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THE ENGINE EXHIBITS MORE DETAIL THAN JUST ABOUT ANY RESIN MODEL I HAVE EVER SEEN. REPLICARZ HAD INITIALLY CONSIDERED MAKING A FIXED- IN-PLACE HOOD BUT DECIDED THAT ENGINE DETAIL ADDED SO MUCH TO THE APPEAL THAT IT WAS WORTH THE MAJOR COMMITMENT IT REQUIRED. Barnes (aka Troutman & Barnes), parts from Hilborn, Scintilla-Vertex, Chuck Daigh, Jim Travers and Frank Halibrand, and others. When Coon (aka Traco Engineering), something special was needed, and Phil Remington. Reventlow the team had the know-how to commissioned L.A. Art Center build their own patterns and cast student Chuck Pelly to design the their own parts, including a front- sensuous aluminum body. Hot- mounted cam and magneto drive rodding legend Von Dutch painted cover and a de Dion independent and pinstriped the cars! e team rear suspension incorporating a Halibrand quick-change center used the relatively new Chevy section and inboard shrouded-fan small-block V-8, boring it up drum brakes. to 339ci and equipping it with the best hot-rodding Right from the get-go, the roadsters were spectacular. ey won at SCCA and Cal Club events at Riverside, Santa Barbara, and Laguna Seca, California; Reno, Nevada; Montgomery, New AT A GLANCE MODEL 1959 Scarab Mk II “Nickey Nouse” MANUFACTURER Replicarz GENRE 1950s sports racer SCALE 1:18 PRICE $270 WHAT WE LIKE + Fantastic contours on the exquisite Scarab body Engine detail on a resin car! ++ The “Kidney bean” Halibrands are gorgeous SPRING 2018 51

REPLICARZ 1959 “NICKEY NOUSE” SCARAB MK II e sensuous shape of the Scarab is cap- York; ompson, Connecticut; hobby and, thus, the claimed losses After years of waiting for the tured beautifully in resin, and the “kidney Meadowdale, Illinois; and Nassau. weren’t valid tax deductions. Scarab to be made in 1:18 scale, bean” Halibrand wheels are gorgeous! collectors finally have what they’ve e 002 car you see on these By 1962, the RAI party was been eagerly anticipating, thanks Hot rod artist Dean Jeffries concocted the pages, in its original livery, won the over. e F1 and mid-engine car to Replicarz proprietors, Mark and purple paint scheme and the special white 1958 U.S. Grand Prix at Riverside at programs had never been able to Brian Fothergill. e first Scarab scallop accents to differentiate it from the the hands of the team’s co-driver achieve the dominant success of to be issued is the brutal “Nickey previous versions painted by friend and and tuner, Chuck Daigh. is was the three roadsters. Disheartened Nouse” 002 car as Jeffords drove rival Von Dutch. Replicarz’s version is a hugely significant victory for by the team’s poor performance, it in 1959. Cast in resin and painted simply breathtaking. the team, having bested some of Reventlow left the sport. For about in Dean Jeffries’ deep, rich metallic the most revered cars and drivers a year in 1959, famed Chicago-area purple scheme, the model will take 52 DCXmag.com in the world. Scarabs went on Chevy dealer Nickey Chevrolet your breath away. e body is nicely to win the 1958 SCCA National owned and raced the Daigh 002 car. rendered and captures Chuck Pelly’s Championship. Encouraged by the Von Dutch’s arch rival (and good vision succinctly. Over the car’s life, success, Reventlow decided to try friend) Dean Jeffries repainted the the nose took a particular beating his hand at Gran Prix racing. He sold car a deep purple and came up and looked different from race to off the 002 and 003 roadsters and with his own design for the white race, but Replicarz has captured converted his 001 car to street use, scallops. Poking fun at the popular the original shape well. e Nickey as the RAI team focused on building Disney character, they named Nouse’s color has been rendered an open-wheel Formula 1 car and the car the “Nickey Nouse” and as closely to the original as is ultimately a mid-engine, enclosed- equipped it with a torquey V-8 humanly possible, considering that wheel sports racer. But success with gobs of power. e car was the only photos of it are well over didn’t come nearly as easily as it had outrageously fast, with a top speed 50 years old and the car has since with the roadsters. Added to this, approaching 200mph, and driver Jim been reliveried. e Scarab logo and the Internal Revenue Service was Jeffords bested several track records the little red-helmeted “Nouse” starting to suspect that Reventlow’s set by Daigh the previous year in the capture the essence of this car’s “business” was really more of a same car. unique graphics. e Dean Jeffries– designed scallops are just right. e Spartan interior with a view of the tube space-frame lattice demonstrates what no-nonsense cars these were, meant specifically to beat the best that the United States and Europe had to offer. e driver’s bucket is equipped with real fabric belts. e steering wheel is done in photo-etch and nicely represents the original Bell 4-spoke Champ car wheel, but I would like to see it tilted a little farther forward to match the distinctive angle of the original car’s. e model captures the rolled aluminum cover over the GM 4-speed transmission and a complement of gauges, switches, and a fuse box. e tubes inside the doors and on the floors give us a look at how the space-frame chassis was constructed and reinforced. e engine exhibits more detail

