Diecast From Films

AMERICAN GRRAFITTI THE MYSTERIOUS BLONDE'S '56 FORD THUNDERBIRD

2011-12-26T12:19:00.001+07:00

The Revell American Grafitti white 1956 Ford T-bird offered in 1:25 scale diecast with car hop figure is a pretty nice depiction of the '56 T-bird used in the 1973 movie American Grafitti and driven by the "mysterious blonde" Susan Sommers. The car hop figure on roller skates is the real value in this set, as she is what every guy would like to have delivering his Mel's drive-in burger and shake to his open window. She is more accurately detailed in 1:24 scale than the 1:25 scale model T-bird because the car's grille is not blacked out and the wide whitwall tires are too wide compared to actual car used in the movie. American Grafitti is a cult classic and the Revell '56 T-bird has a special reminiscent quality and place for every diecast car collector and their diorama display.-- Craige P. Keen Shop here

CORGI 1/43 ONLY FOOLS & HORSES SET

2011-12-15T14:07:00.000+07:00

Del Trotter has become a national institution along with his famous vehicles from the seven series award winning British TV sitcom Only Fools and Horses. This two piece set comprises of Del Boy and Rodney’s ‘Trotters Independent Traders’ Reliant-Regal Supervan III and Del’s green Ford Capri. These 1:36 scale die cast vehicles boast full body decoration, the ‘2 wheeled van’ features; Del’s Suitcase, opening side and rear door, furry dice, ‘tax in post’ sticker, and the ‘Cap-ri Ghia’ includes; an opening boot and orange wing mirrors and aerials. Shop here

HOT WHEELS 1/64 FLINTSTONES FLINTMOBILE

2011-12-15T13:51:00.000+07:00

Hot Wheels back in 1994 released this 1:64 sized (standard mass produced Matchbox, Hot Wheels size) version of the Flintmobile. It does somewhat resemble the one from the cartoon series in design but not in colour. The one in the cartoon was made out of red logs and had a white (with the same red coloured logs supporting it) canopy and wheels. It also didn't have a middle support log on the canopy but this is obviously present in the Hot Wheels version to give support to the canopy otherwise touching it, it would break pretty easily. In the cartoon the white canopy also hung down a bit at the driver end of the roof, this is not present in the Hot Wheels car. See the vehicle out of its blister pack in the customer images part of this page.

One of the reasons Hot Wheels may have gone with the wrong colour is that the canopy on this Hot Wheels vehicle actually changes colour if you dunk it in a sink full of hot water. 90's neons is the colour it changes to, I haven't personally done this with my vehicle as I'm not sure it changes back after you've washed away the brown and I'd prefer mine to be brown to whatever neon is. If you get one and do dunk it, I'd love to hear what it changes to and if it goes back in the comment section of this review.

The other thing that lets this Hot Wheels car down a bit is that it doesn't roll very smoothly (fast) and squeaks a lot when doing so. If you're planning on leaving it in the packaging the blister card it comes does nothing to enhance the display either. It's pretty much your standard blue Hot Wheels card of the 90s with the red Hot Wheels ribbon logo at the top. See my customer images for the back of the card but there's nothing special on there either other than telling you this came from some breakfast cereals that I've never heard of but seem to be rip offs of Kellogg's Coco Pops and Fruitloops. Cereal box coupon mail ins might have been how you got these in 94 but now they are quite commonly found on E-bay and elsewhere. However most sellers who sell this can't spell, so try variations of the correct spelling by leaving out the first t or other letters in Flintstones or Flintmobile when searching. As far as I know Hot Wheels are the only manufacturer who has released this vehicle in 1:64 size.-- James N Sympson Shop here

JOHNNY LIGHTNING - THE FLINSTONES 'BARNEY RUBBLE'S SPORTS CAR'

