Card sharks learn how

to spot the differences

dean jeffries
legacy

the passion, products & personalities

p.32

Maisto C7 Vette

Amazing

Rays
Wow! Structo

$2,000
Mantaray

77

new models &

gear reviewed
Fresh mint cola nuts

Danbury Mints
New 48 Chevy

Motor City Classics

Coca-Cola line
fall 2013 | dCXmag.com

contents
Die CAst x | fall 2013

features
30 | Dean of Design

OUT OF THE BOX

A visit with the legendary Dean Jeffries

Accidental Tourist

46 | Cola Nuts

34 | Structo Dean Jeffries Mantaray

Motor City Classics Coca-Cola lineup

adds life

26 | CMC 1929 Bugatti Type 35 Monaco GP

Catching Rays

38 | Danbury Mint 1948 Chevrolet

Fleetline Aerosedan
Just in Time

42 | ACME 1932 Ford

Five-Window Coupe
Hot Rod Heaven

4 DCXmag.com

REGULARS

UP FRONT

QUICK LOOKs

50 | Hot Wheels Highway

6 | On the Web

54 | Paudi Nissan Teana/Altima

66 | Collector Profile: Crazy

Jack Struller ...

8 | Editorial

55 | Minichamps Mercedes-Benz
SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

10 | Scale Mail

56 | Esval 1941 Packard OneEighty Limousine

12 | Inside Line

57 | Auto World Al Joniec 1968

Mustang Cobra Jet

Spot the Difference

... isnt really crazy, hes just focused

The ultimate diecast portal

Passing. Changes.

Questions, answers, comments

Events and industry news

14 | Showroom

New releases & first looks

58 | Hot Wheels Elite The Dark

Knight Rises Bat Pod
59 | AUTOart Lancia Delta S4
60 | Hot Wheels Elite Ferrari FF
62 | Maisto 2014 Corvette Stingray
64 | Kyosho Ferrari 250GT
Sebring 1963
ON THE COVER: Summer may
be drawing to a close, but the best
rays are inside our pages, along
with Dean Jeffries, Danbury Mint,
and so much more!
This page: Danbury Mints 1948
Chevy is a new ray of hope for 1:24
collectors. Check it out on page 38.

Die Cast X (ISSN 1551-854X) published quarterly by Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2013, all rights reserved. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is
Pending at Wilton, CT, and additional offices. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40008153. CONTRIBUTIONS: All materials published in Die Cast X magazine become the exclusive
property of Air Age Inc., unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. Descriptions of products were obtained from manufacturers or their press agencies and do not constitute
an endorsement by the Publisher or guarantee their safety. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Call (866) 298-5652. Outside the U.S.: (386) 246-3323, or go to our website: DCXmag.com. Rates one year (4 issues):
U.S. $25; Canada, $28, including GST; all others, $32. All international orders must be prepaid in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.
ADVERTISING: Advertising rates are available on request. Please send advertising materials to Advertising Dept., Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA; phone (203) 431-9000; fax
(203) 529-3010; email: sales@ airage.com. EDITORIAL: Send correspondence to Editors, Die Cast X, Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Email: DCX@airage.com. We welcome
all editorial submissions but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. To authors, photographers and people featured in this magazine: all materials published in
Die Cast X become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc. unless a prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: To make sure you dont miss any issues, send
your new address to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA at least six weeks before you move. Please include an address label from a recent issue, or print the
information exactly as shown on the label. For faster service, go to DCXmag.com/cs, and click on the customer service link. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Die Cast X magazine, P.O.
Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 USA.

web

on
the

dcxmag.com: the ultimate diecast portal

t
a
o
g
r
u
!
o
y
y
Git
wa

a
e
v
i
g

DCXmag.com

ts been an exciting few weeks for us on the web. Our social media channels have
been humming, and with all the new releases, well have more video on deck as you
read this. Your feedback and response to our quick-moving, high-definition reviews
on both the Die Cast X website and our YouTube channel means that well be doing
more and more so keep watching! Also, remember that DCXmag.com is still the place
to go for new release info, bonus photos, and the latest DCX videos. You can comment on
what you see and tell us what youd like to see with a couple of simple mouse clicks.
We check it every day, so jump on and let us hear what you have to say.
Want to join the fun in real time? Our biweekly
live show, Cup O Joe, has been enjoying an
upswing in viewership, and as we approach
200,000 viewer minutes, weve been seeing
some new faces on the chat, and hearing from
collectors as far away as Bulgaria, Brazil, and
Turkey. Its that feedback and participation that
makes the show so much fun. Weve fielded requests for models to be brought on the air, and
weve been bringing the cars you want to see
both brand-new and classic releases on camera. Collectors on popular message boards like
Hobby Talk (hobbytalk.com), Scale 18 (scale18.
com), and more have been chiming in, and
6 DCXmag.com

spreading the word, too so check it out, and

join us every other Sunday at 11 a.m. EST.
Our Facebook page (facebook.com/DieCastXMag) has exploded, and as we close in on
5,000 likes, we want to remind you to join in soon
and to take part in our Git Your Goat giveaway
a chance to win a trio of long out-of-production Highway 61 GTOs that we discovered in a
back closet at the Air Age offices in Connecticut.
Once we dusted the hard-to-find models off, we
decided to give them to one lucky collector. That
lucky collector could be you. All you need to do is
like the Die Cast X Facebook page, and youre in
the running. Already like it? No sweat youre

already in! And heres the best part: if we hit

5,000 likes by the time we close the contest
(August 1), our own editor in chief will give away a
one-of-a-kind pre-production prototype of the
Highway 61 GTO straight out of his collection
with a Certificate of Authenticity and a copy of
the magazine it was featured in to another lucky
collector. Well announce the winner hopefully,
winners on August 4. Git liking.
If youve got a model car website, like to blog, or just want
to join a growing community of diecast collectors, stop in to
Facebook, DCXmag.com, or live with Cup O Joe. Post a few
pictures, talk about your collection, and above all, introduce
yourself. Wed like to meet you.

Editorial
fall 2013 | volume 9, no. 4
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief Joe Kelly Jr.
Deputy Managing Editor Katherine Pierpont
Copyeditor Suzanne Saunders
contributors
Bill Bennett, Wayne Moyer, Mike Zarnock
Media Services

Vice President Media Services &

Corporate Strategy Laurene R. Booth
Creative Director Betty K. Nero
Art Director Kevin Monahan
Graphic Designer Gustavo Galicia
Web Producer Holly Hansen
Production Assistant Paul Streeto

Video/Photography

Senior Photographer Hope McCall

Photographers/Videographers Joseph Arthur,
Johnathan Henninger, Adam Lebenstein

ADVERTISING

Advertising Director Mitch Brian 203.529.4609

Senior Account Executive Ben Halladay
203.529.4628
Sales Assistant Tracey Terenzi

circulation
Consumer Marketing Manager Mike Valanzola
Newsstand Director John Morthanos

Passing. Changes.

in this issue
You may notice a few changes in this issue of Die Cast X. Well be including more model
reviews, going forward, and were re-allocating space so we can do what were here for: bring
more new diecast and resincast releases to you. That may mean a shift from scale to scale, as
the issues run but it will guarantee that well have more truly new models like the stillwarm Maisto 2014 Corvette for you, every time we print.
Well be concentrating on more video, too, because collectors have told us thats what they
want to see. Were only too happy to oblige. Its an amazing time to be a collector. Whether
you like traditional print, or get your info on a tablet, smartphone, or personal computer,
as technology and the media progress, well be following along as we endeavor to bring our
readers, viewers, and followers the very best in every issue.

Vice President, Marketing Laura Hagan

Associate Creative Director Leslie Costa
Event Manager Emil DeFrancesco
Social Media Coordinator Devang Patel

PUBLISHING
Group Publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr.,
Yvonne M. DeFrancesco

photo by Christopher Sweetman

Back in mid April, I placed a call to Dean Jeffries office, hoping to arrange a visit
for Bill Bennett, and book an interview with Dean about Structos Mantaray. I figured Id get
an assistant or an answering machine. After two rings, I found myself on the phone with the
father of the Mantaray, the designer and builder of the Monkeemobile and the Black Beauty,
and the fellow whod painted Little Bastard on James Deans Porsche shortly before he
wrecked into history. Many have never heard of Dean. He never self-promoted, and never had
to. His work was his calling card, and on the phone, he was funny, open, and genuine. When I
confessed to him that I was thrilled to be speaking with one of my idols, he chuckled then
thanked me for the kind words.
Bill Bennett drove out to see Dean, and wound up spending the day, evening, and part of the
night with him, talking about his life, his late wife, and
cars - lots of cars. When I spoke to Bill the next
day, he was as excited as Id ever heard him.
When Bill and I shared the news of
his passing, we both were
grateful to have had the
chance to hear his voice,
and shake his hand. We
- all of us - will miss him
greatly.
Corgi Black Beauty

marketing & Events

how to reach us
editorial
MAIL 88 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897 USA
Phone (203) 431-9000; Email DCX@airage.com
subscription
CUSTOMER SERVICE (866) 298-5652,
+(386) 246-3323 (outside the U.S.) or
DCXMag.com/cs
100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
If you are ever dissatisfied, you may cancel your
subscription and receive a full refund for all
unmailed issues. DCX is always a great gift idea!
Just call us, or go online, and give a gift today.

As always, I welcome your comments. Drop me a line. And enjoy the issue!

Joe Kelly, Jr. | Editor-in-Chief

joek@airage.com
8 DCXmag.com

Magazine Publishers
of America

RCX.com

PRINTED IN THE USA

Scale Mail

your feedback | write to us at dcx@airage.com

Das Zoot ist Sehr Gut!

Got your mag today and enjoyed it very much like every
issue. But as one of Ze German Readers I wonder what is
the zoot? The word is not existing in the German language
at all! But in every other aspect: go on with your great work
on the mag!
Nina Hochstetter

We want to hear
from you!

Tell us what you like, what

you dont and why Die Cast X
is the best diecast magazine ever! Send snail mail to
Letters, Die Cast X, Air Age
Media, 88 Danbury Road,
Wilton, CT 06897 USA, or
email us at DCX@airage.com.
We'll edit letters as needed,
and though we will read them
all, we don't have room to
answer or publish every one.

Cool
'Cat

10 DCXmag.com

Hi, Nina! We were just having fun with the title. Zoot is a
slang word that can be used to describe everything from stylish clothing to the sound and feeling of
great speed as we used it to describe
the Mercedes Rekordwagen. It really
does look like its moving, even when
standing still and its one of our very
favorite German cars. JK

Testing ... testing ...

I see that you are putting more and

more gadgets and accessories in the
magazine. I like them, but does Bill
Bennett really test each one, or does
he just look at them and write about
them?
Cliff Eaton
Howdy, Cliff. Rest assured that Bill
ever the intrepid reporter does,
indeed test every item thats sent his
way, even if it requires enlisting a neighbor to help out. It may not ever rain in

Southern California, but as you can see below, Bill doesnt let
that get in the way of performing his job. Bless him. JK

Angel Wings

In light of your recent article on GreenLight's 1:18 Mustang

II Cobra, I'm inquiring about some information regarding the
Charlie's Angels Farrah Fawcett version that is supposed to
be made by GreenLight. When is it coming out? Also - does
anyone make a 1:18 or larger "Fishbowl" bus?
Thanks for your help!
John Jastremski
Bill Bennett
takes one for
the team.

Hello, John. Thanks for your letter - and

for all the pics you sent along. We can
see that you're a fan of the Angels (and
who can blame you?). You're in luck; from
what we've been told, there will, indeed,
be a Charlie's Angels Mustang II Cobra,
decorated in white with blue stripes, on
"laced" wheels, and packaged as the
car that the late, lovely Miss Fawcett
drove. It's slated for release in the fourth
quarter 2013. As for those buses wow,
we'd like to see that in a larger scale.
The "fishbowl" bus (introduced in '59,
and so named for its giant windshield)
was great looking, and some wore very
cool fleet markings and advertising. Any
takers? JK

Dear Joe, I enjoyed the last issue featuring the TV cars, but Im looking for something a lot
more unusual than a Torino or modified Trans Am. As a kid, one of my favorite TV shows was
Bearcats!, an adventure show about a pair of troubleshooters in the pre-WW I American
Southwest. The stars, Rod Taylor and Dennis Cole, drove a new 1914 Stutz Bearcat (well, a
replica but it was built by George Barris). I never forgot the show, and after looking for one of
the replicas (originals are way out of my price range), I found one 15 years ago and restored it.
Its still in my garage.

Aside from a 1:24 model by Franklin Mint, I dont know of any diecasts of 1912-1916
Bearcats. Id love to see more brass era cars in model form, like a Mercer Raceabout (a Stutz
rival) or even one of the huge touring cars of the period. With brass radiators and lots of interesting details, the models would be a lot of fun. Perhaps the recently featured Indianapoliswinning 1911 Marmon Wasp will start a trend towards more pre-WW I models.
Keep up the good work! Ive attached a photo of my car.
John Boyle

Hello, John. One can never

underestimate the power of
a childhood memory. That is
an incredible car youve got
there. A couple of brass era
models have been done in
1:18 diecast, most recently
by a company called CSM
a 1:18 1913 Buick 25
and we agree: the cars are
important, not to mention
beautiful. While some neat
old plastic kits are available
,we can only hope that more
ready-to-display manufacturers will step forward
and take the chance on
these historic machines. In
the meantime, youve got a
pretty cool car to drive while
youre waiting. Thanks for
sharing it! JK

inside line
events & industry news

2013 Strictly
1:43 Show

ountryside, IL just outside of Chicago

was the place to be this past March 24
if your passion is 1:43 car models. The
Strictly 1:43 Model Car Expo is an annual happening where friends from all over the country
get together to catch up, add to their collections,
trade, sell, and otherwise enjoy the scale.

This year, folks got to see the latest creations from many top-line
manufacturers, and an added attraction was the off-campus Ferrari Expo Literature and Collectible
Show, held just a mile away at
Continental Motors the Saturday
before. It was an intense side trip;
we saw more Ferraris than weve
ever seen in one place before, both
in scale and parked throughout
the dealerships showrooms and
service bays.
Back at the main show, organizer
Buzz Lockwood, head man at the
Route 66 Model Car Store, showed
brand-new, never-before-seen
releases, as always. The official
model of this years hoedown
was Madison Models superb
1947 Studebaker Woody Wagon
prototype (7). Studebaker never
made the car, and only 100 models
will be made. Conquest Models
also had a new Woody Wagon on
display, a 1952 Buick Roadmaster
(4), along with an eye-grabbing
1955 DeSoto convertible(6), both
in white metal. Madison Models
and Conquest are sister companies; under the MadRod brand,
they also showed the DeSoto
body as a limited street rod(5)

12 DCXmag.com

with the full 50s treatment: nosed,

decked, and in the weeds, wearing
a toothy Chevy grille and polished
mag wheels.
The late Steve Overy was sorely
missed, but the first prototypes
of the last Minimarque model
developed under Steves direction
a gorgeous 1933 Cadillac V16
available in three versions were
there (8). Two of the original Cadillacs were owned by Hollywood
stars Marlene Dietrich and Robert
Montgomery; hopefully more of
the original MM43 models (the
Duesenberg SSJ models come to
mind) will be added to this revived
Cars of the Stars series.
Mikhail Bashmashnikov(1) (B
& G Group) displayed the most
detailed 1:43 Duesenberg weve
ever seen (2) a 1933 Duesenberg SJ Murphy Beverly Sedan
with more than 240 parts (150
photo-etched). Mikhails upcoming
Type 57 Bugatti was shown as an
in-process body(3). Were looking
forward to seeing that one along
with more new 1:43 scale models
and the full-scale folks who enjoy
them in Chicago next year.
Wayne Moyer

6
7

showroom
new releases & first looks

Huayra Power

BBR Pagani Huayra Saloon

Geneve
1:18 | $555

The world of exotic cars has long been the

playground of BBR, and this maker never
ceases to amaze and engage collectors of highend, low-production replicas. Recently, theyve turned
their attention almost exclusively to resin, and this factory image of their
carbon-fiber Pagani Huayra - the $1.3 million dollar, 720-horsepower star of the
Saloon Geneve (Geneva Auto Show) shows just how gripping these models can be. With
a flawless carbon finish, hand-applied polish, and exquisite external and cabin detailing, this is
just the type of thing that many collectors look for when shopping models at this level of exclusivity
(only 200 of this Huayra will be made, worldwide) and this price point. The Pagani will come affixed to a
stitched, leather-lined base, and promises to sell out and become even more valuable fast. Inside track: if
you truly love the exclusivity factor, jump on the version 20 to be made that comes on a red leather base, at a price
thats closer to $600. Joe Kelly, Jr.
carvillemodels.com

Summer Windsor

Brooklin 1955 Chrysler

Windsor Convertible
1:43 | $129.95

Dual Personality
NEO 1961 Ghia 6.4
1:43 | $95.99

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

An American company, Dual Motors, built 117 Ghia-bodied GT cars based on the Chrysler
Firearrow design from 1956 through 1958. But when Ghia designed a new, sleeker body, then
dropped in the Chrysler 383 (6.4 liter) V-8 in 1960, the result was badged as the Ghia 6.4L. Dual
Motors was the importer. Frank Sinatra bought the first one in this country, and everyone who
was anyone in Hollywood had to have one. As if the car wasnt unique enough, Sinatra (and
eight other owners, including fellow Rat Packers Dean Martin and Peter Lawford) had his Ghia
mildly customized by George Barris with oval headlights, a smaller grille, and a black leather
interior. So, this isnt Franks car. But it is a beautifully made and very accurate miniature of the
stock Ghia 6.4L. Its high-gloss black paint is literally perfect, and every piece of trim, including
the multi-color Ghia badge, is done with either plated or photo-etched parts. Scale fidelity and
workmanship are as good as it gets; lots of flush-fitted butyrate glazing makes it easier to see
the accurate upholstery and fitted luggage. The dash and its detailed instruments match photos, though at least some cars had bright metal instrument panels. The sleek shape is exactly
right from all angles, as are the dimensions. Hooray for Hollywood and thanks to JMModelautos.com for providing this sample. Wayne Moyer
neoscalemodels.com

