CastHeads Magazine Volume 6 Issue 6

VOL 6 ISSUE 06

IN HOT PURSUIT

ART & SOUL OF MODEL COLLECTING

TWO 1/18 SCALE GIANTS TWO REALLY AMAZING MODELS

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inside this

CALL 9-1-1 issue

PARTNERS

• Creative Direction / Design Nigel J De Zilwa & Lance K Müller • Design / Layout Faron All images are owned by Castheads (Pvt) Limited or by their authors Used with permission. © 2022 All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent. A Publication of Castheads (Private) Limited • Please email info@castheadsmagazine.com CastHeads Magazine has made a constant care to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and do not necessarily are the views of the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in a good faith. CastHeads Magazine cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by this magazine, its website , social media channels and errors and for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

006 DIECASTING COUCH LATEST RELEASES

074 ONE64

CASTING REMARKS AUTOWORLD COP BUDDY & THE GATEWAY

010 GARAGE TORQUE NEW DROPS ON TARMAC WORKS

CASTING REMARKS JOHNNYLIGHTNING CRUISER/SILVERADO

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

020 ONE64 DIECAST COUCH MAJORETTE TROPICAL 5 - OH

142 ONE18

CASTING REMARKS HOT PURSUIT MUSTANGS

154 ONE18

CASTING REMARKS SOLIDO'S JET FIGHTER SKYLINE

094 ONE64

026 ONE64

CASTING REMARKS MUSCLE MACHINE TINY FLEXERS

CASTING REMARKS TARMAC WORKS 'JAPANESE SIREN'

CASTING REMARKS BMC COROLLA TAXI ISUZU DMAX RANGEROVER 102 ONE64 CASTING REMARKS TARMAC WORKS NAKAI SAN

106 CASTHEADS

162 ONE18

CASTING REMARKS AUTOWORLD CAMARO Z28

168 SHUTTERCASTERS FEATURE COPS THEME

172 CASTHEADS COUTOR

OUT N ABOUT FESTIVAL ITALIA

064 CASTING COUTOR FERRARI BANG & OLUFSEN

CASTING REMARKS BUICK CENTURY

082 ONE64

013 TSM REDLINE

056 ONE64

134 ONE24

PUMA X MERCEDES AMG MOTORSPORT

114 ONE64

CASTING FEATURE DAVID HOUSTON DATSUN Z LOVE SONIC SUPRA'S POLICE CARS

176 CASTHEADS COUTOR PUMA X SCUDERIA FERRARI

182 ONE18

RALLYCASTINGS SOLIDO UNSTOPPABLE HATCH

www.castheadsmagazine.com castheadsmag

castheads

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PopRace

poprace__

www.poprace.net

LATEST RELEASES

NEW MODELS COMING UP AND AVAILABLE VERY SOON THROUGH OUR GLOBAL RESELLERS

Skyline GT-R V8 Drift (Hakosuka) What happens when you mix Japanese design with American muscle to go drifting? You get this fascinating Skyline GT-R Hakosuka sporting a massive V8, fat wheels and a gorgeous orange paint job. The real world car has a Dodge V8 stuffed into the front with it's pipes sticking out and has some Pandem kit bolted on to it. Overall, its a monster both on and off the track. The model feature opening parts both front and rear, and a detailed engine.

SKYLINE C210 KAIDO RACER BOSOZOKU STYLE NEW G TOOLIN

NISSAN GT-R R33 NISMO 400R

SHELL VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI MKII

SHELL VALINO STAGEA R34 Pluto Mok "DRIFTAGEA34"

Orange/Silver | Opening Parts | 1:64 | PR640026

Prototype Yellow | Opening Parts | 1:64 | PR640053

Opening Parts | 1:64 | PR640036

Opening Parts | Detailed Engine | 1:64 | PR640038

RWB 997

NISSAN STAGEA

HONDA CIVIC FL5 TYPE-R

SKYLINE GT-R V8 DRIFT (HAKOSUKA)

NEW G TOOLIN

NEW G TOOLIN

Red Blue | 1:64 | PR640028

Blue/Silver | Opening Parts | 1:64 | PR640060

Boost Blue Pearl | Opening Parts | 1:64 | PR640067

Orange | Opening Parts | 1:64 | PR640032

PANDEM GR YARIS

TOYOTA GR86

ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE GT3

HONDA NSX GT3 EVO22

NEW G TOOLIN

HKS | 1:64 | PR640022

ADVAN | 1:64 | PR640024

White | 1:64 | PR640045

KCMG | Removable Engine Cover | 1:64 | PR640040

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

DIECASTING COUCH HOT PICKS FOR YOU

Pop Race

992 Stinger GTR Carbon Edition TopCar is a Russian tuning startup that started making aero, and body kits with tuning parts in 2004. Since then they have been turning out some amazing European models that looks just stupendous. Their take on the 992 is what happens when you take one of Porsche's latest cars and cover every inch of it in carbon fiber. Renamed the 992 Stinger GTR, its a sight to behold.

Pop Race takes this halo car and offers a highly detailed 1:64 version with a discernible carbon finish with flashes of luminous green accents.

If you are tired of the standard or same old tuner Porsche models, this is indeed a breath of fresh air.

Scale 1:64 | Now Available

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

DIECASTING COUCH HOT PICKS FOR YOU

XCarToys

Hongqi H9 The gigantic Chinese Domestic Model (move over JDM, it's now CDM) automotive market is growing in leaps and bounds over the past few decades. With the growth of automakers and new marques, the older brands are evolving with models that are taking on the giants from other continents. Hongqi (Red Flag in Chinese) is a brand under FAW, one of the four big state-owned enterprises, that has been around for awhile. And this is the latest iteration of the H9 limousine model. The model is akin to the Mercedes Benz S-Klasse or the BMW 7-series in size and luxury, and is a used by state officials quite a lot.

XCarToys is a manufacturer that focuses on highly detailed 1/64 models that encompass CDM brands.

And that's a great opportunity for collectors to appreciate these models as many of the others from mainland China spend too much time making models we have seen over (and over) again. This glossy black model has some amazing detail and is quite heavy. Oh and the wheels roll (since most of you have this question). Watch this space for mode updates on other Hongqi models.

Scale 1:64 | Coming Soon

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

DIECASTING COUCH HOT PICKS FOR YOU

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

GARAGE TORQUE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

RWB 997 FuelFest Tokyo 2023 Special Edition FuelFest is a celebration of cars and car culture, full of people, music, events and of course, great rolling metal. Attended by celebrities and enthusiasts, the event was held at the legendary Fuji International Speedway. Tarmac Works and RWB collaborated to release this RWB 997 with the livery created completely by Tarmac Works. Not only was the 1:64 model available for fans, but the 1:1 model was there to be seen and take part in the drag races.

TARMAC WORKS RELEASES Catch up on the hottest, fully licensed models to come out of Tarmac Works. Check out these and other upcoming releases for 2023 on their web-store www.tarmacworks.com and through the global network of authorized dealers.

Tarmac Works brings a selection that celebrates road, race and car culture from across the world, and models spanning various decades. Three special editions from FuelFest Tokyo 2023 as well as many racing models complete the latest collection.

RWB 997 FuelFest Tokyo 2023 Exclusive

Toyota Supra FuelFest Tokyo 2023 Exclusive

Ferrari 488 GT3 DTM 2021 Monza Race 1 #30 Winner Liam Lawson

Ferrari F40 GT Italian GT Championship 1993 #7

T64-057-TM

T64-011-FF23

T64-072-21DTM30

T64-076-93IGT07

This model is designed specially by Tarmac Works for the 2023 iteration of this exciting annual event celebrating car culture.

This Supra is a special to celebrate Paul Walker and special charity event held around the world in his memory.

FUELFEST TOKYO 2023 SPECIAL EDITION

FUELFEST TOKYO 2023 SPECIAL EDITION

Taking part in the DTM 2021 in his first outing as a driver for the AF Corse team, the Australian driver raced to a win in Race 1 at the Monza track. It wore the striking Red Bull livery at the race

The legendary Ferrari F40's racing version was the F40 GT and many teams won multiple races with this car. The #7 car was raced by the Jolly Club racing team driver Marco Brand to 8 wins in 9 races in the 1993 Italian GT races

Renault 5 MAXI Turbo Tour de Corse - Rallye de France 1985 #3 Winner

EVA RT TEST TYPE-01 Audi R8 LMS GT4 Super Taikyu ST-Z 2021 #505

Porsche 911 GT3 R Nürburgring 24h 2019 #44

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Wagon Super Taikyu Series 2006 Round 3 13th Tokachi 24hours #12

T64-TL061-85TDC03

T64-070-EVA21

T64-059-19NUR44

T64-042-06ST12

The Audi Team AS Sport ran this GT4 class Audi R8 LMS sporting the purple and green Evangelion Test Type 01 livery. The car was driven by Genki Nishimura,Shaun Thong and Shozo Tagahara.

The official team fielded this awesome GT3 R in the Falken official team livery in the races in Germany in 2019. Wearing the blue green of the tire brand, it managed a 20th place in the race in the SP9 category. Driven by a team of 2 Austrian and 2 German drivers.

VERTEX Nissan Silvia S15 DriftShop European Drift Championship

Land Rover Defender 90 White Metallic

Nismo R34 GT-R Z-Tune FuelFest Tokyo 2023

LB-Silhouette WORKS GT NISSAN 35GT-RR JPS

T64G-023-DRIFT

T64G-019-WH

T64S-014-FF

T43-022-JPS

French teammates Jean Ragnotti and Pierre Thimonier were the overall winners of the Tour de Corse, part of the Rallye de France in 1985 while driving Renault Elf Philips team.

A specialty retailer of all things needed for creating drift machines, this France-based company created a special Silvia S15 to take part in drifting competitions in Europe

The collaboration between Lamley Group and Tarmac Works continues with the release of the white hued Land Rover Defender 90. Great addition to the growing collection.

DRIFTSHOP SPECIAL EDITION & LICENSED BY VERTEX

LAMLEY SPECIAL EDITION

One of the most iconic skylines ever made, its street cred went truly global with the Fast & Furious franchise, made famous by Paul Walker. Part of the FuelFest Tokyo 2023 collection by Tarmac Works.

One of the fastest wagons ever made, it took on many lighter and faster cars and kept up with them. This version wears the shiny gold and blue of the Öhlins Racing company.

This race prepped 35GT-RR by Liberty Walk dons a livery that became legendary on the race track. The black and gold JPS adorned many F1 cars and now makes this car look absolutely spectacular.

FUELFEST TOKYO 2023 SPECIAL EDITION OFFICIAL COLLABORATION WITH SCHUCO

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

DIECASTING COUCH HOT PICKS FOR YOU

Greenlight Collectibles

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Series 1 We are thrilled to share a brand new series from Greenlight Collectibles. The latest from them celebrates the exciting cars that took part in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, aka The Race to the Clouds, that began all the way back in 1916 and still continues to this day. The series features cars ranging from the 50s to the mid 90s, although that range may broaden in additions to come.

