1964 Chevrolet Impala sedan by Matchbox

Maxi Taxi (Ford Capri) by Matchbox

1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL by Matchbox

1987 Ford LTD by Matchbox

The taxi cab is a common sight on the streets of any city. For small-scale die-cast collectors, the humble cab has been made available over the years in many forms. At any given time, most die-cast manufacturers have at least one cab in their regular line-up. The examples shown here are by no means all the cabs done in 1:64 scale. It is interesting to observe, however, how the vast majority of cabs have been painted in “taxi” yellow color scheme.

The most prolific producer of tiny taxi cabs has been Matchbox. The first cab shown is a 1964 Chevrolet Sedan, #20. Other than the “Taxi” decal on the hood and its color, this could be a regular street car. As far as I know, it was always offered in taxi form. The next Matchbox taxi is a joker in the deck. The “Maxi Taxi” of 1973 is one of the “Rolomatic” cars. When it is rolled across the floor or a table, the blown V8 engine moves up and down. The original casting is of the Ford Capri—certainly not a choice for taxi service—considering it’s a coupe. Oh well, it’s fun and could have made an interesting drag racer for an ex-taxi driver.

1987 Ford LTD ('TAXI') by Matchbox	Austin FX4R London Cab by Matchbox
Austin FX4R London Cab by Corgi	Mercedes-Benz 300 SE by Zylmez

The Mercedes Benz 450SEL #56 is an appropriate choice for a taxi as many European cabs are Mercedes sedans. This casting was offered in stock and police form as well. A newer taxi from Matchbox is the 1987 Ford LTD. It is shown in regular issue form and as one of the new “Star Car Collection,” representing the “Taxi” TV show that starred Judd Hirsch and Danny DeVito. Of course the LTD was never featured in the show, as al the cabs were Checkers. The last Matchbox is an Austin FX4R cab in London black. Originally offered in 1986, it has recently been re-released with the word ‘Taxi’ on the doors.

Corgi also offered an Austin FX4R London Cab as a Corgi Junior. The opening doors of the Matchbox make it the better casting of the two. A very early Zylmez, #D37, represents a Mercedes-Benz 300 SE in taxi form and may well be a Matchbox copy. The decal on the hood reads “United States Auto Club,” a rather curious choice for a Mercedes taxi. The crude wheels date this as an early offering from Zylmex.

1977 Dodge Coronet Custom by Tomica	1982 Chevrolet Malibu by Hot Wheels
Chevrolet Caprice by Maisto	Renault 18 by Majorette

Moving on, Tomica did a 1977 Dodge Coronet Custom, #F8 as a taxi. Hot Wheels produced a rather interesting taxi in 1982. The car is a Chevrolet Malibu sedan and was not offered in any other form or color. As a result, this is a rather rare casting and the only example of this particular Chevrolet. Maisto has recently offered a late 1990s Chevrolet Caprice as a taxi and police car. Majorette has offered several taxi models over the years. The Renault 18, #266 is un-marked except for the taxi light n the roof. The ’80s Chevrolet Impala taxi, #240 is also available in police and military form.

A newcomer to die-cast, Golden Wheel, has recently offered four car sets of taxi, police and fire vehicles. These are of excellent quality and include two cars that are seldom represented. The Checker cab should have been done long ago. This example is a delight and looks just right. It does not seem right however in police or fire guise. The early ’50s Chevrolet sedan is also a welcome addition and just as good. The modern Chevrolet Caprice cab is the third and equally well-done member of this set.

Chevrolet Caprice Classic by Majorette	Chevrolet Caprice by Golden Wheel
Checker Cab by Golden Wheel	1952 Chevrolet Sedan by Golden Wheel

—by Doug Breithaupt

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It seems he has recently been watching the Hanna-Barbera “Wacky Racers” cartoon from the 1970s, where a collection of wacky racers compete over a series of likewise wacky race courses. Dick Dastardly and Mutley, his dog, always try to cheat to win, and of course never do. Bentley’s recent purchase of a Hot Wheels “Hot Seat” car had inspired him to re-create the wacky races for himself.

Wacky racers are not new to die-cast. Almost entirely in 1:64 scale, these are hot rods with a twist. Usually, my collection focuses on realistic production or race cars, but over the years I have picked up an assortment of “custom” cars. These cars tend to fall into several categories:

• Traditional hot rods (like the ’32 Ford ‘deuce’ coupes and Model ‘T’ high-boy roadsters);
• Futuristic custom cars (like turbine or nuclear powered cars with sleek body work);
• Cartoon cars (featuring cartoon characters at the wheel or cars from cartoons);
• Production customs (post-war cars with massive engines or wild body alterations), and;
• Wacky Racers.

My definition a Wacky Racer is a car that is almost (or totally) cartoonish in appearance but not from actual cartoons. Often Wacky Racers are planes, trains or even toilets, made into custom cars. Of course there is no perfect definition here; you know them when you see them. These are toy cars that make you smile. Some are models of actual creations by Barris or other customizers. Others came directly from the fevered brains of die-cast designers, most likely the results of a steady diet of sugar and caffeine. First and foremost, Wacky Racers are fun.

Red Baron”

Mini Ha Ha”

Dog Fighter”

Nine Wacky Racers have been selected from my collection to illustrate the category. The first three have aviation aspirations or inspirations, as the case may be. The first is a true classic and one of the best known of all Hot Wheels, the “Red Baron” (1969). Not modeled after an actual car, the “Red Baron” was one of Hot Wheels’ biggest hits of the late 1960s, and later a full-sized version was created. Early editions had a spike on the helmet, but it was later removed for safety reasons. It was later released as a 25th anniversary model. Complete with twin machine guns and an iron cross on the radiator, this is one of the best wacky racers.

The second in this series comes from Matchbox. In the 1970s, Matchbox followed Hot Wheels’ lead with a wide variety of custom cars. Few qualify as Wacky Racers, but one stands out for me. The “Mini Ha Ha” (#14, 1975) is a wild custom of an actual car, the Austin Mini. At the same time, the cartoonish proportions, including the helmeted driver, and radial aero-engine are just wacky enough for me.

The third aero-car is a newer (comparatively) Hot Wheels release. The “Dog Fighter” (1996) is a wingless plane with four wheels, another radial aero-engine and propeller. The graphics are great, especially the most recent black and yellow version. The number of “kills” are represented on the side with tiny dog bones.

Boothill Express"

Vampire Van"

"Li'l Coffin"

The second set of Wacky Racers is also following a theme. The first two are from Johnny Lightning, part of the “ ’Frightning Lightning” series of 1996. My favorite is the “Boothill Express.” This George Barris custom is exceptionally well done in small-scale. This hearse is a hoot. The V8 has what must be the tallest velocity stacks of all time and the eight exhaust pipes are clearly detailed. With real rubber tires and mag wheels, this is a great Wacky Racer.

The second car, from the same “ ’Frighting Lightning” series, is the “Vampire Van.” Complete with a casket in the back, Dracula would be the darling of the drag races in this delectable die-cast.

The third of these gruesome go-carts is a 1994 offering from Hot Wheels. “Li’l Coffin” features a wheeled pinebox, complete with skull headlights and a bat on the nose. The usual V8 hot rod engine appears to have a blower attached ahead of the radiator. This car would not only let you go in style but it would also get you to the pearly gates in record time.

Paddy Wagon”

Radio Flyer”

Hot Seat”

The last set is a mix of favorites. The companion to Hot Wheels “Red Baron” was the “Paddy Wagon” (1969). This dual-carbed V8 could make even the Keystone cops look good. Based on another real custom, this is the ultimate police cruiser.

Just as much fun is Hot Wheels’ “Radio Flyer” from 1998. This little red wagon could be a real paper route power house. I love the steering handle, complete with instrumentation. It makes you want a real one.

