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out of the box by peter celona AutoArt Ducati Sport 1000 1:12 | $95.90 The Ducati motorcycle company has a rich history of producing some of the finest sporting motorcycles of all time, starting with small displacement single-cylinder engines, and then on to their trademark 90 degree L-twin engines. Back in the early 1970s, riders Paul Smart, Mike Hailwood, Franco Uncini, Cook Nielson and others raced and won on some of Ducati’s biggest and fastest machines of the time, the 750 and 900 Super Sports. These bikes were to set the stage for Ducati to become what it is today: the benchmark for the modern sport motorcycle. In 2006, Ducati’s chief designer, Pierre Terblanche paid homage to the early Super Sport machines in the form of Ducati’s Sport Classic line. It was comprised of four models: the Paul Smart, the Sport 1000, the Sport 1000S, and the GT. These bikes use Ducati’s dual- spark 1000cc 2-valve “Desmo” engine with Marzocchi forks and a Sachs’ rear shock on all but the Paul Smart, which got Ohlins front and rear suspension. In the last few years, with the increasing popularity of the café racer genre of motorcycles, these bikes have become more and more desirable in the collector marketplace. DHiugcha-ttei’schSpHoormtainggeRtooots 50 DCXmag.com

AUTOart has produced Sport model is outstanding. What Although the chain itself is 1000 in 1:12 scale bathed in the first struck me was the detail made from black rubber, the classic Ducati red. The quality of the wheels and suspension. chain and sprocket assembly and attention to detail are Any of you out there who have is rotatable. The front and rear instantly apparent. I had the had the opportunity to lace up suspensions fully articulate as privilege of driving for the Ducati a set of spoke wheels on a real well. Smaller articulating details Preview Tour earlier this season, motorcycle will be especially that impressed me were the and I spent time in dozens of impressed with the detail of working side stand with return Ducati dealerships across the these wheels. The spokes are spring, and the folding rider foot country; this gave me the unique made from wire, and the inside/ pegs. The specially made Pirelli opportunity to compare the outside spokes are all correctly Phantom tires are correctly model side-by-side with an laced. The laser-cut Brembo molded and sized for this bike. actual Sport 1000! Dimension brake rotors and calipers are The fit and finish of this model and proportion of the entire beautifully detailed and correct. is quite good; the only two minor discrepancies I noted when comparing with the actual bike concern colors. This model uses chrome fork tube uppers and fender mount, where the real bike’s forks and fender mount summer 2015 51

e author’s work with this year’s Ducati Preview Tour gave him the chance to compare AUTO- art’s Sport 1000 with the real thing! have a brushed or satin finish. e accuracy of the model’s controls and instrumentation really showcases AUTOart’s attention to detail. Also, the stripe on the red Sport 1000 should be white rather than lines and cables, and spark model are plentiful. Outside of arm race stand that AUTOart the black that is shown on the plug wires on the dual-spark the familiar AUTOart window thoughtfully includes in the model. e colors and painted motor. Some casting marks box packaging, there are two package. It is accurately molded parts on the rest of the bike are appear on different parts of the ways to display the bike. e and hooks into the extended rear correct, although AUTOart could model, but they are few; most side stand is functional, but that axle fastener in a fashion quite have used a more natural color notably on the aforementioned is not how I would recommend similar to the real bike. for the brake and clutch master fork tube uppers. e trellis displaying the Sport 1000, as cylinder reservoirs. e satin frame, exhaust, seat, and rear the stand’s length sits the bike Ducati continues to pay finish on the cam belt covers, swing arm are all correct and slightly too upright to offer truly tribute to their iconic designs frame, and exhaust system are beautifully cast. stable shelf display. e better from the 1960s and 1970s spot-on. ere is a slight amount way is to utilize the rear swing by offering bikes with retro of overspray on the lower triple Displaying options for this styling, but imbued with the clamp, but it is very minor. e instrument cluster area is very well detailed, and the lights are all correct, right down to the way the headlight bucket is mounted, and how the lines refract in the headlight glass. e attention to smaller details of the model are much appreciated, such as the painted bolt heads on the engine case covers, brake DUCATI CONTINUES TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THEIR ICONIC DESIGNS...THERE IS ART, SOUL, AND PASSION PUT INTO EVERY BIKE THEY MAKE. THE SAME CAN BE SAID FOR AUTO ART’S DUCATI SPORT 1000. From the delicate spoke wheels to the detailed performance and reliability of brake rotors to the accurate engine bolt heads, this modern technology. Just this year, they have brought back model captures the essence of the Sport 1000. the beloved Ducati Scrambler nameplate, and as I tour it around the country showing it to Ducati fans I have seen first-hand the passion that these updated classics inspire, just as the Sport 1000 generated when it was released. ere is art, soul, and passion put into every bike they make. e same can be said for Auto Art’s Ducati Sport 1000. is model is a real beauty, and should be part of every Ducatisti’s collection. (Editor’s Note: If you want to see more about the Pete’s adventures on the 2015 Ducati Preview Tour, check out: ducatiusa.com/2015_ preview_tour.do or hashtag #ducatipreviewtour!) SOURCES Autoartmodels.com 52 DCXmag.com