Product Code 13330 | Scale 1:64 | Status: Available Now

1957 Plymouth Savoy #62 Joe Giba 13330-A

1967 Chevrolet Impala #69 Bill Daniels 13330-B

1971 AMC Javelin Official Pace Car 49th Annual Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb 13330-C

1971 Plymouth HEMI 'Cuda #42 Jess Neal 13330-D

1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Official Pace Car 58th Annual Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb 13330-E

1994 Ford Bronco #17 Jimmy Ford 13330-F

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

TSM REDLINE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

MINIGT 1:64 #528

LB-Silhouette WORKS GT Nissan 35GT-RR LB Racing A Liberty Walk-style homage to a classic race car, the Nichira Silvia Group 5 race car from the 1980s. They also made a Super Silhouette Nissan Silvia S15 in the same livery. The MINI GT is now available with their global resellers right now.

MINIGT 1:64 #495

1971 Range Rover Bahama Gold The spin-off brand from Range Rover has been around since 1969 and has come to its own since then. The Spartan Range Rover is considered the luxury side of things, but back in the day it was a true off-roading workhorse. While most releases from MINI GT has been expedition versions, we are delighted with this clean version, that befits the landed gentry. Its shipping now.

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

TSM REDLINE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

MINIGT 1:64 #533

Ford Puma Rally 1 #19 M-Sport Ford WRT 2022 Rallye Monte Carlo Winner The rally world starts going hybrid and electric and Ford was one of the first to join in more cleaner fun around the world. 2022 saw Ford and M-Sport celebrate an almost 25-year partnership and seven championship wins. MINIGT presents this car in all it's liveried glory. This is the clean version, we would love to see a more dusty and grimy version a la their Lancias as it would make a perfect then and now collection.

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

POP CULTURE 1:64

SCALE

Johnny Lightning keeps it poppin’ with these latest Pop Culture cars!

Don’t miss these new Johnny Lightning Pop Culture releases!

From high-speed car chases and edge-of-your-seat racing to classic cruising scenes these silver screen machines slid into cinema to become stars of their own. At Johnny Lightning, we only “cast” cars from some of the greatest films to ever hit the big screen. From the Blues Brothers to the Monkeemobile, James Bond, Speed Racer, and more, we’re poppin’ these iconic rides off the reels to your shelf. As the Pop Culture line proves to be a blockbuster hit, you know we’ve got sequels in the works. So grab your popcorn and soda because Johnny Lightning’s putting on a show you won’t want to miss!

Pop Culture 2023 Release 2 #JLPK012

Die-cast Features: • High Quality Die-cast Metal • Rubber Tires • Metal Chassis

• Extensive Painted Details • Detailed Engines on Most Models • Precise Accuracy

Cruise by your local hobby store, or see our entire selection of available replicas online at: round2corp.com Aston Martin, V8 Vantage and the Aston Martin logo are trademarks owned and licensed by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited. All rights reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, Jeep, the Jeep grille and related logos, vehicle model names and trade dress are trademarks of FCA US LLC and used under license by Round 2 LLC. ©2023 FCA US LLC. Ford Motor Company Trademarks and Trade Dress used under license to Round 2, LLC. GENERAL MOTORS Trademarks used under license to Round 2, LLC. This vehicle body is approved by TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION. and related James Bond Indicia © 1962-2023 Danjaq, LLC and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. and related James Bond Trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The MONOPOLY name and logo, the distinctive design of the game board, the four corner squares, the MR. MONOPOLY name and character, as well as each of the distinctive elements of the board, cards, and the playing pieces are trademarks of Hasbro for its property trading game and game equipment used with permission. © 2023 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by Hasbro. TRIVIAL PURSUIT, the associated logo, the distinctive design of the game board, trivia cards, game tokens, and scoring wedges are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 1981, 2023 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Licensed

by Hasbro. © 2023 Pacific Cycle, Inc. Mongoose®, Schwinn® and Schwinn Quality seal and other Schwinn marks are registered trademarks of Pacific Cycle Inc., used under license. United States Postal Service®, Corporate logo, and stamp art is used with permission under license to Round2, LLC. © 2023 United States Postal Service. All rights reserved. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. © Tatsunoko Production. JOHNNY LIGHTNING, WHITE LIGHTNING, LIGHTNING STRIKE, PLAYING MANTIS, STREET FREAKS, SPOILERS, ZINGERS AND NEWSFLASH are registered trademarks of TOMY International, Inc. used under license to Round 2, LLC © 2023 TOMY International, Inc. All rights reserved. ©2023 Round 2, LLC, South Bend, IN 46628 USA. Product and packaging designed in the USA. Made in China. All rights reserved.

Pop Culture 2023 Release 3 #JLPK013

DIECASTING COUCH HOT PICKS FOR YOU

Johnny Lightning Classic Gold

2023 Release 1 Version A The Classic Gold series from Johhny Lightning covers a wide range of models from all over the world, and features some outstanding models.

The first release for 2023 doesn't skimp on the range as it has among its models a Mustang Cobra II from 1978, a 2000 Acura Integra GR-R (remember most of these are found on American Roads, hence the Acura version), a lovely 1966 Aston Martin DB5 in Caribbean Pearl, along with a 1979 Chevy Corvette and a 1985 Ford Ranger XL. Joining the set is a 1966 Pontiac GTO which is a brand new tooling. Its presented in Barrier Blue and white hardtop. Most of the models have lettered wheels where applicable.

JLCG031 | Scale 1:64 | Coming Soon

AutoWorld Modern Muscle

1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Drop everything! Stop press! The latest to drop as an AutoWorldStore.com exclusively, and limited to just 2496 pieces is this wonderfully crafted iconic Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 from 1991.

Clad in eye-catching yellow, the car was at the forefront of all the technology that MM offered back in the day.

This AWD car had active front lip and rear spoiler that moved at speeds, adjustable suspension modes and some neat tricks coupled to a twin-turbo V6 that put some power to tarmac.

The model is true 1:64 scale, opening hood so you can peer into the engine bay, two-tone wheels clad in rolling rubber. Get it before its gone gone gone.

SCM130 | Scale 1:64 | Status: Coming soon Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

1966 CHEVROLET ® CORVETTE ® COLLECT ALL SIX NEW MODELS FROM THE 1:32 SCALE SET

EXCITING NEW RANGE OF MODELS IN 1:24, 1:32 AND 1:64 SCALE NOW AVAILABLE AT RETAILERS IN-STORE AND ONLINE

@JADATOYS|WWW.JADTOYS.COM © 2023 All Trademarks, Copyrights, Designs, and Models used under license.

DIECASTING COUCH HOT PICKS FOR YOU

Majorette Premium Cars

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 The moment the new Coutach was announced, collectors rejoiced knowing that they were about to get many many versions of this from across the board. We are glad that Majorette came out with one that had more details than a lot of others. Opening doors, blacked out wheels Scale: 1:66 | Available

Jada Toys Nano Scene

Turtles Lair

The Nano Scene series from Jada Toys keeps feeding our need for nostalgia in miniature every season. First it was that house from Fast and Furious, then the Jurassic Park entrance... and now for all those in to the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hankering, we get the lair, with both above ground and below. The four Turtle bros nano figs with a PARTY WAGON! How cool is that?

Endless hours of playing by yourself or teaching your kids about Leo, Mikey, Ralph and Donny and their adventures with April and Splinter against the Evil Shredder and the Foot Clan. An amazing show and tell right here.

Scale: Nano | Available

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

DIECASTING COUCH HOT PICKS FOR YOU

GT Spirit

Aston Martin Victor A true one-of-a-kind car, as only 1 was ever built. Made by it's in-house skunkworks called Q Department (no doubt a nod to the other famous Q) the one off is built on the Vulcan platform and is named after Victor Guantlett, one time chairman of Aston Martin. Its truly what could've been if the automaker continued to build dream cars. GT Spirit presents the highly detailed miniature in the marque famous racing green. Details are as usual, which is high as befits a resin model.

GT428 | Scale 1:18 | Coming Soon

Solido

Ford Puma Rally1 Goodwood Festival of Speed Next generation models are starting to seep into that most grueling of motorsports, world championship rallying. Ford presented its EcoBoost powered Puma Rally1. This car features a 1.6l turbocharged engine boosted by a 100kW electric motor. It was unveiled at the Festival of Speed at Goodwood in 2021. Clad in camo, the car made quite an impression. The Solido model matches the real one to perfection as always features opening doors so you can always take a closer look at the inner details.

S1809501 | Scale 1:18 | Coming Soon

Otto Mobile

Honda CR-X Pro.2 MUGEN MUGEN makes street monsters out of the usually staid Honda cars. Adding bits and pieces that takes them to a whole new level, the company creates some truly bonkers cars. Take the little CR-X, tuned to perfection. The MUGEN parts add not only visible body kits, but also internals that makes these little cars true road rockets. This black shadow features the Pro.2 kit, and silver decals all around. Otto truly captures the model in all its essence.

OT1015 | Scale 1:18 | Coming Soon

Most models shown are either officially licensed or their licenses are pending. CastHeads Media and/or its partners do not accept responsibility of the legal status of any model shown or depicted in the magazine and lies solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.

DIECASTING COUCH ONE64

Tropical

5-oh MAJORETTE BRINGS THE PO-PO

Yeah, you are wondering what the heck we are on about. We love to play with our diecast models. And this POLICE FORCE Giftpack from Majorette is no different. Before we move any further, by play we mean we like to take our models places and take photos, set them up in our dioramas and generally have an amazing time. Now that's out of the way let us proceed.

To serve (information) and protect (the right to some get our hands on great diecast models).

WORDS & PICS BY LANCE K MÜLLER

MAJORETTE

CHEVROLET CAMARO POLICE CRUISER

First up is their modern Chevy Camaro. This black and white is great for catching the bad guys over the roads. The bolted-on fenders make this car easy on the eyes, its matte white body has stripes added in matte black with police decals that aren't too overt. A single blue light bar sits on the roof.

DIECASTING COUCH ONE64

BELL 429 HELICOPTER

Next is the only bird in the pack. It's a Bell 429 and it's the eye in the sky of the police force giftpack. Keeping track of things going on the ground and over water. This model is based on the Bell GlobalRanger helicopter which is quite popular with police and rescue forces around the world since its release in 2009. The model has four blades that you can fold for easy storage.

MAJORETTE

The POLICE FORCE Giftpack has a very urban feel to it, but we personally think that is does have a more tropical vibe about it. After all one of our favourite TV shows feature a lot of Chevy Camaros

DIECASTING COUCH ONE64

LAMBORGHINI URUS + BOAT TRAILER Next up is tractor trailer combo of a sleek matte black Lamborghini Urus is police guise pulling a silver trailer with a boat on it. Perfect pair to patrol the roads and waters along the coast. Love the idea that most of them are painted in matte colors as not to reflect too much light. Important for police stuff eh?