than just about any resin model I are even coated in white VHT. compelling backstory, it dominated Above left: e crew at Nickey Chevrolet have ever seen. Co-owner Brian Is there a more purposeful- the sport during its era, and it were experts when it came to building Fothergill said that he and Mark had marked a turning point in sports-car horsepower. e experts at Replicarz had initially considered making a looking wheel than a Halibrand racing; its level of performance and have created a scale version with as fixed-in-place hood but ultimately “kidney bean” magnesium its team professionalism set new much engine detail as you’ll find in a resin decided that engine detail added so knockoff? And these are gorgeous. standards for racing at this level. model. Above right: e purposeful inte- much to the appeal that it was worth Virtually all of the RAI team went on rior accurately replicates key features the major commitment it required. e “Nickey Nouse” often ran to much greater glory and proved like the rolled aluminum transmission Aside from the length/width aspect wheels with black-painted centers; that their success with the Scarab cover and the Bell 4-spoke Champ car ratio of the finned Corvette valve on this day, it appears the team was wasn’t a fluke. And it stands with steering wheel. covers being a little off, the engine is running one of their alternate sets. its competitor, the 1959 Corvette very satisfying. e splayed Hilborn Stingray, as perhaps the two most Injection velocity stacks that play e polished magnesium sure looks beautiful American racing sports cars such a crucial role in lowering the nice and really accents the color of ever created. No wonder then that hood line (and thus reducing the car’s the car. e box says that the tires many collectors, including myself, overall frontal area) are clearly visible. were licensed by Replicarz from have been waiting a long time for Also present is the front-mounted Firestone, but the tires are without the Scarab to be released in 1:18 Vertex magneto that allowed the any markings on the sidewall. ey scale. ank you, Mark and Brian, for engine cover to be dropped about are staggered widths and definitely fulfilling our wish and delivering an 6 inches. e engine is plumbed have an aggressive tread pattern with stainless-steel hoses with A-N that is appropriate for the Scarab. exceptional model! ✇ fittings and has Moon breathers on the valve covers. e 1-2-1 headers FINAL THOUGHTS SOURCE ere are many reasons why the Replicarz replicarz.com Scarab is an important addition to any racing fan’s collection. It has a SUBSCRIBE www.DiecastMusclecars.com & SAVEAirAgeStore.com 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

OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD There’s something about a diecast dump truck. Maybe it’s the Tonka trucks that so many of Diecast Masters us grew up with. For me, it’s also the connection Caterpillar 745 to the mining truck that my dad drove when I Articulated Truck was a little boy—a monster of a Terex the size of a two-story Colonial. Whatever the source of Highline Series Hauler the fascination, it persists to this day. Whenever Delivers Big I see a representation of one of these hulking marvels of engineering, I’m drawn to it; I find AT A GLANCE WHAT WE LIKE the mix of ambitious innovation and practical utility fascinating. When it comes to practical MODEL + When they say “articulated” innovation, there is no company that comes Caterpillar 745 Articulated they aren’t kidding close to Caterpillar. In fact, few companies in any Truck Opening cab and engine bay industry are so thoroughly dominant, and a good example why that is so is the truck you see on MANUFACTURER ++ Functional coil-spring these pages. The CAT 745 Articulated Truck was Diecast Masters suspension unveiled in 2017 with a host of new technologies to make it more capable, more comfortable, GENRE and safer. Heavy industrial equipment SCALE 1:50 PRICE $90 54 DCXmag.com

