DetoursDiecast

Round 2 has been on an impressive streak lately with the AutoWorld line, turning out some attractive twists on the existing American Muscle Authentics molds. That stretch continues with the latest releases to come out of South Bend, inclduding a 1965 Mustang convertible in Dynasty Green, a classic red & white 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, a Regal Red 65 Chevelle Z16, and the massive Cloud White 1957 Chrysler 300C.

The Dynasty Green 1965 Mustang convertible is highly attractive with its white interior and it's the first non-GT 65 Mustang convertible produced from this mold. Mustang experts may notice the missing faux chrome vents in the side "C"-shaped scoops which is unfortunate, but this is still a great pony car model with all the bells & whistles found on the earlier Authentics and Precision 100 Mustangs, in addition to a chassis finished in red oxide primer with a mild amount of body color overspray to add to the authenticity. Production is limited to 750 copies.

Inspired by the 1:1 that used to be owned by Danielle Steele and most recently, Sharon Osbourne, the 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 is dressed in a killer color combo and is packed full of detail and appointed with a healthy dose of brightwork. This is a stunning model that is sure to compliment any collection of 50's-era diecasts. Production of this Olds is limited to 750 copies.

Like the Olds, the Regal Red 65 Chevelle Z16 emulates the look of a very special 1:1 - the 65 Z16 prototype built by Chevrolet and the very first SS 396 in the Chevelle's rich history. This Z16 has been owned and cared for over the years by some key Chevelle authorities, including Doug Garrett, Mark Meekins (National Chevelle Owners Association founder), David Miner (founder of the Z16 registry), and many others. This Z16 sold at Mecum auctions last year for $355,100. The model itself offers alot of bang for the buck, fully loaded with authentic detail and lifelike features, such as real aspect hinges, a rotating driveshaft, working suspension, etc. I especially like the manner in which AutoWorld captured the black vinyl top with the visible seams. One of my favorites, production of this Z16 is limited to just 600 copies.

Many diecast collectors won't soon forget the now-defunct Walter P. Chrysler Collection that Ertl launched back in 2001 while working in tandem with Ford on the Precision 100 line. Sadly, the WPC Collection only survived long enough to produce one mold - the 1957 Chrysler 300C - but what an extraordinary mold it is. Many Mopar collectors are sure to find themselves walking in the clouds with AutoWorld's latest release from this casting. The Cloud White 1957 Chrysler 300C with its tan and black interior looks simple and clean yet breathtaking all at the same time. The model is rich with detail anywhere you look - under the hood, inside the cabin and trunk, even along the chassis. The sprawling amounts of real chrome, precisely reproduced emblems, and plastic lensing go a long way to boosting this miniature letter car's perceived value. Bang for the buck? This one's got it in spades. Production is limited to 750 copies.

Wherever your brand loyalty falls - GM, Ford, or Mopar - AutoWorld has covered the field with these latest releases. If you're like me and you like them all, then your collection is in for a real treat.

Below is a sample image of each release. To see the remaining pictures for each model, please jump over to the Model Car Gallery - http://www.detoursdiecast.com/modelgallery.html

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I've been collecting 1:18-scale diecast model cars for 15+ years, and in that time, a countless number of cars have passed through my collection. Some of the more special models that I've owned have been replicas of actual muscle cars that I've admired, or cars belonging to friends or family members. My father-in-law has owned many vintage muscle cars in the time I've known him, including a 57 Chevy Bel Air, a 68 Firebird, a couple Chevelles, Mustangs, and many more. One of my favorites though was his 2009 Inferno Red Challenger R/T. With it's retro styling and 5.7 Litre Hemi power, the Challenger looked incredible and was alot of fun to drive.

Ever since Highway 61 announced they were doing the 2009/10 Challengers in 1:18-scale, I've been after them to do my father-in-law's 1:1. Well, that day has finally come. I just received a copy of Highway 61's Inferno Red 2010 Challenger R/T, and aside from the year and transmission (the model has a manual while the 1:1 has an auto), the model is a spitting image of the real thing. It has the 5.7L Hemi, the R/T hood-to-fender stripes (Highway 61 made 500 with stripes and 500 without), the optional 20" chrome clad wheels, sunroof, dark slate gray interior, display screen in the center stack, etc, etc.