Last is the latest from Hot Wheels, the un-disputed king of Wacky Racers. The “Hot Seat” is everything a Wacky Racer should be. This seat-of-ease is perfect with a plunger steering wheel that moves when you lift the seat, twin TP rolls for quicker pit stops and a hole in the bowl, just like at home. Of course it’s rear-engined, with a motorcycle motor in the tank.

So who would you put your money on in this Wacky Race? Perhaps you have a favorite Wacky Racer from your collection, if so let me know. As a side-note, Johnny Lightning has done two of the actually Wacky Racers from the cartoon (Dick Dastersly’s and Penelope Pit Stop’s racers), but as they are actual cartoon cars, they fall in the other category. With the recent new offerings from Hot Wheels, it appears that Wacky Racers are going to delight a lot more 4-year-olds, and a few of their parents, too.

— by Doug Breithaupt

Two watch an episode of Wacky Racers, here is “Whizzin’ to Washington” Parts One and Two.

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Bruce Pascal poses with orange Ferrari P917 Hot Wheels and prototype Hot Wheel molds

Pascal is legendary as the chap who, in 2000, paid big bucks for a Rear Loading Beach Bomb—an RLBB in Hot Wheels vernacular—that had surfaced from a former Mattel employee’s collection. Both the find and the purchase price—undisclosed, but the asking price was $72,000—sent shock waves through the die-cast collecting community because this wasn’t just any Hot Wheels car: It was a rare prototype, never mass-produced because it was too narrow to work with a popular accessory, the Super-Charger, and had to be reconfigured in a wider design.

And not only was it a holy relic from Hot Wheels’ formative years, it was pink, which for collectors is like manna from heaven. Plus, it looked bran-span-new, with nary a ding betraying the rigors of testing it undoubtedly endured.

Pascal spoke to WorthPoint from his home in Potomac, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C., about his abiding passion for Hot Wheels.

How long have you collected Hot Wheels?
For 40 years, with a big gap in the middle. First from 1968 to about 1972, then from around 1999 till today.

Was it the intrigue over the pink Rear Loading Beach Bomb that rekindled your interest?

Yes. Every hobby has its king, and the RLBB had established itself as the ultimate Hot Wheels. And with very few trading hands, it was clearly on my list. When a pink one was for sale—and, at that time, the only one known in that color, then bingo, I felt it was the car for me to get.

The legendary pink Rear Loading Beach Bomb prototype

The obvious question: It’s just a toy car. Why pay so much for it?
Let me tell you the whole story. In late 1999, I read in article about a pink RLBB that been sold by Chris Marshall of Ohio for the record sum of $72,000. Understanding $72,000 was a lot of money, I thought to myself that if you compare that amount to other record-selling collectibles, then maybe it wasn’t such a high number after all. For example, the 1804 silver dollar, just a coin, sold for over two million. The Honus Wagner baseball card, an original penny item, sold for over one million. And look at all the paintings and sports cars selling in the millions. Hmm, maybe not so bad. But too late for me—it had been reported sold by the paper.

One month later, reading a different newspaper, I saw the same article, but with a different ending. That article said the deal should close soon. I knew something was fishy. I then tried to locate Chris Marshall, with no luck. So I tracked down the newspaper author, and he hooked me up with him. Wouldn’t you guess, the buyer had second thoughts, and after putting a deposit down, he still had not come up with the funds.

Chris and I negotiated a deal over the next few months. I was able to apply the down payment the other person had put down and negotiate a price that I was comfortable with. It was clearly a new record for a toy like this, but I had confidence the die-cast hobby for Hot Wheels would grow, and years later, I would look back to this purchase as a smart move.

Chris flew in from Ohio and gave me the car, and I gave him the check. He had a great sense of humor, too. I unwrapped the car and noticed he put a fake car in the tube. After my small heart attack, he handed me the real deal, and I have owned it since then.

Preproduction prototype Red Baron

Preproduction prototype Twin Mill (photos courtesy Bruce Pascal)

You’re never going to say how much you paid for it, are you?
Well, the seller and I signed a confidentiality agreement. He bought a Viper for cash afterwards back in 2000, though, so that gives you a clue!

The car’s had some pretty good exposure, hasn’t it?
A few years ago, I loaned it to the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A. As one of the best automotive museums in the United States, I felt safe with it there, and it was seen by hundreds of thousands of people. The display was amazing. I have also shown it at automobile shows and Hot Wheels conventions. When not shown, it is kept in a locked vault at a hidden location. If asked and I am comfortable with security, I will take it to shows and allow people to photograph it with them holding it in a clear case.

You were lucky enough to find another rare pink RLBB, too.
Yes. A few years after I got the first RLBB, I was doing an interview with a former Mattel employee who said he thought he still had one of those models somewhere in his house. I called him four months in a row, and he never found the car. The fifth month, his wife answered, and she said she knew where it was. Bingo! And it was pink! I got it and sold it two years later for $55,000.

How many Hot Wheels total are in your collection?
Today, the collection includes about 5,000 cars. First are my favorites: about 120 Redline prototype cars. Then about 80 Japan boxed cars—the complete series, which took years to finish. Next, slightly over 1,000 additional Redlines and about 3,800 Blackwall-era cars.

Do you have any personal favorites?
My favorite cars are the design and development prototypes. Included in this category was a test car to see if a gasoline engine could be made small enough to put in a Hot Wheels car, a prototype of a car that makes noise as it rolls down a track. Or the cars with actual steering mechanisms added. Another favorite is production-testing cars with the entire chassis and base in clear plastic. They are exceedingly rare and hard to find.

Gasoline-powered Hot Wheels prototype (courtesy Bruce Pascal)

You have a lot of behind-the-scenes production items, as well.
Right. I have over 40 pieces of original early items that directly relate to the making of an actual Hot Wheels, such as the mock-up model used to show [Mattel co-founder] Elliot Handler the Custom Fleetside in 1968. Also, I have about 2,000 sheets of paper directly related to Hot Wheels production. These include original sketches from Hot Wheel designers Larry Wood, Harry Bradley, Paul Tam and others. Also the plans used for engineers to create the molds used in production.

Besides cars, what other paraphernalia is in your Hot Wheels collection?
Well, I’ve got perhaps 200-plus pieces of Hot Wheels memorabilia, from Jack in the Box restaurant cups, to watches, to Halloween costumes. Other paraphernalia includes original posters and gas-station banners promoting Hot Wheels giveaways, original proof-production labels for Hot Wheels products designed by [Mattel illustrator] Otto Kuhni from the late ’60s and early ’70s, along with original artwork by him. Also, some display stands. This category is the most fun to collect and harder to find than most Hot Wheels.

Hot Wheels Halloween costumes (courtesy Bruce Pascal)

Have you come across any rare Hot Wheels finds in 2008?

My best find included a clear interior Hot Wheels Redline Whip Creamer that had no side vents on the car. That means it was one of the earliest versions made before the mold was changed to add a new feature. I love getting a car that is different from all the others.

Your grandfather, Leo Pascal, was a legendary transportation historian at the National Archives from 1937-1962, and your parents are curators of the automobilia collection he started. How did this influence your mania for collecting?

No question, growing up in a house of automobilia collectors influenced me greatly. My father would show me toy cars made in Germany from 1918, plastic toys made in America in the 1950s and ’60s, and seeing hundreds of other car- related items made me see the value in being a collector. It is not just about having the items on your shelf. It is also the friends you make in the hobby, the places you traveled to buy an item and the history you learn about a piece. Collecting can be a great total experience.

See more of Bruce Pascal’s Hot Wheels collection at Redlineprotos.com.

Kevin Cook, a WorthPoint contributor, is still kicking himself for blowing up and setting fire to his first Hot Wheels cars.