2011-12-15T13:37:00.000+07:00

Don't get me wrong this is a pretty cool car, that's why I bought it but that doesn't mean I'll just it rate it five stars when there are obvious flaws. Firstly and most obviously the wheels on this thing are rubber tyres with shinny hubcaps. Neither of these things had been invented back in the stone age. The TV show had circular rocks, I'm not saying they should have used rocks, plastic would have done the job as long as it somehow resembled rocks appearance wise. Plus the car in the cartoon was red, this one is brown and light brown (granted the colour of many trees and logs). So maybe you would let that slide except for the fact that for display purposes the card behind the blister bubble uses the image from the cartoon of Barney driving Fred in this very car so you can immediately see they are not the same. The blister pack in its entirety displays very well so it is a shame that the die cast car looks so different for those who wish to keep it in the unopened packet. You also get a nice little original filmstrip animation art cel. There are about 20 different ones of these so if ordering online who knows which one you'll get. The one I've got has Fred and Barney queing in a line behind three other guys. If you are going to take the car out and throw away the packaging you can actually get the cel with the exact same image as is on the card which would probably be the best one to display with the car out of the packet.

The car itself also has a little hole in the floor for feet powering action. So it is a nice little die cast and to my knowledge no one else has done a 1/64 Barney Rubble's Sports Car so you can't really complain. What else is out there though that would go very nicely with this one is Hot Wheels Fred Flintstones Flintmobile. So you could park these side by side on display.--James N Sympson Shop here

THE FLINTSTONES

2011-12-15T13:26:00.000+07:00

The Flintstones is an animated, prime-time American television sitcom that screened from September 30, 1960 to April 1, 1966, on ABC. Produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, The Flintstones was about a working class Stone Age man's life with his family and his next-door neighbor and best friend. It has since been re-released on both DVD and VHS. The show celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 30, 2010.

The show's popularity rested heavily on its juxtaposition of modern everyday concerns in the Stone Age setting. It has been announced that Seth MacFarlane (creator of Family Guy, American Dad! and The Cleveland Show) will produce a revival of The Flintstones for the Fox network. Development is set to begin in fall 2011 and the first episode is scheduled to air in 2013.

MINICHAMPS 1/43 BMW Z3 - JAMES BOND 007 'GOLDENEYE'

2011-12-15T12:08:00.000+07:00

BMW Z3 Blue E36/7 James Bond Car From Movie "Goldeneye" 1/43 Diecast Model Car by Minichamps

The beautiful model in the specially-packaged series of cars from the James Bond films is the BMW driven by 007 in 'Goldeneye'.

JOHNNY LIGHTNING LOST IN SPACE THE CLASSIC SERIES

2011-12-04T23:33:00.002+07:00

Robot B-9 The Chariot

Jupiter 2 Space Pod

From the creative mind of producer Irwin Allen came one of America’s most famous and most popular TV series LOST IN SPACE. The show’s debut was on September 15, 1965 and ran for 3 seasons on CBS. The first year was filmed in black and white with the second two in color. 83 episodes in all were produced 4 more than the original Star Trek’s 79! The first 2 seasons employed cliff-hanger ending the show closing on a freeze frame with the words “To Be Continued Next Week, Same Time, Same Channel.” Fan might also be interested to know that the storyline had the Jupiter 2 launching its voyage from Earth on October 16, 1997 way off into the “future!”

Playing Mantis delivers yet another innovative blockbuster to the die-cast world 4 famous models from LOST IN SPACE each packaged on its own beautiful blister card! Collect all four. The Robinson family’s home and spaceship, the Jupiter 2 was the cornerstone of their daily existence. The highly mobile Space Pod could land an exploration team into the most treasonous of terrains and back out again! The Chariot a state of the art land and sea rover, was an integral part of the Robinson’s space exploration arsenal from Day one. And who could ever target the Robinson family’s true voice of reason their Environmental Control Robot B-9 “Danger! Danger! Will Robinson!”

The fun doesn’t end yet. As an extra collectables bonus, collect all 50 LOST IN SPACE film clips. There’s one inside anywhere else! Exciting action scenes and stills filmed right on the studio sets!