HOT WHEELS HIGHWAY BY MIKE ZARNOCK Star Wars/Walmart Eight-Car Exclusive! MATTEL AND WALMART TEAM UP WITH DISNEY for yet another awesome Walmart Ex- clusive Hot Wheels eight-car set! is time it’s all about Star Wars. Each of the eight cars in this set boasts a full color card face with graphics from the Star Wars Series, comprising both movie trilogies plus the animated series Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. At first these cars seemed to black Evil Twin from the Spider- about this set being a crossover One thing I did notice about be released in limited quantities, man series that everyone is still collectible and the many different this set that is out of the ordinary and to only some stores. e looking for! collectors that would be going is that all of the cars are ai- stores that did get them would after these cars. You’ve got your land origin instead of the usual have seven of the eight cars in Well, I’m happy to say that Hot Wheels collectors, of course, Malaysia production. Which makes abundance and have only one or after a month or so all of the eight and then you have your Star Wars me think it would be a good idea two—or sometimes none—of the cars in this set were released in collectors too which is why we’re to keep your eyes peeled for some other cars needed to complete quantity and are relatively easy to seeing so many of them out there base Variations on any of these the set. ere were collectors on find. Yes, there are some Walmart now. But any way you look at castings being used in any of the the East Coast looking for the #4 stores that still don’t have them, it, you have a chance to get the other series for 2015! ere’s a Motoblade car and collectors on but all you have to do is drive to complete set for $1 each and not good possibility that we’ll be find- the West Coast looking for the #2 the next nearest store and you have to go searching the second- ing something! Nitro Scorcher car and collectors in should find all you want. In fact, I’ve ary market or pay way too much other parts of the country looking actually seen some stores that for any one piece that would be for one of the other cars. It was have too many! If it’s at all possible scarce like those from the Spider- starting to feel like the first release to have too many Hot Wheels— man and Fast & Furious sets. of the “Fast & Furious” set when right? the `67 Mustang Fastback was the car everyone needed, or the I’m thinking that everyone involved with this release thought 54 DCXmag.com

e Gearonimo comes on the Star Wars “Phantom Menace” card. e car is silver pearl e Nitro Scorcher comes on the Star Wars “Attack of e Clones” card. e car is semi- metallic with a black plastic ailand base on black pr5 wheels with a chrome rim. It has gloss gray enamel with a gloss black metal ailand base on black oh5 wheels with red dark candy blue, orange and yellow tampos on the nose and sides, a chrome interior and chrome rims. It has aqua, yellow and gray tampos at the midsection, a chrome interior blue tinted windows. and a smoked windshield. e Duel Fueler comes on the Star Wars “Revenge of e Sith” card. e car is cream e Motoblade comes on the Star Wars “A New Hope” card. e car has a metallic gold enamel with a black metallic plastic ailand base, front grille and cockpit on red chrome plastic body with a burnt orange metallic metal ailand base on black pr5 wheels with oh5 wheels. It has a blue tint metal rear engine, dark red, charcoal, pail green and dark a chrome rim. It has a dark maroon over red stripe tampo on top of the body and black green tampos on the top of the fenders. e sides have dark red, charcoal, pail green and LFL and “Star Wars A New Hope” on the side. ere is a gray plastic skirt behind the front yellow tampos. wheels, a black plastic driver, and a blue-tint metal engine and drivers insert. e Spectyte comes on the Star Wars “ e Empire e Ballistik comes on the Star Wars ”Return of e Jedi” card. e car is light gray Strikes Back” card. e car has a white plastic enamel with a black plastic ailand base on all chrome oh5 wheels. It has a black plastic body with a blue tint metal ailand base on roof, windows and engine. Silver, black and white tampos on the roof, semi-gloss black orange chrome pr5 wheels. It has light clay, yellow and gray side stripes with a white and black center tampo in the door. and black tampos on top with light clay, yellow, black and rose pearl side tampos. ere is