DetoursDiecast

For many years now, diecast collectors - specifically diecast drag car collectors - have been pleading with manufacturers to produce some of Chrysler's Altered Wheel Base drag cars. These radically modified cars about put the NHRA on its lid. The cars were quickly banned from the NHRA A/FX class but that didn't stop the AWB cars from living it up in AHRA competition and numerous match races. The competition was fierce and the fans loved it.

Thanks to a huge investment of resources from Supercar Collectibles, these legendary drag cars are now being made in 1/18-scale. For now, Supercars is focusing on the 65 Plymouth Hardtops. Made by Highway 61 for Supercar Collectibles, the initial AWB releases will include Lee Smith's Fuel Injected car, Butch Leal's California Flash, Cecil Yother's Melrose Missile, the Sox & Martin car, and the 65 Plymouth AWB Test Mule.

Below are a few pictures of a generic pre-production sample.

Please check out the Supercar Collectibles website for more info!

http://www.supercar1.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=Altered+Wheelbase

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AutoWorld's Authentics Royal Plum 1967 Camaro SS 350 is due to arrive some time this week and if you dismiss this one as "just another Camaro", then you'll be missing out on the nicest release from this mold to date. AutoWorld has made a number of improvements to this model including more accurate emblems, better detailed wheels, and a ton of new detail added to the interior. This will be the first Authentics 67 Camaro with the optional D55 center console (all previous releases had the console hidden under carpeting) and it will be the first release to accurately capture the Camaro's Deluxe interior. Take a look at the final sample pictured below and decide for yourself, but for this bowtie enthusiast, it's another gotta have!

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Below are some new images of some of AutoWorld's upcoming releases.

These are all going to be great replicas, in my opinion. I love the color combo on the Madeira Maroon Impala SS 396 with the red interior and I just know the Triple Black 68 Charger "Bullitt" look-a-like is going to be a big hit with collectors. The 50 Olds looks gorgeous and was inspired by a 1:1 that used to be owned by Danielle Steele and more recently, the wife of the Prince of Darkness, Sharon Osbourne. The Dynasty Green 65 Mustang Convertible is the first non-GT drop top to be made from this mold and the Cloud White 57 Chrysler 300C is the last remaining factory color to be used on this beautiful mold. Last on the list is one of my personal favorites, the Regal Red 65 Chevelle Z16 with a black vinyl top which was inspired after the Z16 Prototype that was most recently owned by Dana Mecum of Mecum Auctions. This car has alot of history and I'm thrilled to have a replica of it being made in 1/18-scale.

If any of these upcoming releases are of interest, check with AutoWorld or your favorite dealer.

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AutoWorld's latest in the 1/18-scale American Muscle line is the Authentics 1966 Chevelle SS396, painted in a really cool two-tone color combination - Chateau Slate and Tuxedo Black. That's right folks, this is NOT a vinyl top car. Two-tone cars were rather rare in the day, so this is a truly unique addition to the 1/18 66 Chevelle series. AutoWorld did a great job replicating the two-tone look, and the rest of the model is nothing short of "best in class" with realistic hinges, a highly detailed engine compartment and interior, photoetched badging, etc, etc. With a limited production of only 500 copies, if you're a bowtie enthusiast like me, I highly suggest contacting your favorite dealer ASAP to secure one. No point in contacting AutoWorld, they're already sold out!

I'll have a full photo layout of this Chevelle posted in the Model Car Gallery shortly.

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GMP recently announced a couple really cool replicas for drag car fans. One is the Knafel Pontiac 1970 Tin Indian GTO, which won the AHRA World Championship. Looking at the pre-sell sheets, GMP appears to have captured this awesome drag car remarkably well, down to the proper race day graphics and the newly tooled Keystone wheels which look awesome! This is a must have for any drag car fan.

Next up is another AHRA Championship winning drag car - the Bob Ford 1964 Thunderbolt as driven by Len Richter. Marketed under GMP's "Acme Trading Company" brand, this drag car is being produced in collaboration with AutoWorld. GMP and AutoWorld recently teamed up on another Thunderbolt - Hubert Platt's Little Georgia Shaker. The Georgia Shaker is an exceptional replica and I expect the same to be true of the Bob Ford Thunderbolt. I love the unique two tone paint scheme on the Bob Ford car and with it's background, it is sure to be a highlight of any drag car collection.

If either of these drag cars interest you, look up GMP on the web or check with your favorite diecast dealer.

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GMP has announced some great models over the past few weeks, including this movie inspired Buick Grand National which GMP is producing as part of their Street Fighter series. It's definitely got the look and I can't wait to get one!

http://www.gmpdiecast.com/products/details.cfm?ProductNumber=G1800226&category=1%3A18%20Scale%20Buicks

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Congratulations to Highway 61 for winning the 2009 Tim Kubicek Car of the Year Award, voted for by the members of the Diecast Pub.

Congratulations also to AutoWorld, GMP, and Supercar Collectibles for making it into the Top 5.

http://www.detoursdiecast.com/coty.html

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Welcome to my new blog - Detour's Diecast Drive By. It has been my desire for a while now to be able to post quick updates to my home page, including site updates, additions to the Model Car Gallery, diecast news, and other random thoughts.

I hope you check back often and find this new feature of DetoursDiecast useful.

Regards,

DetourDave

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