Easily the odd one out. This is a Mack 10-wheeled truck with a command center built on to it. Features a rear opening door and not much else. Like the rest, it features matte paint, black and white scheme and of course great decals. We dont personally think it fits the set. Might have worked as a SWAT truck or had a more off-road oriented vehicle. Well lets see what the future holds

MACK GRANITE MOBILE COMMAND CENTER

CASTING REMARKS ONE64

PORSCHE 993

MUSCLE MACHINE

SERIES 03 (18)

CASTING REMARKS ONE64

BACK WITH MORE MUSCLE MACHINE MADNESS, WE CAN TELL YOU MAISTO HAS SOME AWESOME AND INSANE MINIMONSTERS COMING OUT. ALREADY GAINING MUCH POPULARITY WITH COLLECTORS FOR THEIR QUIRKY DESIGN, HOT-ROD LOOKS, YET FAITHFUL TO THEIR ORIGINAL DESIGNS PRESERVING SOME OF THESE ICONIC LOOKS.

MUSCLE MACHINE

CASTING REMARKS ONE64

YES!

MUSCLE MACHINE

it’s impossible not to do a series without fans wanting some tuning madness thrown into the mix usually in the shapes of LBWK, PANDEM or RWB. Muscle Machines have only two of the trifectas. But we think the two most important ones, one of them being our personal favourite, Rauf Welt Begriff.

And the chosen RWB is none other than AMERICA’S RWB US ROUGH RHYTHM. Based on a Porsche 993 as a model in 1/64 looks cool but, if you live in a tropical country this should never be left on the floor because it will be mistaken for a bright green toad.

It’s wicked that Maisto have chosen to do this car because the design idea of the series and the actual RWB design work well together to create something a little unique. Another interesting feature to look out for is that there is a little more detail on the released car than in the catalogue version. That is always good news.

1995 Porsche 911 993 ONE64

CASTING REMARKS ONE64

FORD F1 PICKUP

MUSCLE MACHINE

SERIES 04 (19)

CASTING REMARKS ONE64

MUSCLE MACHINE

Congratulations you and your bank account have made it to series 4 of the Muscle Machine madness that is draining bank accounts across the world. And the cars keep getting better and better with each series.

This is a very imaginative version of swamp truck meets over-the-top hot rod and its very obvious FORD is versatile in both looks.

OLD SMOKEY 1949 FORD F1 PICKUP ONE64

CASTING REMARKS ONE64

MUSCLE MACHINE The distressed look and paintwork are radical, and it seems the design team of the bodywork took one look at the engine team’s work and went “Ok its GAME ON!’ or vice versa. Either way boundaries have been pushed and when we say boundaries, we mean it. The actual vehicle sports a 6.7 Litre Cummins Turbo engine with an output of 1,400Bhp.

Let that sink in…

BUILD BY 'CHUCKLES GARAGE'

who build insanity for laughs this gorgeous replication is a perfect example of what America’s Motor Underground is continuously capable of. Which leads us to a very important question? Now that the motorsport representation in model cars is fairly saturated is there a new rise of makers who are looking more at mechanical aggression meets art and design under the tuner banner?

Video of Old Smokey: Courtesy of America Tuned By

Top Gear America

CASTING REMARKS ONE64

SERIES 04 (20)

CASTING REMARKS ONE64

MUSCLE MACHINE Straight to the scale model and what a model it is. The details fitted onto this are happily gorgeous and this is a true treat to collectors who have this model in all scales. Yes, we know you do. The details are incredible and because the actual car has such an aggressive stance like the RWB this translates well into the design ethos of Muscle Machines.

This model slays at every angle which is what makes a perfect collector’s piece, the sort of thing you want to be out on your shelf. The oversized rear wing, airplane-sized side air in-takes and also the fact that this particular version was modelled after Walter Rohrl’s legendary drive in #2 although equally legendary in the same car was French Female Motorsport legend, Michelle Mouton.

1986 Audi

SPORT QUATTRO

ONE64

MUSCLE MACHINE

CASTING REMARKS ONE64

MUSCLE MACHINE

Following great success for the haulers and standalone cars Maisto drops a new category in the Muscle Machine range and already it’s looking like a fun series because the recipe hasn’t changed, it’s just that the dish and course have gotten way bigger. The first Series consists of three new inclusions to the MM family which are the same size as the haulers without the extended car-carrying bed.

Instead, this is a lineup of Gasoline Tankers, Tow Trucks, and other industrial movers.

It’s really interesting how toned down this first example looks when you compare it to the loud and raucous models that kicked off the Muscle Machines relaunch. But it is a lovely use of simplicity matching the body with a decent glossy two-tone and subtle gargantuan parts.

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MUSCLE MACHINE

Silencers or side pipes that look like they can silence, an entire witness-protected town. It also turns out that this is the first MM model that has opening parts. That’s right the rear box can open up and act as a tiny little storage compartment where you can hide all those US secrets you accidentally downloaded onto a 128Gb MicroSD chip made by Sandisk.

The chrome-out steel rims are perfect and look really good, not plasticky and fake and even though the truck is subtle on the details it’s certainly very classy looking and the details are there just not in your face. The kick-off to this new series is looking promising.

1950 FORD

COE BOX TRUCK

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CHROME CITY!!!! YES,

this is more like it! Big oversized supercharged engine, pipes as large as Dame Shirley Bassey’s, plenty of chrome and bright colours. This is really a great combination of different textures and finishes which is one of the cool things about this range. It’s always a constant surprise.

And yes, some of the engines still come with an actual rubber engine belt as is the case with this.

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MUSCLE MACHINE

Could there be more done to this? Hard to say, it already looks like all that could be blown up has been blown up already but again these are early stages of the series, there is no doubt that the team will keep improving the designs until they perfect it and then someone is going to have build it for real.

1953 MACK B

TANKER ONE64

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MUSCLE MACHINE

IF OLD MIGHTY MCDONALD HAD A MIGHTY FARM, HE WOULD NEED SOME MIGHTY HAULAGE TO TAKE HIS MIGHTY ANIMALS AROUND. OUR SUGGESTION? One bright orange and yellow stake bed truck please.

Plenty of space to take up the cargo but also loaded with Muscle Machine flavour. Bright orange body and yellow stakebed this is both bright and loud if that oversized supercharger engine it would have been deafening.

The best feature on this already brilliant little thug of tug are the white wall wheels that wrap around the chromed up steelies. Super clear logos and badges on the truck give it more authenticity makes it look 5% more real.

1966 CHEVROLET

C60 STAKEBED ONE64

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TARMAC WORKS

Police cars around the world are pretty iconic few of them are downright shitty, but as always when you are a country that spawns evolutionary fables of cars that succeed in mechanical madness under the hoods of cars that are aerodynamically efficient you need serious sirens. This is the country where cops and robbers take place on the streets and it gets

really serious, highly tuned serious.

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TARMAC WORKS

Tarmac Works are the founders of fun in 1/64 with the little treats they constantly come up with in the year of releases. The VERTEX series from TARMAC Works has become a firm favourite of mine and I want to bury myself in all their releases specially some of these musted tones like this silver devil with chrome deep dish rims and 3D shaped centres for enhanced detail and the total package wrapped up in a rubber tire. You would be amazed of many pieces that wheel can break down to, compared to a mass market wheel assembly.

The body shape has been moulded perfectly according to TOYOTA standards and when I say perfectly, I mean this is flawless.

The lights and the grille are realistic looking, and we applaud TARMAC WORKS for constantly improving their standards and quality.

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TOYOTA VERTEX CHASER

This is the total package and judging by the detail that has been executed upon the 1/64 scale model TARMAC works has certainly gotten it together. And honestly, Im looking forward to more and more VERTEX releases over the next year.

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TARMAC WORKS

How do you chase a chaser? With a SUPRA says the police. You put a TOYOTA to catch a TOYOTA. Puns aside the detail on this is extreme in a TARMAC WORKS sense. The miniature communication antenna, well mounted siren lights and of course that plastic thingy on the hood (do you think it’s a HUD?) work well together increasing the detail value of the car. And NO! That is not a HUD!

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TOYOTA SUPRA-JAPAN POLICE

In high-speed chases, cars can churn up a lot of debris either from the road or from their cars, pieces of rubber, stones and small rocks of asphalt, organic debris etc. These shields would keep the debris off the main windshield which would be devastating if it had hit the glass at some of those chase speeds.

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TARMAC WORKS

Why let a good casting go to waste? TARMAC WORKS feel like they have dropped gold with the Chaser mould and collectors including me tend to agree. I’m not a huge fan of variations but I feel I could get on board with the Chaser in various colours simply because Tarmac Works has done such a stellar job on this casting.

This particular Police Vehicle has well detailed rims, really cool aero kit from VERTEX and of course the ‘ police ’ accessories such as the siren and singular light. Although this is actually a ‘fantasy’ type version model which is police livery put on top of a VERTEX body, there are POLICE cars in JAPAN and Russia that run the Chaser as POLICE cars. I can just imagine them radioing each other

“Chaser 1 this is Chaser 2, we have a bogey Chaser on the M20 speeding in excess of 50, over”

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TOYOTA VERTEX CHASER-JAPAN POLICE

“Chaser 2 this is Chaser 1 we are putting our sunglasses on and in pursuit.”

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FERRARI BANG & OLUFSEN IN PURSUIT OF STYLE&SOUND

If you have been following our newest issues you will notice the inclusion of Spotify in our lineup of social media.

Yes! Music and car culture have been intertwined since the beginning of Automobiles. But what does a collaboration between music and cars look like? Maybe we could get away with a HONDA BEATS by DRE? Do we really need high-end sound? Maybe Skull Candy Skoda’s with Active Noise Cancelling.

But wait, what if you want to listen to the different engine notes of the varying racers in a 1967 LeMans? Or the subtle changes in notes of Formula cars as they downshifted from 6th to 1st in the corners? What if your TV is in the bedroom and your spouse has an early day the next? Questions that need one very serious answer. A collaboration between B&O and Ferrari.

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Now buying B&O isn’t for the faint hearted, upper middle class to be honest I don’t know many rich people who would spend the same amount of money on a pair of speakers that costs the same as a FERRARI so it’s safe to assume prices are eye wateringly killer.

But if you saved half your scale model car budget for the next 12 months there is a chance you can show off to your friends the ultimate in FERRARI merch and enjoy the sounds of a Colombo V12 being tuned by ear.

FERRARI BANG & OLUFSEN IN PURSUIT OF STYLE&SOUND

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BEOSOUND Explore Ferrari Edition GBP £219

We can confirm two items will be under the price range of GBP1000. The BEOSOUND Explore Ferrari Edition priced at GBP219 for a waterproof outdoor wireless speaker. Which is surprisingly reasonable compared to all their other products. The BEOPLAY EX Ferrari Edition wireless pods are priced at GBP449. Of course, painted and treated in the most sophisticated of ways so that the shades of red are just absolutely stunning especially on the BEOSOUND 2 Ferrari Edition which is a hefty 4,449 pounds in GBP or you could slash that and get yourself what B&O calls the ultimate in over ear headphones for 1,149 GBP.