Johnny Lightning Blues Brothers Mobile

2011-12-04T19:57:00.000+07:00

This is a must for any movie die-cast vehicle collector. The ex police car which starred in so many scenes including two great police car chases is well made by Johnny Lightning. Besides the car you also get a bonus show card, in this case of the orphanage the brothers were on a mission from God to raise the money to save. The car is actually also in that picture in front of the building. This all means it displays nicely still in the blister pack if you're a collector who isn't into opening the packets. The vehicle has rubber tyres, the P1 and the police star logos looking like they've been peeled off like in the movie.

Johnny Lightning also released the vehicle from the sequel Blues Brothers 2000. --James N Sympson Shop here

CORGI THE BEATLES YELLOW SUBMARINE

2011-10-16T00:23:00.000+07:00

This is a completely casting of the Yellow Submarine. The new sub measures 67mm high and 114mm long. This compares to the original model's 69mm and 132mm respectively. The dimensions aren't that different and and yet the model seems much smaller and more squat. Gone are the opening haches, revolving periscope feature and white upper deck. Although a much simplified model, at least the painted figures are included and seem not to have been reduced in size. The box is most nostalgic with its lovely artwork from the film. See more

CORGI THE BEATLES YELLOW SUBMARINE SPECIAL EDITION

2011-10-16T00:05:00.000+07:00

In 1999 Corgi revamped The Beatles Collection. Off went the AEC billboard truck, and the Dormobile; in came new packaging and figures for the Yellow Submarine.

The new window box with header card was a rather austere black and the pictures of The Beatles (more Hard Day's Night than Yellow Submarine) were given greater emphasis. But the new, separate figurines were excellent. The 54mm metal figures were very accurate renditions of the cartoon characters and dressed correctly for their journey as The Beatles and not Sergeant Pepper's band.

This was a limited edition and according to the certificate in my example, only 5,250 were made. This version appears in the 2000 fold out leaflet for Corgi's TV themed models, but it was replaced by brand new model. See more

THUNDERBIRDS 40th ANNIVERSARY 2 AND 4 DIECAST

2011-10-10T15:06:00.000+07:00

Two of the price of one model with this release. They come in specially designed 40th Anniversary packaging. Thunderbird 4 fits neatly into the belly of 2. A lever releases this portion, a ramp lowers and 4 is away. The legs of 2 are retractable. Good fun. Shop here

007 on the Case

2011-08-28T21:23:00.002+07:00

Packaging design for Corgi's new Definitive Bond Collection was recently commissioned from the leading design consultancy Stocks Taylor Benson.

The series features eleven models and each will be encased in its own individually created pack featuring images from the relevant blockbuster Bond film. To capture the real essence of 007, stills and artwork from the original promotional posters held by the EON Films archive were made available to the Stocks Taylor Benson Design team.

Glenn Taylor, Managing Director at STB Design, enthused 'This was a great commission for us, with no shortage of requests from our designers to be on Corgi's Bond team. With so many dramatic scenes and top stars to choose from, there was also a wealth of images available to create a memorable series of pack designs'--Model Collector

James Bond Aston Martin DB5 'Gold Finger'

James Bond - Citroen 2CV 'For Your Eyes Only'

James Bond - Double Decker Bus 'Live and Let Die'

James Bond Merceds Saloon 'Octopussy'

James Bond Renault Taxi 'A View to Kill'

James Bond - Toyota 2000GT 'You Only Live Twice'

James Bond - BMW 750i 'Tomorrow Never Dies'

James Bond - BMW Z3 Roadster 'Golden Eye'

James Bond - BMW Z8 'The World is not Enough'

Looney Tunes Vintage Bugs Bunny Die Cast Car

2011-07-20T17:58:00.001+07:00

I really don't know why Matchbox didn't go with a sixth Looney tune character instead of two Bugs Bunnies. Sylvester would have been perfect, he could have been holding Tweetie in his outstretched hand while coming through the windshield of either vehicle Bugs uses. Plenty of other characters they could have gone with too if they didn't want to use him. Without the flag, this just looks like there was supposed to be another character but the deadline for design was coming up so they just used the same rabbit but without the flag. James N Sympson Shop here