I've only had the model a few days, but it has quickly become one of my favorites. The quality and correctness of the paint is excellent and the overall fit and finish is better than I'd expected. Engine, interior, and chassis detail are all on par with the 1:1. The model also features a realistic mesh grille and photoetched emblems, including both Challenger and R/T emblems in the grille (previous R/T releases were missing the Challenger badge). The optional chrome clad wheels on the model are a bit flat compared to the actual wheels and they're missing the Dodge Ram head that's cast into the wheel center, but in general, they effectively capture the intended look and don't negatively impact the model in any way.

Unfortunately, my father-in-law's 1:1 has since moved on to another home. Thankfully I had the opportunity to drive it a few times and I will always have fond memories of that car. And thanks to Highway 61, I now have an exceptional model to remember it by. As an added bonus for collectors, this is the first standard R/T Highway 61 has done in a color not used on a previous release, so if you're looking for a super sharp R/T to go with your 1:18 SRTs and R/T Classics, then I highly recommend this Inferno Red 2010 Challenger.

Enjoy the pics below, or click here for the full layout - Highway 61 Inferno Red 2010 Challenger R/T

And here are a few pics of the 1:1 for comparison.

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When Greenlight Collectibles arrived on the 1/18-scale scene a few years ago, I was intrigued to learn more about them. Their initial offerings seemed to offer a reasonable amount of detail for the price but the subject matter didn't exactly grab me and what I was seeing in pictures wasn't enough to compel my wallet to open. Since then, I've read increasingly positive reviews of their models and have longed to add a 1:18-scale Greenlight Collectibles replica to my collection.

When the Indiana based manufacturer announced they were taking on the 2010 Ford Mustang and Shelby GT500, my interest peaked. The promised list of first-time features and details and a sub-$60 price point had me salivating, but my lack of experience with Greenlight's models kept me from immediately placing a pre-order. Then came AutoArt's announcement that they were also doing the 2010 Mustang and Shelby. I've owned numerous AutoArt models over the years and know how nice they are, but these days that higher level of detail comes at a premium, twice the price of Greenlight's retail.

When the 2010 Shelby's arrived, I found a Grabber Blue GT500 for an irresistable price, so I went for it, and I'm glad I did. This is an amazing model. The paint quality on my sample is practically flawless and aside from a few small gaps here and there, the fit isn't bad either. Features include realistic hood and door hinges, an opening trunk, realistic mesh in the grille and hood, raised Cobra emblems and photoetched Shelby lettering on the trunk lid, and nicely detailed rubber. The engine looks great with incredible definition in the cast parts, with wires, hoses, decals, and a hood prop. The interior is above average with soft bucket seats, cloth seat belts, and excellent paint detail in the seats, dash, and center stack. I'm not thrilled with the visible mounting posts in the lenses and I'm not convinced the wheel finish is 100% accurate, but in my opinion, these are rather minor issues on an otherwise stunning replica.

Without question, Greenlight's 2010 Shelby offers alot of bang for the buck and is a real keeper. This may be my first 1:18-scale Greenlight model, but it's definitely the first of many to come. Bring on the 2010 Mustang GTs and the recently announced Bullitt 68 Mustang.

Enjoy the pics below, or click here for the full layout - Greenlight 2010 Shelby GT500

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When Highway 61's latest batch of 66 GTOs released, I was initially drawn to the Cameo Ivory version with a red gut, and almost bought it, but I quickly had a change of heart when I noticed the door panels (and rear interior quarter panels) were black when they should be red. I've been wanting to add one of these high-detail GTOs to my collection, so not allowing the oversight on the white GTO to stop me, I opted to purchase the Burgundy Poly version with a black interior instead, and I'm glad I did.

Wow, this is one attractive Goat. The metallic Burgundy paint is practically flawless and the fit and finish is exceptional. This GTO is light years ahead of the original Ertl release with realistic hood and door hinges, an opening trunk, a fully functional suspension, photoetched emblems, and a finely detailed interior and engine bay surrounding a cool tri-power 389 V8. The raised line on the hood scoop doesn't appear to be as noticeable as it was on the previous GTOs although it can still be seen, but I don't feel it scars the overall beauty of this model. My only complaint is the wheels. I would have preferred the stock Rally I wheels, but the Hurst mag wheels do look good.

