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| Matchbox Dodge Charger Police Car |
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Matchbox Dodge Charger Speed Trap - Auburn Hills Police
This Matchbox Dodge Charger police car does a great job on speed trap duty. It's from the Matchbox MBX Metal Series that was sold in the 2006-2007 timeframe. It's just waiting for the Corvette in the background to roar to life.
I was fortunate to get mine at a toy store when they first came out. But, if you are looking to get one for your collection, they are still available here:
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California
The Ferrari 250 GT Spyder Calfornia is a most beautiful and understated classic from the late 1950s and early 1960s. It came in long wheel base and short wheel base versions.
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| Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California LWB: Photo By CCBain (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
The long wheel base version has a long, elegant, hood and is 30 centimeters longer than the shorter version. While the short wheel base version of this Ferrari has a slightly wider stance and a little more power. Even according to Ferrari, it is difficult to tell the cars apart.
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| Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California: Photo by Herranderssvensson (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
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| Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California SWB: Photo By richebets [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
Both are powered by a 60-degree V-12 that displaced around 3-liters. The short wheel base version had 280 horsepower on tap at 7000 rpm. Both versions had luxurious interiors that made them rewarding cars for daily driving. Today, the legendary Ferrari California name lives on in current spyders.
If you'd like a beautiful diecast model of the Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California, there are several to choose from -
If you'd like a beautiful diecast model of the Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California, there are several to choose from -
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Diecast Chysler PT Cruiser
When it comes to retro-looks and retro-style for an affordable price, one car comes to mind: the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
The compact 5-door hatchback was produced from 2001 through 2010. It borrowed styling influences from Chrysler sedans of the 1930s. It officially counted as a light truck for Chrysler's average fuel economy calculations.
While the car was praised for styling and was initially one of the cutest retro cars on the market, it eventually was criticized for poor crash safety test results for side-impacts. While there were some turbo versions available, the car was also criticized by enthusiasts for lackluster performance. While the PT Cruiser was no Ferrari, it was an opportunity for average middle class people to buy an economical car with a strong sense of style. It was also very practical as a people and grocery hauler. Today, many people remain loyal to the retro look of the PT Cruiser.
Since many people remain loyal to the PT Cruiser, there are many interesting Diecast Chrysler PT Cruisers
on Amazon. Collectors love them!
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| 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser |
The compact 5-door hatchback was produced from 2001 through 2010. It borrowed styling influences from Chrysler sedans of the 1930s. It officially counted as a light truck for Chrysler's average fuel economy calculations.
While the car was praised for styling and was initially one of the cutest retro cars on the market, it eventually was criticized for poor crash safety test results for side-impacts. While there were some turbo versions available, the car was also criticized by enthusiasts for lackluster performance. While the PT Cruiser was no Ferrari, it was an opportunity for average middle class people to buy an economical car with a strong sense of style. It was also very practical as a people and grocery hauler. Today, many people remain loyal to the retro look of the PT Cruiser.
Since many people remain loyal to the PT Cruiser, there are many interesting Diecast Chrysler PT Cruisers
on Amazon. Collectors love them!Sunday, September 7, 2014
The First Touring Ferrari - 1951 Ferrari 212
In the early days, Enzo Ferrari was always focused on racing. But, The Ferrari 212 marked an important milestone in the history of the marque. In the early 1950s, it was the first Ferrari touring car. It brought luxury and performance to Ferrari customers.
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| Photo By Punere (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
From a modern perspective, it is interesting to note that the Ferrari 212 Inter was powered by a 2.5 liter V-12 engine that produced 180 horsepower. The engine displaced just a little more than a typical 4-cylinder economy car today. However, three Weber carburators ensured the delivery of plenty of air and fuel.
Today you can own a smaller scale Ferrari 212 of your own!
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| 1952 Ferrari 212 Vignale Coupe Photo By Stephen Foskett (Wikipedia User: sfoskett) (Imperial Palace Auto Collections, Las Vegas, NV) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Hot Wheels Style: A Poor Man's Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance
Concours D'Elegance car shows are a venue for the public to see the finest and rarest motorcars in existence. These rare cars are lovingly maintained, restored to better than new, and shown in a classy setting. Worth millions, these show cars are the epitome of style and sophistication.
However, if you don't have millions, Matchbox and Hot Wheels make it easy to stage your own Concours D'Elegance for a fraction of the price. My Ferrari collection (shown below) is lovingly maintained in Hot Wheels carriers.
Today, I bring together $8, or perhaps $9, worth of the rarest Ferrari's in my collection. You can see them here, but you'll have to make your own Martinis and light Hor's D'ouvres!
However, if you don't have millions, Matchbox and Hot Wheels make it easy to stage your own Concours D'Elegance for a fraction of the price. My Ferrari collection (shown below) is lovingly maintained in Hot Wheels carriers.
Today, I bring together $8, or perhaps $9, worth of the rarest Ferrari's in my collection. You can see them here, but you'll have to make your own Martinis and light Hor's D'ouvres!
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