 4 1:18 | $35 ey call it the “baby Lambo” but the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 is a serious machine. It’s packedwith the company’s latest technology wrapped in eye-catching yet refined styling, and deliv- ers uncharacteristic civility without taking away from the extreme performance which is essential to thea Lambo’s identity. It may well be the best all-around vehicle Lamborghini has ever produced, makingthe Bburago model — the first to make it to market with a 1:18 Huracán — a must-have. It is full metal construction, with opening hood, doors and boot, and packs detail beyond its price-point. Whether you’re a seasoned sports car collector or just starting out, this is one you should add to your stable! Ifyou want to read a more detailed review of the Bburago Huracán, check out DCXmag.com! bburago.com more online @DCXMag.com 10 DCXmag.com

GMP IS BACK! Killer Bs One of our favorite brands has announced its return to AUTOWORLD AMERICAN MUSCLE CHARGER AND ROAD RUNNER diecast, and we couldn’t be more excited. What always made 1:18 | $85 GMP great is that it is a bunch of car guys making brilliant models for other car guys. You can just tell when you hold Back in the late 60s, Mopar’s B-bodies were some of the hottest muscle cars around, on track and on one of their replicas — these folks get it! We’re dying to get the street. King Richard had just driven his Petty-blue Plymouth to his second NASCAR champion- our hands on the first new releases (as we know you are!) but ship the previous season, and Mopars were the toast (or terror, depending on what you drove!) of for now we’ll all have to survive on these sneak-peek photos: stock-class drag racing all across the country. On the street, Chrysler redesigned its sales-leading a new Street Fighter Camaro and a gorgeous new ’70 Road B-Bodyintermediates for 1968, and in the process debuted two vehicles that were destined to Runner in Petty Blue! ey’re available for preorder now at become performancecar legends. Plymouth introduced a budget-oriented performance variant of GMP’s retail arm ACME Diecast. Collectors have been waiting the Belvedere designed to deliver the bang of the upscale GTX for less bucks. It was called the Road years for GMP’s return, so don’t hesitate! Runner, and it immediately captured the imagination — and the sales — of legions of cost-conscious acmediecast.com leadfoots! Meanwhile, the Dodge boys were busing transforming their Charger from the mere fastback variant of the slightly stodgy Coronet it had been in its first two years into one of the most eye-catch- ing and pulse-pounding muscle cars of all-time! AutoWorld has just dished up two 1:18-scale variants of Mopar’s killer Bs that do a great job of demonstrating the essence of the Charger and Road Runner. Check out our Online Exclusive Double Review of both at DCXMag.com! autoworldstore.com more online @DCXMag.com TRADITIONAL JAPANESE Two of the most traditionally admired names in Japanese sporty cars have been the Nissan Skyline WARRIORS 80S STYLE! and Mazda RX-7 (known as the Savannah in Japan.) For years, Nissan’s sporty coupe and sedan line was unavailable here, but we admired from afar their potent performance — particularly the KYOSHO MAZDA RX 7 AND NISSAN SKYLINE TURBOS Turbomodels. Kyosho delivers the hottest version of the DR30 (1981-85) Skyline — the 2000RS-X 1:43 | $45 Turbo-C—in 1:43. ose alphanumerics are a mouthful, but all you really need to know is: 205hp. e FJ20T-powered Skyline was the most powerful Japanese car of its day! e R31 continued the tradi- tion, upgrading to the RB20 series of inline-6 engines, the hottest of which was the 210hp Turbo- charged NISMO GTS. While Nissan focused on horsepower, the Mazda RX-7 built its reputation on handling,and the first-generation SA22C (1978-80) was among the best-handling cars in the world at the time! All three have a strong cult following, making them excellent choices for Kyosho to produce in 1:43. Several colors of each are offered. kyosho.com; carvillemodelsshop.com WINTER 2015 11

SHOWROOM LA FEROCIOUS! In an era where supercars are commonplace, a company like Ferrari needs something more to serve as its halo model and protect its hallowed place atop the automotive world. Enter the LaFerrari hypercar. MATTEL LAFERRARI Even at the steep $1.7 million asking price, expect Ferrari to sell all 499 examples, with customers wil- 1:43 | $55 lingto wait years for delivery of the 960hp hybrid powered beast. If you can’t wait that long (or you’re a buck or two short) Hot Wheels has you covered with a 1:43 version in red, black, or yellow. 1:18 versions are soon to follow. hotwheels-elite.com e Return HERE COME DA’ JUDGE! A Gallant Mitsubishi of the Uber-Vette ACME 1970 PONTIAC GTO JUDGE IX O 1989 GALANT VR 4 1000 LAKE WINNER 1:18 | $140 1:43 | $35 BBR 2015 CORVETTE Z06 World Rally Championship rules required Mitsubishi to build at 1:18 | TBA least 5000 4-door, 4WD, 195-horsepower, turbocharged street Galant VR-4’s to qualify it for Group A rally competition. Exactly e real car isn’t even how much power the turbo-four produced in race trim wasn’t available yet, but BBR has specified, but it was enough to win two major events in Mitsubi- already announced their shi’s first year of competition. One was Finland’s 1000 Lakes forthcoming 1:18 ’15 Z06 Rally,and IXO has released this bargain-priced and very accurate Vette, and released a few model of the Erickson/Billstam winner. IXO has the basic Galant pics of the prototype. shape and rally modifications right, but what really catches your Sign us up! e King of the eye are the especially complex, nine-color(!) graphics that are Corvettes is a showstop- complete down to the smallest sponsor decal. Looking inside, per for sure, and while the stripped interior has accurate racing seats with five-point we don’t know too much harnesses and metal hardware, full roll cage whose scale-size about the model yet, we tubes don’t show any mold lines, a fully detailed instrument can make some educated panel and navigation computer, and spare tire. But the prominent guesses. It will be limited photo-etched support on the driver’s seat can’t be seen in 1000 in number. It will come in Lakes photos. ere’s a lot of well-done chassis detail, including first-class packaging, stone guards behind each wheel and ahead of the rear transaxle. including a leatherette base. Bright ventilated disks are visible behind the accurate wheels, too. It will be pricey. And it will ( anks to Wild About Wheels (215) 322-7593 for supplying this be awesome! BBR delivers very accurate Galant VR-4.) —Wayne Moyer some ofthe best resin-cast ixomodels.com models on the market, and this one surely will live up to that. It comes in three colors —VelocityYellow (shown), plus Sliver Shark and Cristal Red. Order quick — BBR modelsdo sell out fast. carvillemodelsshop.com By most accounts, Pontiac invented the conventional muscle car with its introduction of the GTO in 1964. e formula was so successful that virtually every American manufacturer introduced one in the following years. By 1970, Pontiac was getting a little lost in the crowd, so it decided to pump up the octane on the GTO in the attempt to recapture the attention—and the dollars—of the muscle car enthusiast. us, “ e Judge” was born. Envisioned as a top-option GTO with every styling and go-fast goodie in Pontiac’s catalogue, e Judge was hard to ignore. Wild colors and wild performance were its hallmarks. ACME is reviving the GMP 1970 GTO tool to release this Burgundy Poly Judge, complete with a Ram Air-equipped 455 and a 4-speed transmission! acmediecast.com 12 DCXmag.com

$4 95PLToFnUoHlrySBBEaIAtsMmGTsoETbMOuiTleHeVAIfS#rINoEm1TM Free shipping included! TM & © DC Comics THE MOST AMAZING COLLECTION OF BATMAN VEHICLES EVER ASSEMBLED! The greatest collection of Batman Vehicles Hand Painted, precision die-cast, Officially Authorized Replicas from DC Comics 1:43 scale and Warner Brothers Free Collectos Magazine with each model Movies Animated Series Comics TV Shows Start your collection today at: www.batman-cars.com/dcx 60-day money-back guarantee. Join us on www.Facebook.com/Batmobilia