a black plastic interior and rear wing with an orange tinted windshield. e Brutalistic comes on the Star Wars “ e Clone Wars” card. e car dark gray enamel with a gloss black painted metal ailand base on 5sp wheels. It has semi-gloss yellow, black and dark gray tampos over silver panels on top with yellow “Clone Wars” on a gloss black front fender. ere is a chrome center section, engine, grille and interior with black seats. It also has a yellow tinted canopy and engine cover. e Jet reat 3.0 comes on the Star Wars “Rebels” card. e car is gloss white enamel with a pearl teal metallic plastic center insert on a semi-gloss black painted metal ailand base. It has light aqua, yellow and magenta tampos over silver panels on top with red, black yellow and light aqua side tampos. ere is a teal interior, clear canopy and black oh5 wheels with chrome rims. SUMMER 2015 55

HOT WHEELS HIGHWAY FLASHBACK 1990 e '40's Woodie in its different style packages. Loose it is readily found for $1 The year was 1990 and Mattel was trying for yet another shot at a or so. In the Classics package (top) it is Collector Number Series on their Hot Wheels cards. Having tried worth $5, and the same car in the Blue the numbers game before in 1987 and in 1989 with very little suc- Card #51 package goes for $2,400! cess with other package designs, this time they made the card face all blue and made the numbers large, white and in sight! ere were a few different card backs that showed a range of collector numbers beginning with the 1987 “Black & Blue” cards showing numbers 1 to 82 consecutively. ese were the Action Command, Speed Demons, Work Horses, Trailbusters, Speed Fleet and Classics cards all with a 1986 copyright; (remember, for the most part, Mattel copyrights are the year before the release date.) ough these cards had a list of 82 different ve- hicles on the back, not all the card faces had a collector number. e cards that were numbered had a small black circle with the number in it located in the lower left corner of the card next to the plastic blister. Next up were the 1989 Experimental Cards that are light blue on top and creamy white on the bottom. As with the 1987 “Black & Blue” cards they too had a small black circle with the number in it, but this time it was above the blister with the car name at the right of it. e back of these cards showed a list of numbers 1 to 76 consecutively. Out of those 76 vehicles listed, there were only 12 released on the Experimental Cards with 2 Variations of the #66 Corvette and the #72 Street Roader. And then came 1990 with the all “Blue Card” with large white collector numbers in the lower right hand corner of the card. e back of the card showed “ e 1990 Collector Series” and it listed vehicle names along with their collector numbers from 1 to 92, leaving out a few numbers here and there. ose numbers were never issued on cards found in stores, but a few were issued to special Limited Edition cars. ough the cards after 1990 changed their design a few times and the backs stopped listing the cars, the Collector Numbers continued for the next nine years until 1999 where they stopped at number 1121. ose Blue Card Collector Number packages that were released for 1990 are highly sought after by collectors and many are very expensive if you’re lucky enough to find them for sale! One of the most sought after Variations and one of the shorter production runs are the handful of cars with Gold Ultra Hot Wheels. ese cars sell for over $200 each. Other than the gold Ultra Hot wheel Variations, the hardest to find and most expensive of the 1-100 group are the #1 Old Number 5, #7 Troop Convoy, #10 Baja Breaker, #12 Roll Patrol Jeep, #26 `65 Mustang Convert- ible (white), #30 `80s Corvette, #46 Rig Wrecker, #47 `57 Chevy, #50 Rolls Royce, #51 `40s Woodie. e `40s Woodie goes for around $2,400 if you can get someone to part with one. e most important thing you must remember when it comes to the Collector Numbers are the cards themselves. e car by itself loose has very little value. It’s the combination of the car with the card that brings the big price! If you want to know more about the Collector Numbers and their Vari- ations, get my book “Hot Wheels Variations, e Ultimate Guide” ere are four editions to choose from that show all the Collector Numbers from number 1 to 1121 and all their known Variations. 56 DCXmag.com

001 Old Number 5 057 3-Window `34 1990 Hot Wheels Checklist 002 Sol-Aire CX-4 058 Blown Camaro Z-28 e Old Number 5 fire truck in the 003 CAT Wheel Loader 059 Sheriff Patrol Experimental Package goes for 004 XT-3 060 Lamborghini Countach around $25. e same truck in the 005 Good Humor Truck 061 Number Not Issued #1 Blue Card package sells for $125 006 Blazer 4x4 062 Alien or more! 007 Troop Convoy 063 Radar Ranger 008 Vampyra 064 Number Not Issued Loose like this the '80's Corvette goes for $2 or so, 009 Hiway Hauler (Limited Edition) 065 VW Bug but in the #30 Blue Card package it sells for up to $700. 010 Baja Breaker 066 Custom Corvette Convertible 011 ‘31 Doozie 067 ‘32 Ford Delivery e Roll Patrol Jeep is easy to find loose for $1, but on the #12 012 Roll Patrol Jeep CJ 068 T-Bucket Blue Card package collectors have outbid each other up to $400. 