Things that turn up during a move!

If anything is fun about moving, it's turning up all your old treasures.  This 1:24 scale Dodge was commissioned to celebrate Chicagoland Speedway.  It's pretty cool looking . . .

It's the Bat Mobile from Hot Wheels!

This 1971 Dodge Charger is a good looking 1:64-scale diecast car from M3.  The great thing about 1:64 scale cars is that you can fit a ton of them in storage space that would only hold a few 1:18 scale cars.

Diecast Ferrari F50

A Goodwill Thrift Store offered this combination of speed, power, and Italian design for only $7.  That's a hefty savings over the regular price of a Ferrari F50.

The Ferrari F50 is powered by a 4.7 liter V-12 engine that develops 512 horsepower.  It gets 7 miles per gallon in the city and 10 miles per gallon the highway.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Purple Hot Wheels

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

Matchbox 1972 Lotus Europa Special

Matchbox Lotus Europa in Green!

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

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!

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!

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!

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. 

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

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

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.

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 -

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge near Tallahassee, Florida

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!

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

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

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!

Johnny Lightning Zulu Surf Wagon!

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

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

Does this Fire Chief look unsafe at any speed?

Johnny Lightning Chevrolet Corvair Fire Chief's Car

 This Chevrolet Corvair doesn't look unsafe at any speed.  Although this fire chief is rather precariously perched.

Johnny Lightning Chevrolet Corvair Fire Chief

The Corvair was a rare rear-engined American car. With the engine in the rear, the car had a different center of gravity and was more likely to spin out. Consumer activist Ralph Nader made a name for himself with his book on the Corvair and other American cars. However, some Corvair enthusiasts and collectors believe that the case against the Chevy Corvair was overstated.

Where's the fire?

 Die-cast Emergency Vehicles - Johnny Lightning Fire Chief

This 1950 Ford Sedan from Johnny Lightning looks great as a fire chief's car.  It seems to match the alarm switch just right!

Johnny Lightning 1950 Ford Sedan Fire Chief

Die-cast Car Photography Tip.

It's easy to get a picture of the car from different angles.  You can bring a unique, personal, quality to your die-cast car photographs by placing your cars in interesting situations or in a setting that complements the vehicle.

Johnny Lightning Chevy Nova

Sometimes you just have to roll with your die-cast cars.  You never know what adventures you'll have in the great outdoors!

Johnny Lightning Gasser - Wild Bill & Cody!

This is a Johnny Lightning version of a 1933 Willy's Gasser Dragster named "Wild Bill & Cody."  Here it brings a bit of wildness to a dreary day.

Johnny Lightning Willy's Gasser

Johnny Lightning Dragsters - Side by Side!

These Johnny Lightnings look great as they are squared off for battle!  When you look at a Johnny Lightning, check out the wheels, the pain, and the extra details.

Vintage Dragsters!

Johnny Lightning Dragster

You can always count on Johnny Lightning for vintage dragsters with flame jobs!

Chevy Corvette - Generation 5!

Here's a fifth generation Corvette from Johnny Lightning!

Chevrolet Corvette - Fourth Generation!

In the 1980s, Chevy generated a lot of excitement with the fourth generation Corvette.  It marked a return to true high performance and a commitment to rival the best sports cars in the world.  Here's a Johnny Lightning version!

Corvette - Third Generation

Here's a beautiful third generation Corvette on a suitable tire!

Chevrolet Corvette - Generation 2 Convertible

The Corvette generation 2 (C2) looks great as a convertible in any driveway.

Die-cast Chevrolet Corvette - Generation 2

Johnny Lightning 1963 Chevrolet Corvette

This is the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette with a split rear window.  This is the second generation of Corvette.  It added real power and performance to America's two seat sports car!  This one is another sharp looking car from Johnny Lightning.

Johnny Lightning 1963 Corvette

Die-cast Corvette Week - Here's the First Generation Chevrolet Corvette!

Johnny Lightning 1953 Corvette

This seems like a good week to dedicate to the Chevrolet Corvette!  The iconic shapes of the the Corvette have captivated driving enthusiasts for decades.  While insurance companies make it hard for most people to economically keep a Vette, Johnny Lightning makes it much easier!

The Corvette made it's debut in 1953.  Here is a first generation Corvette from Johnny Lightning:

Willy's Coupe from Johnny Lightning

Johnny Lightning has lots of historic Willy's coupes.  I like the patriotic paint job on this one.

You never know when Lightning might strike!

Johnny Lightning Plymouth Fireball 500

Here is a really cool Johnny Lightning die-cast car.  It's a Plymouth Fireball 500.  I love the twin cockpit seating arrangement of this car.  The side pipes, tires, wheels, and flame job are simply awesome.  That's why it was in my pocket when I ate at Village Inn.

This is just one of my best die-cast cars period.  It looks good and it looks fast.

 It's just the coolest looking little car from Johnny Lightning.