showroom Stretched Silver Shadow Iconic Racing Structure ATC 1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Limousine 1:43 | $145 Spark Dunlop Bridge at Le Mans 1:43 | price varies Introduced in 1965, the Silver Shadow featured unibody construction, disc brakes, independen- The Dunlop Bridge at Le Mans is perhaps the most familiar trear suspension, and a hydraulic self-leveling system. The 1971 Silver Shadow II had improved and famous structure in all of the motor racing world. front suspension and black energy-absorbing bumpers. Shadows were popular with companies And Spark has given us a scale model of this magnificent that create stretched limousines, and ATC’s model is unusual in having only a mild 24-inch- structure that, even in 1:43 scale, is huge. The first pedestrian stretch. Even more unusual are the properly hinged opening doors; few models in this scale Dunlop Bridge at Le Mans was built in 1952 at the end of the have them, and even fewer fit as tightly when closed as ATC’s do. The basic Shadow II lines are pit straight. In 1955, the track and the bridge were widened correct, as are details like the new 1971 front end, bumpers, and European-spec chin spoiler. The and the bridge was re-located for safety. In 1978, the bridge grille and delicate mascot are very well done, but the photo-etched window moldings look a bit was rebuilt to meet new safety standards and was then rated too wide. Interior details include good-looking upholstery and hand-painted wood-grain dash to carry 1,000 people. The Dunlop Bridge has been such a and door panel trim, photo-etched control panels, and detailed instruments up front. There are success at Le Mans that similar structures have been built at even more photo-etched panels in the back, along with a big wood-painted console between Mantorp Park in Sweden, Donnington Park in England, Sugo the jump seats that houses a mirror, ice chest (and presumably drinks), and radio panel, but and Suzuka Raceways in Japan, and Mazda-Laguna Seca unfortunately, this sample’s console isn’t painted as neatly as the dash and door sills. Still, it is Raceway in Monterey, CA.Spark has created 1:43 and 1:87 amost impressive model. —Wayne Moyer versions of the bridge. The1:43 version you see here is almost jmmodelautos.com 4 feet wide! If you’re a fan of endurance or sports car racing, one of these will makea great addition to your collection no matter what your scale preference. The construction is of an MDF or Masonite type material and the interior walkway has the appropriate steps and other detail. Spark has sold out their initial production run of these bridges, but they can be found on the secondary market. With enough demand, Spark may issue a second production run.—Bill Bennett A Better Elf Dovi’s Duck! Spark 1961 Austin Healey Sp rite Mk. II Maisto 2013 Dovizioso Moto 1:43 | $70 GP Ducati Desmosedici Although they’d sold almost 50,000 of the original Sprites in just 1:10 | $23.00 | 1:18 | $10 three years, Austin Healey introduced the Mk. II in 1961. It had a much more modern-looking body with an “alligator” hood (instead The beginning of the 2013 Moto GP race season started a new of a forward tipping nose section) and a trunk that could be reached chapter for rider Andrea Dovizioso. After three years riding facto- trough a lid instead of trough the passenger compartment. ryHondas, then one more year on a Yamaha, Dovizioso was hired by the factory Ducati race team to replace Valentino Rossi on their It did, however, lack the whimsical charm of its bug-eyed Desmosedici GP13. Dovizioso spent the 2013 season learning the (frog-eyed if you’re British) predecessor. When its identical twin machine and placed 8th overall at the end of the season. So far this MG Midget appeared a year later the two became forever known year, Dovi has been pushing his and the Desmosedici’s limits.He as “Spridgets.” If it had full wheel covers, this resincast little jewel currently sits 4th in the championship, just 42 points short ofRossi from Spark would be an exact match for the car seen on the in 3rd. cover of the August 1961 Road & Track. The glossy white paint is as good as anything in this scale and it’s fully detailed from the Maisto got together with Ducati to bring Dovi’s 2013 Desmosedici tiny 3D photo-etched Healey wings on the nose to the legible GP13 to collectors in two scales, 1:10 and 1:18. As you might expect, Austin and Sprite scripts on the deck. Interior detail is done to the larger of the two scales is more visually appealing, although the the same level; the black seats and door panels have exceptionally detail between the scales remains pretty consistent; the smaller of thin white piping while the latter have separate plated door the two not giving up much. The front forks on the smaller scale look pulls. Instruments are done with crisply printed decals. Wild About a little short, making it appear as ifthe front suspension is fully com- Wheels supplied this sample of Spark’s dead-accurate ’61 Sprite. pressed. Some flashing remains on the seat pads of both models, —Wayne Moyer and also on the rear tire of the 1:18 version. The rear track stands can sparkmodels.com be removed, but are needed if you wish to display the models upright (no side stands aremounted on either bike due to their racing nature). 14 DCXmag.com Both models feature articulating rear suspensions and steering, but fairingscover most of that 1000cc, 16-valve Ducati V-4. If you are a fan ofAndrea Dovizioso, or simply love the beautiful, flowing lines of the Ducati Desmosedici, one of these models should be in your collection. —Pete Celona

1:43 TCHAENCNAROSWYOBUEOYNOCUERDSR…EAAMGEADIONF! 1958 Buick Century Cabal- 1974 Buick Estate Wagon, 1974 Buick Le Sabre 1988 Buick Riviera 88, 1957 Buick Roadmaster lero, met.-copper yellow/wooden Convertible, met.-red dark-turquois/grey Convertible, black/red No. E51-184630 $ 70.95 No. E51-176705 $ 70.95 No. E51-169472 $ 64.95 No. E51-193925 $ 38.95 No. E51-185455 $ 70.95 1965 Buick Sport Wagon, 1972 Cadillac Coupe de 1970 Cadillac De Ville 1933 Cadillac Fleetwood 1992 Cadillac Seville STS, met.-dark-red Ville, met.-light-green Convertible, red Phaeton, dark-blue met.-beige No. E51-194763 $ 41.95 No. E51-185501 $ 70.95 No. E51-193944 $ 38.95 No. E51-185812 $ 88.95 No. E51-193927 $ 38.95 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air 1959 Chevrolet Corvette 1953 Chevrolet Corvette 1960 Chrysler 300F Coupe, 1995 Chrysler Atlantic Impala Con., copper/white (C1) HT, met.-blue/white (C1), red red/white Concept, met.-beige, No. E51-181386 $ 70.95 No. E51-185903 $ 70.95 No. E51-185807 $ 70.95 No. E51-185550 $ 70.95 No. E51-193862 $ 41.95 1960 Chrysler Dual Ghia 1952 Chrysler SS, 1976 Chrysler Town & 1959 Dodge Custom Royal 1959 Dodge Custom Royal L6.4 HT, met.-dark-red met.-blue Country, beige/wooden Lancer, HT, Police (USA) Lancer Conv., red/white No. E51-185742 $ 70.95 No. E51-193935 $ 38.95 No. E51-169386 $ 70.95 No. E51-192763 $ 82.95 No. E51-176619 $ 82.95 1930 Duesenberg Model J 1964 Ford Falcon Futura 1977 Ford Gran Torino 1987 Ford LTD Crown 1974 Ford Mustang II Tourster Derham, black Sprint, Rally Monte Carlo Sport, light-yellow Victoria, met.-blue Ghia, met.-light-green No. E51-184344 $ 94.95 No. E51-184624 $ 82.95 No. E51-169372 $ 70.95 No. E51-193937 $ 38.95 No. E51-169375 $ 70.95 1972 Ford Ranchero GT, 1969 Ford Thunderbird Hummer H2 1957 Jeep J10 Pick-Up 1941 Packard 110 Deluxe black/orange Landau, silver-green Stretch Limousine, white Honcho, black/gold Wagon, met.-green/wood No. E51-169499 $ 70.95 No. E51-176714 $ 70.95 No. E51-186351 $ 105.95 No. E51-185531 $ 70.95 No. E51-169480 $ 82.95 1930 Packard 733 Standard 1954 Packard Pacific, HT, 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury, 1954 US Dreamcar, 1954 Willys Jeep Station 8 Sport, dark-red/black light-blue/met.-dk.-blue met.-blue/matt black met.-green Wagon, red/white No. E51-184343 $ 88.95 No. E51-185546 $ 70.95 No. E51-183606 $ 70.95 No. E51-185595 $ 70.95 No. E51-184423 $ 70.95 +++ MAKE THESE SCALE MODELS A PART OF YOUR PERSONAL COLLECTION TODAY! +++ ORDER 1-800 - 460- 4270 NOW! American Excellence Trading Corporation · 12290 Treeline Ave · Fort Myers, FL 33913

showroom A Most Unusual Bugatti Minichamps Mullin Collection Type 54 Roadster 1:43 | $95 The Type 54 Grand Prix racer wasn’t one of Ettore’s best; although Achille Varzi drove one to win the 1933 Avus Grand Prix, only five were built and two drivers were killed in them. Czech Prince Lobkowitz bought the second one built and promptly died in the 1932 Avus race. Its chassis was repaired and Prague- coach builder Uhlik built a street-going roadster body for it. That body was replaced in the ‘70’s with a replica of the original, and a few years later the Uh- lik body was mounted on a new Type 54 chassis assembled from leftover original parts. This 6th Type 54 is now in the Mullin collection and the subject of this very accurate and good-looking resin model by Minichamps. From the classic Bugatti horseshoe grille and two big lights with fluted lenses to the chrome gas tank straps, twin filler caps, and fish-tail exhaust, every detail is just as seen in photos. The long hood has dozens of crisp louvers and correct fine mesh side vents. The engine-turned instrument panel and its legible gauges are a crisply printed decal, while photos show that the green upholstery and unique leg-support panels are correct, too. Accurate Bugatti alloy wheels with integral drums provide this finishing touch to this most unusual Bugatti model. —Wayne Moyer carvillemodelsshops.com Super 88 Brooklin 1957 Oldsmobile Convertibl e 1:43 | $127 1957 brought new longer, lower (and heavier) bodies for the entire Oldsmobile lineup, incorporating what Harley Earl deemed the “Ho-Lo Bumper,” a full width oval that enclosed the mesh grille with block “Oldsmobile” letter- sand parking lights. Brooklin has released this striking white-metal model of the mid-range Super 88 Convertible. ALL the trim, including the Olds hood and deck badges, fender-top “rocketships,” and massive accent stripe sidetrim, is done with separate plated parts. That “Gold Mist Poly” paint ranks with Brooklin’s best and is just a shade brighter than paint chips indicate. Aside from the lack of the “Super 88” front fender scripts, Brooklin’s Olds is fully detailed, though that accent stripe should have a contrast color in the center. Brooklin has given the seats an authentic two-tone finish; door panels have the complex color separation lines engraved but are just one color and lack handles and cranks. The optional padded dash has a plated center section with accurate relief details and neatly painted sun visors and steering wheel rim. Wide whites and those coveted flipper caps finish off a realistic- model. —Wayne Moyer brasiliapress.com 16 DCXmag.com Th e Niftiest Nash ! 1/3V.indd 1 Matrix 1956 Nash Palm Beach 1:43 | $107.99 For a few glorious years, Nash was the only American company building world-class sports cars; Nash- Healey sports-racing roadsters finished third overall behind the winning Mercedes in the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hour and 7th in that year’s Mille Miglia. You could buy the lovely Pininfarina-bodied Nash-Healey Coupeat your local Rambler dealer. In 1954, Nash commissioned Pininfarina to develop an entirely new, Nash- powered car to replace the Nash-Healey; the result was the superb Nash Rambler Palm Beach, one of the best-looking cars of any era. Unfortunately, by 1956, Nash management had changed and there was zero interest in sports cars. Fortunately, the Palm Beach still exists and Matrix has released a very accurate and beautifully made resin-cast model of the car in its current form that’s as gorgeous as the original. The two-tone paint is excellent and every piece of trim, even the tiny (but legible) Pininfarina badges and crossed-flag emblems, is done with plated or photo-etched parts. If it’s visible in photos, its visible—and to scale—on the model! Interior detail is done to the same level, with accurate upholstery, silver-painted relief inte- rior handles, fully detailed instruments, pedals, and a “just right” wood-rim steering wheel. This is a beautiful model of a drop-dead gorgeous car. —Wayne Moyer matrixscalemodels.com 8/30/12 8:51 AM