e model offers a full range of motion. e dump bed raises, and the articulation joint pivots left/right as well as axially. Courtesy of its exclusive distinctive profile and unparalleled arrangement with CAT, Diecast driver visibility. One cool feature on Masters (DM) has released the 745 the cab is the roof panel, which lifts as part of its Highline Series of 1:50 off to allow the driver figure to be models. DM has put considerable placed and to show off the detail effort into not just the detail of in the cabin itself. e intricate rails the model but to the presentation that border the steps and walkways up to the cab are painted metal as well, starting with the rather than plastic. Like the full- packaging. Each Highline size 745, the model features a full Series model comes in range of articulation, pivoting left/ a metal tin box, screen- right and axially using simulated hydraulic pistons. Rubber lines printed with photos of stretch from the pump housing to the vehicle in action along the bed control, and the bed itself with a specifications raises and lowers realistically. panel. Inside, the foam cradle also holds a molded plastic Up front, the hood panel payload insert for the dump bed also pivots upward, revealing a and a painted driver figure. And surprising amount of detail on the then there is the truck itself. e C18 turbodiesel engine. e 18.1L CAT trademark mustard yellow inline-6 produces 504hp and a paint is applied with care and is robust 1880 lb.-ft. of torque, which perfectly smooth even around the is needed to move the truck’s finely cast gratings and vents. e maximum payload of 41 tons. e smaller vents in the front fascia cylinder heads can be made out, and around the hydraulic pump along with the turbo plumbing and mechanism on the back of the cab the front-mounted intercooler. are depicted by decals, and the grille Underneath, the chassis does a is nicely molded plastic, as is the fine job depicting the 6x6 drivetrain superstructure of the cab, which is one of the 745’s most innovative features. Mounted centrally and high on the body, it gives the 745 a YOU HAVE TO ADMIRE THE EFFORT DM PUTS INTO THE PACKAGING AND PRESENTATION OF THE HIGHLINE SERIES. IT MAKES WHAT WAS ALREADY AN APPEALING MODEL THAT MUCH MORE INTERESTING. SPRING 2018 55

DIECAST MASTERS CATERPILLAR 745 ARTICULATED TRUCK and truck-arm suspension, and it in excess of 1,200 pounds!) have includes the novel Stability Assist excellent detail on their lugged system, which prevents rollovers—a tread and 19.5-inch steel rims. common danger with articulated dump trucks. e model’s back FINAL THOUGHTS two axles even have functional coil springs—at 1:50 scale! e tires e CAT 745 is an unusual-looking (which, in real life, measure more machine, but it likely represents the than 6 feet in diameter and weigh future of its class of heavy-haul dump trucks, given its advanced e hood opens and the cab swings up and to the right to show off the mechanical details of the powertrain. e handrails are painted metal, adding to the feeling of quality throughout. e roof lifts off to give a nice view of the well-molded interior and to allow placement of the traction and stability systems, and presentation of the Highline painted driver figure. powerful and efficient drivetrain, Series. It makes what was already safety equipment, and top-rated an appealing model that much payload capacity. Being one of more interesting. Whether you’re CAT’s newest designs, it should be a a dedicated CAT enthusiast or just popular model for Diecast Masters. someone with a nostalgic fondness And like its inspiration, it possesses for diecast dump trucks, this one is many advanced features—engine detail, opening cab, functional worth a look. ✇ suspension—especially for its scale. You also have to admire the SOURCE effort DM puts into the packaging Diecast Masters (diecastmasters.com); distributed by b2breplicas.com

QUICK LOOK BEST OF SHOW 1961 62 GHIA 6.4L 1:18 | $120 By Wayne Moyer L ike most of the 1950s Chrysler show cars, Above: e large expanses of “glass” give an excellent Best of Show’s big new resin-cast model is the 1954 Dodge Firearrow III and IV were look at a dashboard with lots of chrome accents. Below: every bit as good-looking as the original. at fully functional, and with 315 cubic-inch long coupe body and its metallic burgundy paint Hemis under their hoods, they performed quite e double-row photo-etched wire wheels are especially are simply superb. Front-end details varied a bit well. Gene Casaroll, founder of truck builder Dual realistic. among the cars, but the single round headlights Motors, was so taken with the Virgil Exner design with parking lights and horizontal trim inboard of that he bought the rights to it, had it reworked for them and the lack of fins would make this a late production, and sent it back to Italian coachbuilder 1960 or early ’61 car. Most of the exterior trim— Ghia, who had put together the original show and there’s a lot of it—is crisply printed in silver car for Chrysler. e Dual Motors “Firebomb” that’s not quite as bright as the plated bumpers, convertible debuted at the 1955 Geneva Show, grille, and tunneled taillight housings. It’s curbside but it was uncomfortable to sit in and handled (although there is some basic chassis detail), but poorly. So Casaroll had it redesigned again by all that clear “glass” makes it easy to see the well- his friend and soon-to-be Vice President Paul detailed and realistic interior. Up front, seat and Farago, and the “Dual Ghia” went on sale in late door-panel details are accurate, and there’s lots 1956. It was exclusive (just over 100 were built) of chrome trim printed on the busy console and and expensive ($7,646 for the base model), and dash. e latter has a full complement of detailed it became a favorite among Hollywood celebrities instruments; the centered tach is correctly larger of the day, led by Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, than the others. In back, the plush rear seats Lucille Ball, and Eddie Fisher. are occupied by a set of fitted suitcases. e especially realistic double-row photo-etched wire But by 1958, the Dodge subframe parts were wheels are the final touch on this accurate and no longer being made, so production of the Dual beautifully made Ghia 6.4L. e story of the Ghia Ghia ended. Casaroll, now fighting cancer, soon is defined by passion for a design together with sold the rights to a company set up by Farago and the determination to make it a reality. With this the CEO of Carrozzeria Ghia. Farago designed a model, BoS captures the passion, and the shape, new chassis, still using Chrysler parts, and induced details, and accurate dimensions deliver realism Virgil Exner to create a new coupe body with exceptionally clean lines, minimal rear seats, a 383 to match. ✇ V-8 (6.4-liter) Chrysler “wedge-head” engine, and air-conditioning. Production of the Ghia 6.4L SOURCE (no “Dual” this time) began in late 1960; Frank Best of Show; distributed by american-excellence.com Sinatra bought the first one made and, again, the Rat Pack followed suit. But at almost $15,000, there just weren’t enough celebrities to make it profitable; only 27 were built before the Dual Ghia/ Ghia 6.4L story finally came to an end. e second-generation Ghia was designed by Virgil Exner as a sleek coupé with exceptionally clean lines. SPRING 2018 57