For the price paid, this is a great model that offers alot of bang for the buck - and it looks great sitting on the shelf. I'm glad I decided to add one of these to my collection and any Pontiac or muscle car enthusiast would be wise to consider doing the same.

In my best George Takei impersonation - Oh My!

Enjoy the pics below, or click here for the full set - Highway 61 1966 GTO

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Do you like green? If so, then you're sure to dig AutoWorld's latest "Triple Green" 71 Charger R/T, decorated in GF7 Dark Green Metallic with a green vinyl top and a green interior. If that's not enough green for you, this Charger also comes equipped with the optional A54 color keyed front and rear bumpers. This option was only available with a select number of colors in 1971. GF7 was among them, but was cancelled early on in the model year, making it one of the rarest of the available colors.

Overall, this Charger is a fantastic piece of metal and plastic, attractive and detailed to the nines, featuring the standard Authentics fanfare like realistic hood and door hinges, an opening trunk, a fully functional suspension, and a rotating driveshaft. This Charger also boasts a remarkably detailed 440 Magnum and a richly appointed interior. One issue here is AutoWorld's factory installed the Pistol Grip shifter backwards. This should be a relatively easy fix. One other issue I noticed is the wheel centers aren't painted a darker color as they should be. AutoWorld got this detail right on an earlier release and the artwork shows the proper decoration for this area, so it's a bit confusing why this was missed on this release. Even so, this is pretty minor in my opinion. This Charger has alot of other added details, like the chassis overspray and the tire size grease pencil marking on the underside of the trunk lid (a first for this mold). Even the vinyl top looks great with the added seam detail. It's really hard not to like this green machine.

According to a sticker on the box, this Charger has a limited production run of 600 copies - up 100 from the typical 500 runs of late. AutoWorld is clearly anticipating a slightly higher demand for this release, and rightfully so in my opinion. These are due to arrive in early June, so if you'd like to add one of these Triple Green R/Ts to your collection, I'd recommend giving your favorite dealer a call as soon as possible.

Enjoy the pics below, or click here for the full set - AutoWorld GF7 1971 Charger R/T

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After the better part of 3 weeks, I finally managed to finish my photo layout of AutoWorld's Triple Black 1968 Charger R/T "Bullitt" look-a-like. Man, what a super cool model. This Charger turned out so well, it's as if it jumped straight off the hilly streets of San Franciso and into your hands. The paint quality, fit and finish, and level of detail are all incredible. AutoWorld did mess up one detail by forgetting to paint a thin area between the lower edge of the taillight panel and the bumper, but in my opinion, this does very little to harm the stellar image of this replica. All it needs now is a set of black California "RDR 838" plates to replace the "CHASE ME" plates, and an AutoArt Highland Green 68 Mustang to park it next to. I'm working on that...

In the meantime, check out the pics below or view the full set here - AutoWorld 1968 "Bullitt" Charger

These are starting to arrive at dealers now. The word on the street is the production run was split into multiple shipments. The first shipment arrived this week and the following shipment is scheduled to arrive in another week or two. Total production for this release is just 752 units - more than AutoWorld's typical run of 500, but still not enough to fulfill demand. Many dealers are reporting they're either sold out or taking stand-by orders. If you're interested in this release and don't have one on order already, I'd suggest calling your favorite dealer asap to see if they have any available.

Happy Collecting,
DetourDave

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In the early 70's, many of the NHRA's top Super Stock drivers and teams - like Sox & Martin, Dick Landy, Bill Jenkins, Bill Bagshaw, Don Nicholson, Billy the Kidd, and many others - moved over to the more competitive heads up style of racing found in the NHRA's newly formed Pro Stock class. Supercar Collectibles is remembering the origins of this class of drag racing with a series of highly detailed 1/18-scale Pro Stock drag car replicas.