Other stories by Kevin Cook:
Monster Mash discs: Graveyard Smash

The Truth Is Out There: X-Files Collectibles

Hot Wheels—Still Blazing at 40

Collecting Calendars: Fun New Year After New Year

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

According to Mattel’s Web site, more than 15 million boys in the 5-15 demographic are die-hard Hot Wheels collectors, and the average enthusiast owns at least 41 cars. Originally priced at around 59 cents in 1968, Hot Wheels are still among the most allowance-friendly collectibles, selling for about a buck apiece.

The brand began developing by fits and starts in 1966 when Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler decided to go bumper to bumper with Britain’s Lesney Products and Co. Ltd., whose Matchbox cars had long dominated the die-cast toy-car market. Handler lured Harry Bentley Bradley away from his job building real cars at General Motors to head his design team, and a collectibles legend was off and running.

With Mattel research-and-development whiz Jack Ryan heading up a creative team of 80 artists, designers and engineers, the brainstorming began.

At Handler’s urging, head designer Bradley drew on his own customized El Camino for inspiration, imbuing his early sketches with muscle-car features—red-striped slicks with mag wheels, exposed engines, pipes, power bulges and other nuances that reflected California car culture and styling—that would become the brand’s hallmarks. The Spectraflame finish—a custom paint blend that gave the little hot rods their candy-colored panache—was also a by-product of Bradley’s Detroit background.

Early production sketch of Custom Fleetside by Harry Bradley (Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal)

Next, the team addressed the all-important playability factor, employing a bent-axle, torsion-bar suspension that let the 1/64-scale cars bounce like their full-size counterparts and wheels that turned independently on their axles, thanks to inner-wheel bearings. The nylon wheels themselves were slightly conical, with a thin ridge on the inner edge designed to reduce friction. As a finishing touch, red stripes emblazoned on the tires signified some, well, really hot wheels that would zoom 200 miles per hour—scale, of course—on the orange plastic track designed to showcase the cars’ speed and acrobatic prowess.

Numerous anecdotal accounts cloud the origin of the name Hot Wheels, but there is nothing muddy about the nascent brand’s classic flame logo, designed by Mattel graphic artist Rick Irons in 1967, and the pulse-quickening packaging, illustrated by freelancer Otto Kuhni.

Otto Kuhni’s original art for Hot Wheels Super Charger accessory (Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal)

Ira Gilford, another Detroit refugee who would become the brand’s genius bellwether, arrived in 1968 to replace the departed Bradley (who was reportedly skeptical over Hot Wheels’ chances for success) and oversee the remaining inaugural 16 car designs in time for their retail debut. With Kmart and Sears placing advance orders for millions of Hot Wheels, production in the U.S. was stepped up with factories in Hong Kong taking up the slack.

Hot Wheels store display, 1968 (Image courtesy of Bruce Pascal)

When the cars hit the shelves in the summer of 1968, it was clear that Hot Wheels definitely weren’t your daddy’s die-cast cars. Tucked inside plastic bubbles that allowed the cars to be viewed in all their souped-up, candy-colored glory, the “California custom miniatures” screamed “Play with me!” from their colorful blister cards, which also contained a matching collector’s button in the shape of, what else, a tire. Smitten boys plunked their money down for millions of what collectors would come to call the Sweet 16. The fabled Redlines era (1968-1977) of Hot Wheels had begun, and the toy world would never be the same.

Hot Wheels Sweet 16 - 1968

To commemorate the brand’s 40th anniversary and the production of the four billionth Hot Wheels car, Mattel commissioned a one-of-a-kind car—based on the so-called lost Hot Wheels car designed by Otto Kuhni for use on early packaging but never actually produced—laden with 2,703 multicolored diamonds and rubies. Housed in a custom-made case complete with mirrored bottom and rotating base—not to mention 40 more commemorative diamonds—the car, valued at $140,000, sold at auction in October for $60,000, with the proceeds going to charity.

Hot Wheels 40th anniversary jewel-studded car

“Hot Wheels: 40 Years,” a lavish coffee-table book with text by Hot Wheels collector Angelo Van Bogart and mouth-watering photography by automotive historian Doug Mitchel, also celebrates the anniversary. And of course, there are the cars. The Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary 40 Car Set gathers one iconic car from 1968-2008. The anniversary cars are also being sold separately.

40th Annivesary 40 Car Set

The world of Hot Wheels collecting has few rivals in terms of intensity and enthusiasm. One of the most joyously outspoken devotees is Bruce Pascal, a Washington, DC-area ubër-collector renowned in collectors’ circles for his cherry-picked collection of rare production and prototype cars, including a pink, ultrarare Rear Loading Beach Bomb prototype that inspires buffs to drop to their knees and chant hosannas on those infrequent occasions when he shows it off. He paid a hush-rush price for it in 2000 that is believed to be a record.

“In 1968, I had just turned seven when Hot Wheels came out, and I still remember the cars and the orange track like it was yesterday,” says Pascal, 46, a commercial real-estate agent who owns about 5,000 cars. “I think Hot Wheels are so enduring because they represent the automobile culture of our youth. What little boy did not like looking at cool cars growing up? For us youngsters then, Hot Wheels were like having the cars our dads or maybe our big brothers drove.”

Wife-friendly collectibles

As for the reason why grown men of a certain age still buy Hot Wheels, old and new, Pascal has a theory. “Buying one today reconnects us with our youth. And they are still small enough to have many in your house without taking up too much room—I call that wife friendly—they’re still affordable, and they’re remembered fondly by almost everyone.”

Pascal advises collectors to look for four important factors: condition, color, interior color and variations. “Always buy the best condition car you can find is the most important advice,” he says. “A perfect common car can be more valuable than a beat-up rare car. Always research the rarity, too. A pink Camaro is certainly 100 times more rare than a blue Camaro. And educate yourself on subtle variations. For instance, a dark interior Red Baron is far less valuable than a white interior Red Baron.”

Hot Wheels 67 Camaro

Pascal also warns collectors to bone up on their ability to spot fakes. “Fakes are getting better and better, and sometimes even the most educated collectors need advice from others.”

From the slew of Hot Wheels price guides available, Pascal recommends two. “Jack Clark’s ‘The Ultimate Redline Guide’ is considered by many collectors to be the best guide overall. For later years, Mike Strauss’ ‘Tomart’s Price Guide to Hot Wheels’ is the best.”

Not surprisingly, early Camaros—which Pascal confirms were the first mass-produced Hot Wheels— are very desirable. “A common blue car with a black top in mint condition can be found for $150 loose, a little over $400 in a nice package,” says Pascal. “But the same car in pink would be over $1,000 loose and in the thousands of dollars, easily, in a package.”

Pascal is also partial to Beach Bombs—blue-mint examples go for around $100 loose and $225 or more in the package. Rear Loading Beach Bombs are another excellent investment.

Rear Loading Beach Bomb

“But with less than 40 known, they rarely trade hands,” says Pascal, who ought to know. In addition to the fabled pink RLBB that he mostly keeps under wraps, he was lucky enough to find a second pink RLBB, which he sold several years ago for—are you sitting down?—$55,000. That same vehicle changed hands last November for—don’t get up yet—$70,000.

Kevin Cook is a popular-culture junkie and writer living in McDonough, Ga.

Other stories by Kevin Cook:
Monster Mash discs: Graveyard Smash
The Truth Is Out There: X-Files Collectibles

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques and Collectibles

I believe that toy model cars will become even greater collectibles than they are today. You see, as designs of yesteryear disappear, these toy models will keep the exciting features of these older cars alive and fresh in our memories. Young people today will never be able to drive in a Cadillac that’s as long as a train, or ride in a Gull-winged Mercedes Benz. In fact, I doubt they’ll ever know they’ve missed something special, and what a shame that is.