CLASS Diecast Designer: Tony Karamitsos 20OF17 In his capacity as brand manager and senior designer at Round 2, Tony has BY THE DCX TEAM overseen the creation of hundreds of models under the Auto World, Johnny Lightning, Racing Champions, Playing Mantis, and American Muscle banners, As we have chronicled in Die Cast X over the last few and his keen eye for accuracy has contributed greatly to their popularity. issues, the Diecast Hall of Fame (DHOF) has been revamped and reintroduced for 2017. The folks at the hobbydb.com collectibles database, community, and marketplace have overseen the nomination and selection process for the 2017 DHOF class of inductees, starting with organizing the selection committee comprised of experts from all across the diecast industry, including several prior DHOF inductees and DCX’s own executive editor Matt Boyd. And for the first time, online voting by the public collector community helped determine the winners. After months of deliberation and vote tallying, the class of 2017 was presented at the awards ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada, this past November in four scale categories, four company categories, and six individual categories. The winners are: Diecast Customizer: Joe Alvarado Known throughout the collector community as LoRide57, Joe is a multiple Hot Wheels Nationals class winner who in recent years has begun branching out into larger scales as well. His flame-and-skull motifs in particular are as distinctive as they are masterful. 58 DCXmag.com

Diecast Entrepreneur: Paul Lang Model of the Year— 1:64 Scale: Hot Wheels Paul Lang is founder of the Minichamps brand, one of Fiat 500 Modificado the most highly regarded and collectible in the industry. Few individuals have been so influential in the direction of the diecast hobby over the past 25 years. Diecast Model of the Year—1:43 Historian: Scale: Schuco VW Robert Beetle “Lil Bugger” Fellows Camper Van A specialist in Model of the Playing Mantis, Year—1:24 Scale: Johnny Lightning, Bburago 2016 and Auto World Alfa Romeo 1:64, Bob is Giulia extremely active in the social media community and has created several collector sites devoted to the brands. Collector of the Year: Model of the Woody Itson Year—1:18 Scale: AUTOart A veteran of Mercedes- more than 30 AMG GTS years collecting Hot Wheels Redlines, Woody is also the founder of the Redline Trading Company site. New Model Maker of the Year: AutoCult Automotive Legend: Tim Allen Diecast Dealer of the Full-scale Automotive Full-scale Automotive Year: Diecast Models Brand of the Year: Supplier Brand of the Famed actor Tim Allen is one of the best-known car BMW Year: Falken Tire ✇ enthusiasts in Hollywood, and he owns an enviable Wholesale collection of muscle, classic, and sports cars. His FALL 2014 59 passion for cars has made it into numerous acting projects, including his popular TV series Home Improvement and Last Man Standing.

OUT OF THE BOX BY THE DCX TEAM Packed into it is a long list of a range of available powertrains advanced safety and convenience and wheelbases with innovations First Gear Volvo VNL features that would look right at like adaptive gearing and loading 760 with 53-Foot home on one of the company’s get the job done with power and Trailer high-end luxury cars—things like efficiency. All that adds up to active driver assist, a clutchless one of the most technologically Long-Hauling into the Future automated manual transmission, interesting and appealing big rigs forward-collision warning, pre- out there—exactly why it makes When Volvo introduced the VNL 760 to the dictive cruise control, and auto- such a fun scale model! world in July 2017, the company touted it as “The matic braking. Driver comfort is Shape of Trucks to Come.” And while that shape is a top priority as well, so it offers Even at 1:50, First Gear’s replica attractive and efficient at slicing through the air, one of the most advanced driver’s is a substantial model. e tractor it’s what’s underneath it that has Volvo already seats made and a roomier sleeper alone is 6.8 inches long, and when predicting that the 760 high- cabin that is 70 inches long and connected to the trailer, the rig roof sleeper will become its a full 96 inches wide, with such measures nearly 18 inches long! best-selling truck, and creature comforts as a heated First Gear chose the beautiful the standard for long- and cooled adjustable reclining Smoky Mountain Blue color that haul competitors to bunk! Luxury aside, this thing is Volvo used for its press launch shoot for. first and foremost a work truck; and in its brochures. It’s a light metallic color that is classy and