I recently received a copy of  Bill Bagshaw's "Red Light Bandit" Pro Stock 70 Challenger and in my humble opinion, this is one unbelievably cool drag car replica. Beneath the lift off hood is an impressively detailed 426 Hemi, fully wired and plumbed with a fender mounted coil, cool can, throttle linkage and cable, fuel lines, and a pair of awesome dominator carbs perched on a tunnel ram intake. The interior is appointed with a pair of lightweight van style seats, no rear seat, a 3-point roll bar, and side door and quarter windows. The model also features a highly detailed chassis and a heavy-duty battery inside the opening trunk. It all rides on a set of newly tooled slotted mag wheels with deep dish rears wrapped in Goodyear slicks.

Part of what makes this Pro-Stocker so cool is it's off-the-hook eye-catching paint scheme. The guys at Supercars nailed the Candy Apple Red & Yellow colors of the Red Light Bandit and the quality of the mile deep paint and high-gloss finish is simply flawless. I can only hope that my pictures do this incredibly awesome paint scheme some reasonable shed of justice.

The Supercar Collectibles 1/18-scale Bill Bagshaw Red Light Bandit 70 Pro Stock Challenger is currently available and is limited to just 600 copies. Priced at $84.95, this is one of the finest drag car replicas available for the money.

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"What the h*** is this? A high speed pursuit?"  Last night when I got home, I had a brown box waiting for me from Round 2. I had an idea of what was inside and I was right - AutoWorld's upcoming 1/18-scale Authentics 1968 Charger R/T in "triple" black, modeled after the bad guy's Charger from the classic 1968 American thriller, "Bullitt", which features one of the greatest car chase scenes in movie history between this Charger and a Highland Green 68 Mustang driven by Steve McQueen.

The model isn't a licensed replica of the Bullitt Charger, but it undeniably has the look - triple black with a black body, interior, and vinyl top, wheel covers, white line tires, etc. About the only difference between the model and the movie car are the black California plates that read "CHASEME" on the model instead of "RDR 838" as seen on the movie car. In my opinion, it's a worthy compromise to get this awesome movie car in high-detail 1/18-scale.

This one is due to arrive sometime in the next week or two but AutoWorld and many dealers are already sold out. Below is a teaser shot to hold you over until I have time to do up a full set.

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In the world of diecast, anything MOPAR related is all but guaranteed to compel collectors to open their wallets. In 1/18-scale diecast, some of the hottest selling MOPAR replicas have been the Authentics line of 1968-1970 Chargers. That said, it's no surprise that AutoWorld's latest 70 Charger R/T SE has already sold out prior to its arrival.

The Charger's high impact EK2 Go Mango paint may border on retina-scorching, but it's also highly captivating with it's glossy finish and the contrasting flat black V21 performance hood treatment and V6X side stripes. The black high-back bucket seat interior further draws your attention and ties it all together for a stunning look. The detail surrounding the Charger's 440 Magnum is equally impressive, as is the authentic body-color overspray that has been skillfully applied to the model's chassis.

My only complaint with this release is the wheels. It's not that I don't like the dog dish look - I do - but the caps themselves are the wrong style for 1970. These caps were used on the earlier years and starting in 69 they moved to a smoother style cap. AutoWorld has the correct wheel style in inventory and they were designated in the artwork, but for some reason the factory mounted the wrong wheel. It is disappointing, but not necessarily a deal breaker. This Charger is still highly attractive and has alot going for it, but a wheel swap may be in order.

These should be arriving shortly, so check with your favorite dealer for availability.

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AutoWorld's latest Authentics 1957 Thunderbird combines elegant detail with a classy color combo. Dressed in Inca Gold with a white removable top and a rich black & white interior, this T-Bird impresses from every angle. Build and paint quality are top shelf and the detail is precise, and abundant, from the engine to the interior to the chassis. I particularly like the metal mesh grille and the raised and decorated emblems on the hood and trunk lid. The bright wire wheels are also slick, and I like that AutoWorld correctly detailed the spinners - something that went unchecked on the previous Gunmetal Gray release. AutoWorld also added the side windows to this release and properly color keyed the engine bay. All in all, this Thunderbird delivers a lot of bang for the buck and its lively color scheme would make it a standout in any collection.

These should be arriving very shortly, so check with your favorite dealer for availability.

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