Collectible toy and model cars keep climbing in price every day. I’ve written about this before and at that time, I mentioned a toy VW Bus that sold for over $18,000. It seemed to me that this was the exception, until I looked on eBay and found a toy car that sold for $7,200, as well as many others that brought in over $4,000.

Many companies made these toy cars such as Wyandotte, Hubley, and Dinkey Toys. Tooties and the more modern line, Hot Wheels and Matchbox Cars can substantially fatten your wallet. Plus, when you add in the valuable and collectible tin toys made in Japan, you’ll have an unlimited supply to find. If you find one along with the original box, it’s even more valuable. Often, the box is worth as much as the toy. Condition is very important, and the closer it is to mint condition, the higher the price.

There are plastic cars from the 50’s and 60’s that are collectible, tin toys from Japan, German tinplate cars, diecast models, and many more. If you’re a 31 Club Member and you’d like a listing of over 1000 Toy Car Brands E-mail Cindy with your Member Password in the Subject at cindy [at] 31corp [dot] com. She’ll send it by e-mail to you.
If this is an area in the Antique & Collectible world that holds great interest to you and you’d like to focus in this area, there are many collector clubs. These collectors clubs are a great place to sell your items, so you might want to add them to your list and start making contacts. And who knows, you might even meet collectors who are looking to sell their collections. As I’ve said before, forming relationships in this business is essential.

I still have a cast iron racer my Uncle Warren Dee brought for me soon after returning home from serving two terms as a tank commander in the Pacific during the war. He died in a motorcycle accident shortly after his return, so I’m not likely to part with it. It keeps his memory alive for me, but I imagine is has great value today for collectors.

Toy cars are where its at, no upkeep or gas required just pleasant memories and money in your pocket. You can’t beat that no matter how hard you try.

Join Daryle Lambert’s 31 Club, today. Rub elbows with like-minded 31 Club Members, and Put a Turbo Charge on your Antique & Collectible Treasure Hunting Skills. Get FREE Mentoring. Learn Inside the Industry Secrets. Learn to Make High Profits and Continue to Grow Your Money Buying and Selling Antiques, Fine Art, and Collectibles. Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Dealers.

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1959 Chevrolet El Camino by Johnny Lightning #P415

Custom El Camino by Johnny Lightning #101

by Doug Breithaupt

For many years, fans of Chevrolet’s El Camino have had little to collect in small-scale diecast. That has changed recently as the El Camino finally joins the 1:64 scale parade. Up until the 1990′s, only one El Camino was available to toy car collectors. The original Johnny Lightning series by Topper offered a Custom El Camino, complete with surf-boards molded into the rear deck. It is no surprise that Playing Mantis chose this model for reproduction when the Johnny Lightning models were revived. In fact, theCustom El Camino was the very first re-issue, #101.

Four of the eight El Camino models to the left are from Johnny Lightning. The 1959 came out in 1997 and was part of the Trucking USA series. It represents the very first El Camino model and is a very nice casting except for the solid wing-windows. Johnny Lightning offered a 1971 El Camino in 1995 as part of their Sky Show play set. It came with track and a glider that releases from the truck-bed. The last JL El Camino is a wild mid-engine funny car/truck called the Trouble Maker. The body lifts from the rear to show a monster V8 and rail chassis.

1968 Chevrolet El Camino Custom by Hot Wheels

Custom El Camino funny 'truck' by Johnny Lightning #PM310

It is amazing that Hot Wheels first El Camino had to wait until 1999 to be produced. While the body is a 1968 El Camino, it is anything but stock. This El Camino would not be too good for a trip to the lumber store as the truck-bed is fully occupied with a huge rear spoiler and transverse V8 planted a midship.

Matchbox also waited a long time to offer an El Camino. Their 1970 models produced in 1997 and offered in the 1998 line-up. It is a well-done toy car/truck and has been a popular item on store shelves.

1970 Chevrolet El Camino by Matchbox #74

1986 Chevrolet El Camino SS by Majorette #296

The last two El Camino models represent an interesting modern version of Chevy’s car/truck. The 1983-86 El Camino SS was produced on the same platform as the Monte Carlo and offered a taste of the earlier muscle-trucks with an SS (super sport) edition. Majorette of France first offered this model, a surprising choice for a European diecast company. The model has proved popular and is still in the Majorette line-up today. While the casting is clearly in the toy line, it comes with decent detail and the usual good quality offered by Majorette.

A more collector-oriented version of the 1986 El Camino SS was offered by Racing Champions as part of their Mint Editions line in 1997. Complete with opening hood and engine detail, the Racing champions casting is an excellent model.

1971 Chevrolet El Camino by Johnny Lightning #373

1986 Chevrolet El Camino SS by Racing Champions #99

Several generations of El Caminos are still missing in small-scale. The mid-sixties and late seventies models are a likely edition to 1:64 scale diecast in future.

Early high wheelers and safety bikes made into the 1920s and 1930s are classified as antique bicycles. Highly stylized bicycles from the 1930s and 1940s represent the transitional step to the classic period, beginning in the late 1940s and running through the end of the balloon tire era.

References: Jim Hurd, “Bicycle Blue Book, Memory Lane Classics,” 1997; Jay Pridmore and Jim Hurd, “The American Bicycle, Motorbooks International,” 1995; Jay Pridmore and Jim Hurd, “Schwinn Bicycles, International,” 1996; Neil S. Wood, “Evolution of the Bicycle, Volume 1″ (1991, 1994 value update), “Volume 2″ (1994) LW Book Sales.

– Harry L. Rinker

“Official Price Guide to Collectibles”

'55 Nomad #5743, Hot Wheels (25th Anniversary Edition)

by Dave Weber, images Doug Breithaupt

The year was 1954 and was the first time a Chevrolet Nomad was introduced to the public. It was one of the experimental cars in the General Motors Motorama styling show that toured the country. This showcar was actually a modified Corvette body that had been introduced the previous year. The front portion had been joined to the rear end of a very stylish and sporty two-door station wagon body. The public gave a most favorable reaction. This was an encouragement to GM management since the production Nomad was already slated for production the next year.

Johnny Lightning produced a model of this concept vehicle in their Classic Customs Corvette set in 1996.The production car, introduced in the 1955 model year was a top of the line specialty 2-door wagon in the Bel Air series. There were major styling differences between the Nomad and other available Chevrolet station wagons in the 1955 line. The tailgate contained seven vertical chrome strips. The car was only available as a two-door model and the side doorposts slanted forward on almost a 45-degree angle. The rear wheels were fully exposed to give the car a sportyappearance.

Pontiac also introduced a sporty station wagon model about the same time. This was the Safari and it too possessed the basic design characteristics of the Nomad. Unfortunately this car has not been reproduced in 1/64 scale to date. Hopefully one will appear in the future as model and toy companies search for new cars to produce.

The Nomad and Safari wagons were only produced during the three-year period of 1955-1957. Each car had design changes representative of the styling innovations for those production years. Although the 1958 top of the line Chevrolet wagon was still identified as a Nomad, the design had been modified, allowing this vehicle to be presented as a four-door, six-passenger automobile. The Nomad model nomenclature remained in the Impala line through 1961. However, the above styling characteristics that differentiated this car from the remainder of the Chevrolet line disappeared. Later Nomads were only Impala, top-of-the-line wagons, and not the sport-specialty cars introduced in the mid-’50s.

'54 Corvette Nomad #P171, Johnny Lightning

The most recent 1/64 models of the original Nomad were introduced almost simultaneously by Playing Mantis and Hot Wheels. Since the beginning of 2001, Johnny Lightning has issued a model for each of the three years of production in their Tri-Chevy series. Hot Wheels also recently issued a dual set of 57 Nomads in their more expensive Collectibles line. These five models contribute to almost 50 percent of all Nomad models ever issued. For clarity, I will review each model in chronological order, 1955-1957 and then alphabetically by the toy/ model manufacturer.