www.diecastdirect.com/dcx 1:1100 Scale Imperial Japanese Naval Mention Ad Code DCX2014 Ships by EagleMoss Collections $9.95 Flat-Rate SHIPPING Scottish Aviation Bulldog RAF “XX654” Coming Soon! AV72-25002 - 1:72 Scale - $47.95 1956 Hooper Design #8380 “Empress Line” Imperial Japanese Naval Ships by EagleMoss Collections Coming Soon! 1:1100 Scale - $24.95 each Coming Soon! MX-11705-042 - 1:43 Scale - $98.95 EAG-EMGC01A - IJN Battleship Yamato - 1945 EAG-EMGC02 - IJN Aircraft Carrier Akagi - 1942 EAG-EMGC06 - IJN Battleship Ise - 1944 EAG-EMGC08 - IJN Battleship Mikasa - 1902 EAG-EMGC11 - IJN Heavy Cruiser Chokai - 1940 EAG-EMGC18 - IJN Light Cruiser Katori - 1940 EAG-EMGC21 - IJN Battleship Fuso - 1944 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Coming Soon! “Jack Reacher” - Coming Soon! ACME-A1801203 - 1:18 Scale - $139.95 AWSS109 - 1:18 Scale - $79.95 Hot Pursuit Series #14 (Set of 6) - Coming! GL42710-SET - 1:64 Scale - $29.95 M48A2 Patton US Army 1st M151A2 MUTT USMC, Camp Cavalry Div, #22, Korea, 1963 Fuji, Japan - Coming Soon! Coming Soon! HM-HG1903 - 1:48 Scale - $37.95 Black Bandit Series #10 (Set of 6) - Coming! HM-HG5506 - 1:72 Scale - $37.95 GL27750-SET - 1:64 Scale - $29.95 2012 Jeep Wrangler Hard Top 2012 Jeep Wrangler Hard Top Coming Soon! “U.S. Army” - Coming Soon! “U.S. Army” - Coming Soon! F-15E Strike Eagle USAF 391st FS Bold Tigers “#90-0233” Bagram AB, Afghanistan, 2012 GL86042 - 1:43 Scale - $11.95 GL86043 - 1:43 Scale - $11.95 HM-HA4501 - 1:72 Scale - $103.95 Dept. DCX2013, 3005 Old Lawrenceburg Rd. Frankfort, KY 40601 • Phone Orders: 800-718-1866 M-F 9am-5pm EST • Info (502) 227-8697

1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 19 19901991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 200 Corralling Passion YEARS OF 50MUSTANG

979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 04 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 BY ALAN PARADISE | PHOTOS BY ALAN PARADISE AND COURTESY OF FORD Fast forward to present day. Ford’s TO SAY THAT FORD HIT A HOME RUN WITH THE MUSTANG WOULD BE ONE Pony Car has never OF HISTORY’S BIGGEST UNDERSTATEMENTS. e Mustang was more than gone out of fashion. just a hit; the nameplate invented an entirely new class of car and simultaneously Even the maligned reinvigorated the auto industry. In one genius stroke Ford fired up the automotive Mustang II has found desires of a generation. ey also brought female buyers into territory that was a cult following. e considered the exclusive land of male buyers — purchase by passion — a goal Mustang is also the Harley Earl and General Motors had set out to achieve a decade earlier. Now, the longest running mighty GM would be playing catch-up. All the car talk was about the Mustang. Few continuous nameplate remember that just months earlier Plymouth had launched the Barracuda and in the American Chevy introduced the Chevelle — let alone that Pontiac began offering its new GTO. automotive history—51 Nope, the summer of ’64 belonged to the Mustang. straight years of production (Chevrolet Racing has always been at the heart of the Mustang image. Parnelli did not produce Jones was on hand to reintroduce the Boss 302 in 2010. Jones Corvettes in 1983). was one of history’s most talented Ford drivers campaigning in NASCAR, LeMans, Trans Am and Indy. e 2015 Mustang is the culmination of 50+ years of trying to build the perfect personal performance car. Arguably, some generations have been better at that than others, but all have been successful sellers—because Ford wasn’t selling just a car, it was instilling an ideal. By no means did Ford invent the long nose, short deck styling formula that the Mustang is known for—that had been in play for over a decade. Ford did, however, master the art of making it affordable, and then marketed the idea like no one before or since. Right from the start, Mustang was presented as youthful freedom through the iconic television ads depicting a young couple in a Mustang speeding down a dirt road as spirited horses paced alongside; it conveyed the dreams of passionate driving and ownership. WINTER 2015 19

50 YEARS OF MUSTANG From the start, the Mustang had Motorsports has always been one of the primary Above: e latest big screen the “It” factor. Mere ownership Mustang marketing ingredients. Ford leaned on racing Mustang was the 2015 used in could transform an ordinary hu- to sell the performance image of not just Mustang, Need for Speed—seen here on man into a rock star. Fifty years but the entire Ford brand. At Le Mans, in Trans Am location during filming. of results backs up that concept. and drag racing, and now in the NASCAR Nationwide Right: Hollywood started series, Mustang has always lent a completion halo to casting Mustangs as soon BIG the Blue Oval brand. Many iconic drivers have wheeled as the first one rolled off the NUMBERS the Mustang into the winner’s circle. ese include assembly line. None has had John Force, George Montgomery, Mario Andretti, Lyn a bigger impact that the 1968 Mustangs have always St. James, Parnelli Jones, Don Nicholson, Jack Roush, Fastback driven by Steve been fast movers, Don Glidden, Gerry Titus, George Folmer, Klaus Ludwig, McQueen in Bullitt. however, some model and Dan Gurney. And while the race track was an years were far and away image-building test ground, it was on the street where MUSTANG STAR CARS better than others. Here the Mustang made its true presence known. Even in are the Top 10 sales years the beginning, a 138-horsepower Inline-6 version had It was no surprise that the movie and television industry as reported by Ford Motor nearly the same cachet as the 271-horsepower V-8. picked up on how big a star the Mustang could be. Company. Here are some of the more memorable Mustangs that e Mustang filled a dual role—on one side a nimble appeared on screens big and small: Pony Car and on the other a brute Muscle Car. APPEARANCE MUSTANG MODEL YEAR SCALE STALLIONS Le Gendarme de St. Topez 1965 Convertible 1964 Perhaps the only place where the Mustang was more potent than on the street was in the hobby shop. As Goldfinger 1965 Convertible 1965 soon as the Fall of 1965, Mustangs started showing up YEAR TOTAL SALES as model kits, slot cars and in diecast. Tootsietoy was Bullitt 1968 GT 1968 1965 680,980 one of the first to release a 1:64-scale version, followed 1966 607,568 closely by Matchbox, Corgi and Dinky. However, it was Diamonds Are Forever 1971 Mach I 1971 1967 472,121 when Mattel made a custom 1967 2+2 Mustang one the 1974 385,993 first Hot Wheels, that the Mustang hit critical mass in Gone in 60 Seconds 1973 Sportback 1974 1979 369,936 the all-important boy’s toys category. Over the years 1968 317,404 since, Mattel has sold more 1:64 scale Mustangs than all Charlie’s Angels 1976 Cobra II 1976 1969 300,676 other diecast makers combined. 1980 271,322 e omas Crown Affair 1968 GT500 Convertible 1999 1986 224,410 Just like with the real Mustang, there is no end in 1989 209,769 sight for new and exciting scale offerings. e old is Gone in 60 Seconds 1967 GT500 2000 constantly new and the latest 2015 versions have sparked a bonanza of newly and soon-to-be-released Hollywood Homicide 2003 Saleen Convertible 2003 diecasts in every scale. As the 50th Anniversary of the first Mustang continues, there will be constant War of the Worlds 1966 Shelby GT350 2005 comparisons between what was and what is. e debate will center on which is better; the technology of High School Musical 2 2006 Convertible 2007 the present or the soul of the past. As diecast collectors, we have the opportunity to embrace both! Transformers 2007 Saleen 2007 Drive 2011 GT 2011 Need for Speed 2015 GT 2013 PONIES THROUGH THE YEARS e Getaway 2013 Shelby GT500 2013 1965 - 1968 1971 – 1973 1979 – 1994 1969 - 1970 1974 – 1978 1995 – 2004 20 DCXmag.com