Looney Tunes Pro Racers Taz With Sprint Car

2011-07-20T17:48:00.001+07:00

This car, Taz, is a nice yellow with blue stripe sprint car. It has TAZ OIL in big red black bordered letters on the side of the vehicles silver roof wings. Also written in black on there is Pure Tasmanian Oil. These words also appear on the front wing. The wings are very shiny and reflective so if using a camera to photograph and brag to your friends on Facebook or something you'll need to turn the flash off. There is a small Acme Safe and Co logo inside a red circle on the side, as well as the words TAZ TRANS, and Merry Melodies inside a red rectangle. On the rear sides of the vehicle is the red number 99. The prototype shown on the back of the blister card (see my images for this product) shows Taz wearing a yellow with red stripe swimming cap. He is not wearing that in the real versions. You'd think Matchbox would have at least retaken the photo with the produced cars but I guess someone got lazy in production. James N Sympson Shop here

Looney Tunes - Pro Racers - Wile E. Coyote #99 Miniature Car

2011-07-20T17:37:00.001+07:00

This car Wile - E Coyote is a nice car but I would have much preferred the black Nascar shown on the back where it shows all six to collect (see my images for this product). Obviously the prototype was a black car, who knows why they didn't run with that but it would have been nice when you consider how similar this looks to the white Bugs Bunny Nascar. I also like how on the prototype car Wile-E is wearing goggles, as are the other characters which don't in the real versions. You'd think Matchbox would have at least retaken the photo with the produced cars but I guess someone got lazy in production. Speaking of the card, you can also get all six vehicles on a black rather than blue blister card, the blue is a lot cheaper though. You can get the blue carded ones for well under $10 each if your patient enough on E-bay and elsewhere. This and the other Nascar one tend to go for the cheapest auction price, Road Runner and Daffy seem to be the most sought after and highest priced.--James N Sympson Shop here

Looney Tunes - Pro Racers - Bugs Bunny - Looney Tunes Racing #1 Miniature Race Car

2011-07-20T17:02:00.000+07:00

You can choose from two Bugs Bunny themed vehicles in the series of six Looney Tune Pro Racer vehicles. This is by far the better of the two both as a stand alone vehicle as well as in how it displays with the other five characters. Because Wile E. Coyote also comes on a white Nascar and is also coming through the windshield after failing to wear a seatbelt, the Bugs Bunny Nascar one looks very similar. Whereas this old 70s/80s Group C Racing Car looks very different to Wile E.'s one plus the figure also is holding a flag. It also looks way better with it's carrot themed paint (the white car's bonnet, roof and engine compartment are painted orange with the rear wing on the back painted green roughly resembling a carrot when viewed from above. Reinforcing this subliminal image are two actual images of carrots, one on each side with the words Bugs Bunny on them. Just in case somehow the figure was broken out of the car you've also got an image of Bugs Bunny on the bonnet (hood) with his catchphrase What's Up Doc? beside it. On the side panels are the words Looney Tunes Racing in a font you'd be familiar with if you ever watched the cartoons back in the 80s. I have uploaded some images for you but the car itself if you were a child back then is very similar to many that were around then so if you're an adult collector it will bring back some memories of your childhood. Not that kids today won't like the car either. The car's design on the base says 1984, with the new carrot paint job the Looney Tune Pro Racers came out in 1991. The figure is made of plastic and rotate slightly in the windshield. The flag and figure are obviously the most fragile, and this is the one of the six vehicles most likely to move and roll onto the floor if where they are being displayed is bumped. It is the lightest of all six pro racers by a long way.