FERRARI BANG & OLUFSEN IN PURSUIT OF STYLE&SOUND

BEOPLAY EX Ferrari Edition wireless GBP £449

BEOSOUND 2 Ferrari Edition GBP £4449

BEOPLAY H95 Ferrari Edition GBP £1149

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What you can expect is rich sound, tuned and crafted to produce the best output at every amplitude without any distortion whatsoever.

Unfortunately, having spent all your money buying one of these items you will also have no furniture, no car etc.

FERRARI BANG & OLUFSEN IN PURSUIT OF STYLE&SOUND

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All good cop ‘buddy’ shows have one strong ingredient that never fails. The cool cop always has the ‘cool car’ It is an unwritten rule. Did anyone ever see Joe Peschi drive a cool car in Lethal Weapon???

No! The cool cop guy would drive some muscle and the sensible law-abiding cop buddy would drive the family VOLVO. But then look at the ultra-cool cop shows like NICS and CSI, the got the updated muscle.

AUTOWORLD So welcome to the ‘Chase and Davis’ cop buddy show and the cool car in this, is our Autoworld Chevy Camaro ZL1. This is the perfect five O beast decked out in Blue along with punishing detail makes this car almost too illegal to be true specially with the price tag, it’s a steal.

It’s also got the dramatic effect when parked next to it’s owner ‘look’ down perfectly. I’m immediately menaced by this

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From Autoworld Modern Muscle this from the 3rd Series of Premium Releases B for 2022 painted in the factory palette colour known as ‘Rapid Blue’ fitted with premium rubber wheels and opening hood to reveal a small but detailed engine and I don’t know if I have mentioned this before. But these cars have a lovely weight to them because of the metal chassis. Heavy solid and reliable like a good partner.

AUTOWORLD

CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 ONE64

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You can read this out in your head using your best Jason Statham voice.

“THE BEST VEHICLE FOR THE JOB WILL BE SOMETHING, SMALL, FAST AND RELIABLE. ABLE TO NIP THROUGH CORNERS WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT OR MAKING A NOISE QUICK IN QUICK OUT. GOOD HANDLING FOR OUTRUNNING THE POLICE SPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC. LIGHT AND NIMBLE LIKE”

AUTOWORLD

One of the best renditions we have seen of the new Datsun Z could easily be this Autoworld number in Seiran Blue. A majestic colour and equally fitting paint job, in the sun this car truly shines glistening with its stunning paint job. Fortunately, the added details compliment the paint job because they haven’t been added on haphazardly. The tampo for the lights have been applied perfectly, the paint of the front grille damn near perfect and the wheels have also been well cut with precision.

CHEVROLET CITATION X-11 ONE64

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You never really hear any complaints about Autoworld and their Quality Control, while everyone has been racing to have more details and gimmicks shoved into their models the approach Round2 has taken is to stick to one thing and perfect it. If you don’t have Autoworld as part of your collection,

THEN YOU ARE MISSING OUT.

NISSAN 400Z ONE64

AUTOWORLD

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D N LA !

Y O H A

JOHNNY LIGHTNING

OK

LET’S FACE IT! TOYOTA IS THE GREATEST CAR MANUFACTURER ON THE PLANET.

Their TOYOTA HILUX from the 90’s is virtually indestructible, engines in cars like the 98 TOYOTA CAMRY have gone well beyond the 999,999 mile mark and yet they still carry on. Cars like the Chaser, the MR2 and (at the time) The Supra were the darlings of budget street racing.

So, it comes as no surprise that when we look at the real daddy of SUV’s, the real McCoy of the wilderness or park, it is, the

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER.

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The FJ Cruiser is a new version of the first generation in that the design cues for the new model were taken from the original design and then the team designed a HUMMER H2esque rear and stuck it on the back.

Fortunately for diecast collectors like yourself you are able to examine these design nuances in detail thanks to the detail provided by Johnny Lightening.

Being brothers in arms with AutoWorld means that JL collectors can enjoy the same quality of models in terms of paint quality, paint finish, opening parts and of course fantastic detail specially when it comes to tampo placement. Compares to other castings of this same model my personal opinion is that this is one of the best.

JOHNNY LIGHTNING

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER ONE64

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JOHNNY LIGHTNING

THE LAST OF OUR JOHNNY LIGHTNING REVIEWS AND SOME MAY SAY WE SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST.

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Except for the painted lights, this thing is slick as an Exxon Valdez oil slick with details. Side mirrors you don’t have to attach yourself, a curiously detailed engine in an opening engine bay, LOVE the colour and of course the Potenza Bridgestone branded tyres the entire ensemble sits on. For the pickup fans this is going to fit right into your collection with out any doubt at all. It is one of those models that you sit and appreciate something new every time you look it,

CHEVROLET SILVERADO ONE64

JOHNNY LIGHTNING Like right now while I write this, I can’t help thinking how smart that rear trailer looks painted in black as opposed to having it orange AND it’s painted in a nice matt black as well as most truck owners would go with a practical matt finish.

If you don’t like the Orange version, they do have the second collection in the series and this comes in a beautiful dark wine red version. A huge shout out to Gravesend Model Centre for the great prop finds like the bag oof bales of grass that fit perfectly into the back.

WWW.GRAVESENDMODELCENTRE.CO.UK/

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ALRIGHT CUSTOMIZERS CALM DOWN YES THIS IS CERTAINLY UP YOUR STREET! First up its seems we’ve got a solid pick up truck line up in this issue and Oranges seems to be the colour for heavy duty rides. But when it comes to heavy duty BM Creations just got really really heavy. The D-Max is already a good looking pickup and if you ‘ve got a good casting it’s a good show off piece.

BMC

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BMC First, they have a pretty good casting of the D-Max, then they have coupled it with a really decent paint job and graphic package, seriously no complaints at all. Opening doors, plastic lights both in the front and the back, added details like luggage rails on the roof & antenna all separate parts. Then stuff gets really interesting. You can add or remove the front fog lamps, change the tires, remove the entire front buffer and replace it with the supplied badass front bumper, add roof lights, add an aggressive trailer rack,

ISUZU D-MAX ONE64

Yes, this model comes with so many accessories it would make your head spin. We don’t why these guys have been hiding for so long because we know the world of car lovers would love a little customization in their lives and all these customizations come with the model.

Tree: www.gravesendmodelcentre.co.uk/

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BMC

Taxis don’t get much attention as POLICE cars in the model world, but they do have a special place in a lot of collectors’ hearts because we have all at some point in our lives relied heavily on the local TAXI service. For some countries with higher international traffic their TAXI’s are world known like NYC taxi’s, DUBAI Taxi’s and in this case the HONG KONG Toyota Corolla Taxi.

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Always with something a little special, this simple tribute has one very cool feature. BMC has put in steerable front wheels.

LOVE IT! More realism, specially for the wonderful photographers out there putting in a lot of effort to drop sets that strive to be a realistic as possible.

TOYOTA COROLLA TAXI ONE64

I don’t know if the lumbered stance was done on purpose, but it does fit the bill of an old taxi whose suspension has seen better days several times over and now its completely dropped out. Even the slight blemishes in the metal work feels more like a well-used taxi. My favourite part? I love how BMC has done the rear lights on the Corolla.

That rear is pretty iconic, and they have done it surprisingly well.

BMC

DIECASTING COUCH CASTING REMARKS HOT PICKS FOR YOU ONE64

This thing came with so many accessories we needed an entire table to sit and sort out what’s what and some pieces were… strange. If there is one thing, we think this should have in addition to ALL the insane bits and pieces it already comes with, and Instruction Manual.

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LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER CLASSIC LSE CAMEL TROPHY

BMC

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Seriously the designer at BMC sat and thought of all the accessories and custom bits they could add to this severely iconic land roamer. The casting itself is pretty awesome and it's really cool to finally get my hands on one of my favourite Range Rovers of all time. Listing all the parts out that this comes with is difficult because even i don’t know what some of the parts are.

But we do have extra sets of wheels, accessories like petrol tanks, lock boxes, ramps, spades and pickaxes, heavy duty jack, water transfer stickers, front bumper guard, opening doors, frameless windows when the doors are open, this is starting to read like the original brochure.

BMC

BMC have certainly put a lot of inventiveness and effort to make this far more playable for an adult than most of the other brands out there. You WILL find yourself in the middle of work pulling off pieces and adding others, it WILL distract you with all the possibilities it offers. Honestly this is big because it really is a toy for the Adult Collector.

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h s i it r B A ssic a l c

TARMAC WORKS

MR. STRONG RWB 1:64 TARMAC WORKS LIMITED EDITION

Our brief to mini Tarmac Works Figurine of famous RWB Legend and Builder Akira Nakai (even his name is legendary gold standard) was: Take a classic British Icon and Give the RWB touch. No whether Nakai San is a Doctor Who fan but he did choose a really good classic.

P{olice Box

! g n i z a Am

TARMAC WORKS

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Hornby’s 1/64 scale diecast metal Police call Box. Two British icons. And he set to work.

Having watched in him previously this year in real life, it was exciting watching him cut and chop measuring by eye. Constantly adjusting heights and gaps while helped by an equally amazing partner. Before we knew it, he was done and ready to reveal his art.

RWB FIGURES TARMAC WORKS

DIECAST POLICE BOX – HORNBY COLLECTIBLES

FESTIVAL ITALIA

on tour

BRANDS HATC

I

t couldn’t have been a more perfect day. I stood on my balcony sipping on my supermarket roast listening to the high-pitched growls and throaty sounds of Italian V12’s and V8’s filling the countryside air. I had been waiting for this show for a long time, a chance to see and get close to some of those iconic Italians some may only see on screen or in a magazine.

CASTHEADS OUT 'N ABOUT

2023

CH FESTIVAL ITALIA

The big question is it Chassis 0846 Ferrari P3/4 or is it a replica by David Piper?

Before leaving home I said I was going to pass out if I saw an F40! Got some really great wheel clicks.

C’MON a 250 GTO the same day as an F40!!! My heart was in tatters!

FESTIVAL ITALIA

There was no end in sight for the amount of Ferrari’s I had never seen in real life before. I was mesmerised.

We could have made the biggest supercar rainbow evah!!!

DRIVING TO BRANDS HATCH WAS HELL!

A Purple Diablo…nuff said…

Trying hard to concentrate on the road while sandwiched between what only could be described as a pair of Italian Hell Hounds. Here I was, wanting to enjoy the deep growls of the cars but not wanting to rear end one or hold up the other, I suddenly felt like Sergio Perez in my Honda between two Ferrari’s on a narrow track THAT HAD SHEEP!!! It was exciting and diaper soiling at the same time.

CASTHEADS OUT 'N ABOUT

Do you know how rare a Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole is? I filled my lungs with its fumes.

A stunning Metallic Blue Diablo steals the crowd’s attention

A rare Group B Rally Ferrari which you can find in 1:18 by Otto Mobile and Reviewed in one of our previous issues.