14 DCXmag.com

The all-new 1955 Chrysler lineup featured Virgil Exners

100 Million Dollar Look, with design cues taken from
the Parade Phaeton showcar. The longer, lower look
was especially effective on convertibles, and the plated
windshield frame and upper doorsills on Brooklins very
accurate new Windsor Convertible (BRK-183) really
enhance that look. Chryslers entry-level Windsor base
engine was a 301cid V-8, and Brooklins white-metal
model carries the Power Package dual exhausts
and whitewall tires. Brooklin has really nailed the
lines, look, and details of Exners design, and its glossy
Wisteria Blue paint matches color chips perfectly, with
just a little orange peel. All the trim, except the relief-cast
scripts, is done with separate plated parts, and while the
grilles could use a heavier blackwash, the Twin Tower
taillights are neat. Interior details are especially critical
on convertibles, and Brooklin has accurate upholstery
patterns and a good dash, though, as usual, the gauges
arent picked out. Door panels have one separate plated
and one relief-cast handle. The three-tone interior colors
dont match anything in Chrysler references, though.
Nonetheless, dimensions are accurate, as are the lines, and
Brooklins model should be as popular as the full-scale car
was in 1955. Wayne Moyer
brasiliapress.com
BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

Hungary Heart
Hot Wheels Elite

Nigel Mansell F1-89

1:43 | $55.99

Formula Ones turbo

era of 1.5 liter engines
producing upwards of 800
horsepower ended in 1988; 1989
regulations specified naturally aspirated
engines with a maximum displacement of 3.5 liters. Ferrari, of
course, went with a V-12 in a new chassis. Nigel Mansell joined the team and won two Grands Prix and Gerhard Burger another,
but the unreliability of the new paddle-shifted 7-speed gearbox left Ferrari 2nd in points and Mansell 4th in the Drivers Championship. Like all race cars, the F1-89 changed throughout the season, but race day photos show that Hot Wheels Elites new 1:43
scale model is a very accurate miniature of Mansells Hungarian Grand Prix winner. Its paint is excellent, and race photos confirm
the graphics are accurate, along with the late-season flared front wing and a taller airbox, without the earlier inlets on its sides.
Suspension geometry is correct all around, and the nicely molded thin plastic pieces are more realistic than the flat photo-etched
parts in contemporary kits. Yes, the carbon brake disks should be black, but there are good-looking printed belts with photoetched hardware in the cockpit. The shift paddles are too far behind the wheel, and theres no gauge detailing, but everything
else about this model matches photos, and its dimensions are right on, too. - Wayne Moyer
hotwheels-elite.com

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

Country Class
Premuim X
1:43 | $37

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

Splish Splash
Premium X
1:43 | $37

1950 Nash Ambassador

Nashs Airflytes were the most aerodynamic American cars when they were introduced in
1949, and boasted some of the first fully unitized bodies. All that technology was lost on the
teenagers of the day, however; the cars seats folded flat to make a large, comfortable bed. Do
the math. Heres more math: Premium Xs take on the large Nash Ambassador for 1950 calls
that name out on its box and baseplate, and the resin models dimensions are right on the
money for the bigger bathtub - but the in-scale, legible fender scripts badge it as a shorter
Statesman. That gaffe aside, everything about this model is exactly as it should be. The
excellent two-tone paint has crisp separation lines, with perfectly fitted photoetched beltline moldings, and every piece of trim is done, to scale, with
either plated or photo-etched pieces. A favorite exterior detail is
the colorful, 3D hood emblem, and the interior trim is done
to the same level, with a unique Uniscope instrument
pod (with detailed gauges) perched on the steering
column. There are relief-cast, silver-painted interior
handles, as well as small cranks for the vent window.
The models shape matches photos from all angles,
and all dimensions are exactly 1:43 scale. Thanks
to Wild About Wheels for providing this sample.
Wayne Moyer
premiumx-models.com

1964 Ford Country Squire

As American families moved to the sprawl of the suburbs,

a demand was created for a vehicle that could haul a sheet
of plywood, carry the family, friends, or most of a Little
League team when required, and look good while doing all
of the above. The answer was the station wagon, and Ford
fielded one of the better ones, placing its wood-paneled Country Squire at the top of the list. Premium
X has just released this really fine resincast model
of the car as it appeared in 1964, and its excellent
finish (just a shade lighter than Fords Wimbledon
White paint chips), realistic red interior, and wealth
of in-scale trim make it a real bargain at this price.
The fake wood framing and panels are just the right color
and even include the bolt heads; every piece of trim is here
and in scale, including the F O R D letters at the hoods
upper lip. True, a couple of those were misaligned, but
these are easily fixed. Relief-cast interior trim and handles
are all neatly painted silver, and the accurate dash has a
well-done speedometer decal. Lines are right from every
angle, and dimensions are precisely 1:43 scale. Wild About
Wheels provided this bargain-priced wagon for review.
Wayne Moyer
premiumx-models.com

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

FALL 2013 15

showroom

OMG! ABS! AMG!

Minichamps
1:18 | $135

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

With all those post-nominal letters and numbers, it doesnt take much to figure that
the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 is a special car, before you even see it. Once you
do, its apparent that this hairy variant of the retro supercar was made for track
antics, with a racing 6-speed transmission mounted to the rear axle, a stock AMG
6.3 liter V8, a tightened and lowered stance, composite brakes, and a tweaked, lightweight body with a giant carbon-fiber wing on its rear deck. The scaled version of
that body, wearing AMG presentation livery, is exceptional, too. Rather than casting
the Benz in metal or resin, this sealed-body Minichamps replica comes formed from
ABS plastic. Beneath a high-grade white paint finish (the factory resolved issues with early
versions), the swoop and drama of the car sit perched above spider-like 12-spoke wheels and
fat race rubber. Though the model is a static piece, the front wheels are poseable, and rolling the
car causes the brake discs to pass through hefty Brembo calipers. Small details are great; we
loved the space-robot headlights and stacked rear lensing, the red kill rings front and rear, and
the three-pointed stars in the grille and deck lid. The heavily detailed cockpit is only visually accessible, but its worth peering into for its roll cage, race seats, and center stack detailing. Given
its reasonable price, to all the letters above, we add A-OK. Joe Kelly, Jr.
carvillemodels.com
BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

Beetle Juice

Kyosho 2013 VW Beetle Cabriolet

1:18 | $138

The old Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet was a fun car, with a lot of charm if driving with your
nose on the windshield and living with the smell of exhaust on your clothes was your idea
of charm. Now a new Cabriolet is bringing back all the good times, without the old tickyticky air-cooled ragtops foibles. To start with, its a lot more powerful - available engines are
a manual (or auto-clutched) 140-horse turbodiesel or 200-horse turbod gasoline four, or
a 170-horse five-pot matched to a six-speed auto. Still no barn burner, the car nonetheless
rings true to the old bugs mildly counterculture roots. So does this Kyosho model, delivered
in Tornado Red with the blown TSI gasoline four under its hood. The little red bug has
opening doors, hood, and trunk, a stiff, but working suspension, and steerable wheels. The
build and paint are Kyosho-typical perfect, as is the fitment of the headlights, taillights, and
all the trim; in front of metal brake discs, the plus-sized satin-toned five-spoke wheels are
wrapped in no-name, but deeply treaded rubber. Its a sano piece: every bit of the model
thats been cast in plastic has been decod, plated, or painted. From the body-colored, heavily detailed dash above its carpeted floor, to the multi-level chassis and deeply-cast and
paint-detailed plate engine, the model does the job with quiet quality. Add in the snap-on
plastic uptop and boot, and this little Cabrio becomes charming, indeed. Joe Kelly, Jr.
carvillemodels.com
BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

16 DCXmag.com

Open Heir

Hot Wheels Elite Ferrari 458

Italia Spider 1:18 | $99

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PHOTOS
ONLINE!

It wasnt easy for Ferrari to nip the top on its 458 Italia, given
the 202mph supercars speed, and, oh yeah where to put
the roof in its down position. Maranellos answer came in the
form of a moderate redesign starting aft of the doors, all the
way back to the 458s retro-bullet taillights. The simplicity and
speed of the doffable tops careful choreography as it splits,
then disappears below a hard tonneau, is remarkable. It can be
argued that Mattels own choreography the dance involved
in making ever-better model cars for the masses is equally
notable. This latest from the Hot Wheels Elite catalog has
opening doors, deck, and boot, and steerable wheels. Metallized five-spoke wheels front ceramic-look brake discs and
Ferrari calipers; their finish contrasts with and enhances the
rosso corsa paint, screened-in vents, and the photo-etched
cavallinos and Ferrari scripts. Everythings tight and tidy,
and the details in the cockpit (the mega-buttoned steering
wheel, replete with paddle shifters, is a marvel in miniature)
and on the peek-a-boo 562-horse V8 under the rear deck
are crisply cast. Whats hard to believe is the excellence of the
piece, for the price. Joe Kelly, Jr.
hotwheelselite.com

Carved Coach

Brooklin 1934 Miller-LaSalle

Hearse 1:43 | $159.95

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PHOTOS
ONLINE!

For 1934, custom body manufacturer Miller introduced an

Art-Carved Funeral Coach with a curved arch and supporting columns extending the full length of the body. The ornate
carving was stamped metal, patterned to look like drapery
panels. The body was offered on several chassis, but none
was more unusual than this one, on a stretched 1934 LaSalle.
This second full-sized hearse from Brooklins Community
Service Vehicle line has the real cars slender vertical grille,
biplane bumpers, and shielded porthole louvers exactly
right. The glossy black paint has some minor surface ripples,
with the long, textured roof insert and accurately reproduced
carved panels in contrasting flat black. Separate chrome-plated windshield molding, handles, side trim, and semi-trimmed
portholes make this one fully detailed on the outside. The
drivers compartment has an accurate, but overpainted dash;
likewise the instrument details and seat upholstery. The door
panels are plain, and its hard to see inside the rear compartment, but theres roller detail on the platform, though some
unpainted metal can be seen on the sides. This big beauty
makes an impressive addition to any hearse or GM collection.
Wayne Moyer
brasiliapress.com

Bill Bennetts Lifestyles of the Auto Obsessed

Once again, our own Bill Bennett tests (and occasionally toasts) the accessories and add-ons
that make the car lifestyle so much fun.

Shifty Moves

AUTOart Basin Pump

$39.95

Shock and Ahhhh

Blingin In
The Rain

AUTOart gearshift
umbrella
$59.95

Fix It

Ultra
Premium Tire Glue
Traxxas

$10

Stuff happens, no matter

how careful or experienced a
collector you may be. When
it does, putting the pieces
back in place can be trying.
If a strong, instant repair is
required, Traxxas Ultra Premium Tire Glue can handle
most of the fixing. Weve
tried it, and the stuff is scary
fast; though its intended use
is to hold tires on RC rims
at hellacious speeds, its
so fast and furiously sticky
that weve been able to use
it to repair everything from
delicate radio antennas
to one particularly heavy,
badly broken rear wing on an
IndyCar sample that arrived
in shreds from the manufacturer. The first repair
was truly instantaneous,
thanks to the lightness of
the part; the wing took all of
15 seconds to be secured.
Thats impressive. So is the
apparent lack of serious
hazing from the stuff (a
common outgassing byproduct of curing cyanoacrylates). Though wed think
twice before using it on clear
parts, for gluing tires, wings,
squirming monkeys this
stuff grips like nothing weve
ever used. Joe Kelly, Jr.
traxxas.com

If youre going to the races,

this umbrella is the ideal takealong to fend off the weather
in style. The umbrellas eightpanel, silver-coated nylon
canopy is 26 inches wide, so
youll deflect mid-day rays or
a light sprinkle with the best
of them. Opening it is fun, too:
a gearshift-like handle with a
shock absorber mechanism
allows one-touch deployment
in seconds. With room enough
for two, be assured that youll
have the classiest brolly in the
crowd.

AUTOart Two-Stage Coilover Pen & Flashlight

$29.95

Fans of go-fast hardware will like this pen and flashlight set.
Resembling a racing coil-over shock with two-stage springs
and a reservoir, this 4 1/2-inch beauty is the picture of precision,
with a titanium gray or gold anodized housing, and red and black
powder-coated springs. To use it, just unscrew the spring portion,
reverse it, and screw it back together for a functional pen; push
the lens on top of the reservoir to switch on the LED flashlight.
The little ring on the top makes it an easy addition to your key
chain, or the little damper can be clipped on to your shirt like a
conventional ballpoint - just the thing for writing those fat checks
at the next Concours with flair.

Guilt-Free Carbs

AUTOart Carburetor Salt &

Pepper Shaker
$99.95

We dont know what pinkyin-the-air types call these

around the chateau, but
around here, we call these
things plungers and if you
dont know what they do, its a
fair assumption that you have
never experienced the panic
of rising water. Rest assured,
this nifty item referred to as
a basin pump by AUTOart has been thoroughly
evaluated at the Bennett
Household Department of
Product Testing and has
scored the highest marks. Its
too pretty to press into service
clearing sinks (as it was here),
or clearing other, less delicate
clogs, so were hoping that the
vast majority of these little
shifters will be sold to folks
who want to stick in onto a
flat surface and practice heeland-toe downshifts through
the Nordschleife. Down and
gritty, or Walter Mitty, the
thing is really cool.

What could be more

fun than passing a
fellow car nut a classic
Weber DCOE when
they ask for the salt,
pepper, or sugar? Not
much, say we. AUTOarts lively homage to
stoichiometric metering
comes with two chromed velocity
stacks for the spices; look closely and youll see the S
and P patterned in their tops. Pulling on the wing nut opens a
hinged door on the Webers body, perfect for stashing packets of
sugar or sweetener. The carb is finished in bead-blasted aluminum, and its been exquisitely detailed with chromed and brass
hardware, and from a short distance, it looks like the real thing.
What a gas!

Coffee Brake

AUTOart Stainless Steel Brake Rotor Plate

and Coffee Cup Set
$34.95

Car junkies run on caffeine, so its a natural that a

man cave would benefit from having this coffee
cup, saucer, and spoon set around. These appear to
have been stolen from somebodys front suspension; the saucer looks exactly like a cross-drilled
brake rotor, and the handles of the cup and spoon
have lightening holes drilled in them to continue the
theme. Made of sturdy stainless steel, these pieces
can stand the abuse meted out by a manly man, but
still look good enough to be set at the table with his girly
girl - or kidly kids, for that matter.
autoartmodels.com

FALL 2013 17

showroom

Bully

Minichamps Renault R86 Vettel 2010

Brazilian GP
1:18 | $125

Sebastian Vettel
is one amazing Formula
One driver: young, talented and very,
very fast. Driving for Red Bull Racing, the 25-year-old
German has finished on the podium in almost half of the F1
races hes started, won more than one-quarter of them, has
won the F1 World Championship in 2010, 2011, and 2012 and, as
of this writing, is leading the 2013 F1 Season with two wins in
four starts. Wed call that a good start, if his goal is to challenge

Michael Schumachers record for the

most F1 Championships. Minichamps
1:18 model of his RB6, configured as
it was raced in the 2010 Brazilian
Grand Prix, is beautifully assembled. The rich navy blue paint
with red, yellow and white Red Bull
livery is about as striking as you
can find, and the photographic end
plates on the rear wing are nicely replicated. The cars stance is spot-on, and though its sealed, with
no removable panels, what you can see is magnificently done.
On the corners, scuffed tires mounted on OZ Racing wheels
look perfect. The suspension pieces, undertray and diffuser are
all done in fabric textured plastic, nicely replicating the shapes
of these bits and their carbon-fiber construction, too. With
Schumacher as his hero, and all that history already behind him,
this remembrance of Vettels first championship year might
become one of the breakout collectibles from a potentially
phenomenal career and thats no bull. Bill Bennett
carvillemodels.com

Mondo Topolino
ACME Trading
1:18 | $129.95

Mondello & Matsubara 1937 Fiat Topolino

Fiat is back on these shores again, and the little 500s of today harken back to a unit called
the Fiat 500 Topolino. Like the modern version, the elder Italian was among the smallest road
cars of its day - and that made the aerodynamic coupe a perfect candidate for use in drag
racing. Thats what Joe Mondello and the late Sush Matsubara thought, anyway, and once they
swapped out the mouse motor theyd been running in their diminutive car for a blown Chevy
427, the theory was proved correct with consistent 7-second blasts in the quarter. ACMEs
got the cackling little Fiat done here in fine form, in a model notable not only for its paint and
finish which are very good on this pre-production sample but for its overall accuracy in
replicating the car in its early days with rat power. That engine is accessible via a lift-off hood,
and its done to a turn with ribbed valve covers, metallized parts, and a full-house set of wires,
pipes, and cables. After checking out the open-air cockpit and scuffed slicks, we pored over a
bunch of 60s-era photos of the car at work.
Though the headers and some sponsor
decals changed from frame to frame and
race to race, ACMEs replica brings back
a great era - and a groundbreaking
machine. Highly recommended.
Joe Kelly, Jr.
acmediecast.com

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

Gsser, Faster, Better

Minichamps
1:18 | $135

BMW Gsser Beer BMW 3.5 CSL

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Rally
Rig
AUTOart

2012 HINO GT500 1:43 | $114.90

This AUTOart 1:43 HINO GT 500 truck (yes, we said GT

and truck in the same sentence) is patterned after the
unit thats been boinking through the sand in the Dakar
Rally, and collecting Class Championships (four in a row,
as of this years event) for Team Sugawara. No, this isnt
the same rig used to deliver parcels; though the truck
looks like its road-going cousins, this carbon-bodied minimonster uses a comparatively tiny engine a turbodiesel
straight six of around 8 liters to crush its competition,
who run larger, heavier machines. AUTOarts model of the
2012 entrant is a riot of crisp sponsor logos on a hybrid
metal and plastic body. The details all over are tiny, and
very well done, from the delicate headlights and bezeled
rear markers to the multi-layered chassis, jammed with
heavy-duty running gear. Above the knobby tires, the
right-hand-drive cab is full of sharp castings and legible
tampos, and the effect is more like a submarine control
room than the sand-bound dash for a truck. Given the
popularity of this series and the HINO brand we
imagine that dashing is exactly what collectors will be
doing. Rally round, boys. Joe Kelly, Jr.
autoartmodels.com

Team Schnitzer and their Gsser Beer-sponsored BMW 3.5 CSL had a good racing season in 1976, winning both the Nurburgring
1000km and the 6 Hours of Zeltweg on the Osterreichring circuit in Austria, finishing the season second to Porsche in the World
Championship for Makes. Nicknamed Batmobiles because of their outrageous body mods, the BMWs were colorful, and went
like stink, to boot. After previously releasing the Nurburgring winner, Minichamps has now issued the Zeltweg car in a burnyour-eyes-out green, orange, purple, blue and white Gsser Beer and Denzel livery. Its a wicked-looking piece, and beneath
the livery, the model has opening doors and a removable bonnet and boot. Sitting on scuffed steam roller rubber
and basketweave BBS wheels, the car hugs the ground with the slightest rake; taken alongside those
hammer-blow graphics and livery, the interior is understated (as it should be) with matte black paint
on everything except the instrument cluster, with a flocked racing bucket seat with 5-point racing
harness for the solo passenger. Those passengers Dieter Quester and Gunnar Nilsson, who shared driving duties at Zeltweg made the most of the cars 3.5
liter DOHC six, and so has Minichamps, stuffing a ton of detail beneath
the lift-off lid. Overall, from its cow-catcher nose to its wild whale tail,
this is a nicely done car with a lot of plumbing and wiring detail to go
along with its hard-to-miss look. Recommended. Bill Bennett

18 DCXmag.com

showroom

Brazilian Whacks
Hot Wheels Elite

F1-90 Mansell
1:43 | $55.99

1989 World Champion Alain Prost moved to Ferrari for the 1990 season,
bringing his Champions #1 with him, and relegating Nigel Mansell to the
position of second driver. When the season started the only noticeable difference in the Ferrari
F1-90, or 641, was a taller biplane rear wing replacing the 89s triplane arrangement. Ferrari
introduced the revised 641/2 at the third race of the season; it had a shorter, more rounded
duckbill nose, a thicker front body (to permit larger fuel tanks), and smaller, higher radiator
exit ducts. Hot Wheels Elite has released two very accurate F1-90 models, Mansells 4th-place
Brazilian GP car and the 641/2 version he drove to win the later Portuguese Grand Prix. The
shape and details of both models match 1990 photos and illustrate these changes very well.
Both models have the 1990 yellow background for the Agip decal, and the Brazilian car correctly
has no background behind the FIAT letters; the Portuguese version has an equally correct blue
background, and the later version also has a correct, larger Goodyear logo on the rear wing.
As with the F1-90 model, suspension details are accurate, as is the scale fidelity. Hot Wheels
really did their research on these (no surprise, there, given the Ferrari license), and the models
compare quite well to the Tameo kits built in
the early 1990s always a good thing.
Wayne Moyer
hotwheels-elite.com

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PHOTOS
ONLINE!