sophisticated. First Gear does looking brackets. switches with contrasting paint is present and nicely painted, right a nice job with it too; the finish At about this point in your so that they are clearly visible— down to the silicone fittings in is smooth and even, and shows again, a detail that often goes between each pipe section. e not a hint of pooling in the many typical 1:50 model review, we’d unattended in much larger models. effort put in here absolutely makes panel lines in the 760’s cab. e be explaining how the small scale the model! tampo-printed brand insignias are precludes much in the way of Engine detail on a model of this crisp and clean-edged despite interior detail—but this isn’t your scale would be asking a lot, but go Carefully turn the tractor over their small size, and the distinctive typical 1:50 model. e First Gear ahead and ask because First Gear to see more great workmanship diagonal-bar grille is carefully Volvo’s doors open—on flush delivers that too! Volvo actually in the chassis. Actually, you can molded and nicely shaded to give hinges no less! ere are plenty of offers three engine choices for see a bit of it by looking at the it texture. e LED headlight and 1:18 models that still use dog-leg the 760: its own D11 and D13 fifth-wheel hitch assembly and fog-light lenses are crystal clear hinges, so this alone is reason to turbodiesels, and a Cummins the axles below, but when you and sit perfectly flush into the celebrate. But the folks at FIrst X15. Based on the shape of the flip the truck over, you can also compound curves of the fenders. Gear went further: ey molded cylinder head, this model has the see the work that went into About the only slight discrepancy the driver’s and passenger’s seats D13: a 500hp inline-6 that is the replicating the driveshaft, fuel we see concerns the side mirrors. with the armrests extended. top option available, with Volvo’s tanks, and even a bit of detail on One of the selling points of innovative “I-Shift” automated that I-Shift gearbox. A nice effort e chrome mirrors themselves the VNL series is its advanced manual with adaptive technology, was made on the wheels and tires, look just right and Volvo designed instrumentation and control which learns driving patterns and which have the right contours special fuel-saving aerodynamic layout. First Gear not only went to has sensors to detect load and and tread pattern, and yield a bracket arms to hold them, but considerable lengths to mold this road-grade angles in real time. realistic stance. e included trailer the model has conventional- detail into the dashboard but also complements that stance nicely, picked out the various gauges and e molding detail on the engine even if it lacks the distinctive is amazing; all the complex intake styling that makes the tractor so and turbo/intercooler ductwork interesting. THE MOLDING DETAIL ON THE ENGINE IS AMAZING; ALL THE COMPLEX INTAKE AND TURBO/ INTERCOOLER DUCTWORK IS PRESENT AND NICELY PAINTED, RIGHT DOWN TO THE SILICONE FITTINGS IN BETWEEN EACH PIPE SECTION. THE EFFORT PUT IN HERE ABSOLUTELY MAKES THE MODEL! e sculpted shape of the AT A GLANCE WHAT WE LIKE VNL 760 is the future of the MODEL long-haul big rig. First Gear Volvo + Beautiful Smoky captures the look, but there’s Mountain Blue finish much more to the model than MANUFACTURER perfectly matches a pretty face. First Gear press-launch truck GENRE + Surface detailing of grille Big rig and emblems SCALE + Impressive interior 1:50 and engine intricacy at this scale PRICE $105 SPRING 2018 61

FIRST GEAR VOLVO VNL 760 WITH 53-FOOT TRAILER FINAL THOUGHTS Adaptive-logic driver aids and active safety features are an everyday part of today’s auto industry, but if anything these technologies are even more impactful in the world of commercial trucking, where the mass of these vehicles and the sheer number of miles they travel raise the stakes significantly. With its VNL series, Volvo has integrated these advanced systems to a level not seen before, enhancing both safety and efficiency. at’s all great, but from a collector’s perspective, a truck needs to be more than just the sum of its techie parts—it With the 53-foot trailer in place, this model stretches more than 18 inches! While the trailer may lack the tractor’s futuristic look, it does have excellent detail and solid construction. Above: Hidden hinges in the doors and dashboard switchgear with painted highlights—you don’t see this level of interior effort in 1:50 every day. Below: And you really don’t see this every day. e paint and detail work on the engine is exceptional for the scale. It’s precise enough to tell that this is Volvo’s top-option D13 turbodiesel. Right: e workmanship in the chassis is noteworthy. You can see detailed axles and suspension under the scale fifth- wheel assembly. needs to have the look to capture to think its VNL 760 will be the the imagination. e First Gear standard for long-haul trailers in VNL 760 does that—it is sleek the coming years. We’d say First and sophisticated, and the fit and Gear’s model already is that for finish is stellar. And then you open up the doors and hood and are the 1:50 market. ✇ impressed anew by another layer of sophistication. Volvo seems SOURCE First Gear firstgearonline.com 62 DCXmag.com