013 Delivery Van (Limited Edition) 069 Ferrari F-40 014 ‘58 Corvette Coupe 070 Chevy Stocker 071 Ambulance (Limited Edition) 072 School Bus 015 Peterbilt Tank Truck 073 Street Roader 016 CAT Earth Mover 074 GT Racer 017 Suzuki Quadracer 075 Pontiac Banshee 018 Mercedes 540K 076 Big Rig 019 Shadow Jet 077 Bywayman 020 Rocketank 078 Peterbilt Cement Mixer 021 Nissan Hardbody 079 Big Bertha 022 Talbot Lago 080 Porsche 959 023 ‘80s Firebird 081 Ratmobile 024 Hiway Hauler 082 Fire Eater 025 Number Not Issued 083 Tank Gunner 026 ‘65 Mustang Convertible 084 Probe Funny Car 027 Command Tank 085 Number Not Issued 028 ‘37 Bugatti 086 Propper Chopper 029 Tail Gunner 5T 087 Purple Passion 030 ‘80s Corvette 088 T-Bird Stocker 031 Classic Cobra 089 Mini Truck 032 Sharkruiser 090 Mongoose Dragster 033 Camaro Z-28 034 CAT Bulldozer (Limited Edition) 035 Ferrari Testarossa 091 Snake Dragster (Limited Edition) 036 Baja Bug 092 Mercedes 380 SEL 037 Hot Bird 038 CAT Dump Truck Michael Zarnock has been collecting Hot 039 Monster Vette Wheels since 1968; he is considered by 040 Power Plower many to be the ultimate variation historian. 041 Number Not Issued If you would like a complete checklist of all 042 Oshkosh Snow Plow 2011 mainline variations, be sure to pick 043 Tall Ryder up a copy of Michael’s book Hot Wheels 044 Classic Caddy Variations, 2000-2013 Identification & 045 Rescue Ranger Price Guide. Copies are available from his 046 Rig Wrecker website, MikeZarnock.com. 047 ‘57 Chevy 048 Purple Passion 049 Gulch Stepper 050 Rolls Royce Phantom II 051 ‘40’s Woodie 052 Delivery Truck 053 Zombot 054 Nissan 300ZX 055 CAT Road Roller 056 Bronco 4-Wheeler SUMMER 2015 57

OUT OF THE BOX BY BILL BENNETT RAGING BUlL AUTOART LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR J 1:18 | $232.95 L amborghini’s Aventador J is about as breathtaking an automobile as you will ever see. With red “Rosso J” paint that looks like a mile-deep candy apple finish sprayed over chrome, and a design that is irresponsibly impractical — even for a Lamborghini — this barchetta begs a lot of questions. Why did they build it? Is it a race car? Is it a concept car? What does the J stand for? e “why” is the easiest to headlights with the top-of-the- speed of 187mph. e production raced, but racing has never been answer. Lamborghini CEO line production Aventador. e Aventador’s air conditioning the factory’s focus or passion. Stephan Winkelmann went to rest of the body panels are all and radio have been deleted to But the J was built with an eye his designer Filippo Perini, in new and draw inspiration from save weight and carbon fiber is toward the FIA’s competition January of 2012, just six weeks the Lamborghini Reventon found everywhere, even in the rulebook. I can’t imagine driving before the Salon International and the Lockheed F-117 upholstery. But at a published this missile at anywhere over de l’Auto (International Geneva Nighthawk Stealth Fighter. weight of over 3,500 pounds idle without full-face and head Motor Show), and asked him Built on a modified Aventador wet, you can hardly call it a protection! to build “something special” chassis, the J’s powertrain is lightweight. to be the center of attention all production Aventador. e Is it a concept car? In the in Lamborghini’s display at 6.5 liter L539 V-12 produces A ROLLING PIECE OF ART broadest sense, yes. However, the Geneva show. e “J” 691bhp and is connected to Is it a race car? Well, it certainly the Aventador J goes beyond was the result. e body was a 7-speed paddle-shifted, could be. Lamborghini has the Aventador Roadster with conceptually drawn-up over semi-automatic transmission never been as competition- both its styling cues and lack a weekend and only shares delivering power to all four centric as rival Ferrari. ere of a functional windscreen. It the bonnet, rear fenders, and corners. e factory claims a top have been Lamborghinis that probably can best be described as a one (or two)-off show 58 DCXmag.com

car meant to entice potential Aventador. (A second car was refers to Appendix J of the FIA buyers to the brand. But it is built for a wealthy middle- Rulebook (which describes the also a rolling, functional work eastern buyer as a present for required attributes of a race car) of art that will become the one of his favored relatives. No or the Jota, a previous one-off centerpiece of one wealthy sale price was announced for it.) Miura that Lamborghini and patron’s collection, too valuable test driver Bob Wallace built in and rare to be driven in anger ere is some controversy as 1970 (whose name incidentally on-track or off, except on rare to what the “J” stands for. And occasions. And it appears it also the factory has put out mixed paid for itself costing the lucky messages, saying it either purchaser who underwrote its construction seven times the $400,000 MSRP of the stock e Aventador J’s doors swing up in traditional Lamborghini fashion, actuated by functional latches that are released by pressing the door handles! SUMMER 2015 59