For a mass-produced dream machine, the Mustang has had some very unique, low number machines such as the Boss 429 seen here on the assembly line circa 1969. LITTLE Nothing sings to the freedom of the open road like a drop-top Just like NUMBERS Mustang. Without question this 1965 K-Code convertible could with the real have been the inspiration for songs by Wilson Pickett, Five for Mustang, In contrast, there are a few very rare and wonderful Fighting and Jan & Dean. there is no produced Mustangs. is excludes tuner versions from end in sight Shelby, Saleen, Roush, and any prototypes. Here are the TUNED IN for new and rarest Ford factory 'Stangs: exciting scale offerings. YEAR MODEL PNRUOMDBUECRED Music is a universal form of inspiration. It depicts hope, e old is 1984 20th Anniversary VIP GT Convertible 16 dreams, and can forever tie a memory to a past time, constantly 1986 SVO Competition Pack 83 new... 1984 20th Anniversary Convertible (2.3 Turbo) 104 place, event or person. e Mustang has been the 1993 SVT Cobra R 107 Left: Drag racing was a 1965 1964 Indy 500 Pace Car Convertible 220 subject many, many a pop, blues and rock tune. Here natural Mustang domain. 1995 SVT Cobra R 250 From early Funny Car 1968 Fastback Deluxe (bench seat) 256 are just a few: development through 2000 SVT Cobra R 300 the 2014 season, Mus- 1984 20th Anniversary Coupe (2.3 Turbo) 362 SONG ARTIST YEAR tangs have been a force 1984 GT Convertible (2.3 Turbo) 412 on the old 1320. 1985 SVO 429 Mustang Sally Wilson Pickett 1965 Beloow: Lyn St. James 1993 LX Convertible (5.0 five-speed) 441 is one of the racing’s 1970 Boss 429 499 My Ford Mustang Chuck Berry 1965 more unsung talents. Ford reeled her in in 1981 MoveOutLittleMustang Jan&Dean 1966 to race in IMSA with a Mustang. By 1984, she Mustang Ford T-Rex 1968 was one of most popular drivers in America. Rollin’ in My 5.0 Vanilla Ice 1989 65 Mustang FiveForFighting 2006 Little Mustang David Olney 2012 HAMMER TIME Wonder what are the most expensive Mustangs? Here are the top ten Mustang dollar getters from the auction world: 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake $1.3 Million 2013 Mecum Indy 1967 “Eleanor” movie car $1 Millon 2013 Mecum Indy 1965 Shelby GT350R $990,000 2012 RM Monterey 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible $742,500 2008 Barrett-Jackson 2007 Shelby GT500 #1 $648,000 2006 Barrett-Jackson 1969 Boss 429 $605,000 2007 Barrett-Jackson 2007 Shelby GT-H #1 $600,000 2007 Barrett-Jackson 2008 Shelby GT500KR #1 $550,000 2008 Barrett-Jackson 1969 Boss 429 $550,000 2013 Mecum Monterey 1965 Shelby GT350 SC $528,000 2007 RM Amelia Island 2010 – 2014 2015 2005 – 2009 WINTER 2015 21

out of the box by ALAN PARADISE New-age pony Maisto 2015 Mustang GT Coupe 1:18 | $35 The stark interior offers flashes of excellent. F ew car introductions have been more anticipated than that of Molded components don’t detract from the quality the 50th Anniversary edition 2015 Ford Mustang. Even Ford of the effort. The instrument cluster and pedal as- Chairman William Clay Ford called this one of the most important sembly are very well executed. model rollouts in the company’s history — one that he admits he was a bit worried about. That’s how important the Mustang has become to the automotive industry. That level of responsibility also carried over to Maisto for its 1:18 scale 2015 version. Released within the “Special Edition” line, the Anniversary model reflects the very ideals on which Ford and Maisto have based their business models: affordable quality made available to the masses. If you are looking for over-the-top detail and features, look elsewhere — and prepare to lay out a lot more Benjamins. But, for the price of a Jackson, a Hamilton, and a Lincoln, this is a pretty darn good diecast. This casting was so new Maisto could only supply us with a pre-production sample. Usually one needs to apply some critical tolerance with such versions. However, this sample 2015 Mustang GT looked and felt very production-like right out of the box. 22 DCXmag.com

Maisto bathed the exterior in headers, as well as using white The engine compartment of the 2015 Mustang GT looks far better than its price tag would deep blue metallic accented on the coolant recovery tank suggest. At a glance, its hard to believe this is a single drop-in tray. with satin black trim. The only and power brake reservoir cap. reflective items are the “5.0” Add in the placement of stickers speed spears, and five-spoke installing the staggered tire and warning emblems on each front and battery detail and the look wheels or hubcaps. The 2015 wheel setup. It should have a fender and the famous GT tag on was very convincing especially version runs along the same slightly wider set on the back the rear trunk panel. The finish considering the price point. attitude of mirroring current than front. Per normal for Maisto, was consistently applied with It would have been nice if street trends. One of the modern the suspension is active and the deep gloss and only the most the interior had received the styling trends (love it or hate it) front steering was tied to the minor blemishes. The same same attention as the engine is blacked-out wheels. While steering wheel. commitment to visual quality compartment. All the standard wheels on the new Masito’s new 2015 Mustang was found in the head and components are of the molded Mustang GT are 10-spoke wheels encompasses what has made taillights. The molded front grille variety and all were black. with aluminum highlights, the diecast maker a staple in the was not as impressive and the This made the package appear the Maisto sample came with collector hobby — good detail and black trim on the rear quarter rather bland, although there 20-spoke black wheels offered quality at a price everyone can windows seemed forced. But were flashes of brilliance. The in the optional Performance afford. It is an ideal that has built these detractions were offset “Mustang” rocker panel covers Package. These were also molded a loyal following and allows the by the attention to body fit, were a surprise. The pedal rather that cast. In concert with brand to stay ahead of the curve. proportions and styling details— grouping was accented in the Ebony Black 19-inch wheels Its new Mustang will likely be such as the correct beltline and silver and correctly placed. The were the upgraded Brembo one the best sellers of the year. functional hood scoops. instrument panel was also above brakes with six-piston calipers In the process it will accomplish Under the tight-fitting hood the price point. Its hard to know and larger rotors. However, exactly what Ford is hoping for— lies a beast that the first how close to final-production Maisto did not go the final mile to push the Mustang legacy to Mustang owners could only spec these interior appointments with Performance Package by the next generation of Pony Car dream of — a 435-horsepower are. The well-fitted trunk lid enthusiasts. DOHC smallblock V8. Maisto opened to a molded black tray replicated the 5.0 with its usual void of any other details. A little Sources method of detailing a one-piece investigation revealed that molded drop-in tub. They did Maisto engineered the black Maisto maisto.com such a good job at it that it was exterior panel and trunk hard to tell it was not a multiple- lid liner as one piece. cast and assembled engine When the Mustang hit the compartment. This was helped market in the spring of 1964, by accenting the silver on the it reflected the aftermarket shock towers, fuel injection, performance trends of the day valve covers and exhaust with faux scoops, trim of plated winter 2015 23

out of the box by alan paradise Street & Strip Stallion M2 Machines 50th Anniversary 1965 Mustang 2+2 1:24 | $20 T he last of the Mustangs models released in the summer of 1964 was the unique side mirror is a little weak, but and ultra-sexy 2+2 — better known in the collector car world as the “Fastback.” It the hood with dual simulated was the ideal crescendo to Ford’s masterful introduction parade. M2 Machines from locking pins makes up for that. Castline recently released a number of 2+2 models in both 1:64 and 1:24 scale. To capitalize on this historic year and make this diecast unique, One of the more intriguing is the This was the jumping off point dead center of the hood, roof and the special 50 Years of Mustang 1:24 scale Walmart exclusive S01 for experimental vehicles that trunk lid. The finish shows very logo adorn each door. in blue with an iconic “teardrop” would later become known as well — especially for the modest The tire and wheel set is hood and black center racing “Funny Cars.” As for the M2 price point — while the fit on our very representative of the era. stripes. While not a “showroom Machine’s S01, it is a cool little sample was a bit rougher. Trim Chromed American Racing stock” version, M2 Machines reminder of the ‘60s when is model car-like quality and the Torq Thrust style wheels are has recreated a period correct, anything goes was the credo. chrome-plated items are as you staggered with (what would street/drag modified Fastback. The exterior is finished in a would suspect. The single set have been) 15x10 deep-dish A decent percentage of the medium blue that is not quite rears on fat slicks and smaller 77,079 Fastbacks produced like any factory color. The black ended up being modified. In an racing stripes (a wide middle even more aggressive move, stripe flanked by thin rails) run Ford provided selected drag racers with “factory” Mustangs to be altered as they saw fit. 50 years of fast! M2’s ‘65 fastback celebrates the Mustang’s performance heritage.

