Showroom Fall 2007 – 2

Diecast Model Cars | Diecast Magazine | Diecast Collectible Car News | Showroom Fall 2007 – 2

Ferrari’s First World Champion
The Formula 1 World Championship was contested for the first time in 1950, but it wasn’t until 1952 to ’53 that the sport saw its first repeat champion: the great Alberto Ascari driving the Ferrari 500 F2. Using the F2 specification, the Ferrari was smaller and lighter and used only a 2.0L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine. Still, it was nearly unbeatable for two straight seasons, including an amazing streak of nine consecutive victories. CMC celebrates the masterful design with an equally masterful replica in 1:18. Comprising 1,463 individual pieces, this model is the perfect way to celebrate the ascendance of the greatest marque in Formula 1 racing and one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
CMC—Classical Model Cars (585) 292-7280; cmc-modelcars.de


Flame On!
So Real Concepts reinvented itself in 2006 with the release of its 1:24-scale ‘57 Chevy Pickup and Suburban 4x4s. Based on the success of those trucks, the company expanded the line to include some dressed-up versions such as the “distressed” ones we showed you in the last issue. Now we have the flame-job designs. These start with a flat-black primer base coat and add a flame pattern to produce a very authentic ‘Rat Rod’ effect. The nicely executed red-orange flames with a fine yellow-pinstripe halo provide a clean, powerful look that accents the classic lines of the ’57s. These flames won’t burn forever, though; like all So Real specials, the production limit is fewer than 1,000 pieces. You can dress up these or other So Real trucks even further with a set of Hot Lockz wheels. These wheel sets offer bead locks finished in a variety of high-impact colors. A very limited run of flame trucks will be released with red Hot Lockz already installed.
So Real Concepts; distributed by Pro-Line (951) 849-9781; sorealconcepts.com


What do you think?
How important are diecast parts in a model? Interiors and engine pieces are often made of plastic to produce fine detail, but manufacturers increasingly use composites for some of the body panels as well. High-quality resin-cast cars—such as those from Spark and Red Line—now offer finishes that rival the best die-cast pieces in 1:43. So, just how important is metal content to you? We want to know what you think. Write us, or email us at dcx@airage.com, and tell us. One lucky respondent will win a free model!


Green Flags and Red Velvet Ropes for GreenLight
As interest in the Indy 500 accelerates, drivers gaining popularity on the speed charts and in the fans’ hearts are Sam Hornish Jr., Dan Wheldon and Danica Patrick. GreenLight brings the new kings (and queen) of IRL to diecast with its ‘07 spec cars for all three stars. Wheldon and Hornish campaign with their familiar livery, though because of tobacco advertising restrictions, the “Marlboro” text on Hornish’s was replaced with his legendary team name. Patrick sports a new team (Andretti-Green) and new colors with primary sponsors Motorola and XM radio. GreenLight expects the Wheldon and Hornish models to be strong runners all season, and Danica Patrick’s … as if you even have to ask!

This next batch of cars move fast even when they sit perfectly still; of course, they’re sitting on the famous podium of the Barrett-Jackson Auction House. Each car in this charming 1:64 series is a replica of an actual car that sold at Barrett-Jackson. Each comes with an info card with a photo of the original car and its selling price on the front; on the back is a photo of the engine plus a historical overview of the car and its significance. This is a great way to celebrate some of the most valuable, significant and sought-after cars, and the authentic Barrett-Jackson tie-in really adds to the presentation.
GreenLight Toys (317) 287-0600; greenlighttoys.com


Updated: June 30, 2011 — 11:27 AM
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