came from the FIA’s Appendix carbon fiber, they have put J). So one way or another, the J a fabric texture into the designation either comes first- mold. ere are other or secondhand from the FIA places where they have rulebook. used other textures to AUTOart’s 1:18 Lamborghini replicate the “forged Aventador J is almost as awe- composite” seat shells inspiring as the real car, and it or the “Carboskin” will likely be the closest any of flexible carbon- us will ever get to this amazing fiber fabric used car. Built as part of AUTOart’s for upholstery. Signature series, it’s been done AUTOart’s mixing in black, white, green and now of finishes and red (Rosso J). As there were textures really only two cars ever built and the makes this model most photographed one was pop. A body-colored the Geneva car in red, I favor bridge connects the Rosso J. is version captures bonnet to the engine cover Photo-etched hinges, simulated hydraulic cylinders and a carpeted storage well are just the 1:1’s essence beautifully and and leaves the driver and some of the impressive details on display under the bonnet. is awash in fastidious detail. passenger’s spaces very open With only two colors, red and and unobstructed, almost black, it has a very serious, threateningly so. In the cockpit, purposeful look; no frivolity here. fabric belts with photo-etched photo-etched articulating with the bi-colored tail lights e body is very low but still hardware hold our imaginary hinges that also include scale being nicely produced. about two scale inches higher scale driver and passenger hydraulic cylinders. On the top of e Aventador J is all about air than the 1:1. And that is where securely in place. the rear fenders, cooling wings flow management and the model the modeling differences end. bracketing the engine bay lift up perfectly replicates, with photo- AUTOart’s tooling was, almost DETAILS, DETAILS ever so slightly to bring in cool air etch, the honeycomb screens certainly, made from scaled- Amazing detail can be found to the lower part of the engine. that cover the air passages that down CAD drawings gotten from everywhere: Each of the ese fit so well as to appear enter and exit this vehicle. Tiny Lamborghini. vertically opening doors is held non-functioning. On the rear winglets also channel air to AUTOart’s painting is closed by a functioning latch deck, the engine cover is held accomplish their aerodynamic flawless. I don’t think there’s that is actuated by pressing the in place with three rare-earth goals. e carbon-fiber belly any company in the industry door handle. In the nose, the neodymium magnets. Fore and pan smooths out airflow under that paints better than they bonnet covering the carpeted aft, the lensing is exceptional the chassis and contains more do. Where there is unpainted storage well is operated with NACA ducts than I’ve ever seen IT MIGHT BE ONE OF THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS CARS EVER BUILT. in one place. A front splitter AUTOART HAS DONE AN AMAZING JOB OF RENDERING IT. and a rear diffuser with four styled exhausts complete the undercarriage. e steering e J uses the standard Aventador’s 6.5L works, but the suspension is 691hp V12, but access is anything but otherwise rigid. Generic tires are mounted on scale 20 & 21 standard. ree magnets hold the engine cover in place. inch cast wheels. Cross-drilled, outboard discs and calipers get the stopping done. e Aventador J may be the best terrestrial “E-ticket ride” short of driving for John Force. It is aggressively beautiful and it might be one of the most outrageous cars ever built. AUTOart has done an amazing job of rendering it and its outrageousness in 1:18 scale. ere is nothing of AUTOart’s rendition that’s not to like. It is highly recommended, particularly in Rosso J. SOURCES AUTOart autoartmodels.com 60 DCXmag.com

1/2H.indd 1 www.DiecastMusclecars.c9/o5/14m1:56 PM We specialize in 1/18 Scale Diecast Musclecars from Acme, Auto Art, Auto World, Greenlight, GMP, Sun Star & More. Call (715)874-6037 for more info or visit www.DiecastMusclecars.com All cars are packaged very carefully and shipped out within 24 hours via UPS. We accept Mastercard and Visa on our Simple-Secure Online Order Form. “Mention this ad for a FREE SHIPPING OFFER on your first order” Serving the World Wide Web with Quality Service Since 1999 1/4H.indd 1 2/26/15 6:16 PM

quick LOOK Both cars come with inserts to be displayed with roof up or down. Fender badges announce that the Orange Joe Dirt car has a Hemi. GreenLight ‘Tommy Boy’ and ‘Joe Dirt’ ’67 Plymouth Belvedere GTX Convertibles 1:18 | $65 by Matt Boyd A ctor/comedian David Spade seems like an unlikely upgrade: the mighty 426 Hemi, extolled by Joe Dirt himself Mopar maniac. Better known as a razor-tongued onscreen, and confirmed with finder badging on the model! The Tommy Boy car’s turquoise reprobate in numerous TV and movie roles, he has The body castings on the square-shouldered GTXs are is the more attractive color, to nevertheless become associated with Chrysler muscle very well rendered, with crisp contours on the signature my eye. (It is also the better cars, and specifically the 1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX recessed side body lines. I’ve always loved the duality of film)! Convertible. He drives that precise make and model in two the Belvedere; it could almost be mistaken for a grandma feature films: 1995’s Tommy Boy (opposite the late, great car—if your granny is a little old lady from Pasadena, Chris Farley) and again in 2001’s Joe Dirt. Tommy Boy is that is! The Cragar wheels on both models (true to the widely considered Spade and Farley’s best, and the Light films) give them an extra bit of swagger, and the Joe Dirt Turquoise Poly GTX is arguably the third most important example takes it a step further with hood stripes and character, after Farley’s title role and Spade’s “Richard.” high-impact Orange paint which Joe calls “Hemi Orange” Still, one might not think of Tommy Boy—or Joe Dirt for but Mopar aficionados will recognize as 1970-vintage that matter—as the kind of “car guy” film likely to gener- “Vitamin C” (Hemi Orange is darker.) Finish on both ate a movie-themed diecast. Thankfully, GreenLight went machines is very good and correct to the films—especially beyond conventional thinking in recognizing the appeal of the fine metallic sheen on the turquoise car. The chrome the GTXs from these films. I’m thankful as well that when windshield surrounds are outstanding. they rendered it they chose the pristine version from the Interior detail is reasonable; the dash, steering wheel beginning of the film—before, misfortune, Tommy, and a and lap belts are very good; the seats are decent. Only certain wild deer—customized it! the carpetless hard plastic floorboards are a letdown—in As part of its Artisan Series, The GreenLight GTXs a convertible they’re too visible to neglect. The afore- are sealed-body models—they have no opening hoods mentioned chassis makes a modest attempt at detail, or doors, and there is no engine detail. From the movie but really this model is meant to be appreciated at arm’s dialogue we know the power plant on the respective length, where its conservative-style-meets-bodacious- cars—sort of. Richard declares the turquoise car has a “440 brawn dichotomy and goofy-fun cinema connection can Magnum with a Six Pack.” (The car is a 440, but in the ’67 both be appreciated. It should be noted that a third GTX GTX it is a 4-barrel 440 Commando, which GreenLight is also part of the Artisan Series: a triple-black 440 that, correctly denotes with a pale blue oil pan on the chassis.) while unbranded, bears striking resemblance to the hero The orange car ups the engine ante with the GTX’s optional car in the cult vampire drama Angel. All three cars have their appeal, but to me the Tommy Boy car is the best. To paraphrase Tommy himself, it is…awesome! SOURCE Greenlighttoys.com 62 DCXmag.com

Kyosho BMW X1 xDrive28i 1:18 | $95 by Matt Boyd B MW has a knack for building driver’s cars that and the rear hatch open, so there is ample access through preserve an impressive degree of practicality. For which to admire Kyosho’s workmanship. The soft-touch decades, enthusiasts have marveled at the M divi- and satin finish seat surfaces effectively simulate leather, sion’s ability to yield supercar levels of performance from while floorboard flocking passes for carpet. The X1 comes sedans with perfect around-town manners and room equipped with BMW’s high-tech 8-speed automatic trans- for five. But while we lust after those mega-machines, mission; the selector looks like a manual shifter—the only BMW’s fortunes depend on its more high-volume (and giveaway is the “PRND” label and the presence of only two less expensive) offerings—machines like the X1. BMW has pedals. The dash has nice colors and textures, and a decal long been a proponent of wagons based on its sedans, depicting the infotainment system. As mentioned, the rear with equivalent dynamic properties and increased utility. hatch opens. There is flocking in the trunk, and the mod- But the reality of the US market is that such vehicles are in limited demand. SUVs, and more recently cross- Above: Lovely detail on the overs, have supplanted the station wagon as the practical 18-inch split 5-spoke wheels conveyance of choice in this country. But BMW is not and metal brake discs add to one to build numb-handling trucklets just because they perceived value. Left: BMW’s are profitable lowest-common-denominator machines. turbo-4 overachieves its In typical BMW fashion, they engineered a more elegant modest 2.0 liters, belting out solution, combining the utility of a crossover with the 240hp. Kyosho’s redition does dynamics of a sportwagon, with a style that draws from likewise, exceeding expectation the strengths of both. for a molded relief panel. Below: Kyosho has been the primary source for scale replicas Kyosho’s interior really shines, of contemporary BMWs for the better part of a de- and visibility is excellent thanks cade. The latest is the X1 rendered here in xDrive28i to 5 opening doors. form, denoting the all-wheel-drive version powered by BMW’s N20 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (not, as one esty panel that covers the cargo area flips up. The 18-inch might assume, a 2.8L). The reduced