1955 Models

'55 Nomad #5743, Hot Wheels (25th Anniversary Edition)

'55 Nomad #2098, Hot Wheels

'55 Nomad #242, Johnny Lightning

Ertl introduced a 1955 Nomad in solid dark blue with opening side doors in 1982 as model # 1914. Also # 1632 apparently had been previously assigned to this casting as well. This casting is no longer available from the manufacturer.

Hot Wheels first produced their Classic Nomad in 1970 as model # 6404. It had a sunroof, opening hood and incorrect appearance of what seems to be vertical dual headlamps. Although the lower lenses may possibly be oversized parking lenses. This model was part of the ‘Red Line’ series. Later issues of this casting were modified to permanently enclose the engine compartment and were given new designations. These included the Alive 55 # 6968 in 1973, and another Classic Nomad # 5743 in 1993.

It was not until Hot Wheels reissued the Nomad in 1994 as part of their 25th Anniversary and subsequent Vintage series that the engine compartments were again made visible by providing a separate hinged cover. In 1991 Hot Wheels also modified the front grill portion to correctly portray the correct single headlights on model # 2098. This model has the headlights as part of the body casting, whereas the earlier models had the headlights in chrome and were part of the silver base. This model also shows the correct checkerboard grill design, whereas the earlier castings had this area blacked out.

The Johnny Lightning Tri-Chevy model in series 1 is a two-tone, white-over-light blue. It has the open engine hood feature.

1956 Models

'56 Nomad #242, Johnny Lightning

'56 Nomad #239, Racing Champions

'56 Nomad hot rod, Street Wheels

'56 Nomad hot rod, Street Wheels

Johnny Lightning in their Tri- Chevy series 1 issued a silver/ gray model.

Racing Champions issued model # 129 in their Mint Edition set in 1997. It is two-tone, white-over-red and also has the hood opening feature. Although it is slightly larger then the other models in this review, the detail for such a small model is remarkable. Also issued by Racing Champions in their less expensive Street Wheels Dynamite series is a slightly smaller casting of a hot rod Nomad. Correct detail is missing. The side chrome strip is incorrect. A large blower box protrudes out of the closed engine compartment. This casting is about 3/4 inch less in length then #129. The most correctly detailed item on this latter piece is the 1956 grill. A curious variation on this casting also appeared with an air scoop on the hood and the words “Fire Chief” on the sides.

1957 Models

'57 Nomad #244, Johnny Lightning

'57 Nomad #D103, Zylmex/Red Box

Johnny Lightning in their Tri- Chevy series 1 issued a black model.

Benbros Qualtoy of England produced a somewhat crude representation about 30 years ago. The side posts are not angled correctly which could suggest this model might represent a standard wagon in the 57 Chevrolet line. However, the characteristic seven vertical chrome strips are on the tailgate and the rear wheels are exposed. This model is painted a deep red. This company operated by the Benson Brothers, has been defunct for many years

As noted above, Hot Wheels recently issued a set of ’57 nomads in the Collectible sets series. This set includes a stock model in realistic detail . It is painted two-tone, white-over-bluish green. It is by far the most realistic and accurate model of all the 1957 productions. The hood opens and reveals a detailed chrome power plant. The companion piece in this set is a customized wagon painted a bright maroon . It has been modified into a dragster. The engine has been placed in the rear compartment of the car and the model flips open from the rear to portray the entire interior of the car. The characteristic side posts have been moved slightly towards the rear portion of the car and both the hood and tailgate have been shaved with all chrome removed, which was characteristic of customizing in that decade.

Matchbox issued a crudely designed model in their short-lived Connectable series in 1989. These models were in two pieces; a front and rear, in which the parts could be separated and joined to another piece from an entirely different model. Or another section from another model could be added to the middle to create a stretched effect. The toys were made of plastic. The Nomad was identified as Chevy Wagon #10 and was gray with a garish yellow and pinkish red tampo design.

Zeetoy issued a model in orange with adhesive paper side trim in the mid ’90s This model was still available from Red Box in their 50-piece set, who assumed ownership soon after this model was issued.

I have a stylized model made in China (no other info available) that possibly could be a Summer Toys product, but I am not sure. The engine area from the front bumper to the front wheel well is exaggerated. The characteristic 1955-1957, wrap-around windshield is absent and the angled side posts are distorted. However, this unknown manufacturer did include the seven vertical chrome strips on the tailgate!

Camaromad Custom #167, Racing Champions

One additional Nomad variation has been produced in 1:64 scale. Racing Champions offered the Camaromad in its hot rod series, #167. It has the nose of a 1967 Camaro and the tail of a 1955 Nomad, although features from both cars are stylized. As with most cars in this series, it is likely that the Camaromad is modeled after an actual custom car. The color is sea-foam green and the hood opens to reveal a Chevy V8.

Chevy has not forgotten the Nomad. In 2000, a new Nomad show car appeared on the auto show circuit. The response from the public was very positive and many saw this car as a response to the success of Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. While it has not yet appeared in miniature, we may yet see this car too.

This concludes my review of available Nomads in 1/64. I am pretty sure this is a complete listing. However, I welcome any additions or corrections .

Major Sources

Diecast in Miniature, Wieland & Force (1982)
Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975; Gunnell/ Krause Publications, 2nd Edition
Tomart’s Price guide to Hot Wheels, Strauss ( 1997)

Tomica 15-C Nissan Fairlady 280Z-T

Matchbox 5 and 78 Datsun 280ZX

by Brian Willoughby

For almost 10 years, Nissan’s original Z car had dominated the American sports car scene, becoming, along the way, the biggest selling sports car ever made by anyone, anywhere. It was little wonder why: it was a first-rate performer that looked great and was reasonably priced and to top it all off it was also both well made and reliable. Yet, after almost a decade, the basic chassis had been developed almost as far as it could go and with a multitude of safety and exhaust emission regulations handed down by the American government each year, it no longer, even with larger engines, held the edge it once did. Obviously, Nissan would have to replace the car with something new (and it was hoped better) to stay ahead of the game. The legend’s successor arrived in 1978: named the 280ZX, it would prove to be more of an evolutionary step than a direct replacement for the beloved Z.

The concept behind and the execution of the new ZX was decidedly different from that of the original Z-car platform. Nissan knew that the market had changed dramatically since the 240Z was introduced (after all, the original Z was the car responsible for all the change) and that the competition was readily catching up to its then current 260 and 280 models. Furthermore, as the base price of the Z car increased, the average age of its buyers did likewise; obviously, this logically meant that the pure, uncompromised sports car approach was probably a bit off target for customers who were now married and had children. In the end, Nissan boldly moved the Z’s replacement away from its past and into a future that would center around the new ZX being a luxurious gran turismo.

At first glance, the ZX didn’t appear all that strikingly different from its predecessor as Nissan deliberately retained a considerable number of the earlier Z’s trademark styling cues. Nevertheless, the ZX was a completely new and much larger chassis that dispensed with the original Z’s rear Chapman struts in favor of a more conventional semi-trailing arm rear suspension system. The interior layout also borrowed heavily from the “look” established by the earlier Z yet now featured considerably more expensive trimmings and a myriad of gadgets that would have made James Bond envious. While braking was up rated to four-wheel discs all around, the drive train remained, somewhat curiously, the same 2.8 litre straight six with five-speed gearbox as that found in the previous 280Z. Needless to say, performance of the old six (an ancestor of which had once propelled the 240Z so quickly) suffered heavily due to the new car’s additional weight. Nonetheless, the new car was still seen as a desirable package by many and sales started off and remained strong throughout its production life.