quick LOOK AUTOart Honda RA272 Ronnie Bucknum 1965 Mexican Grand Prix 1:18 | $270 By the DCX team It was the height of presumption. Just The model arrives with the nose removed, showcasing car is unboxed, you’ll see that the nose section 14 months after its first production car went the cooling system and the rocker-arm front suspension is not installed from the factory, revealing an on sale, Honda, known almost exclusively design. intricate cooling system and giving an excellent for its motorcycles, dared to compete at the view of the rocker-arm upper links of the front pinnacle of automotive motorsport: Formula The tiny V-12 was derived from Honda’s motorcycle suspension. To fully install the nose, you must 1. What’s more, it did so using a car and engine engines. AUTOart’s version has a delightfully intricate insert four impossibly tiny screws! You may entirely of its own construction! The RA271, as it fuel-injection system complete with individual fuel lines want to skip them—the nose holds reasonably was called, used an aluminum semi-monocoque and intake trumpets. well without them, and they are annoying to chassis built around a unique 1.5L V-12 derived install. There is also an underchassis panel to from Honda’s motorcycle engines. American affix, but thankfully the engine cover drops driver Ronnie Bucknum started the 1964 on using indexed pegs. When removed, that German Grand Prix and finished 13th—the best engine cowl reveals the key to the RA272’s result of three races it would enter that season. success—the transverse 60-degree V-12 that Over the winter, Honda would apply what it employed double overhead cams and four had learned to revise the car into the RA272. valves per cylinder years before many of its Substantial weight was saved by replacing competitors would adopt such advanced tech. nonstructural body panels with thin fiberglass, With fuel injection, the engine made better than and the power and drivability of the V-12 was 230hp and could rev to nearly 14,000rpm! The improved by replacing the RA271’s carbs with clear fuel lines and individual intake trumpets a Honda-designed fuel-injection system. Two show delightful intricacy. The rear tubular RA272s were entered for much of the 1965 subframe shows lots of detail in the multilink season with fellow American Richie Ginther rear suspension and the 6-speed gearbox that joining Bucknum. It wasn’t until the final race of was cast as a single unit with the engine block. the 1965 season in Mexico that Honda finally The suspensions are functional as well, adding broke through. The extremely high altitude of to the realism. Halibrand wheels and excellent Mexico City favored the powerful, high-winding, re-creations of the Goodyear race tires round fuel-injected V-12, and Ginther rocketed to out the presentation. the lead from the start and never looked back, giving Honda the first-ever win for a Japanese The RA272 was the final winner of F1’s 1.5L manufacturer. Bucknum started back in 10th, but era, the first win for a Japanese manufacturer, he too would surge forward, eventually finishing and the beginning of a hugely successful fifth and scoring his first points for Honda. career for Honda as an F1 engine builder, having powered six Constructors’ champions and AUTOart produces both Ginther’s and five Drivers’ titles. The RA272 is a technically Bucknum’s cars as part of its Signature series. fascinating machine, and AUTOart’s model The models are essentially identical other than depicts it with striking accuracy. It’s a fine the number: 11 for Ginther and 12 for Bucknum. Much of the skin of the car is held on by minus­ addition to any F1 collection. ✇ cule screws—showing both precision and realism in the model’s construction. When the SOURCE AUTOart autoartmodels.com SPRING 2018 63