French Curves Redux

Minichamps Mullin Collection

1939 Bugatti 57C Aravis
1:43 | $95

Only three Type 57C Aravis drophead coupe bodies were

built to Jean Bugattis design, and Jean himself called it the
most beautiful Bugatti. The last one, S/N 57768, was built
for famed French driver Maurice Trintignant, and is now in
Oxnard, CAs Mullin Collection. Its also the subject of this
gorgeous and accurate resin model from Minichamps.
1939 photos show a thin chrome molding between the
body and rear fenders, parking lights at the bottom of the
grille, and the side molding above the color separation line,
while photos from the Mullin website show Minichamps
model is a precise miniature of 57768 as it looks today.
Its two-tone blue/cream paint is excellent, with a very
thin photo-etched stripe providing the color separation
The hood hinge, louver trim, and stone guards are printed
bright chrome, while the trunk hinges, latches, handles,
and other details including the flat horseshoe grille are
all plated parts. Minichamps hasnt left anything off. Big
aluminum-colored drums are visible behind the accurate
photo-etched wire wheels, and theres basic chassis detail
cast with the baseplate. The up top has realistic wrinkles,
texture, and sheen, with a printed silver molding at the
bottom. Inside, the exposed seat supports, body-color
dash (with legible gauges, of course), and separate plated
handles match Aravis photos too. Jean would agree this
truly is beautiful. Wayne Moyer
carvillemodels.com

Popular Pony
Auto World
1:18 | $89.99

1965 Ford Mustang 2+2

Thirteen years after the original 1:18 Ertl/FoMoCo Precision 100 64 1/2 Ford Mustang convertible shook up the diecast collecting world, the current owner of the molds, Auto World, is releasing this 2+2 fastback pony in the same color Rangoon Red
with many of the originals operating features, including opening doors, hood, and trunk (on real aspect hinges); a carpeted interior with tilting front seats, working visors, and a fold-down rear seat; working suspension and steering, a rotating drive shaft,
and an up-down radio antenna. The paint and finish on the car are very good, and even though the chromed bits arent done
with the same pricey electro-plating process the original P-100s wore, the overall job is right for
the price as is the packaging, which nixes the clamshell/sleeve delivery the older car
enjoyed, in favor of a three-window display box. That box is part of this releases
hook it features the cover of the January 1965 issue of Popular Mechanics,
boasting a Rangoon Red fastback kicking up its heels (alongside a 65
Plymouth Barracuda and a contemporary Chevrolet
Corvair). The model attempts and
succeeds in replicating that cover
car, right down to the red stripe
performance rubber. The box
also affords a look at the scaled
Stangs neat chassis done with
faux factory overspray on its red
oxide base as well as offering up a
gander at the models photo-etched
grille and galloping mascot. This pony
still delivers. Joe Kelly, Jr.
autoworldstore.com
20 DCXmag.com

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

showroom

Clay Day

Sandifer Design and Color Studies

Prices/Scales Vary

Before computers came along, having a scale model on the table was the only way
to see how light would play over a cars shape, or how different colors or trims
would look in the real world. Once approval was given to a design, most of these
workaday models were scrapped. Now, thanks to Samuel Sandifer, some of the
more important survivors are being recreated in extremely limited numbers, and
sold through an exclusive with JM Modelautos. Heres the remarkable thing: each of these
replicas, ranging from the Charger III (pictured) to early LaSalle color studies and Ford Motor
Company profile models (viewable in the bonus gallery on DCXmag.com) have been carefully lifted directly from the nearly priceless originals, using the old models as masters for the
new tooling. Sandifer who dates back to when these models
were still being made has cast and finished each piece
completely by hand. Limited? Oh, yeah. Expensive? You
betcha. But if you love the history of design,
and remember those old black
and white photos of Harley,
Virgil, Edsel, Gordon, or
any of the masters
poring over one of
these, you cant
get closer than
BONUS
this. Joe Kelly, Jr.
PHOTOS
jmmmodelautos.
ONLINE!
com

Coupe-E Cat
AUTOart

1961 Jaguar E-Type

1:18 | $245.90

The Jaguar E-type causes folks to stop and go glassyeyed, especially if the observed machine is on the hoof.
Few cars in the history of the automobile can lay claim to
such perfection of line and detail; even fewer can back up
the pulchritude with power. But the Jag could, and in scale,
the car has been a hit though a qualified one for AUTOart. We covered the roadster in our Summer 2013 issue,
and now the coupe has arrived on the scene as a part of
the upscale Signature lineup. Our sample arrived in BRG,
along with a serialized certificate and a brochure covering
the real cars history and the models virtues. Theres a lot
of both. The models opening doors, hatch, and tilting hood
reveal a masterful assemblage of precision castings large
and small, perfect paint and finish, and scale textures that
tease for a touch. Under-hood, the straight 3.8 liter six is
beautifully finished, and abundantly wired and piped; the
spring-loaded wishbone suspension flexes and rebounds
here, and at the cars complex, deeply rendered rear axle.
The RHD cabin is carpeted and features real leather seats
and a crisp dash and console, and the glazing, headlights,
and chrome everywhere is spectacular. As with the
roadster, only one thing hobbles this otherwise excellent
scale model on display: the tires mounted to the otherwise
amazing wheels are too small. If you can get past that, this
is one of the better releases of the past several years, and
an important car to have in any diecast collection. Joe
Kelly, Jr.
AUTOartmodels.com

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

S PHOTOS ONLINE!

22 DCXmag.com

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Eagle Eyed

Replicarz

1973 Eagle-Offy IndyCar

1:18 | $159.99

We just cant seem to get enough of Replicarz latest models

and we mean that literally. The company is righteously
warming over some of the late Carousel 1s tools easily
among the best mold sets in the IndyCar world - much to the
delight of collectors. This time, its the Eagle-Offenhauser that
Gordon Johncock drove to win an otherwise disastrous Indy
500 in 1973. The car, seen here as a pre-production sample
with a couple of tweaks still a-waiting, nonetheless comes
across as a sweet piece, with a full-on, turbod Offy 4 thats
been wired, plumbed, and set amidst the cars intricate struts,
wings, and rear suspension bits. Theres a smattering of noble
materials, like the screening on the intake horn and the yellow
steel springs, but the cars big trick is its split-up-the-middle
body. Grab the top section and lift it off to reveal the cars inner
workings, including the fully wired rear dash, gauged binnacle,
and pedals up front. Press the nose down, and the pushrod
suspension acts on the springs set inboard of the hinged and
pivoting control arms. The orange color, crisp STP and sponsor
graphics, impeccable wheels and Good Year race tires make this
one a stunner on the shelf; all that under-the-skin fun makes it
one that wont stay there long. Joe Kelly, Jr.
replicarz.com

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

March, Halted
Replicarz

1984 March 84C

1:18 | $169.99

For all the preparation and planning, Indy can be a cruel place. Gordon Johncock found that out
in 1984, when the March 84C he was piloting crashed on lap 104, injuring his ankle and twisting
the car up beyond repair. Powered by a Ford-Cosworth DFV turbo V8 making an impressive
800 horsepower, Gordons March wasnt alone. Tom Sneva (another DNF - blown CV joint) and
Rick Mears (who won that year) left the starting line in 84Cs, as well. That means that Replicarz can make the most of this Carousel 1 mold set, and from what we see in this hand-built
advance sample, they plan to. Given the 11-year difference between this car and Johncocks
victorious 73 Eagle-Offy, the tech gap between the cars is dramatic, as youd expect. Though
sleeker on its outside, when this beautifully liveried and painted model splits (one of the coolest tricks in all of 1:18), it does so literally from nose to tail, exposing everything from the triple
fluid reservoirs at the foremost bulkhead, to the nicely patterned and rivet-detailed carbon
fiber shell. Behind that armor is the stressed-member V8. This ones a real treat: among all of
the sharply cast pieces, we counted a couple of different shades of metallized finishes, and
at least two different sheens of graphite black on the engine and transaxle, in between all the
vinyl and plastic wiring and plumbing. Once youre done tracing all
the forward-running cooling pipes and the full-on cockpit (the
gauges alone are almost worth this ones price), break out your
best squint to see the spring within the manifold blowoff valve
and the impeller nested inside the turbo intake. Cruel day cool model. Highly recommended. Joe Kelly, Jr.
replicarz.com

Fight to Fly, Fly to Fight, Fight to Win

Make it Happen at Aikens Airplanes!

AIRCRAFT MODEL REPLICAS AT

Aikens Airplanes

Online store includes aircraft models from

Franklin Mint, Corgi, Hobbymaster, Marushin,
Model Power and many more!
Thousands of authentic diecast, plastic and
mahogany desktop models in small to large
scales

Large number of military models from WWI,

WWII, Vietnam and modern era.
Most are fully assembles and ready to display!
Excellent sales team toll free at
1-877-2AIKENS (877-224-5367)

Sale prices are for a limited time only!

TMC-FGD5TE Reg. $239.95

SALE: $194.95
Albatros D.V Goring

Desktop Mahogany Scale: 1:20

Wing Span: 17.75
Length: 14.5

JSI-6007H Reg $119.95

ON SALE FOR $99.95
UH-1B Bell Iroquois Huey Helicopter,
Shark Mouth

Ballastic Plastic Scale: 1:18

Rotorspan: 32.0
Length: 38.0
Width: 6.0

DM-DRW50068 Reg $49.95

SALE: $34.95
Me-109 G-2 Messerschmitt German
Trop II./JG77

Die-Cast Metal Scale: 1:72

Wing Span: 5.5
Length: 5.0

TMC-KWFTE Reg $249.95

ON SALE FOR $199.95

BBI-003773 Reg. $219.95

SALE: $189.95

Desktop Mahogany Scale: 1:24

Wing Span: 20
Length: 10

F-18C Hornet - US Navy VFA-86, USS

Enterprise,Sidewinders

CG-AA33310 Reg $299.95

ON SALE FOR $249.95

HM-HA1964 Reg $79.95

ON SALE FOR $69.95

B-17 Flying Fortress Flak Attack

Die-Cast Metal Scale: 1:72

Wing Span: 17.25
Length: 12.25 inches

CG-US34309 Reg $49.95

ON SALE FOR $39.95

Focke-Wulf Fw190A-4 - Oberleutnant Horst

Hannig, Staffelkapitan of 2./JG 2, Triqueville,
France, 1943

Die-Cast Metal Scale: 1:72

Wing Span: 6
Length: 5.5

Ballastic Plastic Scale: 1:18

Rotorspan: 32.0
Wingspan: 25.75
Length: 37.75

F-4N Phantom II VF-84, Jolly Rogers,

CVW-19 CAG Bird, USS Roosevelt

Die-Cast Metal Scale: 1:72

Wing Span: 6.25
Length: 10.5

HM-HA8207 Reg $79.95

SALE: $69.95

F4U-1A Corsair VMF-111 Devil Dogs

Die-Cast Metal Scale: 1:48
Wing Span: 10.25
Length: 8.5

CG-601031 Reg $59.95

ON SALE FOR $49.95

Churchill MK III Tank British Army A Squadron

Die-Cast Metal Scale: 1:50

Wing Span: 2
Length: 6

HM-HA8102 Reg $79.95

ON SALE FOR $66.95

AV72-21001 Reg $24.95

ON SALE FOR $16.95

Die-Cast Metal Scale: 1:48

Wing Span: 8.0 inches
Length: 6.25 inches

Die-Cast Metal Scale: 1:72

Wing Span: 5.0
Length: 4.0

Stearman N2S-2 Kaydet U.S. Navy

Tiger Moth Imperial War Museum Duxford

Visit us online at: www.aikensairplanes.com

or call us toll free at: 877-224-5367 Based in Memphis, TN

showroom

Positive Spin
Spin Master
1:64 | TBA

NASCAR

Model car makers are usually an energetic lot, but when we

got on the blower with the fellows who made these first
shots, we felt enthusiasm fairly pouring out of the handset.
Spin Master is a toy company on the move. They started
making well-regarded 1:64 NASCAR models in 2011, and
these first shots of some new additions to the series show
a great deal of promise. The castings an Earnhardt-era
Monte Carlo Aerocoupe, and a spate of Generation 6
models based on the current machinery seen on the high
banks have been coated with clear; we cant tell you
which liveries these will wear, but with these crisp bodies
to decorate, not to mention a full-on interior and some of
the best wheels and tires weve ever seen in this scale,
were dying for you to find out. Sit tight, and stay tuned to
DCXmag.com for more news and images as they become
available. Joe Kelly, Jr.
spinmaster.com

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

Magnifique

Minichamps

Mullin Collection 1934 Voisin C27 Grand Sport Tourer

1:43 | $95

Minichamps latest entry in its Mullin Automotive Museum Collection series is this 1:43 1934
Voisin C27 roadster, as bodied by Figoni, and restored la Mullin. The yellow and black paint are
hard to miss, and notes like the tiny hood latches, majestic winged radiator mascot, and the
readable gauges in its dash are best seen through a magnifier. The real car, chassis number
52001, was one of only two made; after being shown at the Madrid Auto Salon, it found its way
to the garage of the Shah of Persia, for 23,000 francs. Back then, it was green and yellow; years
later, after being found in a barn (yes, that does happen), the car was restored by descendants
of the original carriage maker and Voisins chief designer, who painted it blue. Ultimately, Peter
Mullin located the car, and had it restored yet again, painting it in the colors we see today. Judging by comprehensive photos of the real car, we cant find a detail thats been missed. Through
the camera lens, the wired wheels, faux ostrich seat upholstery, and hollowed out exhaust
pipe make the replica hard to distinguish from a model in a larger scale - perhaps even the real
car. One detail in particular had us gobsmacked: a tiny golden dot on the models dash, which
represents (if not replicates) a brass St. Christopher medal on the restored roadster. That
golden dot says a lot about this makers impeccable eye, and this important series continues to
amaze. Joe Kelly, Jr.
carvillemodels.com

BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

Sprechen Sie Wow?

AUTOart
1:18 | $275

Alfa Romeo 155 V6 Ti DTM Hockenheim

Some people refer to the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) as the German equivalent of NASCAR. There are certain similarities these days, but in 1993, DTM racers were far more
linked to their road-going counterparts than were their NASCAR contemporaries from the
States. Say what you will, AUTOarts 155V6 Ti, patterned after the car that won at Hockenheim
in 1993 with the remarkable Alessandro Nannini at the wheel, is a sweet take on one of the
most successful of the breed, a purpose-built race car with a megawatt V6 engine and fourwheel-drive. As weve more or less come to expect from this maker, the paint and bodywork is
flawless, the stance is spot-on, and the shut lines are tight and even on the cars four opening
doors and lift-off deck and hood. All the little details, like the gaskets around the glass, are
executed beautifully, and peppered with small metal bits for the various hold downs and links
on the body. In between, the race day graphics are all done using a pad printer (tampos), and
the durability and crispness of detail is amazing. Pop the one- piece bonnet and the massively
ducted engine compartment is very convincing; peel those doors open, or lift the rear deck
(carefully) and the same holds true for the interior and boot. One beef: the rubbery quality of
the drivers racing harness. Something fabric-based would have been a big improvement. But
overall, this is an extremely good - and good-looking - model with crisp and tidy detail everywhere. Highly recommended. - Bill Bennett
autoartmodels.com
BONUS
PHOTOS
ONLINE!