The Weber-equipped 427 “Cammer” is a nice surprise underhood. M2 put their efforts in The wood-grain steering wheel and 4-speed gear lever add a touch of color to the inte- the right place; plenty of detail and lots of ponies! rior, but the rollbar and lack of rear seats speak to the car’s true intent. 14x6 on thin treaded bias-ply molded plastic liner simulates with front flowing sparkplug like black molded components. tires up front. a vinyl mat and that’s about it. wires draw the eyes from The steering is operative and The light blue interior is a rear It would have been cool to have an otherwise sparse engine linked to the interior’s steering seat delete model fitted with a the battery-mounted back here bay. Back in the day, such a wheel. The rear end looks to be black four-point roll bar. As to or find a gas filler tube, but that conversion was not just doable, a narrowed 9-inch with silver be expected, details and features would have been tough to pull but was done — which soon led drum brakes. are moderate. Light accenting off and still stay within the under to pushing back the engines The M2 Machines S01 is on the door panels, a simulated $20 retail price point. into the firewall, thus forcing not going to win the hearts of wood grain steering wheel and Under the teardrop hood is the seat to be relocated – often collectors who seek massive chrome plated Hurst-style floor a nice surprise. Shoehorned to the center of the interior. detail and multiple features. shifter helped bring a splash of into the tight space is a 427 If this all sounds like a Funny Rather, Castline’s intent with relevance to the interior. SOHC “Cammer” engine fitted Car, thank Jack Chrisman, the Mustangs in its 50 Years of There is literally no junk in Weber aspiration. This engine Don Nicholson, Tasca Ford and Mustang series is to bring the the trunk of this Mustang. The setup would have made Gas Rhonda, as these were excitement to a wider audience somewhere in the neighborhood Ford-powered pioneers of the while delivering solid value. It of 700 horsepower! M2 is to be movement. provides heart, soul and quality congratulated for really putting The undercarriage is the at an entry-level price. The exact its efforts in the right place — final stop, and it’s a short one. same philosophy Ford employed the engine compartment is Modest accents of silver dual when it unleashed the Mustang filled with ponies! Those big, exhaust system and a Ford on the public in the April of 1964! distinctive SOHC valve covers Blue oil pan add some appeal to the otherwise model car- sources M2 Machines M2machines.com

out of the box by wayne moyer A Horse of a Need caption 1 Different Color 1A9C6M8ESThrealdbyinGgTC-o5m00pKaRny“WT” What turned an “ordinary” Shelby into the “King of the Road” was the 1:18 | $129.95 installation of the 428 Cobra Jet motor. ACME reproduces it superbly. B y 1968, the Ford-Shelby relationship was becoming pretty strained. Ford had moved all Shelby Mustang production from California to A. O. Smith’s facility near Ford’s Dearborn HQ to “expedite production,” and while Shelby did retain some design and engineering control, many felt the Shelbys had became little more than Mustang GTs with a couple of Shelby suspension tweaks, Cobra-badged engine dress-ups, and some racy styling features. Those included a new hood with forced-air induction scoops near the leading edge and exit louvers at the rear, large chromed Dzus fasteners instead of hood pins, and rectangular driving lights up front, while the upper and lower side scoops, ducktail spoiler, and wide taillights (now divided into six segments) all carried over from the ’67 model. As if owning a ‘68 Shelby GT-500KR wasn’t special enough, three lucky buyers got to option their KRs in WT-5014 Special Orange. Just 750 lucky collectors will get to own ACME’s 1:18 version. 26 DCXmag.com

The 1967 Mustang redesign had quickly trademarked that name look at an early “Color Sample” sample still has the automatic accommodated, for the first time, for the new CJ-powered GT-500 to of the third installment in the WT setup, but look for ACME to the installation of a big-block differentiate it from the previous series, a GT-500KR in the darker correct that for production. powerplant. 1967 Mustangs got model. WT 5014 Special Orange. There a seam down the center a 390 as an option, but that year Late in the production run Mustang references are of that transmission, but it’s also saw the debut of the rival things got more interesting plentiful and all show that ACME small. Shelby’s oversized fined Camaro which was available when six very limited special has the overall Mustang shape aluminum oil pan is present and with a much more potent paint colors were offered: WT exactly right with its 1:18 version. the exhaust system and the 375-horse 396, and Carroll 4014 Red, WT 5014 Orange, WT The model incorporates the ’68 fuel tank are “aluminized.” The Shelby wanted to blow the doors 5107 Orange (a darker shade), Shelby features listed above as rear drum/ventilated front disk off the upstart Chevy. To do it WT 5185 Orange (yes, there were well as the optional snake-badge brake setup is also authentic but he sourced Ford’s 428 Police three shades of Orange), WT alloy wheels. The stripes and there are no flexible hoses to the Interceptor (PI) big block for his 6066 Yellow, and WT 7081 Green. Shelby badges are hot-printed disks. newly christened Shelby GT- These have become known as but all other trim (including the 500. The balance of power held the “WT Special” colors; 144 1968 door lock cylinders and pins) Royal through the beginning of 1968, Shelby Mustangs (both GT-350 is done with separate brightly Acc ommodations but midway through the season and 500) were painted “WT 6066 plated parts. the supply of 428 PI engines Special Yellow,” and just three Doors swing wide on properly dried up. Shelby gotten a hold each were offered in the other All Hail Th e King! hidden hinges to show a well of a few NASCAR-derived 427s five colors. detailed interior with fabric and but they were expensive and The big difference with the KR photo-etched shoulder belts finicky and Ford didn’t want him Snakes of a is, of course, under the hood, correctly attached to the simple turning those loose on the public. Different Color and ACME has stuffed a very roll bar, authentic upholstery, But Ford had been at work on a good-looking model of the realistic wood-grain trim hot new 428 for use as a factory ACME Trading Company has 428CJ in there. The underhood everywhere it’s supposed to be, option on the Mustang. The new launched a “WT Color Series” ductwork for the ram-air printed chrome door panel trim mill, dubbed “Cobra Jet,” offered of limited editions which will induction system is missing from and separate plated handles, and an estimated 40hp increase over include all six of these rare colors this early sample but mounting the Shelby-specific, five-gauge the 428 PI—which was all Shelby on appropriate GT-350, GT-500, lugs are there and it will be on instrument cluster with legible needed to hear! Legend has it or GT-500KR 1:18 scale diecast production item. The 428 is very instrument faces and chrome that he got wind that Chevy was models. The first in the series nicely wired and plumbed, with bezels. The center console sports looking at calling its top-option was the well-known “Coral hot-printed data blocks and a proper 4-speed shift lever and Camaro “King of the Road” so he Snake” GT-500KR Mustang emblems everywhere, even on the foot well has three pedals, as in WT 5185 Special Orange the coolant hoses! Wiring, hoses, befits a Shelby. (actually Ford Poppy Red), and it and lines are plentiful and it’s sold out quickly. The second is a easy to see just how difficult it Final Th oughts WT-6066 Special Yellow GT-350 must have been to work on this (go to DCXMag.com to read more engine —especially with Shelby’s For many, 1968 represents about it), but we got an advanced shock-tower-to-firewall cowl the last of the true Shelby brace in place. Mustangs. Although it had grown heavier and softer since the Solid Foundation raw 1965 model, it retained its performance bite thanks largely Now turn this beauty over and to the addition of the 428 Cobra see what sets it above most Jet big block. From a collector’s other models in this price range. standpoint, ACME maximizes Start with the over-sprayed the appeal with the ultra-rare lower unibody, but what draws WT color schemes and by doing your eye is the separate brake their research; all dimensions are cables, fuel lines, and hydraulic within 0.02” of perfect 1:18 scale. lines. Suspension components, With production runs as low as including Shelby bits are there, 750 pieces, they will surely sell although not functional. One out, so don’t wait to order yours. interesting note about Shelby The excellent ACME Shelby GT- suspension is that automatic 500KR “WT” should be available equipped cars had a standard by the time you read this. rear shock arrangement, but 4-speed cars used a staggered sources shock setup to reduce axle tramp. This preproduction ACME acmediecast.com more online Fit for a king? The interior is pretty @DCXMag.com plush, but his highness better be able to shift his own gears be- Want more Shelby WT? Check out extra cause ACME’s KR is a 4-speed! info and a bonus photo gallery of the WT- 6066 GT-350 on our website! winter 2015 27

DIECAST ESSENTIALS 241966LheouMrs oaf ns e “Deuce” Conquers All BYBILLBENNETT THE 1966 24 HOURS OF LEMANS was one of the most memorable and controversial races ever held at Circuit de La Sarthe. ere is still debate about what actually happened at the finish, and it is possible that the truth may have been “sanitized” to protect the reputation of one of motor racing’s fabled heroes. Ken Miles' no. 1 car was in the lead on the final lap when he slowed to allow Bruce McLaren's no. 2 and third place car Ronnie Bucknum in no. 5 to close up for a formation finish...

...but at the line somehow Promotional material for the 1966 McLaren had pulled even (past?) race. Miles, and he was declared the winner. Both cars are produced What is not in debate in 1:18 by Exoto. is that Henry Ford II (“ e Deuce”) had a huge axe to grind with Enzo Ferrari. In 1963 Enzo had walked out of negotiations to sell to sell his motor car company to Ford—this after the Ford Motor Company had invested millions of dollars to make the sale happen. Egos collided and Henry Ford II wanted to teach Enzo Ferrari a lesson. And he was willing to spend whatever it took to humiliate Ferrari on the world stage by beating the scuderia at LeMans. Ferraris had been dominant at the 24 hour race in the early ‘60s, winning each of the previous six races and seven of the previous eight. Ford had entered the 1964 and 1965 LeMans with three and six of their new GT40s respectively, but both times failed to bring a car to the finish line. For 1966 Ford persuaded Carroll Shelby to drop the Cobra Daytona part of his own LeMans program and take complete control of Ford’s GT40 effort. Shelby headed up three teams (Shelby-American, Holman & Moody and Alan Mann Racing Ltd.) with a total of eight cars under the Ford banner to contest the 1966 24 hour race. WINTER 2015 29