hot wheels highway by mike zarnock 31st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Cars! The 31st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention took place on October 4–8, 2017, in Los Angeles, California, and as usual, it was sold out. The Hot Wheels cars on display were astounding: from the hand-carved, never- produced Redline prototypes to the latest all-new 3D-printed resin preproduction model samples that will be released next year for the brand’s 50th anniversary. As with every Hot Wheels con- on the last night of the conven- Datsun Bluebird 510— vention, there are exclusive cars tion at the Finale. The Dinner Car is produced by Mattel specifically for produced in honor of a Hot Wheels Convention Casting no. 2 that event in very limited quanti- designer for his or her work and ties—usually no more than dedication to the brand. The card Along with Alton’s 240Z, there 3,000 pieces, and sometimes for the Dinner Car has a hologram was another car that added to less. At this event, there were four sticker on the front with the hon- the “Datsun fever” at this different castings, along with an oree’s name, along with the event convention: labeled number exclusive Dinner Car—all highly date. There is also a hologram two of four is the Datsun sought after by collectors around sticker on the back of the card Bluebird 510. Painted the globe. With the purchase of a specifying the production total—in somewhat reminiscent convention ticket, the collector is this case, one of 1,600 cars that of the orange-and-white allowed to purchase three of these were available with the purchase 1969 Simoniz Team race four convention cars, with the of a dinner ticket. Here are the five car, this little 510 was in fourth car given to the ticket holder cars from this year’s convention: great demand, and collec- tors were doing what- Datsun 240Z—Alton Takeyasu Dinner Car ever they could to get one—which fueled some This year’s dinner paid homage to veteran designer Alton Takeyasu. pretty crazy prices! It sits Alton’s designs include the Carbonator, Teegray, GT Hunter, Rev Rod, Fast on raised white-letter Cash, and many others! As with most Hot Wheels designers, Alton is a car Goodyear Eagle rubber guy who not only draws cool cars that get made into Hot Wheels but also with chrome deep-dish collects cool real cars too! Alton’s Dinner Car is a replica of his personal 15-inch Panasport- white 1972 Datsun 240Z, and the attention to detail on this Z car is spot style 8-spoke wheels, on; the chrome window trim, door handles, and bumpers along with and the placement strategically placed badging give the car a real-life quality. The rubber of decorations truly tires with what resemble actual 16x7 gray and chrome Panasport wheels make the car look race make the car look as if you could open the door and drive it away. authentic too. Located on the doors in blue is “31st Annual Collec- tors Convention” and on the rear quarter panel is “LA Oct. 4-8 2017” giving it a flow and an appear- ance as if they were actual race graphics. All the graphics on these works of automotive art are done by Hot Wheels graphics designer extraordinaire, Steve Vandervate. 64 DCXmag.com

VW Drag Bus—Convention Casting no. 1 ’66 Chevelle—Finale Car (no. 4) The Phil Riehlman–designed VW Drag Bus has always been a collector’s favorite, and I The final casting in this series of four—the “Finale Car” as believe once the Datsun demand settles down, collectors will be noticing this pink-and- it’s called by convention attendees—is the ’66 Chevelle. The last car is always a surprise casting, which is kept purple Drag Bus for what it is and will search it secret until the Convention Finale on Saturday evening. out! Anything with that much real estate on Since its debut in the 2011 Vintage Racing Series, the its side is worth its weight in gold, and with ’66 Chevelle has been traditionally produced as a Stock a metal body and metal chassis, this one is Car and has been used only three times previous to this event, making it a bit of a rarity as far as production goes. definitely weighing in perfectly for racing Painted dark candy-apple blue metallic on the top with and for customizing. The Redline rubber silver metallic sides, the paint scheme makes it look tires on chrome Rocket wheels won’t be much longer than it actually is. The convention graphics fast, but a quick wheel swap, I’m sure, are spelled out along the rocker panel, and a large circle on the rear quarter has the 31st Convention logo. The would take care of the speed issue. But black interior and smoked windows go well with the small I’m guessing that most people will leave black-tint chrome Rocket wheels on low-profile blackwall it the way it came—pretty in pink! rubber tires, but when you put it all together, it somehow gets lost among the others, leaving this one as the least desirable of the group. ✇ Custom Convoy— Convention Casting no. 3 The Custom Convoy is cast- ing number three and is well represented in glossy black with red-and-silver striping. This Larry Wood design was first publicly released as part of the 2009 Hot Wheels Classics Series and has been a collector favorite from the start! Lots of chrome and painted detail make this truck look tough. The convention logo on the side of the sleeper door just adds to the authentic trucking company look, along with the large chrome Rocket wheels riding on low-profile Flamed Redline rubber tires to give it a true custom feel. spring 2018 65