Out of reach? Yep

FESTIVAL ITALIA

Ferrari 550 Maranello, one of the most expensive Rarri’s giving me Bad Boys vibrations

FIAT X Bertone Collab in Acid Green

The SIMCA 1300GT ABARTH achieving balance between power, weight and centre of gravity.

Wheel click courtesy of passing out..

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O An ULTIMA you don’t see many of these out and about and NO IT IS NOT BY NISSAN

Guess the Lambo

Mind blown straight into the Stratos-phere!

nce there, it was apparent that this was not a run of the mill car show, this was something that supercar and luxury sport car owners took very seriously you could smell the nubuck and suede. I thought the car park was an Italian wonderland, until I got through the gates and was greeted by the familiar face, a face I had seen many times but always in 1/64 scale here I was face to face with a LANCIA HF INTEGRALE. I did feel like an animal lover coming to the wild Serengeti.

FESTIVAL ITALIA

IF I GOT A DOLLAR FOR EVERY FIAT 500 I SAW, I WOULD HAVE DRIVEN AWAY WITH A NICE NEW FIAT 500 ABARTH.

CASTHEADS OUT 'N ABOUT

It depends on what part of the world you are in and at which time periods you first noticed them, but Nissan or Datsun to some really turned the performance car segment on it's ear the world over from the beginning of the 1970s!

Text & Images by David Houston

DATSUN Z LOVE

From October 1969 Nissan introduced both the Nissan Fairlady Z & Datsun 240Z to the world as a 1970 model. This car was a fixed roof vehicle that replaced the outgoing Roadster Fairlady. With striking looks and dynamic performance combined with a very affordable price point, the

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auto industry took notice (especially the European makers like Porsche). Not only did companies like Porsche take notice, but so did companies in the UK which built 2 seater sports GTs started to realize that they might have a harder time with their own sales.

DATSUN Z LOVE The "Z-Car" was a very good looking vehicle, not too unsimilar to Toyota's 2000GT or even something as dramatic as say a Jaguar E-Type Coupe (but on a budget). That whole sticking point of "performance & style, but on a budget" was the biggest factor to competitors. The Z-Cars came in at a lower price point and Japanese cars had already started their infamous good reliability notoriety. Not to mention that these cars were chasing down Porsche 911s at that time. So, if someone was in the market for a sports car in the early 70s, this was a very attractive and logical alternative to higher priced European makes and less fuel efficient American cars like the Corvette or even the "BIG THREE's" Pony cars of that time

However as the years passed stateside in the US at least Datsun USA increased their US Spec'd Z-car's engine displacement from 2.4L (240Z) to 2.6L (260Z) and wrapping up the 1970s as a 2.8L (280ZX) second generation model in 1978. World over throughout the 1970s, The Z-Car grew a set of rear seats. In fact a Family friend & neighbor had the 2+2 version of this car and it was the very first Z-Car that I had ever rode in. I didn't like the looks of it even as a kid, but my Mom loved driving it and often swapped cars with him (Her forest green metallic Camaro for his grey Mustang Mach 1 or the silver 260Z or 280Z 2+2...I can't clearly remember?).

I remember it having a loud drive train (compared to the Camaro, as it was a manual transmission). My next encounter with a 280ZX was when our family friend Clint pulled up in a brand new black 280ZX. I was heartbroken, because Clint previously owned my second favorite car ever, a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE. Clint's Trans Am was literally black SE with the gold pin stripping mesh or laced diamond patterned polished with gold inserted wheels and tan interior with T-TOPS and that huge screaming chicken/ bird on the hood which I could view directly on from my bay window seat in my bedroom over the driveway. That Trans Am had to be either a 77 or 78, as it didn't have my favorite front and rear end yet. I remember as Clint was inside talking to my folks, I walked outside to look at the new car. I was honestly sad. As it had rounded lights and only 2 seats. Clint (a very tall slim man) came outside and asked me did I like it? I can't remember what I said other than "What happened to the Trans Zam (As a kid, I called it that, a "Trans Zam")?", but he opened it and showed me the interior

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I was also sad that it only had 2 seats, so only one other person could come along. Whatever I said? Clint said "David, this is a better car than the Trans Am". Then Clint was showing me that it was able to talk, I think it had a digital dash also T-Tops like the Trans Am had and it was a Turbo...oh, and also black, like the Trans Am. So, Clint asked my folks could I ride with him. He was driving me around and said that it was faster than his Trans Am. By this time the Turbo Trans Ams were out and Smoky and the Bandit II was as well and I was dead set in LOVE with the 1980-81 Turbo Trans Ams. Seriously, I still love that car till this day, three 1/18th scales right behind me now as I type this. Clint ended up selling me on the fact that his 280ZX Turbo was better than his 77-78 Trans Am. That ride changed my outlook on cars overall. I was really into US cars until that moment, that is when I started looking more at Japanese cars. I can blame Clint for my later ownership of a couple of Z-Cars. Getting ahead of myself a bit.

So, as the world hit 1984 Datsun changed their corporate US branding to "Nissan". For 1984, most cars sold stateside had both Datsun & Nissan badging on them (like When in the 90s Nissan had both Altima & Stanza on their new 1993 Altimas to get us Americans used to that model name... while in Japan, it stayed "Bluebird"). Wow, I was surprised with the new Nissan 300ZX. First off, I remember that the car looked a bit like the 280ZX shape or proportion wise, but it became more angular and up to date with it's US contemporaries like the CelicaSupra, Corvettes, Firebirds/ Camaros and Dodge Daytona TurboZs. To me, it looked very aggressive, with it's slightly hidden headlights and really nicely integrated rear connecting reflector bar with "300ZX" or "Turbo", depending upon which car you bought.

Immediately, I begged my Grandfather to take me to see the new first ever 300ZX, he did, as he too was interested.

When we walked into the dealership, there was also the Anniversary model sitting there with digital dash and rear fender flares as well as more aggressive front fenders (the 1986 cars would adopt this look, but with flared rear fenders versus stuck on flares which the Anniversary Z-Cars wore). So, for 1984, I had three favorite new cars.

The first being the 1984 Chevy Corvette C4, the second being the 1984 Datsun-Nissan 300ZX and the Pontiac Fiero 2M4! Then to top it off, Tamiya released their 1/24th scale Z31 Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX kit and I was over the moon with excitement! Not only did my Grandfather buy me the MASSIVE $20 1/8th scale 1984 Monogram/MPC Corvette C4 as well as a few 1/24th scaled Fiero 2M4s and GT. It was really an AMAZING time for me back then! It obviously made a huge impact on me, as I remember all of this. Also, at that time Tomy released their "Pocket Cars" versions of Tomica's Fairlady Z literally matching Tamiya's box art. Also, Hot Wheels released a really good red US Spec'd 300ZX. I was thrilled!

So, a few years passed and by the time that I was in middle school or Jr. High, the 1986.5 MKIII Toyota Supra had released and that was my hands down favorite car until Nissan came back in 1987 with a heavy facelifted Z31 300ZX! I had my first car conflict. At this age, I was old enough to imagine driving and kept trying to decide which one I would ask for as I got older for my first car. I absolutely loved how Nissan refreshed their Z31. It was impressive. The Z-Car looked fresh to me again! By the way, I asked for a Supra for my first car. I almost got it too, except for one person (his Banker) warning my Grandfather that I didn't need such a car at 16, but that is another story. As 1989 rolled into the 90s, new 1990s Japanese cars started showing up during Japan's strong "Bubble Era". Nissan debuted their new Nissan Z-Car, the Z32 300ZX on the front covers of US automobile magazines (often with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which my parents did buy). I honestly didn't know how to react. It was so different from the Z31.

The Z32 looked literally like Godzilla or an alligator

(I KNOW THE SKYLINE GETS THAT NICKNAME, BUT THE Z ACTUALLY LOOKED LIKE IT), plus the car was really rounded and modern organic, but tailored looking.

Initially, the Road & Track Magazine color didn't flatter the car, but then when I opened it. OMG! I was intrigued! I started drawing that car as an art piece at home. It was really like I was driven by a force to illustrate as many views of that car. As my Grandfather had given me his old 4- year old Audi 5000 for my very first car, but with it being too much of a glitchy vehicle, my parents took it over. So, I agreed to not have a car for the rest of the year, as my grandfather promised to get me a yellow 2 seater 300ZX.

So, I was over the moon. Then to top it off, my mother's friend, a Nissan Dealer had driven over a brand new red "Slick Top" (no T-Tops) sitting in the driveway when I came home from high school.

OMG, I went NUTS!

I thought that it was MINE! I was like "finally, I got it!". WRONG! My mother had him to bring it over for me to see, as she knew that was the car that I wanted. To make that desire worse, our neighbor down the street got a red Twin Turbo and his step son a white 240SX SE fastback, then our next door neighbor's son got a seafoam colored 240SX SE fastback as well...UGH, it was torture living on that street!!! Especially as it was summer time and I was expecting that my Grandfather was going to buy me that Z he promised me. However, as we pulled into his driveway, there was a brand new Chevy Corsica, which looked like my Driver's Ed car. I asked "Who's car is that?" He said "Yours" ..my brother laughed and I almost wanted to cry, because I had told some of my friends in High School that I was getting my 300ZX that summer (to replace the Audi). To compound things, one guy at my school got a light blue 2+2, so I was expecting my Grandfather to keep his promise.

However, he did explain that if I wanted to attend college, that I'd have to take a lesser car. I was heart broken. At 16 or rather 17 now, I was still thinking like a "tween". Luckily going into my second year of college, my grandfather bought me a blue 240SX SE fastback as well to make up for the lack of that Z32. Fast Forward after College , as I was now working and had saved up for a Toyota MKIV Supra Turbo …..however, I made the mistake of sending a relative (step relative) half of the car's value amount down to deposit/secure that Supra for me in 1998 from a guy getting a divorce and being forced to sell it in Texas. As I was working out of state, I expected this relative to secure the car for me to come down and pick it up. Anyway, let me just say that money was NOT used for that Supra. My two besties were also not impressed with hearing this. It really was the final straw for me short of having this person lucked up. 6 or 7 months later, my mother called and told me that she had gotten me a Z32 300ZX Twin Turbo in red. It was the late 90s, I was really a Supra fan at that moment... however, I really was still curious about the Z, so I went down with a friend and picked it up. I had it for just about a year, but I was living in a very large city, and was under 25 y/o, so my auto insurance was $800+ a month. Even with a good job, that was way too much. I eventually sold the 300ZX and ended up driving their MX-5 Miata until I got a company car.

DATSUN Z LOVE Jumping a few years ahead, I found myself working in Europe. Recently having just bought a brand new S2000, Nissan of Europe finally announced that the new 350Z was coming! Initially Nissan said that it wasn't but it arrived nearly 1.5 to 2 years after the US Spec'd car debuted. So, I had a dilemma, do I keep my still new beloved Honda S2000 or, do I buy a new 350Z? Well, I had just changed jobs and really was not happy with keeping the revs up on the autobahn just to maintain speed in the S2000 ….plus, the fact that it didn't have the torque when you had German powerhouses beaming down on you at mega speeds, I decided to get a 350Z GT (and started tuning it for more power and added better cross drilled brake discs, as it already had the Brembo Brake option).

