It’s Sunday, and that means toy shows! While new inventory has been slow coming into retail stores, there’s always something interesting to be found at a diecast collector event. So, while I would have loved to be at the Hot Wheels Collector Nationals in Charlotte, I set off instead for my local toy show. What I came back with was a shocking variety of models – 3 Hot Wheels premiums, 4 Hot Wheels mainlines, and 2 Matchbox mainlines!
The lone “new” model I brought home was the new Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody in Lime Green. I’ve been looking to get my hands on this casting since the Fast & Furious release in black, but this is the first version I’ve managed to find for a reasonable price. While the proportions may not be the most realistic, this car looks mean in every way. Low, wide, and an obnoxiously “loud” color, it’s everything a muscle car should be. You can view my full thought on this model here.
This 1968 Dodge Charger is a perfect, though unintentional, thematic match with the new one. I skipped this casting when it first came out, but when I found it for less than retail price, I had to have it. It sports a very classy restomod look, with a chrome grill reminiscent of vintage Hot Wheels models. Castings like this (and the Hellcat Widebody, for that matter) are why I will miss the Fast & Furious Car Culture line.
Undoubtedly the best deal of the show was this McLaren P1 from the Cars & Donuts series for only $1! While I would have preferred a cleaner deco, this model absolutely has a place in my collection, especially since it is the casting’s only premium outing. Bizarrely, under my photo lights these wheels have a bit of a green tint, which is something I have never seen on another model with Real Riders.
Next up, a pair of Ferraris: the 599GTB Fiorano and California. How Wheels Ferraris have acquired a bit of a legendary status since Mattel lost the Ferrari license several years ago, which led to a correspondingly legendary price bump even for mainlines. However, I managed to get these two for a reasonable price (sold loose) and in good condition. I’m particularly excited about the California, as I’ve always believed it to be an underrated car, despite being perhaps the first truly daily drivable Ferrari.
Underrated is not something that could be said about the R-35 Nissan GT-R though! Prices on these cars have also shot through the roof in recent years, and while I have most of them from my childhood collection, I was missing this particular red version. I’m glad to be able to add this to the collection, though it must be said, the updated 2017 version is a far superior model. The new casting is lower, wider, and has a more accurate window height. A full feature on these two castings will be coming soon.
The Dodge Viper ACR feels like a relic of a bygone era. Chrome interior, massive plastic wing, lots of detailing – this is amazing for a $1 car. Compare this model to the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS casting and you’ll immediately notice the difference a decade makes. Perhaps my favorite detail is the double bubble shape of the roof, which adds an extra dose of realism to an already amazing model.
Amazing models could well be the definition of the Matchbox “golden era”, and the Jaguar XK is one of my favorite models from that time. The original car was designed by legendary designer Ian Callum, and Matchbox did a fantastic job capturing his gorgeous design in this model. The hood is long, the roofline is sloping, and the trunk finishes with a subtle lip spoiler. I have a few recolors of this casting, but the dark blue might be one of the best suited to the car – classy and attention-grabbing at the same time. Add simple front and rear detailing, and you have Matchbox at its absolute best!
Another “golden era” casting, this Mercedes SL55 AMG is one of several Mercedes models to come out of Matchbox during that era. However, this one was not their best. I certainly appreciate the choice of car and the clean look, but the poor wheel fitment and distorted front fascia make this a somewhat weaker Matchbox offering, though still worthy of a spot in my collection.
Despite the lack of inventory at my local Targets and Wal-Marts, I was able to get all these cars for a mere $17. Let this serve as a reminder that even when the pegs are bare, there are plenty of models to be found at your local toy show!
diecastleno.com 
Leave a comment