Matchbox 24 Datsun 280ZX

Yatming 1062 Datsun 280ZX

However, the 280ZX was not a static creation and by 1979, Nissan addressed the complaints of the car’s lack of power by installing a turbocharger that largely restored its reputation. Yet the 280ZX was not to enjoy as long of a production life as its predecessor and after six years and several sales records, the car was gave way to the entirely new 300ZX. The 300ZX was the first Z car to carry a V6 engine and to most, it signaled with its ugly (and quickly dated) styling the end of the classic Z car era.

Not surprisingly and especially when considering its sales success, the 280ZX became an extremely popular subject in the world of diecast cars with many companies producing miniatures. In fact, it’s somewhat more interesting to note which model car companies didn’t make ZXs than to seek out those that did. With that in mind, let’s survey the ZX in 1:64 scale.

Although Tomica has often been overlooked by collectors outside of the Orient due to it’s focus on Japanese cars, certain models it has produced are widely coveted. Among Tomy’s most popular miniatures are any of the Nissan Z cars, including its outstanding 280ZX. Perhaps the most accurate small scale model of this car ever produced, the Tomica ZX has opening doors, perfectly sized wheels and, as with all Tomicas, excellent paint work. While collectors quickly grab up the standard road-going version of this model, a rarer variation wearing a roof-mounted light bar and decorated in the standard Japanese police livery of black and white occasionally turns up to add a little more variety to a ZX collection.

By the late 1970s, skyrocketing production costs in England were sinking Matchbox’s parent company of Lesney into a morass financial difficulty that eventually forced it to commission Universal to produce several of its models in Hong Kong. Among the Hong Kong Matchbox cars was a set of four Japanese sporting cars that included the new 280ZX from Nissan. The model captured the low-slung look of the ZX quite well and even the model’s nose (a difficult aspect of the car to recreate in miniature) was almost perfect. Featuring opening doors and a nicely detailed interior, the model’s quality of construction and paint work easily rivaled that of English-made Matchboxes and perhaps even exceeded them.

Speed Wheels Datsun 280ZX

Ertl Datsun 280ZX

In an interesting twist of fate, Universal acquired the troubled Lesney’s assets and completely took over the production of Matchbox toys. In 1983, an entirely new casting of the 280ZX appeared under the Matchbox name and while it may superficially look the same as the old casting, this new model was based on the 280ZX 2+2 as opposed to the earlier 2-seater. As with its predecessor, the new model featured opening doors yet was unfortunately plagued by a variety of accuracy problems including oversized wheels, overly wide tracks and a high-off-the-ground stance that would have been more appropriate for a rally car.

Also suffering from the same “rally car” affliction is Yatming’s 280ZX. Otherwise a nice model with a well-sculpted interior and opening doors, this model is often found in garish paint schemes that do little to enhance the miniature’s generally good lines. Earlier versions seem to have the most reserved paint work than later versions; however, later versions did acquire smaller diameter wheels which help to somewhat alleviate the “jacked up” appearance of the earlier models.

Usually associated with the Walgreens drugstore chain they are sold at, the Speed Wheels brand consists of mostly pirated castings based on a number of other manufacturer’s models. However, some Speed Wheels castings appear to be made using dies retired by other companies. One such example of this is Speed Wheels’ 280ZX which seems to be a discarded Yatming (Editor’s note: Perhaps a Tomica copy?).

A popular option on the 280ZX was the “T-Top” roof with its two removable glass panels above the driver’s and passenger’s seats. With so many U.S.-bound ZXs being equipped with the T-Top, it only seems appropriate that two U.S.-based toy makers would offer models of the T-Top ZX. Often paid little attention to, Ertl’s 1:64 scale model of the mid to late 1970s and early 1980s demanded much more respect than what they received. A particularly well-done miniature in the series was the Datsun 280ZX. Unfortunately scarce today, it remains a model worth obtaining for your Z-car collection. Another company whose 1:64 products met with little success was Road Champs. Today widely known for its popular line of 1:43 scale American police cars, the 1:64 series help to establish the manufacturer as a force within the marketplace. Frequently painted in fluorescent colors that did little to enhance the models, most of these largely forgotten models were well-made and accurate.

Road Champs Datsun 280ZX

Johnny Lightning Datsun 280ZX (1981)

Another infrequently remembered line of diecast cars from the late 1970s is the Kidco brand. Although some of their models were dull models of mundane cars such as the Chevrolet Chevette, Kidco’s two Z car castings were both worthy miniatures. Of special note was a limited edition 280ZX celebrating the Z car’s tenth anniversary. With opening doors and a unique though not outrageous paint scheme that mixed gold and black, this model was well-proportioned and nicely detailed. Of course, the catch is that this model is today a very rare find.

Explaining why certain models are made while others are neglected is a formidable task. With this in mind, one has to question why Playing Mantis would choose to produce a miniature of the dubiously regarded 280ZX rather than the accepted classic 240Z in its Johnny Lightning line-up. Perhaps a license to use the 280ZX’s likeness is much more easily acquired from Nissan than permission to replicate the 240Z; whatever the reason, Johnny Lightning’s recently introduced 280ZX is something of a mystery. A model with no operating features, it compensates with an accurate body shape that is complemented by a very high quality finish. Though look at those wheels! JL does a great job on this model and then ruins the entire effect by installing considerably larger wheels on the rear axle! Other models in the same series as the ZX aren’t afflicted with this “hopped up” nonsense and the 280 shouldn’t be either. Are you listening JL?

Zylmex Datsun 280ZX

Summer Datsun 280ZX #S8562F

Perhaps Johnny Lightning got their idea from Zylmex’s ZX and its obscenely large rear wheels. Always overlooked as inaccurate and inexpensive toy cars, some of Zylmex’s models are quite good; however, this featureless miniature with its blacked-out windows epitomizes what often did go wrong with this series of little cars. Although completists will want to get this model for their collection, it’s not the best place to start with ZXs.

While on the subject of ruined models, it would be hard to overlook Summer’s simply hideous 280ZX. A painfully cheap and charmless model with no interior, woefully inaccurate lines, misplaced axles and blanked off rear side windows, this miniature could easily be taken as a parody of the actual car. Be forewarned if you go looking for this model for your collection: you may not even recognize that it is supposed to be a ZX at first glance.

And here we end our continuing survey of the most popular sports car ever made. Watch for future installments to highlight the two very different cars to wear the 300ZX nameplate.

Not Shown: Kidco 16000-4 Datsun 280ZX

by Ivan Delgado
images by Ivan Delgado and Doug Breithaupt

WC54 Ambulance (WWII), Johnny L.

DINKY TOYS 22f Tank22c Motor truck 151a Medium tank 151b Covered wagon with cooker trailer (151c) 153 Military jeep 152a Light tank 152b Reconnaissance car 162a Light Dragon tractor 162c 18-pounder gun 161a Lorry-mounted search light 161b Anti aircraft gun 669 Army jeep25WM Bedford Army truck 30hm/624 Daimler Army ambulance 30sm Austin Army truck 674 Austin champ 621 Bedford 622 Foden 623 Bedford 641 Humber Army trucks 281 Military hovercraft 612 Commando jeep 808 GMC wrecker 620 Berliet missile launcher 654 155 mm mobile gun 861 AMX 13 Tank 622 Bren Gun carrier 656 88 mm gun 691 Antitank striker 619 Bren gun set 616 AEC Tank transporter