I truly loved that car, it felt "like me", power wise, looks wise and top end velocity. That is what I was missing in my life at that time, automobile wise! Now, in 2023, I heard again that the New Z-Car is not coming to Europe, but this time, I think it's actually true.

So, the option will be grey market examples. That said, it seems like the exact premium 1/64th scale market has exploded over the past few years with many overlooked Nissan Z-Car generations being released almost monthly now. I don't think but 1 year of that vehicle is missing in scale model form (especially 1/64th), except of the US spec' 1986 one year only integrated rear flared fender variant of the Z31.

Johnny Lightning have released the 1984 & 85 Z31s and Kyosho have recently released the 87-89 Z31 facelift leaving the "unloved" '86 out of the relevancy of Z31s.

I am glad that we're living in a time where many miniature manufactures are producing accurate exact scale 1/64ths of these legendary vehicles. It really feels good to pull them out or put them on display and share the generations with those who might have some fun memories of these Nissans or Datsun Sports GTs and those who might have never even seen older generations of these vehicles!

Many companies are doing the new era 2023 Z34 Z-Car (Also nicked named 400Z) in 1/64th scale, the previous model 370Z/FairladyZ has only really been done as Greenlight or Japanese "Capsule Toy" plastic replicas in 1/64th scale. The 350Z/FairladyZ miniatures were done in 1/64th scale as coupes/cabriolets and NISMO versions by Kyosho/AUTOart, Racing Champions/Johnny Lightning and many more. The 350Z was one of the most popular Z car castings. The Z32 is finally getting traction via companies like Inno64 and formerly companies like Konami plus a slew of 3-inch toy versions. Luckily, Tomica Limited Vintage Neo has done Nissan FairladyZs from the 70s through the early 80s.

So, I'll start with the Fairlady Roadsters, before there was ever a "Z-Car" there was a 1960s Nissan Fairlady Roadster in the image of the then popular British motoring cabriolets. Nissan created a nimble little convertible and named it "Fairlady" after one of Nissan's executives had seen the play "My Fairlady" whilst visiting the United States. Tomica Limited Vintage has captured those lovely roasters in true 1/64th scale brimming with little details including both a cabriolet boot cover (for when the top is down) as well as a lift off hardtop for whichever way you desire to display your Fairlady Roadster.

A Perspective from a P r e F Furious Era Supra F ast an

t this age, I was old enough to imagine driving and kept trying to decide which one I would ask for as I got older for my first car. I already knew exactly what I wanted too! At the beginning of Jr. High/Middle School, the A70 1986.5 MKIII Toyota Supra had been released and that was my hands down favorite car.

(Side note, in Japan due to higher taxes against wider passenger cars, Toyota also produced a "narrow body" version of the A70 MKIII Supras. This car almost looks identical too buy the sharpest eyed Supra fans. TLVN replicated this, whereas other 1/64th scale model makers produced the wider bodied Supras which was shared with 1/1 exported models). The new MKIII A70 Supra was my favorite car until Nissan came back in 1987 with a very heavy facelifted Z31 300ZX! Ultimately, I had my first car conflict, before I was ever old enough to drive. A few years passed and by the time that I was now in high school. During this time, I asked my Grandfather for a Supra for my first car (he was my legal guardian and the reason that I really got into collecting miniature cars after trainsets). Although I absolutely loved how Nissan's refreshed their Z31 looked, I was impressed with the Supra (plus it had a back seat selling point to sway my grandfather into thinking I was more responsible).

So, my grandfather actually agreed to buy me that now nearly 3-year-old 1986.5 A70 Supra in maroon metallic over grey leather being sold my Mr. Osamu Anbar! He was selling this Supra, as he and his wife had a new baby and they had bought a new Mercury Cougar XR7 (also in maroon metallic). If I remember correctly, the cars were just $10,500 or $11,000, it looked brand new and had very low miles on it. So, my grandfather took me to the bank with him to withdraw the money to buy this car (I was on such a high with excitement). When all of a sudden, the head banker in the small town that my grandfather had retired came out and sat down with us. He looked at my grandfather and myself and said these horrific words to my grandfather "A BOY like that, doesn't need a car like this!" Then he went on to tear down the car by talking about power, insurance etc. I was shocked. To me, this guy was a first-class jerk, or could he have been right? Maybe at 16 if I had gotten that car, I might not be here today?

He then told my grandfather "to find something more sensible and not so sporty for a 16-year-old". I was absolutely heartbroken, because my grandfather didn't go through withdrawing money from his account and drove me back to his house. I literally went to the bedroom, put my face into the pillows and cried. This hateful man convinced my Big Daddy to not buy me my then dream car. Ultimately, my grandfather gave me his 4-year-old gold over brown interior Audi 5000, as he was buying another car, so that was my very first car (until he replaced it with a new maroon Chevy Corsica a year later and my parents took the Audi).

A

f you are old enough to remember the late 1980s, there was a very popular song called "Supersonic" by the female rap duo L'Trimm. This duo was also famous for the song "Cars With The Boom". I was in Jr. High when those songs and music videos were released. Like almost every early teenage boy and even some girls, I was getting into the BIG Speakers or Bass vibes all around me. I would get excited whenever some bass thumping car or mini truck would drive by and shake pics on the wall and cause my parents or grandparents to complain. I was usually trying to run to the window to see what was passing. The reason that I was so excited was, in a few years, I'd be turning 16 years old. In America, that meant that I'd be driving and luckily getting my first car!

I

M

any years earlier, my obsession with Toyota Supras or rather CelicaSupras started with the A60 MKII. I used to stay with my older Cousin Flora, who was basically our babysitter. One day she, my brother and I were playing in the front yard, and I noticed this black car with a roof spoiler parked in a driveway on her street. We all stopped playing and looked at it. Flora looked at us and said, "That car is bad! ...isn't it?". She then went on to say, "One day, I'm going to get me one of those!". To me, it looked really interesting and certainly had that 1980s GT vibe and good RWD proportions. Then, at some point I heard my mother talking about the A60 CelicaSupra and Celica GT-S. She also liked those and she drove a Camaro and her exe's Corvette at that time. So, I was really sure that it must have been a good car, because my mother only liked fast cars. That cemented the deal for me, it was "Supra" from then on out as a true fan.

ast forward after college, as I was now working and had saved up enough for an A80 Toyota MKIV Supra Turbo. However, my credit was not strong enough yet and I made the HUGE mistake of sending a relative half value for a red A80 Supra Turbo that I located in Texas (I was working and living out of state). Trusting this relative, I transferred down half the value amount for deposit to secure that Supra in 1998. The guy selling the red A80 Supra MKIV Turbo was getting a divorce was a Doctor. He was being forced to sell it. As I was working out of state, I fully trusted and expected this relative to secure the car for me credit wise and I came down and picked it up. Anyway, let me just say that money which I transferred down was NOT used for that Supra.

It really ruined that relationship with this step-relative.

Now, even further into my "Supra Story" 2008, one friend in Michigan owned a repair shop. He had a slightly wrecked black over beige interior A80 1994 Turbo MKIV that he was thinking to rebuild or to sell to me fully restored for $23,000 and my Lexus SC300 on trade. I really was on the fence, as even though the car could have been repaired easily, I thought that it would have a "rebuilt" title and I was thinking, the Supra was now 14 years old. I was looking at a nearly new BMW 645 Ci at a Bugatti Dealership in Chicago.

So, I actually walked away from that Supra and bought the BMW. That was the last time that I seriously thought to buy a Supra. However, we are so lucky to be living in a time when Supra and even CelicaSupras are more popular than ever!

F

1/64TH THE

SCALE

market has blown up over the last 2-5 years with many generations Supra releases. Every generation Supra is now accounted for in 1/64th and nearly all in larger scales as well! Some of those cars are listed as JDM spec "A50 CelicaXX MKI & A60 MKII" and as well as export spec named "MKII CelicaSupra" .Kyosho and Konami were the first to release these MKIIs in exact 1/64th scale. Last year, in 2022 both Para64 released A60 CelicaSupra MKIIs and HobbyJAPAN released JDM Spec A60 MKII CelicaXXs in a plethora of colors as OEM and Customed. Auto World also plans to release their exact scale 1/64th US Spec A60 MKII CelicaSupras later this year.

T

he mighty A70 MKIIIs by TLVN caught traction prior to the later released A70 MKIIIs from brands like HobbyJAPAN. Brands like Tomica Limited Vintage Neo released A70 MKIII Supras from 2015 (which basically is the casting that jumped me back into 1/64th again), along with HobbyJAPAN and Tarmac Works following years later. Just this year, I even have a newly released Japan only Japanese History Car Series 1986.5 A70 MKIII Supra

by DeAgostini (DeAgostini also released the only exact scale 1/64th A50 MKI CelicaXX version recently pictured here). In late 1998-99, Tamiya was the first to release a true scale 1/64th A80 MKIV Supra. Nearly just around two decades or so later roughly at the same time both MiniGT and Tarmac Works/Ignition Model released their MIV Supras, followed by the American based company Auto World.

Finally HobbyJAPAN released their castings in a rainbow of OEM colors and Customized variants rounding up for the licensed branded miniature makers. Prior to HobbyJAPAN releasing their A80 MKIV Supras, they released their BMW Z4 based Toyota GR Supra A90 MKV as both OEM and Customized versions (again with all factory colors). Almost at the same time Kyosho also released their GR Supra MKVs as well. MiniGT then soon afterwards released many tuned specialty versions as well as Ignition Model.

Additionally, many unlicensed but highly accurate & detailed A80 MKIVs and A90 MKVs are currently also on the market from China as well.

I might have walked away from a A80 MKIV Supra in the end, but I am drowning in miniature Supras of all scales and generations in 2023! In 2000, it was so hard to see this day coming with the snails pace that Supras used to receive.

Looking at these miniatures or little gems now in 2023 with all generation Supras together, always puts a smile on my face and cheer in my heart!

Text & Images by David Houston

One of the most striking police vehicle liveries around the world happens to be in Japan. The official name in Japan for police is, "警邏 車" (keirasha) and "パトカー"for the abbreviated Romanized lettering.

That iconic color-scheme has become a thing of pop culture Japan, as much as Bōsōzoku bikes/cars and Kei wagons. All unapologetically a strong part of Japan's automotive culture. In fact, in the world of miniature cars, it's extremely popular to always have you "local police" around for scenes pulling over "Wangan Expressway Runners". Unlike how most western countries associate police cars in a negative light, it almost seems like Japanese Police vehicles themselves have become a form of celebrities or at least as iconic as Shibuya Crossing as a part of Japanese Pop Culture goes.

One thing that you will notice about Japanese police vehicles are, that they nearly all look the same color-scheme wise. From prefecture to prefecture, there is only a written character difference between locals. This sends a clear and less confusing message than say in places like the United States, where only each state police vehicles looks similar, but each county has totally different colors.