24 DCXmag.com

The Gas Mans Ride

Replicarz 1984 Indy 500 March-Cosworth

Tom Sneva

1:18 | $169.99

After winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1983, Tom The

Gas Man Sneva returned to Indy in 1984 with a MarchCosworth sporting his reigning champions #1, and snared
the prestigious pole position with a scorching 210.029mph
over 2mph faster than Howdy Holmes, who qualified
second. Rick Mears was the third-place qualifier, and
ultimately won the race. Sneva led more laps in 1984 than
all contenders except Mears, but retired after his 168th lap
due to a failed CV joint. Replicarz has recreated Snevas
red, white, and blue Texaco March 84C in diecast using
the same tooling used to previously build Mearss 1984
Champion, and its a gem of a model. The stance is correct,
and the white paint with red and blue livery captures the
pole winner perfectly. Lift off the one-piece upper body
and the molded composite tub and well-detailed cockpit
jump out; the former is nicely rendered in faux carbon
fiber, and the latter has a three-gauge instrument panel
and fabric and photo-etch belts. At the rear, the turbocharged Cosworth DFX engine and all of its accessories are
compelling. All of the detail is there, right down to the turbo
impeller. This is a car worth having not only for its place in
history, but also for the immaculate execution by Replicarz.
Bill Bennett
replicarz.com

out of the box

by bill bennett

Accidental

Tourist
CMC 1929 Bugatti Type 35 Monaco GP
1:18 | $350

ention classic Grand Prix motor racing and most enthusiasts think of
high-powered, single-seat monopostos screaming through the tunnel,
flying around the waterfront and ducking and parrying past the Monte
Carlo Casino in Monaco. And why not? The fast cars, the beautiful people, the palatial
yachts floating in the blue sea and, of course, the tortuous race course and fabulous
machines on it make the Monaco GP the high-water mark of the race season.

26 DCXmag.com

The first GP to take place in

this idyllic location occurred in
1929, when Anthony Noghs,
French cigarette manufacturer
and Monacan by birth, helped
organize lAutomobile Club de
Monaco (ACM) and sweetened
the pot by putting up a truly
grand prize: a 100,000 French
franc purse. Sixteen entrants
were invited; the race was run on
Monacos streets on April 14, 1929
with William Grover-Williams
driving his two-seat Bugatti
T35B to victory in the 100 lap
race, besting the Mercedes SSK
of Rudolf Carriciola, and other,
lesser-known drivers piloting

Alfa Romeo 6Cs,

Delage 15S8s, a lone
Corre-La Licorne, and
a pair of Maseratis - not to
mention a gaggle more of Types
35 and 37 Bugattis.
Now, seemingly by accident,
CMC has crafted an amazing
1:18 precision replica of the very
first car to win at Monaco, as
the first in a series of Type 35s
that CMC plans to release in
its Grand Prix National Color
Project. By accident, were
not suggesting that the close to
1,000 individual pieces that make
up the model came together by
chance; we mean despite the
original CMC announcement that
they wouldnt produce replicas
decorated to resemble any
particular automobile, this maker
actually hit a truly important one
almost square on the nose.
Type Castings
However it happened, CMCs
Grover-Williams Monacowinning Bugatti arrived
here in its green and white
1929 race day livery. And it
didnt take long to realize
that though its based on
their excellent stock 1924
Type 35, CMC has added a
few well-chosen tweaks
to make this new model
desirable, even to owners
of that original French Blue
release.
With a hybrid body formed
from diecast and pressed
metal, these scaled cars are a
marvelous balance of old school
hand-building and modern

CMC has a knack for working hardware, and thats certainly the case on this fabulous
little Type 35. Cranks crank, pulleys spin and if those wee buckles on the hood straps
look like theyre real, its because they are. Have fun. Bring a magnifier.

machining and assembly. To

the original set of pieces and
castings, CMC has added a
leather-strapped spare tire,
a glass Brooklands-style
windscreen with a leather pad,
and a rearview mirror, and then
topped off the result with an
accurate race livery (accidental
or not) that includes the correct
registration numbers for GroverWilliams car.
Coming out of its protective
foam cocoon, the first thing that
comes into view is the perfectly
applied, rich forest green paint
(purportedly called British Racing
Green, for the first time, here)
with contrasting white numerals.
Its obvious that the black and
white photos of this car really

dont do it justice; its so wellsuited for this color that folks

who believe all Bugattis should
be blue might find themselves
converted on sight. As it would
be in life, CMC has sprayed the
body so that only the exterior
is painted, and left the effect
of unfinished raw metal on the
inside surfaces.
The detailing on this model
is nothing short of amazing.
All over the body, polished
stainless steel hardware sparkles
as the light catches it; nearly
microscopic bolts, laced together
with fine stainless steel wire,
joins the sewn-together body
and frame. The manual brake
handle and shifter protrude
through the body; when gently
fall 2013 27

out of the box

Far left:
The engine is so deeply
detailed and jammed with
noble materials that its
impossible to take it all in
just one sitting.
Above: The cockpits real
leather seats, engineturned dash, and all
manner of tiny levers and
knobs - most of which
work - are an incredible
sight.
Left: This issue of the historic car includes a wheel
change kit, with a tiny
mallet, and this wooden
spindle stand. Check
out the brake shoes and
working suspension.

the en-bloc engine is fitted with

two Zenith side-draft carburetors,
complete to their venturis and
set into a sea of authentic engineturned metal and believable
linkages, pipes, and cables.
pulled, the brake handle draws
on cables running to all four
wheels where they act on if not
truly actuate u-shaped brake
shoes inside the models brake
drums. Those assemblies are
easy to see, thanks to removable
eight-spoke wheels; turning the
steering wheel sets a geared-in
steering box to work, torquing
linkages and knuckles as the
perfectly cambered front wheels
pivot.
As for that tiller, the woodrimmed wheel has four spokes
with cord wrapping; the readable
gauges and dash-mounted
magneto are set into a machineturned dash, above a cockpit

filled with all the levers, shafts,

pipes and pedals that made
the car run. Remarkably thin
leather is set onto the seats, and
more bits of hide are used as a
skirt for the windscreen and a
gasket through which the shifter
passes to the cars right side. Our
favorite bit of business was the
hand-operated fuel pump lever
- which goes up and down on a
delicate hinge and plunger.

Spy powered

William Grover-Williams may have been a true International Man of

Mystery. Born to French and English parents, he learned to drive at
the wheel of a Rolls-Royce, served as a chauffeur to a famous
artist (whose mistress he later married), and managed to
rack up a great deal of victories not to mention money
racing motorcycles and Bugattis. During the war, he was
deeply involved in espionage for the Allies; caught, and sent
to a German concentration camp, Grover-Williams was
executed while there. Or was he? Grover-Williams had used
aliases most of his adult life, mostly so he could race without
alarming his family. After the war, his widow lived with a
fellow named Georges Tambal who had, it is said, a definite
resemblance to a certain dashing race driver. Yeah, baby.

28 DCXmag.com

Strapped
Less entertaining is the tiny
hardware for the hood. If you have
the nerve (and the eyesight) to
release the real-time buckles
and leather belts and open the

winged bonnet something we

recommend at least once the
8-cylinder, overhead cam engine
is a little jewel unto itself. Made
of diecast, plastic, brass and
copper, the en-bloc engine is
fitted with two Zenith side-draft
carburetors, complete to their
venturis and set into a sea of
authentic engine-turned metal
and believable linkages, pipes,
and cables. Bugatti spent a lot of
time finishing their powerplants;
CMC has captured the look of
those efforts on their engine. Only
one thing separates this motive

masterpiece from being truly

authentic to Grover-Williams
car its not supercharged.
That makes this beautiful bug a
normally aspirated Type 35, and
Williams car was a blown Type
35B.
Is that a deal breaker? Well,
no. This is a wonderful car. The
fit, the finish, the stance, and the
beautiful detail are all about as
good as it gets. And the Bugatti
Type 35 is as pretty a machine as
ever came out of Molsheim. As to
that mixup in the CMC literature,
well, someone, somewhere, had
to have been looking at the same
photos we were as the decos
were being cut and readied.
Well never know how this great
little model came to be, virtually
unheralded as the important
replica is most surely is.
We do know this: seldom
does a maker of model cars put
so much of their art on display
so beautifully. And that, good
people, is no accident. Highly
recommended.

SOURCES

CMC Modelcars cmc-modelcars.com

Dean Jeffries, creator,

designer, and builder of The
Monkeemobile and the Black
Beauty, is one of those larger
than life personalities you only
read about in magazines. And
thats exactly the reason why
I was motoring into Hollywood,
nosing over to the exit for
Cahuenga Blvd. I was going to
put the iconic designer and
builder into our pages.

Dean
of design

A visit with the legendary

Dean Jeffries
by bill bennett

I was a tad starstruck. Jeffries was one of

the 50s and 60s most influential painters, pinstripers

and custom car demi-gods, and a contemporary of
other near-immortals like Von Dutch, Ed Big Daddy
Roth and George Barris. His dad was an auto mechanic
with a penchant for racing and hot rods, but a young
Dean wasnt interested in his fathers profession it
was too dirty. That didnt mean Dean would ever stray
too far. During his time in the Army, Jeffries learned
the art of pinstriping while stationed in Europe,
picking up the craft from an old German whose
specialty was painting and striping custom furniture
and pianos.

30 DCXmag.com

When his hitch was over, Dean returned to Los

Angeles, and started hanging out with the most
notable practitioners of this newfound automotive
craze. He made friends with Kenneth Howard, known
to the world as Von Dutch, who helped him refine
his techniques for painting, lettering, and striping
motorcycles and cars. For a while he worked out of
George Barris shop in Lynwood, but when he and
Barris started to compete rather than complement
each other, he moved out and opened his own shop
in Hollywood, eventually settling into a location on
Cahuenga Blvd, adjacent to the Hollywood Freeway.
Thats where Id be meeting him. I was almost there.

Racers and rays

One of Deans friends from his hometown of Lynwood
was future Indianapolis 500 winner Troy Ruttman, who
introduced Jeffries to his racing friends and sponsors.
When Dean painted Ruttmans J.C. Agajaniansponsored Indy race car, the upstart artist got invited
to spend the month of May in Indianapolis with the
Agajanian team. This became a regular pilgrimage
for him and his kit full of brushes and paints, for the
next 33 years. His client list steadily grew at Indy; he
was eventually retained by Mobil Oil to make sure its
sponsored cars looked great, and prominently sported
the petrol companys Flying Pegasus trademark.
These were the days before sponsor logos were simple
decals; in his busiest year there, 22 of Indys 33 starters
bore Jeffriess meticulous, hand-laid artwork.
As the Fifties wound down, Deans paint and
striping business was doing well, but he wanted
something more. When George Barris won the
Oakland Roadster Show in 1958 and 1959 with
the Ala Kart, Dean figured the best way
to be taken seriously in the hot rod

and custom car world would be to win at Oakland

with a roadster of his own. Starting with chassis
components from a pair of old Maserati Formula One
racers, Dean used quarter-inch steel tubing to define
the shape of a radical design. Long, low, and swoopy,
the asymmetrical single-seater was equipped with
a tilt-up bubble top, and fitted with a hand-formed
aluminum body covered in pearlescent white paint.
Powered by a Shelby Ford 289 V8 and rolling on
Halibrand magnesium wheels, the Mantaray handily

Dean Jeffries' iconic "Black

Beauty" was seldom seen in
daylight - and as this publicity
photo shows, that's a shame.
Jeffries always felt that was the
prime reason for the show's
unsuccessful run.
One of Dean's oldest rods is
a chopped, channeled, and
sectioned textbook example of
his art, and it sits parked in his
showroom, looking as good as
the day he painted it.

fall 2013 31

Left: Dean's outer office is packed

with memorabilia, like these Monkeemobile and Mantaray models.
Below: The original Jeffries-built
TV car was far too hairy for any
of the boys to pilot safely, so the
blower was removed, and a carb
was fitted below a dummy unit.

Hey, hey, it's the Monkees Mike Nesmith, Davey Jones,

Peter Tork, and Mickey Dolenz.

This GT40 - "Tub number 109"

is an almost-priceless piece
of Ford's racing heritage that
Dean has been hammering away
on. No, that's not the original
engine; it's a Ford Indy motor,
detailed and polished to show
car level.

won Oaklands top prize in 1964. Copied

by plastic model kit manufacturers and
toy makers, the car was an immediate
commercial success. Jeffries had arrived.
Rockers and Royalty
Deans Hollywood location helped him to develop a
clientele from the movie and television crowd, and his
shop soon became a hangout for some of Hollywoods
kings: Elvis Presley, Steve Mc Queen, James Garner and
Gary Cooper were regulars and righteous car guys who
commissioned Dean for custom projects. Then came
1966, and Jeffries - the man who had painted James
Deans Little Bastard Porsche 550 - suddenly found
himself creating cars for use on the other side of the
camera. One project involved mega ad-man and father
of the GTO Jim Wangers, Pontiacs John DeLorean,
Model Products Corp (MPC) president George Toteff,
and Universal Studios. The studio had an upcoming
production about a pseudo-rock group called The
Monkees, and needed a hero car. Toteff, who had
Jeffries under contract with MPC, recommended Dean
for the job. Wangers got Pontiac involved, and soon
Jeffries was busy sawing the front and rear off of two
brand new 1966 GTO convertibles, topping them with
T-bucket style rag tops, adding a third row of seats,
and then fairing in outrageously exaggerated rebuilds
of the cars forward and aft sections. Though the first
car built proved too hairy to drive (its blown Pontiac V8,
weighted tail, and solidly mounted rear axle caused it

to wheelstand on demand), a quickly detuned engine

kept the original Monkeemobile on all four feet when
production started. The second car toured the country,
and was a huge hit; that, and a breakfast cereal tie-in
and national contest offering real GTOs as prizes helped
spread the word about the GTO, The Monkees, and Dean
Jeffries. Toteff did well on the deal, too: MPC sold over
seven million Monkeemobile kits.
Another TV project came about when Chrysler Corp
handed Dean the keys to a brand new 1966 Chrysler
Imperial. This time, the show would be ABCs attempt
to build on Batmans success with another show about
a masked millionaire crime fighter with a sidekick and
a tricked-out car. The Green Hornet featured actor Van
Williams as Brit Reid, and his sidekick literally was
actor/martial arts master Bruce Lee, as Kato. The
big Imperial went through major customization; in
addition to rockets, flamethrowers, machine guns,
grease slingers and smokescreens, the Black Beauty
had massively extended front and rear sections, a
lengthened and vinyl padded roof, and row after row of
working knobs and switches in its plush interior. With
much of its trim blacked out, the Black Beauty was
always filmed at night - and that, says Jeffries, is why
the car, and the series, never caught on the way that
Batman did.
That didnt slow Dean down. Soon, Hollywood films
employed his designs, if not Dean, himself. He designed
and built the wildy-wheeled Landmaster featured in
Damnation Alley, and the Moon Buggy for the James
Bond epic Moonraker. As Jeffries reputation with the
studios grew, he was hired to perform and coordinate
stunts for movies like Death Race 2000, Romancing the
Stone, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Resident Master
Walking into Jeffries' shop, shaking his hand, then
being escorted through the rooms with all that history
in mind felt like stepping into a time capsule one
with a car show built in and a legend as a guide. In one
corner of his showroom sat a 33 Ford Tudor sedan.
White, with red and yellow flames, the car had been
heavily tweaked, with a chopped top, and a channeled
and sectioned body. The whole thing was done in
steel Jeffries seldom uses Fiberglas and Deans had
this beauty since his early years. Youd never know
it, because it looks brand new. Sitting quietly next
to it was the car A.J. Foyt raced at Ontario, Phoenix,
and Michigan in 1979. A turbo-Cosworth powers the
racer, which wears the "Gilmore and Vels-Parnelli"

32 DCXmag.com

hes still doing public appearances where rookies and

the cognoscenti alike can shake his hand, and pay homage
to this living, breathing national treasure

livery it did when it last raced. And then, in another

corner, looking fresh as the day it won Oakland, sat the
Mantaray.
Then, a surprise - and a moment of complete
disbelief. Poking through scads of racing engines,
blowers and more parts than could be cataloged in a
year, we got close to what looked to be a Ford GT40 kit
car - and a roadster, at that. Whats this ? I asked.
Dean smiled a little and said, Tub number 109. It took
a second to let that number settle in; walking around
to the back, I didnt find the expected Ford small block
the engine that was fitted to this very car on the
day it raced at Le Mans in 1965. In its place was a Ford
Indy DOHC race car engine, one of the rarest engines
FoMoCo ever made, with every piece polished to a high
luster. Dean told me that Ford gave him the car one
of the first dozen GT40s made, and one of only four
roadsters built when hed offered to buy it. The Indy
engines were a bonus. Quite a bonus, as it happens:
after the visit to Deans shop, I read that an interested
party from the UK had offered to buy the GT, as it sits,
for five million dollars.
Priceless
Dean Jeffries told that fellow no, simply because
hes having too much fun wrenching the car. The old
master of metal was doing amazingly well considering
what hes been through over the years. He broke his
back filming Honky Tonk Freeway, and later fell off a
ladder in his shop, injuring himself almost to the point
of immobility. In 2008, perhaps the most grievous
injury occurred when he lost his beloved wife Rosalie, a
retired vice-president at Warner Brothers and the love
of his life.
During our visit, which extended into a pleasant
evening at dinner, then a cup of coffee at his house,
Jeffries wore a khaki vest containing a battery pack to
power the heart-aiding pump implanted in his chest.
And though it was obvious his hip was paining him,

he gave this writer one of the most enjoyable days

that I can remember. The conversation was lively,
occasionally salty, frequently comical but always
sincere, and unfailingly passionate. Right now, Dean
is getting his GT40 back together, and hes still doing
public appearances where rookies and the cognoscenti
alike can shake his hand, and pay homage to this
living, breathing national treasure. And sometimes, he
opens his doors to very lucky writers, and gives them
something theyll never forget - a look into a life welllived, and a chance to gaze into the eyes and mind of a
quiet, humble giant.
A couple of days after our visit, I called him up to
see how he was doing. Without missing a beat, he said,
Lifes bitchin, man! It surely is, Dean, it most surely is.

Grizzled, determined, and as

salty as ever, an 80-year-old
Dean Jeffries wraps his legendary hands around the latest
model made from one of his designs - Structo's 1:8 Mantaray.

Ed. note: Bill Bennett visited Dean on April 19, 2013.

Dean Jeffries passed away on May 5, at the age of 80.
fall 2013 33

out of the box

by joe kelly, jr.

Catchi ng

Rays

Structo Dean Jeffries Mantaray

1:8 | $2,000

ts not every day that a $2,000 diecast comes along, but we figured out pretty
quickly that Structos mega-buck, mega-rare 1:8 replica of Dean Jeffries Mantaray
isnt just any diecast. At least one famous California customizer agrees: from what
we gathered during an enthusiastic conversation just a couple of weeks before his
passing, Dean Jeffries the man himself felt that way, too.

