Drugstore Diecast: Kinsmart Dodge Viper

Sometimes the local drugstore has a car showroom that rivals anything in the city.  One of the CVS drugstores near me had this pair of Diecast Dodge Vipers displayed on a tower of diecast cars.

A Pair of Dodge Vipers at CVS

 You can almost imagine a car dealer or car show when you get down on the level with this little Vipers.  They are typically 2 for $10 or $5.99 apiece at the drugstore.

A Dodge Viper in profile

 

Drugstore Diecast: Kinsmart 1959 Chevrolet Corvette

The 1959 Chevy Corvette was a timeless classic. Today, it's price has officially reached the stratosphere. Fortunately, a die-cast version is available. This Kinsmart version was available at my local CVS drugstore.

Kinsmart 1959 Chevy Corvette

Drugstore Diecast: Kinsmart Fiat 500 Pullback Car

The original Fiat 500 is an iconic European car. It was made in Italy from 1957 to 1975 and nearly 4 million were sold. In 2007, Fiat created a modern Fiat 500 that was just recently discontinued. The original and the new version are both European cars with quirks and idiosyncrasies.  They are also pretty tiny.  They aren't as tiny as this toy version from Kinsmart.

Kinsmart Fiat 500 Pullback Car

This version is based on the original designs for the Fiat 500 from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. It's a sharp looking little racer.

Rear View of the Kinsmart Fiat 500 Pullback Car

The original Fiat 500 is an iconic European car. It was made in Italy from 1957 to 1975 and nearly 4 million were sold. In 2007, Fiat created a modern Fiat 500 that was just recently discontinued. The original and the new version are both European cars with quirks and idiosyncrasies.  They are also pretty tiny.  They aren't as tiny as this toy version from Kinsmart.

Update 2025 --

The Charm of the Original Fiat 500: Small Size, Modest Power, Mighty Efficiency

The original Fiat 500, affectionately dubbed the "Cinquecento," is a timeless icon of compact design and frugal engineering. Launched in 1957, this pint-sized Italian marvel was crafted to navigate the narrow, bustling streets of post-war Europe. Measuring just under 3 meters long and weighing around 500 kg, the Fiat 500 was a master of minimalism, offering unparalleled maneuverability in crowded cities. Its tiny footprint and tight turning radius made parking a breeze, even in the tightest spots, earning it a devoted following among urban drivers.

Don’t expect thrilling performance, though. The Fiat 500’s two-cylinder, air-cooled engine—starting at 479 cc and later upgraded to 594 cc—produced a modest 13 to 23 horsepower. Acceleration was leisurely, with 0-60 km/h taking upwards of 30 seconds, and top speeds barely touched 100 km/h (62 mph). This anemic output was no match for highways or steep hills, but it wasn’t meant to be. The 500 was built for practicality, not speed, offering just enough power to zip through city traffic with a cheeky grin.

Where the Fiat 500 shone was its fuel efficiency. Sipping just 4.5-5.5 liters per 100 km (42-52 mpg US), it was a champion of economy in an era of rising fuel costs. This efficiency, paired with its low maintenance costs, made it a favorite for budget-conscious drivers. The Cinquecento’s blend of small size, modest performance, and stellar fuel economy cemented its legacy as a practical yet charming microcar, proving that less can indeed be more.

For those craving a nostalgic, no-frills ride, the original Fiat 500 remains an enduring symbol of simplicity and efficiency.

Funky Photos: Kinsmart Diecast Volkswagen Beetle with Pullback Motor

In these times of COVID, we are all isolated and every family wonders whether children will ever return to school.  Sometimes toys can offer a bit of distraction, a little bit of fun, and a glimpse at happier times.  For example, these short little Kinsmart Pullback Volkswagen Beetles are certainly a cheery dose of summertime flower power.

Kinsmart Pullback Volkswagen Beetle (profile)

These cars are shortened in caricatures of the original Beetle.  They are approximately 1/32 scale and measure about 5-inches long.

Kinsmart Pullback Volkswagen Beetle (front)

The cars have pullback motors.  Pulling them backwords winds up an internal spring-powered motor and letting them goes lets them race forward.

Kinsmart Pullback Volkswagen Beetle (angle)

I found this car at Walgreens.

Kinsmart 1971 Lamborghini Muira P400 SV Die-cast Pullback Car

I recently saw this Kinsmart 1/32 scale die-cast Lamborghini Muira P400 SV at a Walgreens drug store. It's nice little rendition of an iconic Lambo. On sale at 2 for $10, you also can't beat the price.  A real Lamborghini Miura costs around $1.7 million.  But, this model has opening doors and pullback action to zoom across your floor.

Kinsmart Lamborghini Muira

Kinsmart 1955 Chevy Stepside Pickup

I recently ran into this unusual die-cast toy truck at my local CVS.  This model is a 1/32 scale 1955 Chevy Stepside Pickup made by Kinsmart.  The thing that is cool about this one is the paint job.  This little die-cast truck has a "weathered" look complete with muddy tires and mud splatters on the door.  It looks like a really old working truck.

Kinsmart 1955 Chevy Stepside Pickup

I give kudos to Kinsmart for this model because it really is a creative approach to the die-cast car market.  If you can find it and add it to your collection, this old truck is sure to be a bit of a conversation piece. 

 

Kinsmart RV Pull Back Car

Every kid needs an RV in his fleet of toy cars.  They make a great base for adventures.  This is another Kinsmart Pull Back car from the bin at CVS drugs.

In front of a National Geographic travel magazine.

Kinsmart Lancer Evolution Pull Back Car

Here's a peppy little thing--the Lancer Evolution Rally Car.  It's another Kinsmart Pull Back Car that I found at CVS.

Kinsmart Dodge Viper Pull-Back Car

Ultimately, all die-cast cars are toys.  While some are spectacularly detailed, they are toy cars.  So, it's nice to find inexpensive die-cast cars that evoke the looks and sportiness of a real car while remaining true to the realm of toys.  These drugstore pull-back cars are a prime example of toys that are models.  At only $4.99 each, you can actually play with these Chinese-made Kinsmart toy cars without guilt or fear or worry.  This Dodge Viper certainly looks fast and satisfies the child in all of us!

Of course, if you want to pay a little more, you can get a really nice Dodge Viper model from Maisto.