Diecast Essentials Above: Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant tore off in the red no. 3 at the start to push the race pace. Top right: The fabled Le Mans standing start. Lower right: The Ferrari 330 P3s were pushed past their breaking point by the GT40's pace. Unfortunately, no high-detail diecast of the P3 is currently produced. Enzo Ferrari's last-minute refusal to sell to Ford set the stage for the epic battle The team hired the cream of the day’s crop of racing Miles so as to get a “photo finish” at the end of the race drivers: Dan Gurney, Graham Hill, Denny Hulme, Ken with all three cars in the same frame. Dutifully, Miles Miles, Mario Andretti, Mark Donohue, Chris Amon and slowed down to let the other two cars close-up so a bunch more. Ford, now with its 7-liter GT40 Mk II, that all three cars would be captured at the finish line. was the team to beat. Qualifying had the first four slots Trailing the three Fords were four Porsche 906s. going to GT40s with Dan Gurney’s #3 leading the way. The first Ferrari sat in a humbling fifth starting position. But at the last moment as the GT40s crossed the finish line, somehow McLaren’s car had crept up along During the race, Gurney and Jerry Grant played side, and possibly slight ahead of, Miles, and so the #2 the role of the “hare” by setting a blistering pace that rather than the #1 was declared the winner. Shelby felt the Ferraris could not sustain and that, if they tried to keep up, would cause them to DNF. The The Controversy plan worked beautifully and all three of Ferrari’s 330 It seems as if every printed account of this finish P3s dropped out. Subsequently, Gurney and Grant also retired after 257 laps, but the next three spots were also is slightly different, but some things are understood. filled with Fords. Miles was obviously distraught, some say in tears; slowing down for the picture not only cost him the As the race ran its course, the #1 car of Ken Miles race but it cost him the “Triple Crown of Endurance and future Formula 1 World Champion Denny Hulme Racing,” he having won at both Daytona and Sebring in swapped first and second positions back and forth 1966. Amon, McLaren’s co-driver was heard to say to a with the #2 car of Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. bystander, “Bruce and I didn’t come here to lose!” Some Approaching the finish, Miles was the lead car, but both say that because the #2 car was farther back on the the #1 and #2 cars were on the same lap. The #5, third starting grid than the #1 car, that additional distance place car of Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson was added to the #2 car’s finishing position, putting it was close to Miles and McLaren on the track, but was a ahead of the #1 car. But photos seem to show a flagman distant fifteen laps down. The Ford corporation “suits” waving a checkered flag at the #2 car well in front of the thought it would be a great idea if they could slow down #1 car. Gurney and Grant's no. 3 Ford was produced in 1:12 by GMP a few years back. Runnie Bucknum stayed well back at the line and out of the controversy. This is his no. 5 in 1:18 from Exoto. 30 DCXmag.com

TM

DIECAST ESSENTIALS e Ford power team drawing a crowd in the pits. e brass at Ford didn’t seem to care. ey got their not been produced in 1:18th scale. If the collector has e factory Porsche 906s picture and they won LeMans. Whether the winner these six or seven cars, the story is pretty well told. finished in formation too: no. was McLaren or Miles didn’t really seem to matter to 30, 31, and 32 in 4th, 5th, and them. Miles had been a valuable resource for the GT40 anks go to Brian Fothergill of Replicarz and Bob 6th, respectively. Minichamps program and its success can be partially credited to his Mosteller for helping me assemble all of the cars for this produces the trio. hard work developing the cars. But he was sometimes article. a difficult collaborator for the people at Ford. Personally, I think McLaren saw an opportunity to win the race and took it. But we’ll probably never know. Miles died later in 1966 testing a race car, as did McLaren four years later. Exoto has produced the full fleet of Ford team GT40 Mk IIs that started the race. I feel the most important of the cars are the ones that finished the race. e Gurney/Grant #3 car also is important to the outcome of the race as it was their blinding speed that sucked the Ferraris into trying to stay in contact and ultimately caused two of the three 330 P3s to fail. is car is represented here by the 1:12th GMP model but is also available in 1:18 scale from Exoto, as noted. Likewise, Minichamps has built the three Porsche 906LH’s that finished 4th, 5th & 6th. e 7th place shorter 906 has Right: Henry Ford II celebrates his revenge in the Le Mans garage. Below: e no. 2 on its way to a surprising victory. 32 DCXmag.com



out of the box by MATT boyd The Last photo by Norio Koike Pure Racer Above: Senna’s charisma and driving style endeared him to fans and made him a favorite among diecast manufacturers as well! Below: In Japan these cars fin- ished in reverse order, with Senna back- ing off to let Berger’s no. 2 take the win. TrueScale Miniatures 1991 McLaren MP4/6 1:18 | $235 ‘Senna.’ When you see iconic red and white livery bathing the flanks of a Formula 1 car, that is the name that leaps to mind. Not McLaren; although that is the manufacturer that carried the colors to wins and championships even before Senna joined the team. Not Marlboro cigarettes, whose color scheme it was. Senna. It’s spoken with fascination, with pride, with sadness. It’s spoken with reverence. And in this, the 20th anniversary year of Senna’s untimely passing, it’s being spoken a lot. Was he the greatest ever? What might he have accomplished if his career had not been cut short in the Tamburello curve on lap 7 of the San Marino Grand Prix on May 1, 1994? 34 DCXmag.com

The 1991 McLaren MP4/6 will make it essential, and it is fitting a reward to Berger for his loyal and sidepod cover lifts off as a be best remembered as the car that TrueScale Miniatures chose support, Senna pulled aside in single piece, revealing extensive Senna drove to his third driver’s to produce it as both Senna’s the final turn of the final lap to let engine, cockpit, and suspension championship, but the story of number 1 car and teammate the Austrian retake his rightful detail beneath. Comparative lack the 1991 season goes far beyond Gerhard Berger’s number 2. place and his first — and only — of interior and engine detail has that. It marked a watershed The Austrian Berger provided win of the season. The gesture long been the principal knock moment in the evolution of Senna with valuable support in further endeared Senna to fans, against resin for use in largescale Formula 1 — a technological his quest for the championship, and allowed him to celebrate his models, so TSM’s McLarens changing of the guard. In many finishing on the podium in four final driver’s title on the same really represent a game-changer. ways, Senna’s Honda-powered of Senna’s wins, thereby taking podium as Berger celebrated his I’m thrilled to see this level of McLaren was the last of its valuable points away from other victory. technical detail in a resin model, breed. It was the last V12 to win challengers to the driver’s and and I hope it is a sign of things a drivers’ or constructors’ title, manufacturer’s titles. Berger Reinventing Resin to come across the entire resin and the last car to win using a dutifully surrendered the lead market. traditional H-pattern manual to Senna during the season’s While the McLaren MP4/6 was It must be noted that the gearbox. It was the last car to win penultimate race in Japan, but something of an old-school race models in these photos are without the active suspension when chief rival Nigel Mansell car design with its retro gearbox prototypes — the only two of and aero wizardry that rival spun off and retired, Senna knew and dearth of electronics, the their kind in the United States at Williams pioneered on the FW14. he had the title in hand. So as TSM replica is an innovator. And, of course, it was Senna’s Crafted in 1:18 resin, these models final championship. are a departure from typical Any of those reasons would resin pieces in that they are not make it a worthwhile subject sealed-body models. The cowl to model; all of them together summer 2014 35

Clean, classic lines and a wide stance give the time of this writing. Given when reflected back off of the foil cast models). The tiny 13-inch the MP4/6 the look of a proper race car. that fact their level of fit and heat-shielding material on the diameter racing wheels are also finish was impressive. Other carbon fiber chassis’ flooring. A well rendered. than a slight seam at the joint carbon fiber look intake plenum between the red and white on dominates the upper section of FINAL THOUGHTS the cowl section the paint is the engine bay, and the complex flawless. Ducts and character pushrod rear suspension hides It’s an exceptional athlete who much of the aft-mounted is revered to such a degree that Above: The Honda RA121E engine is a gor- lines are well molded with clean gearbox. The gearbox also he or she becomes known by geous piece of history — the last V12 to straight edges. Even the dots serves as the mounting point a single name, synonymous win an F1 title. Above right: The Goodyear representing screw/rivet/ for the rear wing. Large, nicely with the sport they symbolize: slicks on tiny 13-inch wheels are convinc- fastener heads are accounted detailed radiators with ‘Calsonic’ Pelé. Jordan. Ruth. Ali. Ayrton ing. Below: Woven belts with ‘Boss’ logos. for. The sponsor decals are well logos dominate the sidepods, Senna da Silva certainly reached Bottom: A round wheel and an H-pattern rendered and appropriately and braided metal coolant lines that plateau. The word “Senna” gearbox are real throwbacks! placed, although sharp-eyed lead from them back to the captures the essence of Formula historians will note one is engine. With the cowl out of the 1, and the MP4/6 symbolizes conspicuously absent — that of way we also get a better look at what made him great. In it the Marlboro cigarette livery. the cockpit where Senna and he harnessed his intensity, Don’t blame TSM — the legal Berger did their business. The finesse, and perseverance to settlement between big tobacco low-slung molded drivers seat triumph over Nigel Mansell in and the U.S. Government forbids the faster and more technically cigarette advertising — even in sits nestled in a driver’s cell with sophisticated Williams. For 1:18 scale! carbon- fiber surfacing and purists Senna will always remain What strikes me about the woven fabric racing harness with a favorite driver, and the MP4/6 MP4/6 is its elemental beauty. etched metal buckles and “Boss” is a car that the purist can truly It’s a couple feet shorter than a logos on the shoulder straps. The appreciate as well. It enjoyed modern F1 car, nearly that much steering wheel is round (how’s no electronic embellishments wider, and it lacks its complex that for a throwback!) and behind like semi-automatic gearboxes, aerodynamic channels, ducts it is a decal representation of a traction control or active and airfoils. Its proportions rudimentary digital heads-up suspension — it was just an are simpler and much more display. To the right is the stubby extraordinarily well-engineered balanced. It looks like a race car little lever for the conventional car piloted by an extraordinary should look. H-pattern gearbox. driver. In some ways it was Long suspension arms give perhaps the last time the art of Honda Power the MP4/6 an impressively wide race car design triumphed over on Disp lay track, and there is a hint of brake science of race car technology. detailing. The sidewall markings TrueScale Miniatures’ 1:18 Lift off the cowl and that illusion on the meaty Goodyear racing replica is a bit of art in its own of simplicity is quickly dispelled. slicks are nice, but they do not right, capturing the allure of the Honda’s RA121E V12 engine is roll (which is typical of resin- McLaren even as it raises the anything but — particularly the bar for scale detail in the resin nest of bronze-colored exhaust medium. It’s an ambitious effort, tubes, which sprout a pair of executed with style and finesse. sensor wires. Those headers It is a fitting tribute to Senna’s are that much more impressive final championship winning machine, just as it looked that day in Japan when he won it following Gerhard Berger across the line. sources tsm-models.com The multi-element rear wing and a push- rod rear suspension are both faithfully rendered. 36 DCXmag.com



OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD e exhaust outlet area is among the most aero-sensitive areas on modern F1 cars. Alonso’s Breakthrough Racer HOT WHEELS ELITE FERRARI F138 2013 CHINESE GP WINNER 1:18 | $125 F errari is the most storied manufacturer in Formula 1, but it must have mixed feelings about its 2013 race car. At the hands of two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso the F138 won twice, made seven more podium appearances, finished second in the drivers’ title standings and third for the constructor’s championship. ose are excellent results — for any team but Ferrari. e reality is that it was never in contention to beat the runaway favorite Sebastian Vettel in his Red Bull RB9, who won 10 races on his way to a fourth consecutive world title. It was the third time in four years that Alonso had run second to Vettel for the championship, which had to be as galling to the Spaniard as to Ferrari itself. With 2013 being the final year of the 2.4L V8 formula that Red Bull and Vettel dominated, Ferrari and Alonso might well have been content to see the F138 retired so they could start fresh with the 1.6L turbo V6-powered F14 T in 2014. All of which overshadows the fact that the F138 was an excellent performer in the hands of Alonso, whose two wins and five second-place finishes —compared to just a single retirement — made it not only the fastest, but also the most consistent and reliable Formula 1 car of 2013 … after Vettel’s. Somehow Ferrari always manages to be among the prettiest cars on the grid every F1 season. Hot Wheels gives you the chance to admire the F138 in both 1:18 and 1:43 scales. 38 DCXmag.com

It also happens to be the most Not so with the Ferrari. It is an new and old, and it corners the streamlined nose. attractive F1 car of 2013. Even unusual shape to be sure, but it market on modern Ferrari F1 in The rear section has in an era much maligned for has a certain technical beauty, 1:18. They have a dozen Ferrari F1 abandoned red paint for a its compromised aesthetics, akin perhaps to a fighter aircraft, models in the series, and Alonso’s carbon-fiber weave pattern, somehow Ferrari always especially around the nacellelike China GP-winning F138 is the which greatly disguises the manages to make its cars just side-pod air inlets. The newest. Ferrari’s signature red contours of the redesigned a little more elegant, a little high, flat nose cone continues color is a shade darker for 2013, exhaust — a much more smoother, and more flowing that theme. Ferrari has always returning closer to the classic aerodynamically sensitive of line. Rules changes geared understood that a beautiful car Rosso Corsa hue than the lighter, area for the 2013 season. All towards increasing safety, does more than just look good; brighter shade it had carried in of this is captured faithfully and reducing speed and costs it inspires fans and engenders more recent years. For the first on the Hot Wheels version, to promote parity among pride in the team, which time the team chose to accent accented by crisply printed teams had gradually led to the motivates them to try that much the red with black and white. It sponsor livery and delicate high-nosed, narrow-bodied harder. And in a sport measured was done for both aesthetic and antennae on the nose section designs that culminated in in thousandths of a second that strategic reasons: the black on in front of the cockpit. Even the 2013. Copious vanes, fences, can be all the difference! the trailing edge of the vertical safety tethers that help keep fins, and protrusions sought to front wing pylon under the nose the carbon-fiber front wing regain some of the downforce SCALE SCUDERIA tidies things up, creating the elements from disintegrating in legislated out of the cars, with Hot Wheels Elite is the go-to optical illusion of a much more all-too-frequent collisions are the result being awkward, brand when it comes to represented. ungainly machines that might Ferrari in diecast — no Alonso plies his trade in a be attractive to the wind tunnel, other company has but were less pleasing to the eye. the breadth of models winter 2015 39

The complex steering wheel-mounted remarkably compact cockpit. The 750, but beyond that Ferrari has still utilizes unusually small 13- switchgear is represented by a decal. recumbent driver’s seat been tight-lipped, and thus the inch diameter wheels, whereas Check out the accurate map of the features a six-point safety model’s engine cowling is sealed these are more like 15 inches Shanghai circuit to the driver’s right! harness with woven belts — leaving the powerplant to when you mathematically scale imprinted with sponsor collectors’ imaginations. them up. Santander’s logo on the The F138 utilizes a shoulders and etched metal sophisticated pull-rod FINAL THOUGHTS buckles. I am always amused suspension setup front and that even in this ultra-technical rear, which helped Alonso wring The pace of technical age of Formula 1, many drivers the most out of his machine on development in Formula 1 is still make a habit of sticking the wide variety of track types faster than any other form a good old-fashioned paper represented in the 2013 season. of motorsport — rivaling the track map to the side of the The construction is carbon fiber, on-track pace of the cars compartment for reference. which the model represents themselves. That makes Hot Wheels faithfully replicates with a realistic-looking woven choosing and accurately the Shanghai circuit. The only pattern on the links. The steering rendering an F1 car — which other feature of note in the linkage is fixed in a gentle left may have half a dozen subtle cockpit — because it controls turn attitude, giving the car a configuration changes over the pretty much every function in a touch of additional realism over a course of a season — a challenge modern F1 car — is the switch and dead straight orientation. Greatly for any diecast manufacturer. dial encrusted steering wheel. I enhancing that realism — and Hot Wheels has an excellent confess I’m a little disappointed among the nicest features on the sense of which car will appeal with the model’s; rather than model overall — are the excellent most to collectors — in this case, mold three-dimensional renditions of the Pirelli P Zero Ferrari’s first win of 2013 — and switchgear, Hot Wheels chose to tires. They have scuffed tread delivering it in detail that meets settle for a sticker. surfaces and even just a touch or surpasses any of their other Engine design is one of the of ragged marble buildup on the 1:18 offerings. Ferrari race car most closely guarded secrets in outer edge of the right rear. The fans (and who among us isn’t?) F1. We know that 2013 was the OZ racing wheels are also very rejoice — this F138 is well worth last year of the 2.4L 32-valve well detailed with separate valve the asking price. V8 formula, code-named Tipo stems, decals and proper finish, (type) 056. Horsepower is but they are a touch too large in sources estimated at approximately diameter to be scale — Formula 1 hotwheels-elite.com 40 DCXmag.com

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out of the box by matt boyd Sculpted for Speed CMC Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Coupé 1:18 | $450 W hen Alfa Romeo introduced the 8C in 1931, its intent was clear. The inline 8-cylinder engine (from which it derived its name) was competition-bred, and the light, nimble chassis was designed with sports racing in mind. As the 8C matured throughout the 1930s, displacement and overall size grew, but competition remained in the car’s DNA. In 1935, the engine was punched out to 2905cc and the 8C re-christened the 2900A, and in 1937 the 8C 2900B was expanded to include Corto (short) and Lungo (long) wheelbase versions. Traditionally, competition machines of this era had been roadsters, but for Le Mans 1938, Alfa contracted Carrozzeria Touring to build a special coupe body utilizing the latest aerodynamics to try and cheat the wind and squeeze out some extra speed on the famous Mulsanne straight. The result was the Alfa 8C 2900B Touring Coupé you see here, a striking blend of art and science. It was certainly successful. The car outpaced all of the competition for most of the race, and was nearly an hour out front of its nearest rival when a broken valve forced it to retire. The Alfa 8C Touring Coupe’ has an unusual shape, but there’s no denying its effective- ness—or CMC’s in reproducing it, down to every last detail.

Just as we were going to press, “superleggera” badge (a Touring Authentic leather covers seemingly every available surface within the 8C’s cabin: bucket CMC offered to give us a sneak specialty) on the cowl, and the seats, door panels, even the dashboard! peek at its new 8C Touring formal Alfa seal on the flanks just Coupé. Getting a call from CMC forward of the doors. An opening time and effort. To begin with, unscrew the tiny screws on the about a new model is kind of like fuel filler door and real leather for you must carefully unbuckle the side access panel. The rectangular getting a call from the Pope — you the hood tie-downs further add four leather straps that tie down louvered panel is nearly the size make time to take it. So a frantic to the sophisticated look. the hood, which is hinged down of the door and gives an equally overnight FedEx later, here it Functional scale external the spine and opens butterfly- impressive view of the goings- is — and wow! This 1:18 model hinges allow the thin-gauge style. It gives a fair view of the on down the sides of the engine. reaffirms two things immediately: metal doors to swing wide— staggering detail at the top of the On the left, this includes the that Alfa and Touring were all the better to see the real DOHC straight-8, with its myriad twin gear-driven superchargers fearlessly innovative in their leather interior door skins. rivets and fasteners, and a bright, that help the motor make it’s search for victory, and that no And (carefully!) draw back the multicolored ignition assembly. estimated 220 horsepower—good other model brand has the raw handles on the sliding side The real magic comes when you enough for nearly 150mph down presence of a CMC piece. Some windows — yep, they open! More the Mulsanne! 1,800 pieces comprise the CMC authentic hide can be found on 8C — and it looks it. Touring’s the bucket seats. The dashboard body shape is unusual with its face is leather-covered too, extended roofline, which tapers with finely detailed switches boat tail-like almost to a point and gauges set within. Carpet just behind a rear window so covers the multilevel floor, horizontal it couldn’t possibly which is split by the driveshaft be visible from the driver’s seat. housing and the gearshift lever But the raked grille and fascia is that actuates the rear-mounted beautifully sleek, and the flush transaxle that lives beneath the side panels have a delicious seatbacks. A tri-spoked steering contour to the louvers that hints wheel rounds out the cockpit. at a traditional profile of an 8C Cargo space is limited to a mail- roadster’s separate fenders. And slot trunk that opens into the then there’s the liquid luster of rear portion of the passenger the deep red, almost maroon compartment. Functional twist- paint. It is contrasted smartly latches grant access to that with a variety of etched and cast trunk (quintessentially CMC!), badges. Standouts include the which houses a fully detailed Alfa script on the mesh grille, the spare tire. Engine access is a multi-part affair, but it is well worth your