34 DCXmag.com

Enthusiasm was a feeling easily

attributed to the late legend.
Optimistic, brilliant, and capable
of just about anything he set
his mind to, Jeffries had worked
with Structo as the resurgent
company readied a scale
model of his signature design,
supplying photos, sketches, and
anything needed to get the job
done right. And to Dean Jeffries,
getting things done right was
always the only way to roll.
Sea Story
Its late 1963, and after making
his mark as a striper and
painter, Edward Dean Deano
Jeffries wants to be known for
something more. He knows he
has talent, and no shortage of
ambition. He also knows that
it will take an extraordinary
effort to get noticed among
heavyweights like Barris,
Starbird, Cushenberry, and Roth.
So, Jeffries decides to aim high
the 1964 Grand National Roadster
Show at Oakland, and its
ultimate reward, the Tournament
of Fame. The takeaway could
be rich: $10,000 cash, a trip to
Europe, a new car, and
all the new work that
the recognition might
bring.

 Dean also knows hell have to

build one hell of a car and he
has one, on paper. Hed penned
the outrageous, asymmetrical
design for a show rod after
seeing a passing manta ray in the
Seattle surf. Like the giant sea
creature it would take its name
from, Jeffries Mantaray sketch
shows a flowing shape from its
twin-pointed leading edges,
over flared wheel wells, past an
exposed upper engine and on
toward a bubble top that nestles
closer to the right side of the
car than the left. The off-center
nature of the Mantarays design
has Dean Jeffries truly excited
and he knows just where to get
started.
Deans father-in-law has a
pair of old Maserati Grand Prix
monoposto chassis in his back
lot; if Dean can haul them
out, theyll be his to
use as he sees

fit. Thats exactly what Jeffries

does, sawing off sections the old
racers frames that he doesnt
need, and fitting the beautifully
crafted suspension and brakes
back into place. One critical
element that doesnt make the
journey is the four-cylinder
Maserati racing engine; Dean
thinks its too small and cranky
to be useful, and besides, hes
tapped his old friend Carroll
Shelby to supply a Cobra engine
and trans. With the hi-po 289
bolted in and the driveline
and controls figured out, Dean
begins the arduous process
of bringing the Mantarays
outline to life by hand-shaping

quarter-inch steel rods and

welding them to the frame. Then
Jeffries begins hand-forming
aluminum panels for the skin,
laying each piece 86 of them
onto the form, and welding
and smoothing the seams front
and back. Jeffries uses not a
spoonful of filler anywhere on
the car; every bit is artfully filed,
sanded, and massaged until the
Mantarays body seems to be
one glimmering piece of alloy
which, in fact, it is.
He then paints the car in a
pearl white, topping the sparkle
with a NASA-sourced clearcoat.
All told, Dean takes just under
three months to complete
the Mantaray a remarkable
timeframe, since hes still
working as a striper and painter
during the day in his
Hollywood shop, and
cobbling

up the show car at night. By the

time it comes together, Dean has
scratch-fabricated or modified
virtually every piece of the
machine, from its side pipes to its
electrically activated bubble top.
Upholstered in black leather, and
rolling on polished and detailed
Halibrand wheels, Dean Jeffries
Mantaray is ready for its debut.
First, a stop for a television
appearance on The Steve Allen
Show, then the trip north to
Oakland. When Dean arrives he
sets up a humble, homespun
display of painted boards and
thousands of Styrofoam pellets
that surround the car, along
with a sign that says, simply,
Dean Jeffries Mantaray. The
car is a runaway hit that not
only draws crowds, but takes
the Tournament of Fame handily
- the first of many accolades,
magazine covers, and awards
the Mantaray would see over

At 21 inches long and weighing a tick over 10

pounds, the car is an immediate showstopper.
fall 2013 35

out of the box

The big model has a lot of little details, and the plus-size scale
allows a good, long look at every one, from the scaled rubber balls
chained together atop the Shelby 289 and the beautifully cast
Maserati suspension and brakes, to the tilt-up canopy and tiny
scripts on the cars pearl paint. What a beauty.

36 DCXmag.com

the next several years. Dean

returns from his European trip
to a mailbox full of movie offers
and model company pitches.
Suddenly, doors are open
throughout the automotive
world - and for the better part of
the next five decades, hell walk,
humbly, through many.
2013
The man on the phone from
California is beaming. I took a
look at the car when (the model)
got here, because I thought
maybe the wheels were wrong,
Dean chuckled, but theyre
right. Im looking at the two cars
right now, and the whole thing
is exactly right. What a great job
these fellows did.
Wed have to agree. At 21
inches long and weighing a
tick over 10 pounds, the car is
an immediate showstopper.
The giant diecast body sweeps
under a seemingly scale-correct,
clear-coated pearl flake that
emits micro rainbows of color
under the lights. Though its big,
theres a delicacy to the details,
like the cross-drilled metal ribs
bracketing the engine opening,

and the beautifully replicated

Mantaray script and Styled
by Jeffries badge below it. Break
out a magnifier, and those words
are there, in a kerf as thin as a
babys hair.
We didnt think wed need any
such assistance to appreciate
the topside detail on the Cobra
289, and we were right, at first.
The four Webers are piped with
stainless fuel lines and angled
fittings, and the eight chrome
throats have chained-together
tennis balls stuck in them, as
they did at Oakland in 64. The
Cobra valve covers look great,
and so does the throttle linkage.
Then we spied what appeared to
be a label on the distributor, and
out came the magnifier again
this time with a flashlight
to discover a Mallory brand
magneto, wearing part number
MAG449 - SP016. Seriously.
Farther back, the cockpit is
accessible once the bubble top
is lifted, and the soft-touch vinyl
sling seat and side-mounted
dash match every photo weve
seen. So does the wild steering
wheel if you can call the
Mantarays hand-formed, two-

by the book
Dean Jeffries: 50 Fabulous Years
in Hot Rods, Racing, & Film
Motorbooks | $40

Its out of print for now but Tom

Cotters book Dean Jeffries: 50 Fabulous
Years in Hot Rods, Racing, & Film is a rare
and timely look into Jeffries life. From
his early years and his frequently unknown accomplishments in
television and film, to his rivalry with that other famous Hollywood
car designer, Cotters narrative is cohesive, immersive, and spiked
with frequently salty quotes from Jeffries that do much to frame
Deans humble, heartfelt approach to all that he did. An accomplished
and respected author, Tom Cotter makes every effort to stay neutral,
but theres an obvious and understandable affection for the
then-75-year-old Jeffries. The photos in the pages are incredible, the
paper and binding top shelf, and the overall read is one of the better
auto biographies weve had the pleasure to browse then read
seriously time and again.

fisted grip a wheel. Though it isnt

connected to the steering, the
front wheels are poseable, and
like the rears, theyll come off the
car after loosening the knockoffs to reveal beautiful cast metal
Maserati drums, photo-etched
vents, and braided stainless
brake hoses. Go beneath the
car, and removable metal belly
panels allow for a good look
at the Maserati frame, and an
even better view of the deeply
detailed V8, the transmission
linkages, and the serialized
metal plate that will be affixed
to each of the only 174 models
made.
Adult Swim
The details and features are
cool, but the limited production
run is what will truly appeal
to high-end collectors who
seek the rare and unusual for

their displays. We hope so,

anyway. If this were a truly
mass-produced piece designed
for the everyday collector, the
locked-down suspension and
static brake drums (they dont
spin with the wheels) would be a
disappointment. But this model
isnt any such thing. As the first
in what were told will be a line of
large-scale, high-ticket replicas
of historically important show
cars, Structos Mantaray breathes
rare air. From the impeccable
engraving on its huge Goodyear
tires, to its glimmering paint, to
the lenses in the single head- and
taillight at either end, it rings true
to the shape, feel, and the soul of
the real car. Dont just take our
word for it. We heard it from the
man himself.

SOURCES

Model Power modelpower.com

Above: The real car sits in Dean Jeffries

showroom, looking much the same as it
did at Oakland in 1964. Look closely, and
you can see Dean in his office. (Photo by
Bill Bennett)
Below: The model comes with a suction
cup that allows the removal of the lower
panels, revealing the Mantarays chassis.

fall 2013 37

out of the box

by joe kelly, jr.

Just in Time
Danbury Mint 1948 Chevrolet
Fleetline Aerosedan

1:24 | $149

orld War II was a turning point for the auto industry. On one hand, car production
had stopped almost completely for the duration, and that void would stall the
emergence of new car designs for a while. But on the other hand, Detroits
production techniques, the way it trained its workers, and the just-in-time method of
parts delivery all got honed to a razors edge during the war effort.
By the time the clouds over Europe had lifted, the Motor
City had learned a few new tricks about putting
large, complex things together in great
numbers and Detroit was ready
to get back on track as the
automotive capital of the
world.

38 DCXmag.com

Its not too hard to see

similarities with the recent state
of some areas of the diecast
collecting hobby, particularly
the precision 1:24 segment long
dominated by Danbury Mint.
Its been a hard couple of years,
and little white boxes from
Connecticut have been a scarce
sight these past few months. So
it was with a lot of expectation
that we opened the latest parcel
from the folks at DM to find a
model car so good it almost got
us all choked up. Yep, its true:
a really great model can move
some of us to tears. When
said model is a brand-new
tool from a company long
thought to be considering
a move out of the diecast
business, well we kept the
tissues close by.
A FINE LINE
Like the real car was for the
post-conflict American public,

Danburys 1948 Chevrolet

Fleetline Aerosedan proved to
be an eye grabber even before
wed wiped it down and installed
the rear fender
skirts; the two-tone
green paint, deadon fastback sedan
casting, and Danburys
usual spotless polish

and assembly had us intrigued

immediately. Thin section
chrome trim is everywhere,
from the window frames to the
delicate strakes that run on the
fenders; heavier-gauge flash
is worn on the cars massive
front end and the bumpers at
both ends. In between, smaller
details, like the door handles,

Above: Promising Big-Car Economy

and touting the 48 Chevys huge cabin,
cushy seats, and market-leading sales
figures, Chevrolet sales brochures took
an artful approach to pushing the tin.
Below: Its been worth the wait: Danbury
Mints 48 Aerosedan has it all the
looks, the stance, and above all else, Danburys top-tier polish and assembly.

summer 2013 39

out of the box

Fleetline badge, and the hood
ornament accented with a clear
element, just like the original
are precision scaled notes that
pulled us in and
kept us looking
for more.
We didnt
have to look far.
Beneath that
ornament, DMs
take on the
classic 90-horse
Stovebolt
six is utterly
complete,
and the 216cube engine
is painted,
plumbed, wired,
and labeled
our favorite
combination of ornamentation,
in any scale. DMs done the
deed with steel wire, plastic and
vinyl castings, and tamped-on
detailing that includes labels on
the oil bath air cleaner, battery,
and the overflow tank on the
firewall. Look closer, and theres
faux fuel in the wee glass bowl
beneath the single-throat Carter
carb. The hood rises on real spring
and scissor hinges, and closes just
like the real thing you push it
down, and back. Sweet.
In the cabin, DMs laid on the
charm not to mention serious
levels of texturing and paint
detailing, and a high parts count.
The top-shelf cabin is fronted by
a wood-grained dash hosting
a readable speedo and clock (it
says its 2:37), as well as a legible
radio face; along with these, the
dash is stubbled with knobs and
sliders for the choke, heater, and
vents, all arranged around the
central speaker grille, done in a
tidy finned and chromed casting.
That wood grain pattern is so
good that it looks real under all
but the strongest magnifications.
Ditto the seats, which wear the
Fleetlines optional two-toned
Bedford Cord cloth upholstery
replicated here with a sharp,
precisely laid-on paint strike that
follows the castings perfectly on
the tilt-back front seats and large,
comfy-looking rear bench. Above
it all, the headliner wears a dome
light, and even this is a multi-

piece sub-assembly thats been

affixed to a creased, believable
headliner with working visors.
These details - and the multiple

Far left: The Stovebolt six was a staple

of Chevys lineup, and its all here in scale,
down to the gas in the fuel bowl.
Above: The lux cabin is an all-out effort
from DM, and the decos are incredible,
including faux wood grain and Bedford
Cord fabric. Lots of pieces, too.
Left: True to the original, the fender skirts
are removable a nice touch on display.
Below: With a drop-down bumper guard
and a removable spare, even the trunk
has a few surprises.

handles on the two-toned,

chrome-striped door panels show a huge investment of sweat
equity on Danbury Mints part.
Boot Camp
The trunk on most models is a
fuzzy place (if youre lucky) thats
almost an afterthought. Thats
not the case here. Even getting
into the old Chevs storeroom is
cause for a giggle or two; to get
to the deck handle, you have to
pull back on the optional center
bumper overrider, which pivots
out of the way on a lovely hinge
riveted to the chassis. Only then
can the lid be lifted on a steel
glide strut to reveal a matted floor
and removable, full spare.
Underneath, the
Fleetlines skinny
whitewalls are holding
up the corners of a decently
detailed chassis, and the plastic
frame attached to the diecast
belly of the car contains well
done (but static) suspension
assemblies front and rear;
the steerable front wheels,
separately cast muff and
tailpipe, and neat view of
the Stovebolts nethers
make this a trip worth
taking.
Is Danbury Mint
back? Were they ever
really thinking of
leaving? And what can we
expect next? Those are all hard
questions to answer, and we

wont speculate, or even hint that

we know what their next move
might be. But we will tell you this:
even after several hours spent
with this beautiful new tool, we
were still finding things to enjoy,
like the weather seal detailing in
the doors, and the exquisite little

wagon in the Body by Fisher

oval on the side of the front seat.
Details like those, and models
like this, dont happen every day.
Well take those days, whenever
they may occur. This one gets our
very highest recommendation.

Sources

Danbury Mint danburymint.com

WATCH THE VIDEO AT DCXmag.com!

In the cabin, DMs laid on the charm not to mention serious levels of
texturing and paint detailing, and a high parts count.
40 DCXmag.com

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6/3/13 11:15 AM

out of the box

by joe kelly, jr.

Hot Rod
Heaven
ACME 1932 Ford
Five-Window Coupe

1:18 | $129.95

42 DCXmag.com

ts likely that when future generations look back on the greasy old days of the automobile, the Hot Rod will have a place
in American folklore right alongside six guns, lariats, and cockled belts. The home-grown mechanics who built the
machines will be remembered as piston-wrangling pioneers whose horses drank gasoline, shot fire, and set the stage
for decades of legends to come. Cowboys spat chaw; hot rodders smoked Luckys. Cowboy style was chaps and a widebrimmed hat; hot rodders slicked their hair back and pulled on a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. Cowboys rode atop Appaloosas,
quarter horses, or sturdy old Paints. Hot rodders sat inside their steeds and when they ventured onto the asphalt plains,
their ponies usually came from beneath the hood of an old Ford.

One Ford in particular got rodded

more than most, and it was
arguably the first muscle car for
the masses. When it rolled out in
April of that year, the 1932 Model
B was an evolution of the Model A
that the company had reluctantly
introduced to replace the aged
Model T. Like the Model A, Fords
B had a tidy, torquey 4-cylinder

that could run all day and night

on seemingly anything poured
down its throat, and its body and
frame were sturdy enough to
survive the rutted chuckholes of
farmland roads or the shoulderto-shoulder thrum of the big city.
But the 32 Ford also offered
buyers something that changed
the course of automotive

history: an affordable V8. With

65 horsepower, the 221-inch
flathead engine made 130 lb./ft. of
torque at a low rpm, and breathed
down a single Detroit Lubricator
carburetor. At an even $50
premium over the four cylinder,
it also breathed new life into Ford
sales. Called, simply, The Ford
V8, the car (formally known
within Ford as the Model 18)
outsold the thriftier B by a wide
margin, and gave its
everyman owners
a taste of real V8
performance even if those
first few
engines built
proved less
than reliable.

If It Aint Broke
Once past those troubles, the
V8 proved all but bulletproof
- and easy to hop up. Soon,
Fords motor was the basis for
an entire aftermarket industry:
the speed merchants, who sold
flathead-specific cams, heads,
carburetors, headers and hotter
ignition systems to the young
folks who were picking up the
by-now well-used cars by the
thousands. After theyd done
their duty as honest family
transportation, fenders were
cut; roofs were chopped, chassis
lowered, and axles torched. North
of the firewall, multi-carb setups
and shaved heads were turning
the old flattie into a baddie, and
just about anyone with a day
job and a good set of tools could
transform the 32 into their very
own Deuce. By the fifties, the
image of a 32 Ford with
its nose in the weeds
and its tail in the
air had become
an indelible
symbol
of youth,

summer 2013 43

out of the box

Left: The classic Ford
flathead gets pumped
with shaved Edelbrock heads and twin
Strombergs; Center: The
classic banjo spoked
wheel sets the tone in the
old Deuces cabin - and
check out that shifter;
Right: Halibrand mags and
pie crust bias-ply tires
scream old school, even
standing still.

Pull the hood open, and theres a righteous early flathead thats
been wired, piped, and topped with an Edelbrock intake and a pair of
Stromberg 97s, bracketed on either side by Edelbrock heads
speed, and not just a little danger.
Magazines and catalogs sprouted
up seemingly overnight, and with
titles like Hot Rods to Hell, Hot
Rod Gang, Hot Rod Girl, and just
plain old Hot Rod, Hollywoods
B-movie machine wasnt far
behind. For a lucky few, those day
jobs that had supplied the ready
cash to build a rod were replaced
by careers building the machines
for others - a trend that continues
to this day in high-buck, hightech designs and reproductions.
... Fix It Anyway
Model maker GMP hit solid gold
when its first 32 Ford broke cover,
and that 1:18 mold set will be
regarded as a classic unto itself,
some day. There have been dozens
of different releases based on
that first tool, and each has been

Toms Bomb

ACME Toms Garage 32

Ford 1:18 | $129.95

snapped up almost on arrival.