REAR VIEW e A110 was based on stock Renault R8 mechanicals, but a lightweight coupé body and careful tuning made it a rally powerhouse in the early ’70s. Alpine Racer: a successful and sleek car, there wheel and axle area, allowing those The Rally-Bred A110 have been relatively few models to be swapped out for a (shudder) made of it. Maisto made a 1:18 slammed, dubbed version that BY RON RUELLE version in several colors—on of the was also produced. ankfully, this only widely available large-scale one came with regular wheels and T here was a time when international rally cars were models of the A110. even a working suspension. e closely based on real production cars. Even with tires have a plastic shine to them, added fender flares, a plethora of lights, and safety is model represents the 1971 as does the entirely black interior. equipment, they weren’t too far removed from what you 1600S, the street-going version Around back, that engine has could buy off the showroom floor. It seems crazy to think of of the A110S. It comes finished, some nice detail with separately original Minis and 911s bouncing around off-road, but that’s of course, in traditional French colored parts, including wiring. And how it was. Racing Blue (Bleu de France). e the red taillights with orange turn fog lamps grow out of the hood—a signals are well done. e bumper One of the least likely cars in R8 in 1961, Alpine followed suit striking detail done to homologate has separate black guards and, that group may have been the with the R8-based A110. e A110 the feature for racing. ose rally- curiously, a trailer hitch. Alpine A110. Alpine began as a racing remained in production for more style fog lamps are an integral part company in the mid-1950s, taking than 15 years, using a succession of the car’s identity—it just wouldn’t In the 1980s, Renault would existing cars from other companies of increasingly powerful Renault be an Alpine without them! produce some less memorable and spec’ing them for various types 4-cylinder engines. cars for the U.S. market. But for a of competition. ey were probably is was an entry-level 1:18 shining moment a decade earlier, best known for working with By the early 1970s, the A110S model, so overall detail on the car the Renault-powered Alpine A110S Renault, and the company’s first had established itself as a force is not extraordinary. e chassis proprietary design—the A106—was in world rally competition using is very flat, which is more or less was pure racing magic. ✇ a fiberglass sports coupe based a tuned-up version of Renault’s accurate, but there’s a curious on the Renault 4CV chassis and aluminum 1.6L inline-4 from the feature underneath. e baseplate Ron Ruelle is social media director running gear. It followed that with R16 making 130hp—in a car that has separate castings around the at hobbydb.com. the A108 based on the Dauphine weighed barely 1,300 pounds! at mechanicals, and when Renault racing success was a big part of replaced the Dauphine with the the reason Renault decided to buy Alpine outright in 1973. For such A long succession of engines powered A110s over the years. e 1600S got one of the It just wouldn’t be an Alpine without those rally-style fog-light fairings! best: 130hp 1.6L inline-4 based on the Renault R16. Maisto’s offers pretty respectable detail for the entry-level price point. 66 DCXmag.com

1:18 1-918:018-335-2701 » ALL BRANDS » ALL SCALES LaSalle 1:18 Series 50 Coupe, 1940 » 100% DIECAST No. 216483 $ 119.95 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk, 1963 No. 215530 $ 119.95 Buick Century Caballero Estate, 1957 Buick LeSabre Custom Sport, 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, 1982 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Limousine, 1958 Cadillac Series 62 Club Coupe, 1946 No. 194364 $ 119.95 No. 214156 $ 119.95 No. 217840 $ 119.95 No. 217073 $ 119.95 No. 214157 $ 119.95 Buick Special Chevrolet Chrysler Chrysler Dual Ghia L 6.4 Coupe, 4-Door Tourback Sedan, 1953 Apache Pickup, 1959 D´Elegance, 1953 1960 No. 214159 No. 213709 No. 213750 $ 119.95 $ 119.95 $ 119.95 No. 193750 $ 119.95 Chrysler Newport Town & Country Desoto Firedome 4-Door Seville, Dodge Dodge Dodge Wagon, 1962 1956 Coronet Club Coupe, 1952 Eight DG Coupe, 1931 Ramcharger, 1979 No. 214160 No. 213723 No. 213557 $ 119.95 No. 213556 $ 119.95 No. 214155 $ 119.95 $ 119.95 $ 119.95 Ford Imperial Imperial Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75, 1967 Thunderbird Landau, 1968 Crown 4-Door, 1965 Crown Southampton, 1957 No. 200854 No. 215128 $ 119.95 No. 213710 $ 119.95 $ 119.95 No. 194377 $ 119.95 Imperial Crown Southampton,1962 Jeep J10 Honcho, 1976 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible, 1940 Lincoln Continental MkV Coupe, 1978 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, 1949 No. 214635 $ 119.95 No. 213740 $ 119.95 No. 216482 $ 119.95 No. 217838 $ 119.95 No. 213751 $ 119.95 1:64 Ford Dodge White Road Boss LTL 9000, 1978 CNT 950, 1973 Tow Truck, 1977 No. 214778 $83.95 No. 210693 $ 69.95 No. 214488 $89.95 International Harvester International Harvester Fleetstar Mack H-673ST, Peterbilt 352 Pacemaker, White Road Boss, DCOF-405, 1964 F-2000-D, 1963 1960 86 inch sleep cab, 1979 1977 No. 214777 No. 209788 No. 210694 $ 89.95 No. 209789 $ 69.95 $ 69.95 No. 220877 $ 89.95 $ 69.95 www.american-excellence.com