Monday, October 31, 2011

M2 Diecast 1957 Chevy Bel Air

Here is a 1/64 scale diecast 1957 Chevy Bel Air from M2!  It's done up in the grandest of patriotic styles.  All it needs is a teeny tiny parade!



Thursday, October 27, 2011

A Hot Wheels Chevy Nomad wagon wandering . . .

Here is my Hot Wheels Chevy Nomad wagon wandering through St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge.  I like the palms and pines reflected in the windshield!

Hot Wheels Chevy Nomad Wagon

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Swamp Thing (Volkswagen Type 181 'Thing')

The Volkswagen Thing began life as a military vehicle.  Here is my Matchbox Version traversing the bark and lichen in our local swamp.



Tuesday, October 25, 2011

My Lamborghini - Matchbox Lamborghini Muira

Others may lust for the Countach or Aventador, but I really like the clean lines of this 1966 Lamborghini Muira from Matchbox.  This rear-engined, V12, Italian sports car looks like a sports car should!


For a larger version, check this Lamborghini Muira model our from MotorMax.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Old Timey Truck - ERTL 1/18 Diecast Ford Model T Runabout!

This thrift store find is a 1:18-scale 1918 Ford Model T Runabout from ERTL.  I'm not a fan of playing with digital photos, but these old-fashioned photo effects are from pixlr-o-matic and turned out pretty cool!


Here's a very similar model from ERTL on Amazon!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Bad, bad, bad thrift store find!

Muscle Machines Chevelle Dragster 

Sometimes you stumble across a car that just dominates it's environment.  Such is this 1965 Chevelle dragster in Funtime toys Muscle Machines collection.  With it's oversized engine and tires, you have to stop and pay attention to this car.  There is no alternative.




Saturday, October 22, 2011

Big Time Muscle 2009 Corvette Stingray Concept Car

I found a really cool little car in a department store a few days ago.  It's a 2009 Corvette Stingray concept car from the BigTime Muscle car collection by Jada.  This silver car is just an inexpensive diecast model.  But, it successfully evokes the spirit of a much more impressive concept car.


It's an awesome looking little car isn't!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Purple Hot Wheels

The paint on this Hot Wheels is pretty outstanding.  At least if you like purple!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Matchbox 1972 Lotus Europa Special

Matchbox Lotus Europa in Green!
Here is a Lotus Europe from Matchbox!  It's a nicely detailed little car.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Smoking Cobra! - Matchbox Shelby Cobra

Here is the legendary 1965 Shelby Cobra S/C with a 427 cubic inch V-8 as rendered by Matchbox!
I read somewhere that Cobras were so crude that they had lengths of chain where shock absorbers are normally located!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Hot Wheels Aston Martin One-77

This attractive Aston Martin One-77 is from Hot Wheels.  It's a pocket-supercar that successfully evokes that real car.  Of course, it can't go from 0 to 62 miles per hour in less than 3.7 seconds, and it can't go 220 miles per hour, and it doesn't have a 7.3 liter 48-valve V12 engine.  But, it only costs about a dollar!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Matchbox VW Karmann Ghia Convertible

Sometimes the least expensive cars are the most fun.  For example, this Matchbox VW Karmann Ghia has personality in spades.  It also has lots of nice detail for such an inexpensive toy.

Matchbox VW Karmann Ghia
This Johnny Lightning version of the Karmann Ghia was among the most beautiful available on Amazon!



Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Matchbox Jaguar E-type Coupe

My Coolest Jaguar Photo Ever


This is a really neat Jaguar E-type Coupe from Matchbox. It's a great looking car that captures all the curves and sensuality of the real car.  I was fortunate to be able to take this picture and capture it perfectly.


Matchbox Jaguar E-Type

Matchbox Photography Tip

When you aren't trying to document the features of the model itself, it's important to take die-cast car photos in interesting settings that evoke the spirit of the car.  I posed this picture on the hood of an old Jaguar XJ sedan at my local thrift store's car dealership.  I was also careful to get reflections of the clouds and the leaping Jaguar hood ornament instead of the car dealership signs.  It's definitely my coolest Jaguar picture ever. 


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Hot Wheels "Bad Mudder 2"

Going off road again, here is an off-roader with bling appeal...

Hot Wheels Bad Mudder 2 Off Road Vehicle

Monday, October 10, 2011

A Hot Wheels Truck built Ford Tough

This Ford Baja race truck looks tough enough to handle anything.  Plus, that K&N filter gives it 5% more horsepower!

Hot Wheels Ford Off-Road Racing Truck

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Matchbox Citroen DS - European Sophistication from Matchbox

Matchbox 1968 Citroen DS
Matchbox offers style, class, and European sophistication with this recreation of the 1968 Citroen DS.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Matchbox Jungle Crawler Expedition - Day 3

The final destination proves scenic and beautiful! This is one of my all time favorite Matchbox car collection photos.

Matchbox Jungle Crawler at St. Marks NWR
If you'd like to see more photos of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, you can see some here -

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Matchbox Jungle Crawler Expedition - Day 2

The Matchbox Jungle Crawler looks like it might be based on a Dodge Power Wagon.  It can go over anything!

Matchbox Jungle Crawler

If you like this cool Matchbox car in tan, you should check it out in Army-inspired olive drab!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Jungle Crawler Expedition - Day 1

This Matchbox Jungle Crawler did a good job taking on an actual swamp in North Florida!  This one is crossing the bridge and going all the way up the river!

Matchbox Jungle Crawler in a Real Swamp

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Matchbox Game Ranger Dune Buggy

Matchbox has a whole series of adventure vehicles including this Game Ranger Dune Buggy.  It looks good in wilderness of any size.

Matchbox Game Ranger Dune Buggy

Monday, October 3, 2011

A Surfing Hot Rod - Oahu Wahoos from Johnny Lightning

Here is a rear-engined custom Hot Rod from Johnny Lightning that'll go toe-to-toe with the Zulus.


The Oahu Wahoos hot rod casts quite a shadow!


Get to the beach before winter comes!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Johnny Lightning Zulu Surf Wagon!

As summer winds down, here is a Johnny Lightning that'll definitely take you to the beach!



Saturday, October 1, 2011

Johnny Lightning Ford Mustang Mach 1

This Johnny Lightning looks fast sitting still.  In the early 1970s, the Ford Mustang grew big and bad.  This Mach 1 has the look
.
Johnny Lightning Ford Mustang Mach 1