Some of those early cars have
become worth multiples of their
original asking price, but alongside
GMPs equally well-done 34, all
have proven to be beautifully
done pieces with a strong, steady
audience among collectors.
As brought out by GMPs
spawn, ACME Diecast, this latest
swing on the Deuce is notable
because its the first new body
casting since the series started: a
five-window coupe with opening
doors and trunk, steerable
wheels, and a butterfly hood with
removable side panels. Like the
roadster body that this one will
surely complement on shelves
around the world, the car seen
here as a late-process preproduction sample wears a mild
chop, and features real hinges

on its suicide doors. Arriving in

badass black, the casting is dead
on, and the car rolls on satin black
big n little Halibrand wheels and
no-name bias ply rubber. The
holed and chromed front axle
puts the cars nose right where it
belongs, and the jacked rear ends
in button taillights and a pair of
pipes; this is classic stuff, done to
a high-end luster.
Pull the hood open, and theres
a righteous early flathead thats
been wired, piped, and topped
with an Edelbrock intake and a
pair of Stromberg 97s, bracketed
on either side by Edelbrock heads.
Theres a lot going on under here,
and ACME does it with crunchy
castings and a great palette of
red, black, and metallized grey
and aluminum paints. The hoods
side panels snick off for a classic

One of the cooler ties that ACME has retained to its GMP roots is
the Toms Garage club, named after GMPs founding father, Tom
Long. Membership, as they say, has its rewards; in this case, its the
chance to pony up the same price as a regular release to get this more
exclusive - and wed say, far more dashing - take on the 5-window.
Mechanically identical to the standard model, the TG cars big
differences are all on the outside, with trick red scallops
wrapped in pinstriped white, and classic wide
whitewalls. Theres more pinstriping front
and rear, and atop the headlight pods,
too. All thats missing is the smell of
Brylcreem. Tom rocks on. - DCX staff

look; peel the lid off completely by

gently releasing the central hinge
pin at the radiator and cowl, and
theres a brace of metal rods and a
pair of flexible cooling hoses. The
look is vintage, but the electric
fan on the radiator speaks to a
more modern approach - and it
looks great.
So does the cabin, done in a
lush red with a carpeted floor,
overstuffed bench seat, and a
proper banjo-spoke wheel set
before a re-gauged dash. Theres
a whip-thin shifter and a trio of
pedals mounted to the floor, and
though its tough to get a pair of
fingers in there, tweaking the
tiller moves the front wheels from
side to side. More carpet resides
in the boot, accessed by lifting the
diecast trunk lid; flip the car over,
and theres a full ladder frame,
chromed mufflers and pipes, and a
sweetly finned quick-change rear.
Saddle up
Why do we love the 32 Ford
so much? Maybe its the way
these cars represent the first
true youth movement - one
thats fading into history amid
the noise of modern life. Maybe
its the shape of its body - so
perfectly proportioned, yet so
easily massaged into something
unique. If youre a collector of
cars, or models of cars, its the
simple feeling of nostalgia that
this ultimate old hot rod evokes,
whether rumbling by on a hot
summer night, or parked quietly
on a shelf, whispering to the
cowboy in all of us. Very highly
recommended.

Sources

Acme Diecast acmediecast.com

44 DCXmag.com

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6/7/13 12:38 PM

Nuts

Motor City Classics Coca-Cola lineup adds life

Since the very first Coca-Cola was served at an Atlanta drugstore in 1886,
the companys logo has appeared on thousands and thousands of vehicles. In
the beginning, it was horse-drawn wagons. But as automobiles, which were
also invented that year, became more a part of how America did business, the
distinctive, sweeping art was emblazoned on cars, vans, and trucks. These days,
over one billion servings of Coca-Cola get served every 24 hours, and the fleet of
service and delivery trucks is everywhere.
For the people who collect anything related to the
worlds most recognized brand, miniatures of those
vehicles are always welcomed. Coca-Cola recently
partnered with Motor City Classics on a cross-scale,
multi-generational license to produce Coke collectibles

46 DXCMag.com

in diecast, and these small (and not so small) tokens

of their favorite drink will take collectors through the
years, from some of the earliest trucks to the giant
rolling billboards we see each and every day. Pop that
can. Lets roll.

Ford Model T Delivery

1917

1:24 | $24.99
Coca-Cola was just over 30 years old, and had just
developed the patented contour bottle when this
canopy delivery was making runs to local businesses.
This pre-production sample of one of Henrys haulers
is the oldest in the MCC fleet. Its the simplest, too;
nothing opens, and the all-diecast body rides on a
plastic baseplate with simple steel axles, painted
plastic wheels, and rubber tires. The shape is accurate,
and the scaling looks pretty close, too; while its not
a model for detail seekers, for Coke fans, this is a
reminder of the early, post-Gibson Girl years. Look
for painted headlights in production.

1931

Ford Sedan Delivery

1:18 | $69.99
Three years before this 31 Ford would have been making its rounds, company president
Robert Woodruff introduced the drink to the world at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam,
while sponsoring the games a tradition that carries on to this day. Soon, Coke would be
enjoyed in 53 countries. This model is based on a Signature mold set, with three opening
doors and a butterfly hinged hood. The interior is reasonably detailed, as are the engine
and chassis, right to the very nice spoked wheels and skinny tires. But its the authentic
advertising on the rear section and doors that will grab Coke collectors. Take note: some
photos weve seen of the model show miniature bottles which are not included in this
release.

Ford Pickup Truck

1:24 | $30
1937 was a good year for Coke; in 51 years, it had become a huge success, and that
meant more service needed to be done in the field, hauling vending machines, soda
taps, and crates of empties a necessary thing, as the six-pack had been
invented by the company the year before. This Ford would have been well-suited to the
job in warmer climes; with a flathead V8 and aerodynamic styling, it also looked good
doing its rounds. This one has a bit more detail than the old T; a pull-off hood reveals a
decently done engine, and the opening doors swing out on a moderately well detailed
interior. The chassis features wide whites, good engraving, and steerable wheels.

1937

1938

Bottle Truck

1937

1:87 | $10
We cant tell you much about this truck its a generic
(but very cool) old-school aerodynamic rig with a funky
mid-mounted axle and bolted on spats. But we can say
that the tiny casting has some great detail, replicating
stack after stack of Coke in cases. Is it a tractor-trailer?
A big, one-off truck with two steerable axles? We dont
know. But that side casting is so well done, we had to look
twice to see if the bottles were individual pieces. This is
a neat collectible for small-scale fans, and it might look
great on a train layout. Just sayin.

Bottle Truck

1:87 | $10
The second bottle truck from the series is generic, too
but on this rig, the rows and rows of cases are stacked in
the open air and sun below a sign that says, ironically,
Drink Coca-Cola Ice Cold. Like the 37, this ones got a
chromed grille of no particular make and a nicely cast and
painted body. By the way, both of these 1:87 offerings roll
like crazy thanks to thin axles and low-resistance wheels.

FALL 2013 47

Ford Sedan Delivery

1940

1:24 | $30
Fifty-four years into the soda business, and CocaCola was now the dominant soft drink around the
world, thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign.
Two developments were brewing as this Ford sedan
delivery was making its rounds; one was the companys
readiness to start using the name Coke in its
advertising; the other was a growing world war that
would soon involve the United States. Both things
occurred in 1941, and during the war 1943, to be
exact Coke opened 10 bottling plants in Europe at
the behest of General Eisenhower. After the war, these
were a base for future European business. The model is
decently detailed, with an opening hood and rear door;
the former shows off a chromed flathead; the latter a
giant rear section with a ribbed rear floor, all above a
moderately detailed chassis with a steerable front end
and steelie wheels.

2012
Holiday Caravan Tractor Trailer

1:43 | $34.95
Cokes holiday advertising has featured the Coke
Santa since 1931. Haddon Sundblom painted the jovial
spokesman that year, and he never could have imagined
that it or the brand it represented would become as
iconic as they have. Since then, Coke has fielded specially
decorated trailers to mark the season, and this one, loosely
based on a Freightliner day cab, pulling a 40 trailer, carries
the tradition over in scale. Released in 2012, a year after
Coke celebrated 125 years in business, the tractor is done in diecast, with bright chrome steps and
exhaust, twin driver mirrors, and a radio antenna. Its the trailer that makes this release special,
though; ringed with tiny plastic dots, the hauler lights up when its switched on. Ho, ho, ho.

Coke and Coke Zero Tractor Trailers

2013
Sources

Motor City Classics

motorcityclassics.com

48 DXCMag.com

1:64 | $34.99
Sometimes, getting the raw materials to a Coca-Cola
plant takes longer than a single day trip; on those
occasions, the fleet breaks out trucks like this pair of
sleeper-equipped Kenworths (well, we think theyre
Kenworths), towing trailers. These pre-production
samples are decently detailed actually better than
some of the other, larger scale releases in this lineup, and
the full-diecast tractor and diecast-framed trailers will
feature full interiors and opening rear doors when they
go into production for release. More decos will join the
lineup in coming months, including an Its the Real Thing
set; since changes can be
done with relative ease,
its a good bet that Coke
collectors will get much
more to choose from, and
soon, on each and every
one of these models, in
virtually every scale. Drink
it in.

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6/6/13 9:34 AM

hot wheels highway

by mike zarnock

Spot the Difference

International cards vs. U.S release cards

From time to time I get questions about Variations that
collectors have found but cannot locate in my books. Im
always interested in discovering and listing things that I may
have missed, so I tell them to send me a photo. Usually, I
find that the car they have is either a custom that has been
re-packaged, or a car thats on an International card - and
thats why its not listed in my books.

50 DCXmag.com

Though I would like to include international cars

in my publications, I live in the U.S. and dont have
access to all of the world-wide releases. Most collectors wonder about the difference, because they
dont know that there are varying details between
the U.S. and international models, and dont know
how to tell them apart.
In the past it was quite easy to pick these out they would have a different language written on
the front and/or back of their cards, and they didnt
have Collector Numbers. But, with the start of the
new millennium, the cards have gotten closer in
decoration, and more confusing to the untrained
eye.
2007 was the year that the U.S. Hot Wheels First
Editions Series changed its name to New Models Series. Back in 1995, Mattel had used the name
1995 Model Series for their New models, but it
wasnt the same. Dont forget the one and only car
in the 1996 Model Series, the Monte Carlo Stocker,
Collector Number 440 (which, by the way, has two
Variations). Either way, I have no idea why it was the
only one in the series or why they even kept it that
way.
The International Line had also used the First
Editions label since 2003 and continued to use it
until it was changed to HW Premiere in 2009. The
international short cards and long cards were numbered 1 to 156, unlike the U.S. Collector Numbers
cards that were numbered up to 180. The reason
that the numbers are different is that the International series didnt include the Mystery Cars. These
were a U.S. release only, and were numbered 157 to
180.
Im sure by now youre wondering what Im getting at, by explaining all of the different changes
here. Well, its because of all of those changes that
collectors get confused with what theyd collected
and thought were U.S. Collector Number Variations
for 2007.

Some of the other names that

differ on U.S. and international
release cards from 2007 are
easy to spot:
United States

International

New Models

First Editions

Treasure Hunt

T-Hunt

2007 All Stars

Hot Wheels Stars

Hot Wheels Design Hot Wheels Originals

More often than most, the international

releases will have different variations of
the same U.S. released car. These variations are readily available on the International cards, but very hard, if not impossible, to find on the U.S. card. All of the name
changes and confusion led to collectors
thinking that the international variations
were U.S. releases, and these were added
to their collections in the belief that they
were all the same. Unfortunately, theyre
not. As stated earlier, the differences are
in the cards. The short cards (no matter
what theyre labeled) are international
cards; long cards, with the old First Editions name no longer used for the U.S.
line, are international cards. Even if you
cant remember all of these differences,
here is the easiest way to tell the difference between U.S. and International cards:
on the back of the long International card,
the numbers underneath the bar code in
the lower right hand corner always end in
13.
Grocery stores and some chain stores in
the United States seem to get only international release cards and this is where a lot
of the international variations are found.
Even Walmart and Toys R Us have gotten
them in the past. Since these stores are in
the United States, collectors dont think
twice about the possibility that theyre
buying an international package - they just
see a car that they already have, but with
a variation so they buy it to add to their
collection, thinking its a U.S. Collector
Number variation.
I also wanted to straighten this out
because the Flashback for this issue is the
year 2007, and I know that people were
going to ask me about some cars that I
left out, like the #10 black Buick Grand
National with 5 spoke wheels, #22 silver
Lincoln Continental with white 5-spoke
wheels and the #143 yellow Ford Thunderbolt with black base and red chrome
5-spoke wheels. These are all international carded cars, and are not part of the U.S.
variations.
Hope you enjoyed the toy-torial
see you next time!

Flashback 2007

he 2007 Main-Line Hot Wheels releases had so many variations and name changes that it
made most every collector confused. There were color changes, base changes that went
from chrome to black to silver, wheel colors and style differences, interior color changes, and
changing paint types in the tampos, which went from enamel to metallic. There were card and base
name changes, too, as we just outlined in Spot the Difference.
The first car on the list is the Dodge Challenger Concept 2007 New Models 1/36.
This car had eight variations that included
four color changes, along with shade
swings and wheel changes. Right after that
is the Chevy Camaro Concept 2007 New
Models 2/36, with nine different variations
including an international carded variation,
making for a total of 10. There were four
color changes, three base color changes, a
front grille which kept changing from flat to
semi-gloss, and one interior change that
happened with the pearl orange metallic
Kmart Event car. The international variation
is the red enamel car with black plastic
Malaysia base and 5-spoke wheels.
The first release of the New Models 9/36
was candy blue metallic and labeled 67
Chevy Nova. That was quickly changed to
66 Chevy Nova, along with a color switch,
to Champagne Metallic. The only color that
was labeled 67 Chevy Nova was the blue
one. All the others were labeled 66 Chevy
Nova and there were four variations of
those. All told, there were only five variations of this car.
One of the oddest things that happened
in 2007 was with the 1966 Batmobile New
Models 15/36. The first release came with
smooth front and rear lights, smooth grilles,
and all small 5-spoke wheels. Very shortly
after, the lights and grilles became textured.
If that wasnt enough to strain the eyes (and
minds) of every collector, there happened
to be a major wheel mess-up at the factory.
Maybe the wheel guy lost his glasses, or
it was a bleary-eyed Monday; Batmobiles
emerged with 5-spoke rear wheels and
5-dot front wheels, or vice versa, with the
rarest being a model equipped with 5-dot
wheels all around. Those are very hard to
find and have sold for as high as $140. After
all of the wheel commotion died down, the
Batmobile started being found with smooth
grilles again, but only in front. All the others
were textured. This car had a lot of collectors running crazy for a couple years, looking for all of the variations.
As I said, name changes were a big part
of 2007, too and not all were as easy to
figure as the Chevy Nova with its simple
card change. New Models 21/36 started
out with the name Ferracin; the card was
labeled as such, and the metal Malaysia
base was also imprinted with that name,
below a car painted in red enamel. The next
release was still red enamel, and was found
continued on page 53