745 Bell army helicopter676 Personnel carrier 670 Armored car 673 Scout car 660 Tank transporter 651 Centurion tank 626 Army ambulance 686 Field Gun 687 Gun trailer 688 Artillery tractor 692 Medium Gun 693 Howitzer 677 Command vehicle 642 RAF tanker 689 Artillery tractor 80d/818 Berliet army truck 80e/819 Howitzer 661 Recovery tractor 80a/815 Panhard EBR 80c/817 AMX tank 80f/820 Army ambulance 625 Antitank gun 682 Chieftan tank 680 Ferret scout car 682 Alvis Stalward 681 DUKW amphibian 694 Hanomag tank destroyer 692 Leopard tank 690 Scorpion tank 692 Leopard AA tank 667 Armored patrol tank 618 AEC helicopter transporter

744 Sea King Army helicopter80b/816 Hotchkiss jeep 665 Missile launcher 666 Missile erector 667 Missile servicing platform 824 Berliet Gazelle 883AMX bridgelaying tank 826 Berliet crane 821 Mercedes Benz Unimog 823 Field kitchen trailer 825 DUKW amphibian 822 M3 Half-track 828 Jeep with missiles 890 Berliet transporter 829 Jeep with cannon 814 Panhard AML 827 Panhard EBR 809 GMC troop transporter 615 Army jeep and howitzer 617 VW and antitank gun 813 Self propelled gun 609 105 mm howitzer 800 Renault Sinpar 810 Dodge command car 807 Renault army ambulance 676 Daimler armored car 668 Foden army truck 699 Leopard recovery tank 604 Bomb disposal land rover 602 Armored command car 687 Convoy army truck 693 Howitzer

CORGI TOYS 1118-A1 Army truck1112-A1 Corporal rocket launcher414-A1 Army ambulance 1113-A1 Missile erector truck 358-A1 Oldsmobile staff car 1133-A1 US Army truck 359-A1 Field kitchen 354-A1 Army ambulance 355-A1 Military Police van 357-A1 Land Rover weapons carrier 356-A1 Army bus 1134-A1 Army tanket

905-A1-Su-100 Tank destroyer908-A1 AMX Recovery tank 907-A1 Rocket launcher 923-A1 Army Skycrane helicopter 906-A1 Saladin armored car 909-A1 Field gun set GS 10-B1 Tank transporter 21-A1/A3 Army Land Rover 22-A1 Citroen army ambulance 66-A1 Centurion tank 83-A1 Armored car 84-A1 Scout car

900-A1 Tiger tank901-A1 Centurion tank 902-A1 M-60 tank 903-A1 Chieftan tank 904-A1 King tiger tank 96-A1 Field gun 157-A1 Army jeep 158-A1 Centurion tank 159-A1 Armored car 3029-A1 Military set (7 vehicles) 76-B1 US Army jeep 1135-A1 Army low loader

MATCHBOX 49-A5 M-3 Personnel carrier55-A3 DUKW54-A1 Saracen personnel carrier 61-A1 Ferret Scout car 62-A1 General Service lorry 64-A3 Scammell breakdown truck 63-A1 Ford Service ambulance 67-A1 Saladin Armored car 68-A1 Austin MKII Radio truck 71-A1 Austin 200 Gallon water truck 73-A1 10-ton Pressure refueler MB3-D1 Hummer MB 46-F/57-F17 Mission helicopter MB30-C1 Swamp Rat 32-C2 Field gun MB-38 C6 Jeep Amphibious Personnel Carrier (2000) M-4A3 Sherman tank (2000) Ford Expedition MP vehicle (2000)

Rocket Launcher (Multiple Launch Rocket System)MB54-C2 Personnel carrier MB54-J/61-G1 Abrams tank MB70-C2 Self-propelled gun MB73-B1 Weasel M-3A3 Thornycraft Antar and Centurion tank Jungle Attack Set – Missile transporter Jungle Attack Set – Command van Set #36409 Caterpillar grader Set #36409 Caterpillar Sheepsfoot roller SKYBUSTERS Sb-35-A1 Mil M-24 Hind-D helicopter COLLECTIBLES VMM01 Hummer VMM02 Military Jeep 4X4

KING SIZEK-101-A3 Sherman tank K-102-A2 M48-A2 Tank K-116-A1 Troop carrier and towed howitzer K-104-A3 King Tiger tank K-105-A3 Hover Raider K-106-A1 Tank transporter K-107-A3 155mm self-propelled howitzer K-108-A4 M3A1 Half Track K-109-A1 M551 Sheridan K-112-A1 DAF Ambulance K-114-A1 Army aircraft transporter K-115-A1 Army petrol tanker K-117-A1 Self-propelled “Hawk” rocket launcher K-118-A1 Kaman Seasprite Army Helicopter MM-2-A1 Armored car transporter K-103 A2 Chieftan tank

Roll Patrol CJ #9375 Hot Wheels

MATTEL HOT WHEELS Battle Tank/Big Bertha #5272Battle Tank (M-113 with/turret) #4920Command Tank (M-113 with/turret) #9371 Tank Gunner/Gun Bucket (half-track) #9374 Rocket Tank #9380 Roll Patrol CJ #9375 Khali Kooler (MP Army van) #9183

Troop Convoy (2 1/2 ton truck) #4921Super Cannon (Patrol Buggy) #11378 Mercedes Unimog #4643 Assault Crawler #3338 Hummer #16906 Aw Shoot (#9243) Shell Shocker (#2518) Howitzer Tough Customer #7655

MAISTO Commando Hum-V (Humvee)Ford GPM-923 A1 5-ton cargo truck with spare hoist assy. M-923 A1 Military pumper M-1 Abrams battle tank M-3 Bradley Infantry Fighting vehicle Ford 4X4 Flareside 1980′s pickup AH-64A Apache helicopter (Tailwinds collection)

MH-60K Nighthawk helicopter (small scale)Bulldozer Digger Cement mixer Truck with transport trailer 1/4-ton cargo vehicle (altered Hummer-like ATV) Dodge RAM Patrol Motorcycle UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter (Tailwinds collection)

*Maisto issued a military playset with many reissues in military olive green and desert sand colors

YAT- MING LAV with turret-mounted 105mm (?) gunLAV with guided rocket launcherBell Iroquois (Huey) helicopter Jeep Self-propelled Missile launcher World War II Tank

WreckerChinook helicopter Anti aircraft tank Modern battle tank Long-range missile transporter (tracked) Scout Helicopter

*All of these vehicles are marketed by Soldier Bear and come in blisterpacks or 5-vehicle playsets

Tank Gunner/Gun Bucket (half-track) #9374 Hot Wheels M-13 Antiaircraft Half Track (WWII), Johnny L

JOHNNY LIGHNING – LIGHTNING BRIGADE COLLECTION WC54 Ambulance (WWII)GMC 6X6 Truck (WWII)M-1A1 Abrams (Desert Storm) M-13 Antiaircraft Half Track (WWII) Willy’s MB Scout Jeep (WWII) M998 Cargo Humvee (Desert Storm) BATTLE SQUADS COLLECTION (GALOOB) Willy’s Jeep with Howitzer, Combat Pack #1Kubelwagen with defense barricade, Pack #2Patrol Boat with dock, Pack #3 Ferret Scout car with Hawk missile platform, Pack #4

Plymouth Hemi Cuda, Ertl #303

Renault 17TS, Majorette #260

By Doug Breithaupt

To the French, they are the ‘Grand Routier’, to the Italians, ‘Gran Turismo’, and to the English speaking world, ‘Grand Touring’ cars. The definition of a GT car is that it is a fixed ortarga-top 2-door coupe with rear seats and sporting power, adequate to spirited driving. While the rear seats of these 2+2 cars are often barely usable for small pets, they do offer a bit more luggage space for the weekend escape. Many GT cars are raced or rallied. Prices are usually in the luxury car range.