Above: With the side access panel re- While you’ve got your FINAL THOUGHTS moved, the dizzying level of engine detail jeweler’s screwdriver handy, is evident. The 2905cc sports not just unfasten the two screws that You’d think a person might get one, but two superchargers! hold each vented rear wheel jaded when looking at as many cover in place. With those off models as I do, but its pieces Right: The spinners are functional, the profile of the car undergoes like the CMC Alfa 8C 2900B that allowing the gorgeous wire wheels to a subtle transformation. It makes sure that never happens. be removed to give a clear view of the also gives you a stellar look Opening one is like Christmas! hydraulic drum brakes. at the other two spectacular Seeing a model done with this spoked wheels — always a level of skill instantly makes CMC specialty. The spokes are me a fan of the car, regardless impossibly fine, and they are of my previous opinion. And painted black, save for the center when it’s a car like the 8C spinner and the tiny fittings that I already greatly admire that guide the wires through (although admittedly I was the wheel rim. Those spinners always partial to the spiders) do — allowing you to remove the effect is only magnified. the wheels to closer inspect the The innovation in the Touring hydraulic drum brakes. Lastly, Coupé is fascinating — ahead carefully roll the car over to of its time in many ways. The explore the chassis detail. Just peculiar lines of the car’s roofline look at all the shaped copper may not be for every collector, and steel wires simulating all and certainly the price makes the lines and cables! There are it more of a planned purchase more parts on the bottom of the than an impulse buy. Personally, CMC Alfa than in an entire model I like the quirky look, and I love from most brands! Marvel at the the precision with which CMC suspension detail—trailing arms delivers it. They’ve raised the bar and coil springs (functional!) yet again, and I enthusiastically up front, and a rigidly mounted recommend adding this one to swing axle rear with a single your collection. transverse leaf spring. SOURCES CMC cmcmodelcarsusa.com



THE WHEELS Innovator Eaglemoss Delivers a Collector’s Dream — BY MATT BOYD Here at Die Cast X we are always looking for something new: the latest release, and emerging trend, a first-time reader! But it isn’t very often that we discover an Since his first appearance in entirely new way to do the business of diecast. e British manufacturer Eaglemoss Detective Comics #27 in May of Collections has a huge collector following around the world, and now they are making 1939, Batman has appeared tens of a play for the U.S. market, and they’re doing it in a rather novel way. Subscription thousands of times in comic books. collectibles have been around forever, for everything from novelty plates to figurines to stamps — He then reached a new, wider you name it. It’s even been done occasionally with diecast, but traditionally, those were marketed audience with the 1960s TV show, via mail order catalogs. Eaglemoss has a huge operation outside North America, and what first and throughout the 1970s in the caught my eye is that their initial forays into the U.S. market have focused on social media — Super Friends and other children’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram. While that may not sound revolutionary in 2014, it is still cartoons. Tim Burton revolutionized atypical in the relatively conservative diecast market and highly unusual on the scale the character into the single — and with the professionalism — Eaglemoss has employed. biggest cinema superhero of all time with his 1989 feature film and its three subsequent sequels. A e strategy is particularly well-suited to the pop-culture oriented targeted-interest collections they have chosen to bring here first. Once upon a time, comic books and science fiction were relegated to niche status, but the geek-chic revolution has brought these genres into the mainstream, and the proud passion that we enthusiasts hold for them means big money for companies who serve these exploding markets. Eaglemoss has targeted two of the most established franchises: Batman and Star Trek. Both have been around for generations across numerous multimedia platforms, with movie, TV, print, and interactive components. at’s a huge body of work to draw from — perfect to do a long-running subscription-based collection. Let’s take a look! new generation of kids was thrilled with several 21st century animated series a films. And most recently director Christopher Nolan’s movie reboot trilogy catapulted Batman back to the top of the box office. All that material has spawned hundreds of Batmobile iterations, and Eaglemoss poured over it all. ey got photo and video documentation from the TV and movie studios, and where possible photo-documented the actual vehicles used in filming to replicate each Batmobile. Even more staggering was the hundreds of hours Eaglemoss staff spent through literally every single page of each Batman comic to isolate the comic Batmobiles that best represented each era and artistic style! e result is the Batman Automobilia 1:43 (approximately) collection, which comprises some 60 Batmobiles, plus the occasional Bat-Cycle, Bat-Pod or other Bat-vehicle. 46 DCXmag.com

OF JUSTICE 75 Years of Batman in Scale BATMAN IN COMICS A year after his Detective Comics debut, Batman received his own title, and a stylized Batmobile soon followed. Its first appearance was in March 1941 in Batman #5. Later year issues featured e Dark Knight driving various sleekerBatmobiles that mirrored the ultra-exotic sports cars of the day. e Batmobile that was One of the things that makes introduced in Detective Comics Eaglemoss collections so #156 (left) was perhaps the quintessential appealing is the information ‘50s Bat vehicle — big and fast and a little dossier that accompanies ostentatious. It was also loaded with crime-fighting each release. Each starts with gadgets, a tradition that continues on to this day. e 1970s-era a ‘Service History’ showing Batmobile from #400 (below) was smaller, more nimble and archival images of the issue in more stealthy. e style and the technology installed which it appeared. reflected the times. Also included is a broader analysis that gives historical context to the era. is is far beyond what you get from conventional diecast. It’s fantastic stuff for collectors, and hints at the research that Eaglemoss does for each release. e centerpieces of the included booklets are fourpage centerfolds showcasing a schematic of each vehicle with transparent illustrations highlighting special features.

BATMAN ON TELEVISION Without question, the most popular Batmobile with diecast collectors has been the one from the 1966 television series. e show was more than a little campy but the car was all business! Many fans of Die Cast X know that the car was originally the Lincoln Futura concept car which was redesigned and “Bat-ized” by custom car legend (and DCX Hall-of-Fame inductee) George Barris. e Batmobile also appeared on TV in animated guise. e 90’s version drew inspiration from Tim Burton’s movie version. One of the most appealing sections of the accompanying material is the blueprint and technical breakdown of each Batmobile. All of the gadgets and performance gear are thoroughly documented. BATMAN IN THE MOVIES Tim Burton’s 1989 cinematic imagination and artistry reinvented the Batman character in 1989, bringing the character to a whole new generation of fans. A big part of the new vision was the new Batmobile—brutish and menacing, and totally unforgettable! Joel Schumacher’s “three-quel” Batman Forever was lighter in tone and more comicbook-ish, as evidenced by the cocoon-like Batmobile in the opening sequence. 48 DCXmag.com

FINAL THOUGHTS WHERE NO DIECAST HAS GONE BEFORE e extensiveness of Eaglemoss’s collections is as impressive as it is ambitious. e subscription business W ell, perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration, but certainly no diecast company model has been quite successful elsewhere in the world. has produced anything like this level of comprehensiveness with scale It will be fascinating to see how well American collectors starships from the Star Trek universe. Our main focus in this article has embrace it. Certainly the research that goes into each been the Batman collection, but the Star Trek series is nearly as big, and features model is astounding, and the dossiers that accompany every bit as much detail. Eaglemoss worked with the film and television production each release add tremendous value for collectors, studios to perfect the ships — in many cases obtaining the original ships used in particularly considering that the models sell for only filming. And they went through hundreds of hours of footage frame by frame. e $20 apiece — including magazine — quite a value for results should please even the most hardcore Trekkie! a proper diecast metal 1:43 model! e biggest hurdle may also be one of the collection’s assets: its scope. How many collectors will pony up for all 60 Batmobiles? I’m blown away by the diversity and bang-for-the buck, and I suspect quite a few collectors will be too. And Eaglemoss is just getting started here in the U.S. Rumor has it they are looking to bring another storied franchise model series to the U.S. market later in 2015. I’m not permitted to say what it will be just yet, but let’s just say it should have diecast collectors shaking, if not stirring. For now, the Batman and Star Trek series offer plenty of cool models to satisfy fans. e Christopher Nolan-directed Dark Knight trilogy has more online inspired a new generation of Batman fans. Christian @DCXMag.com Bale’s portrayal is darker and more complex, as is the array of vehicles and equipment he employs to thwart If you want to see more of the Eaglemoss such villains as the Joker, Two Face and, most recently, Star Trek Official Star Ships Collection, Bane. e Batmobile introduced in Batman Begins is less click on over to DCXMag.com a car than a high-speed stealth tank — nicknamed e for the full story! Tumbler. SOURCES Batman-cars.com Eaglemoss.com WINTER 2015 49