FALL 2013 51

2007 Hot Wheels Mainline

001 2007 Dodge Challenge

Concept New Models

065 Preying Menace

Street Beasts II

129 Enzo Ferrari

Treasure Hunts

002 2009 Chevrolet Camaro

Concept New Models

066 Sharkruiser

Street Beasts II

130 Custom 69 Chevy

Treasure Hunts

003 Nitro Doorslamme

New Models

067 Arachnorod

Street Beasts II

131 Cadillac V-16 Concept

Treasure Hunts

004 69 Ford Mustang

New Models

068Rodzilla

Street Beasts II

132 Evil Twin

Treasure Hunts

005 Dodge Ram 1500

New Models

069 Nerve Hammer

X-Raycers

133 Slideout

All Star

006 .Shelby Cobra

Daytona Coupe New Models

070 Stockar

X-Raycers

134 Ford GT-40

All Star

007 Dodge Charger

SRT-8 New Models

071 Phastasm

X-Raycers

135 Go Kart

All Star

008 Rogue Hog

New Models

072 Vandetta

X-Raycers

136 Deuce Roadster

All Star

009 66 Chevy Nova

New Models

073 Mad Propz

Aerial Attack

137 1967 Pontiac GTO

All Star

010 Buick Grand National

New Models

074 Killer Copter

Aerial Attack

138 Blast Lane

All Star

011 Wastelander

New Models

075 Poison Arrow

Aerial Attack

139 Ferrari 333 SP

All Star

012 Straight Pipes

New Models

076 Blimp

Aerial Attack

140 1964 Buick Riviera

All Star

013 Sky Knife

New Models

077 41 Willys Coupe

Hot Wheel Racing

141 Shift Kicker

All Star

014 Ferrari 599 GTB

New Models

078 24/Seven

Hot Wheel Racing

142 Invader

All Star

015 1966 TV Series Batmobile New Models

079 Formul8r

Hot Wheel Racing

143 Ford Thunderbolt

All Star

016 70 Pontiac Firebird

New Models

080 Datsun 240z

Hot Wheel Racing

144 Pontiac Firebird

All Star

017 Ford GTX-1

All Star

New Models

081 Tantrum

Rag Tops and Roadsters

145 Mo Scoot

018 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL New Models

082 33 Ford

Rag Tops and Roadsters

146 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

All Star

019 CCM Country Club Muscle New Models

083 70 Chevelle SS

Rag Tops and Roadsters

147 Whatta Drag

All Star

Rag Tops and Roadsters

020 Chevy Silverado

New Models

084 Mitsubishi Eclipse

021 Ferracin

New Models

0851969DodgeChargerDaytona Code Cars

022 64 Lincoln Continental

New Models

086 Cadillac Cien

023 Ferrari 250 GT LM

New Models

087 Muscle Tone

024 Supdogg

New Models

088 Audacious

025 Solar Reflex

New Models

026 Buzz Bomb

New Models

148 Ferrari F50

All Star

149 Shredded

All Star

Code Cars

150 63 Corvette

All Star

Code Cars

151 59 Cadillac

All Star

Code Cars

152 Nissan Z

All Star

089 Overbored 454

Code Cars

153 Purple Passion

All Star

090 Rocket Box

Code Cars

154 Dodge Charger

All Star

027 Volkswagen Golf GTI

New Models

091 Monoposto

Code Cars

155 Dodge Tomahawk

All Star

028 Drift King

New Models

092 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Code Cars

156 Dodge Sidewinder

All Star
Mystery Cars

029 Jet Threat 4.0

New Models

093 I Candy

Code Cars

157 What 4-2

030 Cloak and Dagger

New Models

094 Lotus Esprit

Code Cars

158 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Mystery Cars

031 Ultra Rage

New Models

095 Toyota RSC

Code Cars

159 Corvette C6

Mystery Cars

032 Porsche Cayman S

New Models

096 Xtreemster

Code Cars

160 Symbolic

Mystery Cars
Mystery Cars

033 Fast Fortress

New Models

097 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C

Code Cars

161 Power Rage

034 Custom 53 Chevy

New Models

098 Dodge Power Wagon

Code Cars

162 DC Batmobile

Mystery Cars

035 Shell Shock

New Models

099 Whip Creamer II

Code Cars

163 Side Draft

Mystery Cars
Mystery Cars

036 Split Vision

New Models

100 Honda Civic Si

Code Cars

164 Sand Stinger

037 Mini Cooper

Pop Offs

101 AMG Mercedes CLK DTM

Code Cars

165 1965 Bonneville

Mystery Cars

038Hyperline

Pop Offs

102 Suzuki GSX-R/4

Code Cars

166 Maserati MC12

Mystery Cars

039 Volkswagen

New Beetle Cup Pop Offs

103 Dieselboy

Code Cars

167 VW Bug Convertible

Mystery Cars

040 Ground

FXPop Offs

104 68 Cougar

Code Cars

168 Dodge M80

Mystery Cars

041 69 Camaro

Team: Camaro

105 Motoblade

Code Cars

169 F-Racer

Mystery Cars

042 67 Camaro

Team: Camaro

106 Custom Cougar

Code Cars

170 Bugatti Veyon

Mystery Cars

043 Camaro Z28 (Blown Camaro) Team: Camaro

107 So Fine

Code Cars

044Camaro Z28

108 Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept Car Code Cars

Team: Camaro

171 Battle Spec

Mystery Cars

172 Corvette Stingray

Mystery Cars
Mystery Cars

045 Pony Up

Hot Wheel Design

109 Pharodox

Track Stars

173 Steel Flame

046Hyper Mite

Hot Wheel Design

110 Subaru Impreza

Track Stars

174 Riley and Scott MkIII

Mystery Cars

047 Asphalt Assault

Hot Wheel Design

111 Split Decision

Track Stars

175 Track T

Mystery Cars

048 CUL8R

Hot Wheel Design

112 Backdraft

Track Stars

176 Rapid Transit

Mystery Cars

049 Cockney Cab II

Taxi Rods

113 Flathead Fury

Track Stars

177 Road Rocket

Mystery Cars

050 55 Chevy

Taxi Rods

114 Rivited

Track Stars

178 Fishd and Chipd

Mystery Cars

051 70 Roadrunner

Taxi Rods

115 Iridium

Track Stars

179 Chaparral 2D

Mystery Cars

052 1964 Chevy Impala

Taxi Rods

116 Baseline

Track Stars

180 Super Comp Dragster

Mystery Cars

053 Chrysler 300c HEMI

Gold Rides

117 Anthracite

Track Stars

054 Cadillac Escalade

Gold Rides

118 Spectyte

Track Stars

055 HUMVEE

Gold Rides

119 Piledriver

Track Stars120

056 Unobtainium I

Gold Rides

Hollowback

Track Stars

057 Ferrari 512m

Engine Revealers

121 69 Pontiac

GTO Treasure Hunts

058 69 Dodge Charger

Engine Revealers

122 Nissan Skyline

Treasure Hunts

059 58 Corvette

Engine Revealers

123 69 Camaro Z28

Treasure Hunts

060 Tire Fryer

Engine Revealers

124 Corvette C6R

Treasure Hunts

061 Hummer H2

Team: HUMMER

125 Mega Thrust

Treasure Hunts

062 Hummer H3T

Team: HUMMER

126 Hammer Sled

Treasure Hunts

063 Hummer

Team: HUMMER

127 Brutalistic

Treasure Hunts

064 Hummer H2 (Bling)

Team: HUMMER

128 Jaded

Treasure Hunts

52 DCXmag.com

Michael Zarnock has been collecting Hot Wheels since 1968; he

is considered by many to be the
ultimate variation historian. If you
would like a complete checklist
of all 2005 mainline variations, be
sure to pick up a copy of Michaels
book Hot Wheels Variations the
Ultimate Guide, now in its fourth
edition. Copies are available from his website,
MikeZarnock.com.

continued from page 51

Zarnocks top 10 Variation picks of 2007

10

73 Mad Propz Aerial Attack 1/4

a. Candy tangerine metallic, semi-gloss black
Malaysia base, blue enamel stripe on top, blue enamel stripe
on wings
b. same as (a) metallic blue replaces blue in stripe and tampos

9a '67 Chevy Nova 2007 New Models 9/36

a. Candy blue metallic
9a `66 Chevy Nova 2007 New Models 9/36 (name change)
b. Champagne metallic

21a Ferracin 2007 New Models 21/36

a. Red enamel, metal Malaysia Ferracin base

21e Nitro Scorcher 2007 New Models 21/36
e. Red enamel, metal Malaysia Nitro Scorcher base

122a Nissan Skyline 2007 Treasure Hunts 2/12

a. Candy tangerine metallic, silver-blue metallic plastic
Malaysia base, black & white sponsor decals on side
b. Same as (a) orange now added to side tampos

on the Ferracin card, but had a metal Malaysia

Nitro Scorcher base. After that, the color
was changed to candy blue metallic, and also
had a metal Malaysia Nitro Scorcher base.
Well, you had to know it was coming - and it
did. The next release had a new card, with the
name changed to Nitro Scorcher New Models
21/36. This car was the same candy blue
metallic with metal Malaysia Nitro Scorcher
base that was on the Ferracin card. After that,
Hot Wheels went back to the red enamel color
car with the metal Malaysia Nitro Scorcher
base from before. Ive never seen a Variation go
backwards before. Maybe they had a bunch left

1/2H.indd 1

6
5

12e Straight Pipes 2007 New Models 12/36

e. Black enamel, black interior, 5sp

11a Wastelander 2007 New Models 11/36

a. Black enamel, blue tint metal frame & handlebars,
black spoke wheels, front wheel larger than rear wheel
11b Wastelander 2007 New Models 11/36
b. Same as (a) gold spoke wheels

4
3
2
1

15a 1966 Batmobile 2007 New Models 15/36

All smooth grilles and lights, 5sp

15c 1966 Batmobile

5sp rear/5dot front

2007 New Models 15/36

15d 1966 Batmobile

5dot rear/5sp front

2007 New Models 15/36

15e 1966 Batmobile

all small wheel 5dot

2007 New Models 15/36

over from the first release and wanted the Nitro

Scorcher base cars to have the correct card.
Who knows? After the red cars came and went,
the next release was a silver metallic car with
the metal Nitro Scorcher base.
2007 was a year of so many changes and
confusion that it took us all quite a while to
figure things out. There were many other
changes, too, but we dont have the space to
write about those here. Check out my Top 10
Variation Picks, and look for the rest in Hot
Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide, 4th
Edition.

6/6/13 9:33 AM

quick

LOOK

Paudi Nissan Teana/Altima

1:18 | $119.95 by Joe Kelly, Jr.

Above: The cabin is surprisingly

plush, with wood grain, a hefty
center stack, and a nice carpet
on the floor. Who says mid-size
economy has to be dclass?
Far Above: Paudi uses a plate
casting to replicate the tight
engine bay of the Teana.

54 DCXmag.com

lmost anyone can

make a buck tooling
up rare or exotic
machinery in scale, but if relative newcomer Paudi Models is proving one thing, its
that theres also room in the
barn for high-detail, highly
featured models of latemodel import street cars.
We liked their 1:18 Infiniti G37
Coupe (in Showroom of
the summer 2013 issue),
and their heavy-as-a-brick
FX50 crossover pushes
the gizmo-per-squareinch envelope almost to
the bursting point. So far,
each image this maker has
brought forth has been
uniformly well done, highly
enjoyable, and detailed like ...
well, this Nissan Teana.
Ever seen a Teana? Sure
you have, in cicada-like
numbers. Around here, the
car is called the Altima a
name also used in Australia,
New Zealand, and Canada
for this same fifth-generation L33 platform. Powered by a 182-horsepower,
2.5-liter 4 or an available
270-horsepower, 3.5-liter
V6, these ubiquitous sedans
can be optioned out for everything from thrifty family
duty to near-Infiniti levels of lux and thrust.
Paudi has twisted up an Asian market version of
the Teana that compares to the nicely equipped North
American 2.5 SL, and save for different wheels, a couple of
chrome trim bits on the doors and rear bumper, and Chi-

nese hnzi characters on the front license plate and deck

lid, this advance sample is a dead-on match to the images
we created while cyber-building our own example on
Nissans Build Your Own Altima web page. With leather
seats and wood grain trim, its actually a fairly plush ride;
if our math is correct, this penultimate member of the
Altima lineup would tag north of thirty grand in the U.S., as
equipped with the optional moon roof and Technology
Package.
For a whole lot less, this early deco sample of the L33
displays as almost ready for prime time,and looks just like
the real Teana/Altima from every angle. The assembly is
great, and though the shut lines on the opening doors,
hood, and trunk are a bit uneven here and there, the overall
impression is very good. Its also very heavy: rolling well
on a spring-suspended full metal chassis, the mid-sizer
makes for a model capable of an alarming thud (not to
mention damaged tarsals) if dropped.
Topside, the pearl white paint is sweet, smooth, and
full of fire, and it reaches into every visible area; the details
under the hood, done on a deep-relief plate matrix with
a few added upper bits, replicates the four-banger well.
The cabins tidy plastic pieces all get a shot of buff beige,
accented with wood grain on the dash, doors, and console;
though the number of interior operating features (limited
to sliding seats) is down a couple of clicks on this one, the
visual, above a neatly flocked floor, is great.
We had a spot of trouble getting the protective plastic
off the lettering on the trunk before photography - one
of a couple tweaks that we hope gets addressed during
production. But with its steel brake discs, dazzling lensing,
and even a pair of fold-down side-view mirrors, we think
this latest Paudi is well worth looking into, no matter what
its called. Make room in the barn.

SOURCES

Taylor Sports Collector taylorsports.com

Minichamps Mercedes-Benz
SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
1:18 | $135 by Joe Kelly, Jr.

ith tiny cargo space, price tags that read like

binary math, and gas mileage that guarantees
favored customer perks in any oil-producing
nation, the average supercar is far from practical. Who
cares? Theyre amazing.
For around $455,000, the Mercedes-Benz McLaren
SLR introduced in 2003 had a 640 horsepower V8 on tap
and a 208 mile per hour terminal velocity, but also sported
a reasonably comfy cabin and a more than marginal trunk.
In 2009, Mercedes took all of that and chucked it right out
the door as they hired designer Yoon Il Hun to restyle the
car for a final run of 75 exclusive pieces. The result was
one of the most startling machines ever delivered by the
company for actual sale to the public: the Mercedes-Benz
SLR McLaren Stirling Moss. Lets qualify public: in order
to obtain one of the 75 machines made, you had to already
own an SLR and have a cool $1.1 million on hand.
You also had to own a decent helmet and goggles;
though this 217mph homage to Sir Stirling came with the
SLRs same twin-huffed V8 and carbon-rich architecture, the design didnt include a roof, or, for that matter,
a windshield. That made for a classic profile, which lucky
for us, has provided the basis for an interesting model car
from Minichamps, who have not only replicated the wildly
exotic Mercedes, but delivered it here in the even more exclusive McLaren Orange worn by the last 25 Moss SLRs
made.
This thing is a hoot, plain and simple, and if the sheer
audacity of the car doesnt get you giggling, please, see a
doctor immediately. The perfect casting carries the cars
edgy look, and the shape is part predatory fish, part attack
drone, starting with a down-sloped nose and headlights
angled as if locked on prey. The heavy models side slung
exhaust, faux LED lighting, and crisp replicas of the Moss

bespoke 10-spoke wheels

are precise and attractive,
and behind the long hood
are two clear interference
panels that act as air foils
for the driver and one very
frightened passenger. The
cabin is done in well-decorated plastic pieces that
replicate the cars snug
black and orange seats,
carbon-fiber center stack,
and door panels. The doors
are cast shut, but the hood
lifts up to reveal a nicely
decod, broad-shouldered
5.4 liter V8; below the
model, the plastic belly pan
is almost completely flat,
as it is in life.
Back up top, the model
offers up a neat display option: a pair of hard covers for
the cockpit. We tried to shoehorn these into the cars
carpeted trunk for storage, but no dice. Supercars are
certainly amazing. Just dont call them practical.

SOURCES

Carville Models carvillemodels.com

Above: Great paint and slick,

ten-spoke wheels are part of
the super-exclusive Moss SLR,
and they look great on the
model.
Far Above: The low-profile 5.4
liter V8 is snuggled in here in a
deep-relief plate casting, under
a lift-up nose section.

fall 2013 55

quick

LOOK

Esval 1941 Packard

One-Eighty Limousine
1:43 | $95 by Wayne Moyer

Above: Every bit of trim and

decoration is here, and done to
scale on a perfectly realized and
painted body casting.
Far Above: Go ahead - squint.
The cabin is complete, easy to
see, and sweetly decorated
throughout.

56 DCXmag.com

ntroducing something
new isnt ever easy.
Before World War II, the
Packard Motor Company
had ended production of its
Twin-Six V12 in 1939, replacing it in 1940 with a new
Super-8 straight-8 engine
making 160 horsepower, using Packards first hydraulic
lifters to keep it quieter.
Dealers had doubts that
the drop in cylinders would
satisfy former V12 buyers
hungry for power, so Packard
had to stage a race at their
proving grounds where
the Super-8 cars handily
beat the older Twin-Sixes.
In 1941, Packards got new
front ends with their headlights blended into the front
fenders, but the classic tall
grille announced to the world
that the car was still a Packard. Buyers could continue
specifying one of several
coach-built bodies, and along with the limited-production
Packard-Darrins, the top of the 1941 line was the Model
1450 Custom Super Eight One-Eighty 7-Passenger Touring Limousine (talk about a mouthful), a most impressive
automobile built on Packards limited-production 148-inch
wheelbase chassis.
Thats the very car thats been chosen as a first release
ever from a new company based here in the U.S. New

stateside companies are always noteworthy, but this ones

gone ahead and joined the fray with a model so good that
it deserves all the headlines it can get. In fact, Esval Models
new 1:43 scale resin-cast 1941 One Eighty Seven-Passenger Limousine is as fine as anything weve ever seen at
twice the price. Photos and scale drawings show that every
line and detail of the body (not to be confused with the
LeBaron version) is exactly right; the resin casting and black
finish are literally flawless, and the details are complete with
exquisite scale fidelity. The accurate 41 grille has exceptionally thin photo-etched bars, and the headlights have clear
lenses, while the running lights above them have frosted
lenses with a thin chrome strip (really ... how did they do
that?). Even the tiny clear tail of the mascot is done to scale.
Side and hood moldings, window surrounds, perfectly
scaled legible One Eighty scripts, and the segmented
hood hinge are photo-etched, while everything else is done
with bright plated parts. Interior details are as fine as the
exterior, with very realistic wood-grain trim on the dash
and upper door panels, the speedometer, radio panel, and
glove box. Its all here, from the correct upholstery patterns
to the separately cast and plated inner door handles and
detailed ashtrays.
Every dimension is virtually perfect, and below it all
is nice frame, suspension, and drivetrain detail on the
baseplate, which rides on accurate wheel covers with fully
detailed red Hexad centers and wide whitewall tires. When
something is this good, introductions get a lot easier. We
cant wait to see what Esval brings out next. This one, and
the 1942 variant, which is also currently available, comes
very highly recommended.

SOURCES

Esval Models esvalmodels.com

Auto World Al Joniec 1968

Mustang Cobra Jet
1:18 | $79.99 by Joe Kelly, Jr.

ack in the days of factory-backed drag racing,

Detroit muscle joined local hustle to bring out the
best machinery and the most talented drivers.
Drag racing was fast, it was exciting, and any idea that
might result in a lower elapsed time (and more sales in the
showrooms) could be tested in a literal matter of seconds.
Ford knew this, and like many manufacturers of the
era, they were aggressive in putting loads of cash and
engineering know-how into being a dominant force at
the strip. In late 1967, they homologated the new 428
Cobra Jet engine for racing by building fifty cars for
sale to the public; VIN numbers 8F02R135007 through
8F02R135056 were all non-GT Mustang Fastbacks
finished in Wimbledon White. Under the hood, each 428
wore 390GT exhaust manifolds and a Police Interceptor
aluminum intake, and the cars were all equipped with rear
drum brakes, and left the factory minus a radio or power
steering.
First Hubert Platt took a CJ to the AHRA Winter Nationals in late January 68 and red-lighted in the first round
of C/SA. It was a tease; the stage was now set for six
Ford Drag Team cars to appear, and appear they did, a few
days later at the Winternationals in Pomona, California.
They came loaded for bear. According to the Mustang 428
Cobra Jet Registry (428cobrajet.org), these cars had been
culled from the homologation batch, got sold to the team
drivers, and were then sent to Holman-Moody-Stroppe
in Long Beach, CA, to have a few rulebook-legal but
major modifications performed. Those mods worked.
By the time the tire smoke had cleared, Joniec had taken
Super Stock, beating teammate Hubert Platt after Platt
red-lighted his Mustang in the final, then walking Dave
Wrens Plymouth when he did the same in Super Stock
Eliminator. It was a great day for the new Cobra Jet.
Thanks to Auto World, its a good time to grab a piece
of that history in scale. This very nice tweaking of the old
Ertl 1967/8 Mustang mold recreates Al Joniecs victorious
Stang in a slightly bright white. All the correct markings
are here, and the car is set up on the right combination of
Cragar fronts and chromed reverse steelies in the back.
Once again, the build on an Auto World release surpasses
anything weve ever seen on an old Ertl. The paint is
perfect, the tamped-on markings razor sharp, and the

assembly is tight and true,

everywhere. The interior
is carpeted, and is indeed
missing a radio, and the
deep dash wears a cabledin tach. Under the hood,
Ertls 428 gets some
decent paint, good chrome,
and tidy assembly - not a
show-stopper, but more
than adequately detailed.
The same holds true for the
cars chassis. Nicely cast,
and adorned with headers
and a fully painted drivetrain,
it does the job without breaking the bank.
Overall, its a great-looking model, and save for a missing roll cage, it looks exactly like Joniecs recently restored
racer. Heavy-footed Ford fans, rejoice.