Perhaps in America, this is to catch speeders off guard, so that it's easier to bring in revenue in the form of speeding or traffic tickets.

Japan makes a visually clear message, that they are the police and more or less would rather prevent a crime versus catch someone in the act for profit.

There is an interesting backstory as to how Japanese police vehicles got their iconic white over black color-scheme.

So, as most people with familiar knowledge of Japan knows, most people there drive white cars. However, after World War II, the roads weren't paved due to a lot of destruction from the war.

So, in order to keep their vehicles looking as clean as possible for daily use, the lower portion of the

vehicles were painted black. This hid some of the dirt being kicked up from the unpaved roads.

This traditional and iconic Japanese color scheme actually came from looking at 1950s American police vehicles, which were mostly black, but with a white roof.

Ironically, Americans seeking their individuality started painting their vehicles per county as a sign of pride for their local police departments.

With the exception of Los Angeles and the California Highway Patrol keeping a "black & white" color pattern. most other states use various colors.

Texas State Police also use a black and white color pattern similar to California's.

In Japan, there are a wide variety of police vehicles, from Kei cars to ultra luxurious and supercars.

In the beginning of the early 1960s, women police officers were limited to smaller less powerful police cars, however these days, any officer can drive whichever car they are promoted to use.

One of the stories that I had read about somewhere in the past was, that a wealthy member of Japanese society had started giving higher performance police cars to the Japanese Police Departments as a result of two deaths. This gentleman's wife and daughter had been killed on an expressway by street racers.

So, he started purchasing and giving away faster cars to police departments around Japan. That story always stayed in my head.

Sad, but the results are fascinating. He was giving Japan some real eye candy in performance vehicles. I love that we get to see everything from Lexus LFAs, Supras to FairladyZ and GT-Rs/RX7s done up as patrol cars!

THIS BRINGS ME TO MY 1/64TH SCALE JAPANESE POLICE CAR COLLECTION. IRONICALLY, MY NISSAN CIMA PATROL CAR JUST ARRIVED AS I AM LITERALLY WRITING THIS ARTICLE, SO IT WILL NOT BE FEATURED HERE (I SNAPPED MY IMAGES LAST WEEK).

I just love looking at all of the variations of vehicles in that iconic white over black paint scheme. Everything from 1980s Honda City with ride along moto, to Lexus LFAs are sitting together in a harmony as a part of one force. That said, I took the opportunity to break out all of my traditional as well as my undercover patrol cars for a little diorama scene with one of my larger

TLVN buses and figures in a partial Japanese diorama setting. Putting all of these cars together, I realize that I am missing a lot and now will go on a quest to add additional Japanese police cars in 1/64th scale whenever I can find and purchase them.

What I really like is that everyone is getting in on the fun! From Era Car to Tarmac Works, all have seen how iconic the Japanese Police Force's vehicles have become the world over. Nearly every miniature brand has put their mark on one as their part of a slice of one of Japan's most famous cultural visual exports around the globe!

MAISTO

CASTING REMARKS ONE24

CASTING REMARKS ONE24

Cool cop car alert!

This one is from a time ago long before my time. My cop shows began as far as I can remember with stuff like ‘Chips’, ‘Hardcastle & McCormick’ and ‘Sledge Hammer’ ah the good old days. Sorry back to the good older days.

There was no shortage of 50’s behemoths charging around the TV screen specially on the show popular cop show Highway Patrol which kicked of in 1955 and laid the standard for many police shows and cop satire for years to come.

But somebody over at Maisto has a pretty good memory and soft spot for old Chief Dan Mathews and the slew of celebrities who went through the show as special guests and featured actors not forgetting one of the most famous cars in the Police arsenal of cars at the time.

MAISTO

BUICK CENTURY ONE24

It’s not the ‘screen’ car per se. Just the same model. But if you were an enthusiast of the original 50’s show and you did want a replica of that particular vehicle, then with this all you will need if a bit of paint some stickers and some water transfers and you are done.

This good looking Police car comes in Maisto’s 1/24 scale range which is quite expansive & if you like a break from the never-ending Porsche’s, Lambo’s, Ferrari’s AND NISSAN SKYLINES this will cause havoc in your collection specially if you have OCD but go on, challenge yourself.

CASTING REMARKS ONE24

With the rise of stunning diecast and scale model photography these are the models that are going to be turning heads. So much history and character, some of the realworld stories associated with these cars, this is where the fun begins for many collectors.

And because Maisto have very good quality in terms of detail and price these are little gems that dot your collection with a little flavour. I love this Vintage look and the fact that it has opening parts, realistic search and emergency lights and that front grille with its face of urgency.

MAISTO

Unfortunately, classic cars like these don’t get to see too much publicity. Specially matched up against Zonda’s and Honda’s that beat supercars, but China is slowly releasing cars into the world that mimic old American car designs so you never know, you might be looking at a resurgence of the classic American car design.

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

MAISTO GT POLICE MUSTANG ONE18

SOLIDO CKR MUSTANG GT500 ONE18

Oh Yeah I can see you itching to load up the console and do some hard burnouts and get involved in some high speed chases with the sounds of the Crystal Method blasting in the background. Yes that’s how I feel when I see these two together and it is by pure coincidence these two ended up together in our office at the same time. But since it was meant to be we cracked open the boxes and took the obligatory fashion shots and laid them both out bare for you.

In my opinion, this has got to be one of the best Mustangs we’ve seen come out of the SOLIDO garage and they have done some awesome versions. Don’t get me wrong if it’s a Mustang 1/18 I want then my go to would be SOLIDO. But this, this looks like SOLIDO are breaking their own rule books and challenging themselves to do better with release wave.

STUNNING GLOSS SILVER, PERFECT CLEAR COAT, NO OVERSPRAY, MATCHED WITH BEAUTIFUL BLUE RACING LINES AND SIDE STRIPES.

The black plastic aero kit bits finished in an equally glossy paint fitting together well with no unnecessary or unsightly gaps in between. The Body is well sculpted and that makes the paint that sits on it all the more beautiful. This is car show quality.

SOLIDO

The headlamps look serious and very detailed as is the rear and indicator lights. It would have been awesome if the grille was perforated as well.

The badges on the grille however are perfectly etched and mounted on.

Simple rims but again perfectly shaped and painted with screaming red Brembo callipers hanging on to the 19” brake disc within a 21” rim. Honestly, I wish I was describing my ‘real-life’ car. At the back the rear cover plate has the SHELBY name embossed as well as the special spoiler both looking swanky in gloss black. I do love the quad exhaust pipes sticking out the back at that angle. I want to be a Police officer in the chase unit.

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

THE INTERIOR D ETAIL IS I NSANE!!

SOLIDO Left Hand Drive, with detailer steering wheel right down to the dashboard remote controls, you can also see the meter console, a/c vents, detailed centre console even the control touch screen has been added in. SOLIDO is trying very hard to be the leader in detailed, yet well-priced models and they are succeeding very well.

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

Any Mustang that has made it to POLICE car status has been feared. It’s not just the brute force and raw torque power, but also that heavy set frame that can shove perpetrators off the road a bit like how Henry Ford the II trimmed employees. But look into your rear-view mirror and see those menacing headlights and American Lawman behind the wheel and you are pulling curbside, stat!

OFCOURSE, I SPENT A LOT OF TIME RESEARCHING & LOOKING FOR THIS CREATION TO DO A COMPARISON OF DETAILS.

However, what I found, was that there are a million examples of POLICE Mustangs not just from America but from around the world even the UK has POLICE Mustangs. Giving that up, I switched to just enjoying the features and the look at how brilliant the model is. I do wish the front buffer lights had more definition, like the headlights.

MAISTO

Everything else however is spot on and sends a shiver up my spine when I look at it. Welldetailed wheel rim hiding away the disc brakes and red callipers. The interior isn’t too bad in terms of detail. Effort has been made and you can even see the on-board computer for checking up on stuff to do with stops.

This is the sort of thing that MAISTO does well. Solid One18 scale cars at great prices with great detail especially on the outside. In terms of how it looks in the collection well? Well, I have a Mustang section in my collection, and this would make a perfect addition.

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

MDC’S ON BOARD

MAISTO This is the sort of thing that MAISTO does well. Solid One18 scale cars at great prices with great detail especially on the outside. In terms of how it looks in the collection well? Well, I have a Mustang section in my collection, and this would make a perfect addition.

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

SOLIDO

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

Details wise this is not something we haven’t seen before. Solido has already released this GT-R with the same body kit just in different colours and yes some of them have been quite good looking but the paint job on this one is just hot beyond words.

Now, I like tuner cars, and some outrageous designs are completely mind-blowing in terms of both form and function. Computer-generated test models give aero designers an idea of how their kits would function, without the need for wind tunnel testing. But, in the scale model world, it can get a little saturating.

There are always new collectors who look at the hobby with fresh eyes, but the more seasoned collectors are starting to feel the strain of too much of a good thing and looking for something fresher. Now this is not particularly fresh, and one has to choose carefully when you start doling out the dosh for 1/18 scale variations, but it looks so good that I’m quite happy to find space in my collection for this.

SOLIDO I love the colour combination. Matt’s green body with a matt banana yellow nose and fade to the grey border at the bottom immediately gives the beholder jet fighter instinct. The rest of the car is covered in Jet Fighter-styled livery and icons adding to its high-speed pedigree after all it is an R35.

NISSAN GTR - R35 ONE18

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

The rear diffuser wing which is quite large and aero-plane comes detached in the box, but unlike those tiny antennas we have had to install on some of our LeMans models.

You may need to use a bit of glue, I have been advised to use a water-based glue instead of superglue (because we all know how dangerous that is to models and paint) but to be honest I haven’t tried anything, because it’s for display and once I’ve got the wing in there, I won’t be moving the car much.

Pop the doors open and once again you will get a glimpse at Solido’s ever-improving interiors making them one of the best brands to bring awesome pieces at smooth on-thewallet prices.

SOLIDO

t ’ n a c u o y e m d l o t e c n o e n o e m o S , s ’ o d i l o S re-sell

e k i l s l e d o m h t i w t a that’s gre ants to re-sell WE w o h w e ! s ! ! ! e ! h Y t B A B E M A G G N I T C E IN THE COLL

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

AUTOWORLD

The series of cars came very close to upsetting FORD’s crowning glory of creating a car for the youth. Never openly stated but always known, the Camaro was Chevy’s answer to FORD’s Mustang and contender against the Pontiacs, Cuda and Challengers. However sharing technology with sister car Corvette, the Camaro quickly became an icon in its own right and the Z’s from the 70’s had that radical sharp nose that sliced through the air.

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

Autoworld is on another level when it comes to 1/18 scale models. Even the packaging is all about the display, giving buyers a full view of the cars including the underside, which is detailed as well. Yep, that’s right Autoworld doesn’t just do the top and interior, they also make sure the underneath is a true representation of the real thing.