displacement does wheels and brake discs are beautiful. There are no sidewall not, however, imply reduced performance; the turbo-I4 markings on the tires, but the directional tread pattern is makes 240 horsepower! Kyosho gets access to BMW’s excellent. The chassis plate is plastic; it is nicely painted and CAD data for creating their body castings, so it should the exhaust system is detailed, but otherwise there is little come as no surprise that the X1’s complex contours are to see. However, as is common of Kyosho, the X1 sits on a strikingly accurate. Paint is another Kyosho strength, and suspension with functional springs. The coil springs are too the Valencia Orange Metallic of the X1 is eye-catching in stiff for the car to settle much, but the tactile element of a the extreme, with a smooth finish and fine metal flake. functional suspension is a Trim is painted on rather than etched, but that is the only nice bonus. exterior shortcut. Mirrors, door handles and roof rails are The X1 is not your typical all separately molded, and the head- and taillight lenses enthusiast diecast, but are clear and perfectly fitted. The twin kidney-shaped it’s charm and relevance grille, a BMW signature styling cue, is beautifully polished give it appeal nonethe- aluminum. Above that grille sits a sculpted hood; lift it less, and Kyosho’s blend of to reveal Kyosho’s rendition of the N20. It’s a drop-in craftsmanship and value panel rather than a fully 3-dimensional molding, but it is add considerably to it. It’s a well-detailed for that, with deep recesses and a variety of worthy addition to your col- textures. Modern engines are tightly packed and this one lection if you’re at all partial is no different, but separate moldings for the cam cover to BMWs. and intake manifold do add some depth. The true star of this replica is the interior. All four doors SOURCES Kyosho.com Carvillemodelshop.com summer 2015 63

quick LOOK MAuutsoclWeoMralcdhHienmesm1i9n6g7s seats have folding seat backs and woven seatbelts with Chevrolet Impala SS 427 etched metal buckles. There is a nicely decorated center console that houses the shifter for the Muncie M-21 1:18 | $90 by Matt Boyd 4-speed! (A solid cam 427 and a close-ratio 4-speed? You can tell this was a driver’s car)! Rowing one’s own Above: I love the chrome- I have to start by thanking Hemmings Muscle Machines gears requires a proper tach, and the instrumentation on rimmed pedals—all three of for doing a chunk of my job on this one. That maga- the Impala more than suffices. The detail on the gauges them—on this 4-speed car. The zine—one of the most respected when it comes to is almost good enough to read the elevated 6000rpm detail on the gauges is almost features on classic American muscle—did a story back redline! Of course, there are three pedals in the footwell; good enough to read the L72’s in 2012 on the exact car after which this diecast was chrome-trimmed with black center sections, offset nicely 6000rpm redline. Below: Au- patterned. Auto World has a licensing deal with Hem- by the carpeted floor. thentics Series castings always mings to build replicas of some of their popular feature The big deal with this big Imp is the big power under had great engine detail and this cars, and this Impala was their September 2012 cover. So the hood. Detail under here is fantastic, as it always has car does too, although it does I didn’t have to go too far to look for documentation and been with Authentics series tooling. However, there are a need a dual-snorkel air cleaner reference photos to check the accuracy of this 1:18 Chevy. couple of discrepancies from the Hemmings-documented to be correct to L72 spec. They also helped give context why this is such a rare version. The first and most obvious is the presence of and desirable machine. It begins with the engine. SS 427 air conditioning on the replica where the original car had Impalas weren’t exactly common in 1967; just 2,124 were none. The second is the air cleaner; L72 engines had dual documented, all equipped (at least officially) with the snorkels, whereas this model has a single inlet associ- 385hp L36 version of the 427. I say “officially” because at ated with the L36. Those quibbles aside, the engine is least 11 (some say 17) of the 425hp L72 427 engines were a stunner. The dizzying array of ignition wires, battery assembled in the specific configuration to be installed in cables, coolant lines, brake lines, heater hoses, vacuum full-size Chevys. Experts agree this Emerald Turquoise lines is truly spectacular. More subtly, the use of separate SS is almost certainly one such factory L72—possibly the moldings for the block, heads, valve covers and intake— only one surviving today! and authentic casting texture and paint for them—yields What is absolutely certain is that it’s a gorgeous car; realism solidly above pricepoint. the black vinyl roof offsets the turquoise color beautifully. Rolling stock always looks undersized on the Impala, but that’s true to scale, and the detail work on the hub- This model is based on the caps—from the molding to the shading to the center caps American Muscle Authentics