SOURCES

Auto World autoworldstore.com

Above: The old Ertl castings get

a good shake, and while it isnt
wired, the drag motor is still
passable, given its age.
Far Above: The interior is missing
a proper roll cage, but its got all
the right Mustang bits in all the
right places.

fall 2013 57

quick

LOOK
Hot Wheels Elite The Dark
Knight Rises Bat Pod
1:18 | $159

by Joe Kelly, Jr.

irector Christopher Nolan had a real dilemma on

his hands during the making of The Dark Knight.
During a particularly intense chase scene, Nolan,
his production designer Nathan Crowley, special effects
supervisor Chris Corbould, and stunt coordinator Paul Jennings would need to bring an amazing vehicle to life from
the ruins of Batmans Tumbler. If all went to plan, this
vehicle would emerge from the dying fortress on wheels,
and drive into cinema history as one of the trickest escape
gadgets ever filmed.
Though the scene did rely on CGI for its more dangerous and improbable stunts, the Bat Pod that we
ultimately saw on screen was an actual, drivable twowheeled vehicle but far more than a motorcycle. Nolan
wanted the emerging Pod to look like an anti-aircraft gun
on wheels, and after mocking up a series of ever-larger
models in his garage, he gave the task of constructing
a running machine to Corbould and his cohorts. It took
some trial and error, but the crew did the trick. In addition
to its hidden driveline (and the cinematic armaments the
Pod wore on its nose), the 1,300-pound machine featured
steering activated by the
drivers shoulders. When
the cameras rolled, stunt
man Jean-Pierre Goy pulled
on a cape and piloted the
beastly bike through all of
the live-action driving that
Nolan needed to sell the
sequence to the movie
audience.
Hot Wheels Elite has gotten major mileage from the
Batman license, and their
models of the moderngeneration Tumbler got rave
reviews from fan sites and

Unlike traditional handlebars, the Bat Pods steering is

manipulated by the drivers shoulders - as these elbow rests
and hand grips show.

58 DCXmag.com

The Bat Pods radiator and foot controls look great, and replicate the
rests and pedals that made the movie bike a road-worthy machine.
Those rims and tires are outrageous, too.

model collectors alike. This Bat Pod is destined to join the

larger model, on all counts. The giant wheels and scaled
20-inch tires are the exact ones used on the Tumbler,
and the armament up front, including 40mm cannons, .50
caliber machine guns, and grappling hook launchers, looks
well-used and realistic. The Pod doesnt need any kickstand those giant meats keep it upright and the detail
on the front fork and the elbow-rest handlebars, replete
with cabled-in trigger grips, is done in spot-on plastic and
vinyl. Farther back, its possible to see the fuel tank and
engine hidden below the central shroud; a single exhaust
pipe winds its way down to the bottom of the Pod, and
its metallized and heat-darkened. All of the cables and
hydraulic hoses are here, run along the wicked-looking
machines boxed main frame, and at the rear, the massive
suspension also holds the foot pads, accelerator, and
brake. Only one thing works the extendable wheelbase,
activated by pushing gently down or lifting up but the
easy-to-accept trade-off for not having more gizmos is
true scale fidelity.
This is a great effort - and yet another movie-based
replica from this maker thats been built with a solid end
result, and not the bottom line, in mind. For fans of The
Dark Knight, and great models alike, its a no-brainer.

SOURCES

Hot Wheels Elite hotwheels-elite.com

AUTOart Lancia Delta S4

1:18 | $259.99 by DCX Staff

UTOarts 1:18 Lancia Delta S4 is a gonzo model

car. Wildly detailed, deeply featured, and built to a
high grade of precision, its a perfect study of one
of the craziest Group B rally rides ever to trip the stages.
Group B, itself, was nuts. Established by the FIA in 1982,
it allowed homologation to occur with only 200 cars, and
also gave manufacturers a chance to try new technologies
in their efforts to gain an edge. Virtually nothing was off
the table lightweight materials, driveline setups, even
how much boost an engine could develop were all fair
game. Lancia took advantage of it all, and the Delta S4 was
the result. Its 1759.3cc 16-valve four was twin-charged,
with both a supercharger and a turbo; on paper, Lancia
claimed 480 horsepower. In reality, 550-plus was more in
line with the truth - with 1,000 possible. Mounted midship,
the engine was shifted through a five-speed box and a
Hewland central diff that fed up to 75 percent of its twist to
the rear wheels. Wrapped in an easily replaced carbonfiber body, the car won its first rally, the RAC, in 1985 with
Henri Toivonen at the wheel, and raced successfully into
1986; however, the loss of Toivonen and his copilot Sergio
Cresto at Portugal that year (in a Delta), and the overall
increase in fatalities related to the no-holds-barred segment, signaled the end of Group B when the 1986 season
drew to a close.
AUTOart seems to be having more and more fun with
this scale, and with all the tiny hinges, struts, and photoetch bits that festoon this one almost everywhere,
were enjoying it, too. The car emerges from its
upscale Signature packaging with a pamphlet,
a numbered certificate, and a neat little
wire antenna to perch atop its roof. The

packaging also contains instructions and we suggest

you read them fully. The front hatch opens, as do the
doors and giant rear section (which is screwed to the body
for shipping hence the small included screwdriver). The
front wheels steer, and the two quarter-inch square vents
in the roof are hinged, as well. The cabin is sanitary; great
castings and finishes are set off with a smattering of metal pieces (in this case, a knee brace on the door). Fabric
seat harnesses might have played better in here, but the
red vinyl Sabelt units do the trick; more vinyl castings
are used to decorate the engine bay, and the overall visual
looks more like a time machine than a rally car but with
photo-etched screens on the massive intercoolers and
radiators, and steam house-sized air ducts everywhere,
it looks right, and matches all the historical photos we
browsed.
The mega-candlepower lights up front are cast and
placed perfectly, and so is everything else we could see
which, in this case, is plenty. AUTOart includes a menu
of the parts included in the model, as well as the materials
used and all the processes. At the end of the day, its good
reading - a gonzo journal, if you will. Highly recommended.

Above left to right: Yes, theres

a motor in there, and AUTOarts
put every bit of plumbing, wiring,
and ducting that the hairy little
twin-charged four required.
The little Lancia is a full-access
piece, and every detail is done
nicely. Check out the screening
in the cowl. The control room is
done in a bunch of neat sub-assemblies, all decod with tampos,
decals, and textured paint.

Sources

AUTOart autoartmodels.com

fall 2013 59

quick

LOOK

Hot Wheels Elite

Ferrari FF
1:18 | $90 by Joe Kelly, Jr.

Below left to right: Unmistakably

Ferrari, the FFs dash and cockpit
are exotic - but welcoming for
every day family needs. Great
little screened vents, neat taillights - even an air splitter under
the bumper - are just some of
the details Hot Wheels Elite
has worked in so well here. The
6.2 liter V12 is not detuned or
humbled for duty in the FF - its
Ferrari, through and through.

60 DCXmag.com

o say that Ferraris four-wheel-drive FF (Ferrari

Four) got a polarized reception when it first rolled
out is an understatement. The Negative Nancys
said it was ugly, poorly conceived, and not worthy of the
Ferrari name. Those who loved it, however, continue to
celebrate the FF as the tour de force it is: a truly practical
supercar with all the amenities a family could want, plus an
honest-to-Godfrey V12 under its hood. Owners of the FF
know it can haul to 60 in under four seconds on the way
for gardening supplies - or become a comfortable cocoon
for four on the town, then get the kids to hockey camp.
Yes, good people; thanks to the all-wheel hookup, this is
the first Ferrari one can confidently drive in ... snow.
Being from the Northeast, well admit to a certain affinity for that last bit, and that made us pleased to see the
Hot Wheels Elite model of the family Ferrari come through
here. The FFs sleek profile is perfect, and the casting is
one of Hot Wheels Elites best ever, with dead-straight,
nearly scale correct shut lines. Our red sample rolls on
deeply detailed wheels, with little Pininfarina scripts
on the body sides, and chromed prancing ponies at both
ends. Behind those wheels are crisp calipers emblazoned
with Ferrari, and static discs that have been painted to
look like ceramic.
Inside the car, the seats, lower dash, and door panels
are brought out in sharp styrene thats been painted in a
buff tan; secondary areas are done in matte black with just

the right amount of sheen. The dash is fully gauged, and

the paddles for the seven-speed auto trans hang right
where they should. Some of the detail in here needed
a little exploration to locate, like the foil Ferrari above
the touchscreen infotainment system, and the twin TV
monitors mounted in the front seat headrests perfect
for keeping the kids occupied while daddy (or mommy)
enjoys the millisecond-quick shifts and spine tingling
sound of the 6.2 liter V12 under power.
At this models price, that big twelves detail is stunning, with keenly tooled castings, impeccable paint with
faultless separation lines, and wiring and plumbing that
reach deeply back into the shadows. Aluminum chassis elements are at the sides, the twin air intakes have
chromed clamps on them, and the Ferrari atop each
intake log is done in pinpoint-correct foil. Close the hood,
and the cars multi-element headlights contain rows of
faux LEDs; go to the rear of the car, and under an opening
hatch is a creditable boot bracketed by great reps of Ferraris now-standard bullet taillights.
Ferraris as family cars? Who would have believed it?
Then again, as of a few years ago, nobody could have
imagined Hot Wheels as one of the truly premium model
makers in the hobby. They are - and thats no snow job.

SOURCES

Hot Wheels Elite hotwheels-elite.com

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quick

LOOK

Maisto 2014 Corvette Stingray

1:18 | $35

by DCX Staff

Above left: The engines a plate

casting that needs a little more
detailing to sell the 6.2 liters
image - and a lot of collectors
will certainly add their own.
Bone stock, for the money, this
budget bomb will find its way
onto many collectors shelves.
Above right: The C7s cockpit
looks right - and right for the
price, with good castings and a
decent level of painted textures
and markings.

62 DCXmag.com

o those who worship at the crossed flags, news of

a new Corvette is always cause for a mix of anticipation and dread. Americas Sports Car means that
much to its followers, and Lord help those who get in the
way including those who actually design and build the
object of their desire. To us, that concern extended into
who would be tooling up and building the car in scale. So,
when budget-meisters Maisto announced that they had
secured the rights to do the seventh-genny Stingray in
diecast (at around the time that peeks of the real car were
emerging into the media), we locked in, and weve been
following it since.
This company has always been known as a value leader
(read that: inexpensive models), and we expected the
C7 Corvette to be right in line. And, we were right. This
solid, everyman model will be typical Maisto when it hits
the market around the time youre reading this and
thats not a bad thing. Is it high buck? No. High-tech? Hell,
no. But on display, the two samples we got were perfectly
shaped, and covered with good coats of paint Laguna
Blue Tint, and Black - and came off their bases rolling on
spring-loaded, standard-issue silver painted QC6 18 and
19-inch wheels, with Corvette calipers visible behind. The
shut lines on the opening doors, deck, and hood are good,
and the plastic pieces used to work out the grille, side

vents, and spoiler are decently

done black styrene thats been
fitted well. So is the glazing for
the front and back light, and the
tiny quarter windows the first
to appear on a Vette in decades.

Love them or hate them,
the all-in-the-Chevy-family
taillights are here, too, done in
red plastic thats been set into a
proper black bezel with built-in
vents. Up front, the chiseled nose
wears a brace of good headlights, and a sharp, tamped-on
crossed-flags emblem - just one
of the nine individual hot-printed
markings the model wears. The cabin is nice, for the price,
with a sharp dashboard thats been tamped and stickered
into moderate detail. The center stack, in particular, shows
off a selection of buttons and dials, set into a carbon-fiber
look face. The seats are missing the proper flag logo, but
they represent the upscale Competition Sport Seat that
Chevys fielded, in response to years of owners nagging
about lack of support.
Under the hood, a plate casting does all the heavy
lifting; its a deeply struck piece thats been kissed with
a Corvette tampo on both covers, but not much more.
Theres no telling whether the additional details, like the
silver intake cover, or any of the reservoirs along the side
of the 450 horse (estimated) 6.2 liter engine will get a bit
of brushwork in production - or if the body color will actually make it all the way into the door jambs, hatch, or under
hood areas (its been hand-applied, here).
Someday, someone will make a high-end model of
the new Stingray, and will happily divest collector/fans of
much more cash, per copy. But for right now, we can say
that this is the hot ticket for any Corvette altar.

SOURCES

Maisto maisto.com

1/2H.indd 1

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quick

LOOK

Kyosho Ferrari
250GT Sebring 1963
1:18 | $285 by Bill Bennett

Above: The Colombo-designed

V12 is beautifully put up, with
a great deal of soft vinyl, hard
plastic, and even a bit of steel
here and there.
Below: Kyosho set the standard
for 1:18 250GTs with this mold
set, and this Sebring winner
represents one of the more important cars among that classic
cadre. What a beauty.

he 1962-1964 Ferrari
250 GTO is arguably
the most prized Gran
Turismo sports car of all
time. Loved by racers, owners, and auctioneers alike,
Ferrari built only 39 of these
iconic cars. Now, Kyosho has
dug deep and built a replica
of chassis 3987GT possibly the most revered of all
of the GTOs.
Ferrari was motivated
to build the 250 GTO when
Girolamo Gardini witnessed the 1961 unveiling of Jaguars
XK-E. Looking at the E-Type Jag, Gardini could tell that the
Jag would be far faster than Ferraris boxy 250 GT SWB
on the high-speed endurance circuits like LeMans, Monza,
and the Nurburgring. And so the GTO was created as an
extension of the line of 250 GTs using the V-12 Colombo
engine with six twin-choke Weber carburetors and a dry
sump from the Testa Rossa. Chassis components came
from the SWB, but were wrapped in far more slippery
Scaglietti coachwork.
After winning its first race outside Paris, 3987GT was
bought by Texas oilman and sportsman, John Mecom, and
driven by Roger Penske and Augie Pabst to a 1st in Class
and 4th overall at the 1963 12 Hours of Sebring. With its
beautiful white livery laid over a deep, metallic blue paint
job, it made for a breathtaking competitor; 50 years later,

this same car is part of Ralph Laurens automobile collection and is painted Rosso Corsa.
Kyoshos in the deep end of the Ferrari pool; as per the
license agreement, their offerings cant encroach on Hot
Wheels Elites price point for similar cars. Not to worry:
this piece has the features expected on a higher-end
1:18 model, including photo-etched hardware, an opening
quick-release gas cap, simulated leather bonnet belts,
wire-wrapped hoses, upgraded wiring, and a photo-etch
and composite steering wheel.
And, we might add, its gorgeous. It sits low, as did the
1:1, and the paint, while certainly glossy, isnt overly so, and
that makes it more appropriate (and accurate) for a 60s
race car. It also features an extraordinary set of miniature
deep-dish Borrani 56-spoke wire wheels, done to a level
that approaches hand-lacing. The lensing and glazing are
distortion-free, and even the little freestanding auxiliary
headlight in the middle of the nose looks right. The K-crew
has even included the little twin amber pit-signaling lights
for the racers roof. Below that, the cabin is all business,
with what looks to be finish-simulated leather or vinyl
bucket seats and rubber floor mats. The space behind the
seats is covered in a matted diamond-tufted vinyl, and the
instrument panel includes chrome bezeled and glasscovered gauges, with the massive tachometer sitting
centrally among the smaller gauges. No speedometer is
provided.
The shut lines are tight, with accurately scaled doglegs on the opening bonnet and boot, and the real
aspect door hinges pivot the leading edges inside the
fenders. On the nit-picker side, Kyosho hasnt scrubbed
away the parting lines on the cast hoses and tubing within
the engine bay,or on the undercarriage, and the chrome
pieces seem overly bright.
Still, this is one for the books, and for the shelves. An
important race car, done to a high standard, and reasonably priced.

SOURCES

Carville Models carvillemodels.com

64 DCXmag.com

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collector

profile

Crazy Jack Struller ...

... isnt really crazy, hes just focused
by dcx staff

ack and Deb Struller are a typical suburban New Jersey couple who just happen to
have a house, a garage, and an off-site storage facility filled with decades worth of Hot
Wheels, GI Joes, plastic kits, and diecast cars. We know that because weve seen it and
so have millions of American television viewers who caught the collecting power couple on
SyFy Channels Collection Intervention last summer.

That show wasnt Jacks first ride at the TV rodeo;

Struller (who is the president of the United Street Racers
Auto Club, in Passaic, NJ) also rocked Speed Channels
Car Warriors with his Plum Crazy Auto crew and
they won the builder-against-builder contest on that
episode by slamming a tricked-out 73 440 Challenger
together in 48 hours. They also got to keep the car, which
regularly appears at car shows and special events.
I guess I started collecting
because my parents would buy
us lots of toys Robbie the Robot,
stuff like that, says Jack, then
I got into cars and motors. My
first car was a 53 Studebaker
with a straight axle and a 492
Caddy engine. That triple-carbed
menace to society was soon
joined by a Plymouth GTX, then
several other Mopars, including a
50s-vintage rose metallic Imperial with a warmedover Hemi, of course. All told, Jack Crazy Jack to his
friends owns 30 cars in various stages of completion,
and scores of classic bicycles, pedal cars, mini-bikes,
and go-karts.
As for tallying up the small cars, good luck trying.
There are literally tens of thousands of them, all arranged
66 DCXmag.com

throughout the Strullers home so that Jack and Deb can

enjoy them. They range from classic Corgi, Matchbox,
and Bandai tin toys to cereal prizes and dealer promo
cars. Along with a miniature army of GI Joes, Jacks
collection of Hot Wheels by far the largest segment of
his collecting is legendary, and so are the rooms full of
accessories, magazines, and specialty items.
Our favorites on the day we visited Jack and Deb were
the older plastic kits, some long
out of production, but complete;
in among the N.O.S. muscle car
parts and pieces in Jacks garage,
we lost count of the limited edition
diecasts, some signed by Jacks
idol, Richard Petty. The King has
been a constant inspiration to
Jack, and he signed one of Jacks
favorite full-sized cars, too
Jacks 1970 Superbird. Hes owned
the winged beast for decades and its an ever-evolving
work in progress. I saw Petty racing in one at Daytona,
and I knew I had to have one, one day.
When youre as passionate as Jack Struller and
have someone like Deb at your side anything is
possible. If thats what being crazy gets you, sign us
up. Thanks, Jack well see you on TV.

Above: Meet Crazy Jack Struller, street racer, car junkie, and
master of all things collectible.
Below: Deb Struller likes cars too
especially the Strullers rapid,
warmed-over yellow Duster.

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