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.

How much is that Alfa in the window?

Matchbox Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA

I put this little Alfa Romeo in my pocket and took it down to our local diner.  It looks fast, sophisticated, and European, even when it is sitting still in the window.

It's a 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA from Matchbox.  If I name it Julia, it'll be Julia Giulia . . .

"Tony the Tiger" would drive this GTO!

Johnny Lightning 1965 Pontiac GTO

My goat looks like a tiger!  This is my 1965 Pontiac GTO done small and done right by Playing Mantis.  It's a Johnny Lightning with pizzaz!

Johnny Lightning 1965 Pontiac GTO

Run Bandit! Run!

Johnny Lightning Pontiac Trans Am - Smokey and the Bandit

Other centuries and other countries have produced masterpieces:  The Iliad, The Odyssey, Hamlet, and Macbeth.  However, none compare to the 20th Century's Greatest Literary and Cinematic Achievement -

Smokey and the Bandit

Oh, see that Bandit run! Run Bandit! Run!

This Trans Am is from Johnny Lightning and is pursued by a variety of Johnny Lightning Police Cars.

Introducing the Chrysler 300!

The Johnny Lightning Chrysler 300

You see a lot of Chrysler 300's on the streets today.  Many of them have been customized to reflect flashy urban sensibilities.  However, this Johnny Lightning shows us what an original Chrysler 300 looked like.

It's a beautiful car and it really looks good in red with white wall tires.  Maybe the 300 has always had a little bling to bring to a party?

We Remember! Johnny Lightning Jeep

September 11th is a somber day of remembrance.  We will always remember that bright sunny morning and an optimistic atmosphere being shattered by the work of terrorists.  And, while this is just a blog about die-cast cars, we salute the men and women of U.S. and allied armed forces who have traveled a long road since September 11th on our behalf.

This Jeep is from Johnny Lighting.

Fanciful creations from Hot Wheels

When I was a kid, I used to prefer Matchbox cars to Hot Wheels.  Matchbox cars were simply more realistic.  Now, as an adult, I've owned real cars and I'm starting to appreciate the design and craziness of Hot Wheels.  Go figure!  But, you can't just go down to your local car dealer and buy are real car like this one from my Hot Rods 5-pack.

Hot Wheels Collector Tip

Look for cars with a definite personality.  Those are the cars that people remember.

A Nash Hot Rod from Hot Wheels

If you are sitting in your cube, doing paper work and handling e-mail, it might be time for a break.  You know you'd rather be playing with Hot Wheels.  You can check out my collection.  This little car is a stretched out Nash hot rod from my Hot Wheels Hot Rod 5-Pack.

There!  Don't you feel better now!  That little design with a blower and side pipes is pretty darned cool!

Copo, Copo, Corvette!

The Hot Wheels 1969 Copo Corvette

The 1969 Copo Corvette was a race ready Chevrolet Corvette with power in spades!  In 2011, Hot Wheels introduced their own '69 Copo Corvette and it really looks ready to roll!

Hot Wheels 1969 Copo Corvette

Hot Wheels Photography Tip.

If you have a series of lines in your photo running next to your die-cast car, it will give the illusion of motion and direction.  Even though this car is standing still, it looks like it is running fast.

Hot Wheels So Fine: Dropped and Chopped!

I can't imagine driving a car like this one.  But, I do love the flat black finish that evokes the rat rod.  This Hot Wheels car is called "So Fine."

 
It's available in a variety of incarnations.  But, mine came from a 5-pack called "HW Hot Rods."

Banzai Boys! Surf's Up! - A Johnny Lightning Hot Rod

This Johnny Lightning Hot Rod is ready to hit the surf!  I perched it on an old Hobie 16 for this picture and I think it captures the spirit of this little car.

Johnny Lightning Banzai Boys Hot Rod

SSSsssssssssssssssssss! It's a pit of Vipers! Johnny Lightning Dodge Vipers!

The people who have to worry about snakes in this neighborhood probably drive Corvettes.  Here are two of my favorite die-cast Dodge Vipers from Johnny Lightning!

These cars have beautiful lines and are nicely detailed.  It's another reason that I love Johnny Lightnings.  They just look good.

They even have hoods that open to reveal little engines.  But, that is a photo project for another day!

It's a Dune Buggy - Johnny Lightning Dune Buggy!

I often see a Dune Buggy driving around in my town.  It's driven by a long-haired, hippy-looking, dude.  And, he looks like he's having fun!  So, if that's Freedom Rock, crank it up! Here's my Dune Buggy.

It's called "Lil Van" and it comes from the good folks at Playing Mantis.  It's a Johnny Lightning!  Here's my Dune Buggy navigating around some 'shrooms!  Hey man! The picture is a little fuzzy...

 

Beep! Beep! It's a Road Runner!

Johnny Lightning 1969 Plymouth Road Runner

Here's my 1969 Plymouth Road Runner from Johnny Lightning.  Long, long ago, it was Motor Trend's Car of the Year and it came with a 383 cubic inch V-8.  According to Wikipedia, the Road Runner had a mission to deliver sub-14 second quarter mile for less than $3000.  Of course, my Road Runner cost $3 and fits in my pocket.

If you are looking for one now, check this link to a Johnny Lightning Road Runner -

A Thrift Store Find - Amemiya Asparadrink RX-7!

I found this die-cast car in a local thrift store.  I'm not totally sure what an Amemiya Asparadrink RX7 JGTC 2004 is, but it sure looks pretty cool.

Also, if Asparadrink contains asparagus, I don't think I'd try it!  This was a great find for only $5.99

Mopar Madness - A collection of Chrysler-Dodge-Plymouth Hot Wheels Cars

Let's get this party started with some Mopar madness.  I recently got these on whim and re-ignited my car collecting passion.  These Hot Wheels make a pretty miniature good car show all by themselves!

Hot Wheels MOPAR Madness!