emblazoned with the “SS” logo—is first-rate. Sidewalls series tooling—one of the are blank, but the tread is true to the BFGs the car rolls on. last and best to come out of I love the idea of Auto World doing models based on the Ertl stable, so the shape cars documented in a trusted publication like Hemmings and detail is excellent. The Muscle Machines. It gives an added sense of connection window moldings, trim and and authenticity for collectors that would be difficult to brightwork are all separate come by otherwise. It’s a bit of a two-edged sword, what pieces—a mixture of metal with all those well-publicized photos for owners to com- and chromed plastic that pare against the model, but for the most part this Impala is very effective. Only the holds up to the scrutiny. And even if you don’t care about seam that borders the vinyl the magazine tie-in, it’s a gorgeous example of a rare and top on the C-pillar is painted desirable Chevy that will look great in your collection. on. The interior is just as SOURCE strong. The vinyl bucket Autoworldstore.com 64 DCXmag.com



IN SEARCH OF Racing Replicas That Should Have Been Do It Yourself Decals to Fix Missing or Mistake Models BY BILL BENNETT 1963 Shelby Cobra no. 98 Road America Miles/Holbert by Exoto H ardcore diecast collectors often lament editions is car was re-decaled because Exoto had not created the livery correctly. At the 1963 of race car models USRRC Road America event, race organizers had issued the cars red roundels with their num- that are missing bers printed in white to go on the sides of the cars. is car normally ran white roundels with from the market, or black numbers. So the Shelby team just applied the red roundel over the much-larger white those that have been roundel with the corners of the black numbers sticking out. Exoto didn’t understand what had produced with imperfections or omissions been done, so they “corrected” the problem. ey also didn’t get the correct placement on the in their livery. Sometimes the model Goodyear and Pure stickers and the Powered by Ford badge. DIY decals fixed all of that. manufacturers skimped on their research, or chose to omit sponsorship decals because of the high licensing fees or legal restrictions (tobacco livery for example). anks to advances in water-slide decal technology, collectors can now make high-quality decals to fix these errors. With a little graphics skill and patience, you can rival the quality of the best “tampo” printing found on high-end diecasts. e key has been the release of clear and white water slide decal paper that can be printed on a color laser or even an ink-jet printer. Clarity and detail levels can surpass images printed by the silkscreen process, and you don’t have to learn to do color separations or fuss with layer registration. Do your research to find out exactly what your desired graphic looked like, where it was placed and how large it was. (Google images and eBay are great sources.) For best results, start with high-resolution images. en, using the cropping tool in your preferred photo editing program (Photoshop etc.), manipulate the size and any other desired effects so that it is sized correctly for your model, then print it on decal paper (use the specified kind for your printer— laser or ink-jet), cut it out and follow the installation tips that come with the paper. SOME ISSUES TO KEEP IN MIND 1959 Chevrolet • Blank waterslide decal paper is only available in clear and white. Corvette Sting Ray by AUTOart • e color of the images looks great with a white car or using white e ’59 Corvette Sting Ray is one of the most beautiful cars ever built and was the precursor decal paper, but bleed-through can be an issue on dark background to the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. Designed by Pete Brock, Larry Shinoda and Bill Mitchell, this colors if you print on clear paper. car was built on the Corvette SS chassis. Over its lifetime, it was painted silver and metallic • Unless you have access to an ALPS machine (and they’re very hard red. During the 1960 racing season it was driven by Dr. Dick ompson and won its SCCA Class to find) you won’t be able to print gold, silver or white images. Championship. Surprisingly, AUTOart never produced it in its racing livery either as the no. 8 red car or the no. 11 silver car. After its racing career was over, it became a daily driver for the very dapper Mr. Mitchell. is car also starred in Elvis Presley’s movie, “Clambake” with Shelly Fabares. 1970 McLaren M8D no. 5 by GMP In 2001, GMP expanded their 1:18 Can Am McLaren series by adding their version of the 1970 McLaren M8D. First was the no. 48 car that Dan Gurney drove in the first three races of the ’70 Can Am season. GMP had planned to release the no. 5 season championship car driven by Denny Hulme but their McLaren contract expired before it could be put into production (aside from 5 rough prototypes that ended up at Replicarz). So I made my own. e biggest issue in creating the decals was making the left and right side decals that sit on a very irregular surface. I pieced each roundel together from seven individual decals. 66 DCXmag.com