Another feature I love about Autoworld models is the weight. As a collector of both metal and resin body models, I know well enough that weight isn’t a real representation of detail and quality. But in our human minds weight always seems reliable and made of good quality. So naturally when you slip this out of the box and realise the weight you feel reassured.

AUTOWORLD

1972 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28 ONE18

The paint quality is perfect, and the colour chosen is certainly from a 1970s cream and pastel palette the period’s correctness is unmissable. The car is built about as perfectly as the real thing, Autoworld doesn’t mess about with their American Muscle right down to the Wide Oval tyres by Firestone.

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

AUTOWORLD

The interior is very good and if you are the type of collector that scores based on the interior detail then you will find this more than satisfactory.

The detail is bang on right down to the wooden trim and the effort gone into making the seats look like puffridged leather is worth highlighting. I especially like the old-style AC control unit which takes me back to the 80’s when my father owned a Z28.

But the real winning feature on this car and most of Auto World’s releases for that matter, is the highly detailed engine. As we race faster and faster towards a future of electric motion and the mechanical ICE will be part of modern history it is nice for all collectors to have a chance to own an Autoworld model with their spectacular attention to engine detail.

The detail is so good on the engine that it prompted me to go into research about Chevy’s Turbo Fire small block engines that were engineering geniuses. Small V8 engines that output a lot of torque and horsepower. I mean a lot. And in terms of this 1/18 scale? Well, again you do get, a lot.

SHUTTERCASTERS

@MR.GROOVES PHOTOYGRAPHY

MARTIJN LIE-HAP-PO @MR.GROOVES PHOTOYGRAPHY

@UCIT_HIKARU

IGGY GONZALES @SIMPLY_IGGY

@SIMPLY_IGGY @UCIT_HIKARU

SUYINTO RAHARJO

COPS & OUTLAWS

CASTHEADS COUTURE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

PUMA x MERCEDES-AMG MOTORSPORT

PUMA DEBUTS THE AMG GIANT COLLECTION

The “AMG Giant” collection draws inspiration from the iconic Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series and its commanding presence on the road. This collection exudes boldness and confidence, pushing boundaries with its design elements and distinctive color blocking.

The line boasts a range of apparel, accessories and footwear that exemplify the seamless integration

of power, perfection, and passion.

The apparel line features dynamic color combinations, with eyecatching patterns and contrasting shades that reflect the vibrant energy of the car.

Completing the street-ready GT vibe, the collection introduces two showstopping footwear options: the AMG Boot and the AMG Extent Nitro sneaker. The AMG Boot combines

performance-driven features with a bold and rugged design, paying homage to the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series robustness and versatility. Meanwhile, the AMG Extent Nitro sneaker embraces cutting-edge technology and delivers unmatched comfort, allowing wearers to embrace the AMG spirit wherever they go.

PUMA x MERCEDES-AMG MOTORSPORT

CASTHEADS COUTURE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

T Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, stated, "With PUMA, we as AMG have a strong and dependable partner at our side. Both brands cultivate, among other things, the demand for the highest level of quality and a special lifestyle. This is uniquely illustrated by the new autumn/winter collection "PUMA x Mercedes-AMG Motorsport".

Together, we have succeeded in uniting the combination of motor sports and car culture in a fashion line and bringing it to life for our fans. After this first one, which will be launched shortly, I am already looking forward to further exciting joint collections."

Thomas Josnik, General Manager BU Motorsport, said, "The 'AMG Giant' collection is the embodiment of a powerful collaboration between PUMA and MercedesAMG Motorsport. It's a statement of confidence, a celebration of speed, and a fusion of style and performance. This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional products, and we're thrilled to introduce this collection to the world."

The PUMA x Mercedes-AMG Motorsport "AMG Giant" collection captures the essence of the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series and it’s relentless pursuit of innovation. The collection is available now at selected PUMA stores and online at puma.com.

PUMA x SCUDERIA FERRARI

CASTHEADS COUTURE

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

IT'S A STATEMENT OF CONFIDENCE, A CELEBRATION OF SPEED, AND A FUSION OF STYLE AND PERFORMANCE.

THE EMBODIMENT OF A POWERFUL COLLABORATION BETWEEN PUMA AND MERCEDES-AMG MOTORSPORT.

CASTHEADS COUTURE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

PUMA x SCUDERIA FERRARI

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

MONZA SPECIAL EDITION BASEBALL CAP #55

PUMA x SCUDERIA FERRARI

MONZA SPECIAL EDITION T-SHIRT

SCUDERIA

CASTHEADS COUTURE

OVERDRIVE

PUMA x SCUDERIA FERRARI

CASTHEADS COUTURE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

PUMA FOR SCUDERIA FERRARI UNVEILS THE MONZA LIMITED EDITION: A FUSION OF SPEED AND RACING HERITAGE PUMA is proud to present the Monza Limited Edition, a breathtaking masterpiece that embodies the essence of racing heritage. Drawing inspiration from the liveries of two legendary machines—the Ferrari F1-75 and the Ferrari 499P LeMans Hypercar— the Monza Limited Edition pays tribute to a remarkable racing heritage that has left an indelible mark on the world of sports for decades.

From the legendary tracks of LeMans to the prestigious circuits of Monza, Scuderia Ferrari has consistently showcased a legacy of speed, precision, and success. The Scuderia Ferrari Monza Limited Edition encapsulates this spirit, fusing the past and the present into a design that will ignite the passion of motorsport enthusiasts.

Reviving the timeless racing legacy of Scuderia Ferrari, this limited edition features the Replica drivers caps and a Replica t-shirt consisting of the iconic colors red and yellow.

The legendary Ferrari F1-75 takes center stage in this exclusive drop, as it showcases the iconic Ferrari red—a symbol of the Formula 1 team's unwavering passion and speed.

The line also showcases a vibrant shade of yellow, reminiscent of the ferocity and determination displayed by the Ferrari 499P LeMans Hypercar during its triumphant run in this years Le Mans. Emblazoned across this electrifying yellow is the iconic Ferrari wording, a symbol recognized worldwide for its excellence in motorsport.

Completing the Monza Special Edition, the sleek black finish exudes power and elegance. This black segment adds a touch of sophistication, perfectly complementing the vibrant colors above.

The Monza Limited Edition is a rare fusion of past and present, encapsulating the spirit of Scuderia Ferrari's greatest moments on the track and the boundless innovation that defines the future.

Experience the thrill of Scuderia Ferrari's racing heritage with the Scuderia Ferrari Monza Limited Edition —get yours now at puma.com, store.ferrari.com as well as selected retailers.

CASTHEADS COUTURE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

PUMA x SCUDERIA FERRARI

PUMA x SCUDERIA FERRARI

CASTHEADS COUTURE

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

Global Sports Company PUMA is celebrating 75 years of relentless innovation and unrivaled speed. PUMA together with Scuderia Ferrari are celebrating this special occasion with the release of a special edition shoe that embodies the spirit of speed, innovation, and performance.

CASTHEADS COUTURE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

PUMA x SCUDERIA FERRARI

PUMA is celebrating their 75th anniversary together with Scuderia Ferrari by a limited Speed-cat Pro Special Edition Introducing the Scuderia Ferrari SPEEDCAT PRO 75, a commercialized version of the driver shoe, carefully crafted with years of racing expertise and cutting-edge technology.

The SPEEDCAT PRO 75 showcases PUMA's commitment to delivering products for faster athletes. This limited-edi-tion shoe is an exceptional fusion of state-of-the-art materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and the iconic design that has made PUMA a symbol of excellence in the world of motorsports.

Designed to meet the demands of racing professionals, the SPEEDCAT PRO 75 features a lightweight fabric upper and lining, ensuring optimal speed, comfort, and enhanced protection against fire. The real carbon fiber counter provides essential heel support, offering drivers absolute control over the pedals. The shoe's low-profile rubber out-sole guarantees excellent grip, while the EVA wedge delivers just the right amount of comfort without compromising on agility.

The Scuderia Ferrari SPEEDCAT PRO 75 features the iconic Rosso Corsa with a black PUMA Form stripe, representing the fierce

passion and performance synonymous with the Scuderia. The only distinguishing element between the version of the Scuderia Ferrari drivers – Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz - is the driver's number subtly placed on the inside. Additionally, each shoe proudly displays the PUMA 75 logo on the outer tongue as well as the PUMA motto FOREVER.FASTER. SINCE 1948 embodying PUMA's legacy of speed and innovation.

To add an extra layer of exclusivity and authenticity, each pair of the Scuderia Ferrari SPEEDCAT PRO 75 comes with a unique serial number, ranging from 1 to 75.

With only 75 pairs produced for each driver, this limited-edition feature adds a touch of individuality and collectability to each shoe, making them a truly special addition to any racing enthusiast's collection.

The Scuderia Ferrari SPEEDCAT PRO 75 is available now exclusively on PUMA's official website (puma.com) and Fer-rari's official website (Ferrari.com). Racing enthusiasts and fans are encouraged to seize this rare opportunity to own a piece of PUMA's illustrious racing heritage.

PUMA x SCUDERIA FERRARI

CASTHEADS COUTURE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

CASTING REMARKS ONE18

Peugeot knew they had achieved Godlike status in the rally when they built their first hot hatch the 208 GT which became a rally darling and a cult classic amongst young people who wanted to go fast without the sports car price tag. This is where FORD Focus brought pride to the British, the Toyota Starlet brought pride to the Japanese, the Americans were proud that they didn’t have a single car the size of a hot hatch and Peugeot brought pride to the French.

And that resilient pride continued even though they never caught on as a big civilian mover they still built fast cars that were reliable and stable.

And what Colin McCrae did to Subaru, and Sebastian Loeb did to Peugeot, he made them winners.

RALLYCASTING

This is the 306 Maxi driven by Sebastian Loeb and Daniel Elena during the 2021 Mont Blanc Mountain Climb and of course, because it is a car that is over 11 years old in terms of release date you can be sure the real thing has a lot of Sebastian type updates and rebuilds.

In terms of rally car releases, Solido has a rich history and massive portfolio. They are also one of the very few companies that rally cars in a 1/18 scale. This is great because instead of pushing to compete, SOLIDO can take a little time to get it right. And they did get it right with this. This is a perfect replica of the real thing with its matte paint finish and multi-coloured French flag rims.

If you want to know what the inside of the real car looks like, then have a peek inside the Solido model and catch a glimpse of the branded roll cage and the instrument panel that is used to keep the vehicle in check.

You also get to see the sequential gear shift stick and lit dashboard.

The matte blue paint job and Red Bull livery go together like a highend butler in a stately manor serving a stately-mannered owner.

THIS IS NOT SOLIDO’S FIRST PEUGEOT AND WHAT’S EXCITING FOR THE ENTHUSIAST IS THAT THEY HAVE MANY MORE DIFFERENT MODELS, ESPECIALLY IN RALLY. FOR ME, THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST-LOOKING ONE IN THEIR PORTFOLIO,

AND THIS WILL TURN HEADS.

McLaren Speedtail | 1:18 AUTOart Photo by Alberto Jorge Rodríguez IG @impressive:cars

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