Many auto enthusiasts consider the 1970′s a time in which few cars of collector interest were produced. This is certainly not the case where GT cars are concerned. Actually, the GT car experienced a high-point during this period. For the following comparison, 1973 has been selected as the touchstone year. All of the cars shown here were available in 1973. While some were in the twilight of their day like the Volvo P1800 (now only available in ES estate form), others like the Aston Martin Vantage had many good years ahead. It is certainly true that as the ’70′s moved on, the GT car began to disappear. A case could be made that 1973 was the peak year for that reason.

Mercedes-Benz 250CE, Schuco #820

Isuzu 117 Coupe, Playart

Ford Mustang, Johnny Lightning

AMC Javelin, Johnny Lightning #P219

Chevrolet Camaro, Johnny Lightning #538

Chevrolet Camaro, Johnny Lightning #538

The toy car makers are still producing GT cars of the early 1970′s. The popularity of these models, especially some of the American muscle/GT cars, has had a re-birth among diecast manufacturers. A number of great GT cars like the Lamborghini Urraco, Ferrari 308GT4 and Alfa Romeo Alfetta have seldom if ever been produced in small-scale. Also missing are some of the early Japanese GT cars like the original Toyota Celica and Nissan Skyline. While Tomica produced these cars, I do not yet have examples.

Moving from east to west, one Japanese car is shown, The Isuzu 117 Coupe (modeled by Playart) featured an Italian design and was a handsome car. Seldom seen outside of Japan, it;s success encouraged the 2+2 Z cars from Nissan and the RX7 from Mazda. While Tomica produced several additional GT cars of this period, they are not presently in my collection.

Dodge Challenger, Matchbox #1

Jaguar 'E' type Coupe S3, Majorette #207

Jensen Interceptor, Corgi #3396

Lotus Elite, Tomica #F47

Aston Martin Vantage, Johnny Lightning #658

Citroen-Maserati SM, Majorette #250

The American approach to the GT was a combination of the pony cars and the muscle power provided by potent V8 engines. Ford’s Mustang was gaining size and weight by the early ’70′s and the ’71-’73 models were the last of the big Mustangs before the Mustang II of 1974. Johnny Lightning has done an excellent model of the 1973 model. Also from Johnny Lightning is the AMC Javelin, Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. Matchbox did the Dodge Challenger and Johnny Lightning did the Plymouth Hemi Cuda model from this same era.

The British GT cars are represented by Jaguar’s ‘E’ type SIII V12 Coupe, the Jensen Interceptor, Lotus Elite and Aston Martin Vantage. The ‘E’ type SIII is one of Majorette’s best and the only example of this car in 1:64. The Jensen by Corgi is a rare find today and only other example is by Playart. Johnny Lightning recently did the Vantage as part of their James Bond series and Tomica and Playart both did the Elite.

Lamborghini Espada, Siku #V317

Lancia Fulvia, Playart

Maserati Merak, Tomica #F7

Opel Manta, Schuco #839

BMW 3.0CS, Majorette #235

Ford Capri, Majorette #251

Moving to France, Citroen has only once produced a GT car. The SM combined Citroen engineering with Maserati power and was one of the most innovative cars of the day. Renault built the 17TS for the GT market. Both cars are appropriately shown as done by Majorette and are some of the nicest examples.

The Italians GT models are represented by the Lamborghini Espada, Lancia Fulvia and Maserati Merak. Siku was the only company to do the Espada while only Playart did the Fulvia. Tomica’s Merak is the best example of this car and includes a view of the mid-engine V6 which was also used in the Citroen SM. It is unfortunate that Ferrari’s GT cars of this period (308GT4, 365GT4 or 365GTC4) are missing. Ferrari’s 2-seaters of the same period were the obvious diecast choices. Fiat’s Dino Coupe and Alfa Romeo’s Alfetta are also missing from my collection.

Porsche 911E, Siku #1010

Volvo P1800S by Impy Lone Star

Five German GT’s are featured. Opel’s Manta was also sold in the U.S. by Buick and Schuco offered a delightful example. Also from Schuco is the wonderful Mercedes-Benz 250CE. Majorette provided the beautiful BMW 3.0CS and the Ford Capri while Siku did one of the best early Porsche 911E models.

Finally, Sweden’s Volvo is represented by the P1800S model although in 1973, it was offered as an 1800ES estate car. The Impy Lone Star models is excellent in every way except choice of exterior/interior colors.

Hot Wheels - Willy's Jeep 'Gun Slinger' #7664

Hot Wheels - Jeep 4x4

By Doug Breithaupt

One of the most-recognized of all vehicles, the original Jeep has been a popular choice for diecast producers. First built by Willys for use in WWII, it has also built under license by Ford, and later, Mitsubishi, as well as others. Willys became part of American Motors, which was bought by Chrysler, now Daimler-Chrysler. The original Jeep has seen many variations as the CJ-5,6 and 7, Jeepster and Wrangler models. The popularity of the Jeep is as strong as ever with new models of the evergreen design in current production and a strong collector following for the older models.

While many Jeep models have been produced, the following summary is only focused on the small-scale CJ/Wrangler/Jeepster designs that stem from the original Jeep. Jeep pick-ups and sport-utility models will be reviewed at a later date. Some of the models shown are in less-than perfect condition but perhaps considering the way Jeeps are used, that’s just fine.

Hot Wheels - Jeepster Prototype

Matchbox - Willy's Jeep #72

Matchbox - 1981 Jeep 4x4 #5D/56F

Matchbox - 1983 Jeep 4X4 #37F

Matchbox is the winner of the Jeep production award with six different castings over the years. The first is #72-B, a Willy’s Jeep offered with regular wheels and later as a Superfast vehicle. A Third variation, #2-B came as a Jeep Hot Rod with and exposed motor. The Jeep CJ-6 followed, #53-C (not pictured). The next Jeep was #38-C (not pictured), offered in military and domestic form. This model was also offered as #5D, a Jeep 4X4, #20C with a soft top and as #5C, a U.S. Mail Jeep. In 1983, #37F provided an updated Jeep 4×4 model, complete with roll-cage and antenna. Most recently, a 1998 Jeep Wrangler has been released and is currently available in the Matchbox line.

Hot Wheels has done three Jeeps. The first was redline #7664, shown as the ‘Gun Slinger’, although the gun has gone missing. A custom 4×4 model was offered in 1990, shown in Zebra stripes. The latest Hot Wheels model is the Jeepster prototype, which may actually see production by Daimler-Chrysler.

Matchbox - 1998 Jeep Wrangler

Yat Ming - Jeep CJ-7 #1603

Yat Ming - Jeep CJ-5 Golden Hawk #1608

Ertl - Jeep CJ-5

Yat Ming has offered two Jeeps. The first, #1603 is a CJ-7 model, unique both for it’s hard-top and engine detail. Model #1608 from Yat Ming provided the CJ-5 Golden Hawk.

Majorette has also done several Jeep models. The CJ-5 #268 is provided with a removable top and towing hook and trailer. The open 4×4 version of this casting is #244.

One of the more obscure Jeeps comes from Guisval of Spain and is labeled as a Jeep Willys. Maisto’s Jeep is labeled as a Ford GP and also features a removable top. Ertl did a CJ-5 model as part of the ‘Duke’s of Hazzard’ series. Tootsietoy’s Jeep is currently available and may be based on the Yat Ming casting although the front grill and other features are altered.

Tomica - Mitsubishi Jeep #25

Racing Champions - 1998 Jeep Wrangler

Siku - Jeep CJ-5 #1053

Corgi - Jeep 4x4

Siku offered an excellent Jeep CJ-5 casting, #1053. Corgi also did the Jeep as a 4×4 model. Racing Champions has done the 1998 Jeep Wrangler, currently available. Tomica has done many variations of the Mitsubishi-built Jeep..

Maisto - Ford GP

Majorette - Jeep CJ-5 #268

Majorette - Jeep 4x4 #244

Guisval - Willy's Jeep

Tootsietoy - Jeep CJ-5