The other three characters in the series are Daffy Duck on the roof of a green ute), Taz on a sprint car and Road Runner on another racing car. It is a shame they didn't include a different character instead of having two Bugs Bunny ones. Sylvester holding Tweetie would have been nice or any of the huge range of other characters. The Matchbox Pro Racers are a nice little set to collect, you should be able to find them for under $10 each on blue blister cards in online auctions if you're patient enough or even cheaper if you can somehow get a set. They also come on black blister cards which are rarer and more expensive. --James N Sympson Shop here

LOONEY TUNES - PRO RACERS - DAFFY DINNER #13 MINIATURE RACE TRUCK

2011-06-18T17:19:00.000+07:00

This is easily the best of the six Looney Tune pro racers. Daffy comes on top of a green and purple off road racing ute. He spins 360 degree around so you can pose him however you like including looking like he is holding onto the roof and top of the windshield. He is sort of in a high diver's stance so you can use him in other displays as well as with the vehicle. Shop here

LOONEY TUNES - PRO RACERS - ROAD RUNNER #2 MINIATURE CAR

2011-06-18T16:58:00.000+07:00

The Looney Tune Pro Racer series is a pretty nice and still reasonably priced series of TV related Matchbox vehicles to collect. You can get five characters in six different vehicles. As well as this dragster Road Runner car you get Daffy Duck clinging onto a ute, Bugs Bunny comes in two cars, a carrot themed older style racing car, as well as a Nascar one which is very similar to the Wile E. Coyote flying through the front window after not wearing a seatbelt Nascar one. The carrot themed one is much better where he is holding a flag. You've also got Taz on a sprint car. All characters are plastic and do rotate slightly. The cars are of course like all Matchbox vehicles, die-cast metal.

Roadrunner is sponsored by Bird Seed Company, written on the right side of the car before the number 2. From the left side the sponsor is also there but it's hard to read on the rear boot side. This sponsor means coyotes will have to come up with something else to use as bait to get roadrunner to stop in the middle of the road for him to pull a rope and make an anvil fall on him. Also sponsoring the boot (trunk) with their name in capital letters is ACME TAR & FEATHER CO. Sagebrush Headers is also a word sponsor on each side of the car, don't really get the joke of that one.

The car has a massive silver oversized motor, it is impossible for a driver to see out the windshield with this motor so luckily this team found roadrunner with his long neck who can poke his neck through a hole in the windshield and still see. There is also a hole in the rear window for his tail. The head and tail are made of rubber and are pretty flexible, however they would easily be pulled out if a child or someone decided to carry the car around by either instead of picking up the whole car.

This isn't the best car of the series but it is the hardest to track down.--James N Simpson Shop here

DUKES OF HAZZARD #12 MOLLY HARGROVE'S PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER

2011-06-18T16:24:00.000+07:00

The third Dukes of Hazzard release series brings die-cast collectors and fans of the TV show Molly Hargrove's Plymouth Runner. Now I've got to be honest it's been a while since I've seen this show and I don't remember much about this vehicle other than Daisy drove it when she got a job at a racetrack and I'm pretty sure Molly Hargrove was an ex professional race car driver when she was younger or something so Daisy is going to be her protégé or something. I don't remember and that's the thing, Johnny Lightning really should have provided a brief synopsis somewhere on the packaging, explaining about this car and what episode/s it appeared in. Also maybe the bonus sticker could have been a bit more relevant in telling the story. I mean obviously Daisy is in a racing suit and it's likely the same one she wore when driving this car but why not have a picture of her getting into this car or sitting on it rather than the General Lee? This is by no means a unique problem with just this vehicle, there are many spread over the six (at time of this review) Dukes of Hazzard releases where a similar reliance on memory is needed.

Oh and what's with the orange engine? Granted I admit I don't recall the episode in detail but I'm pretty sure it had a normal coloured engine if we got to see it at all.

Release 3 also brought some of the other most popular (thereby hard to find now) vehicles of the six releases (so far at time of this review). They were the most similar to actual used in TV show General Lee, Double Zero Mustang (popular by collectors who don't even like Dukes of Hazzard), Uncle Jesse's Chevy Ute and Eno's Racing Car (popular in no small part to the sticker of the Enos in uniform and hound). Six vehicles made up release 3 and the other one was the Finchburg County Sherriff (red and white) police car.

Release 3 kept the brilliant innovation of the packaging from release 2 where you can view the vehicle in the packet from all six sides including through the back of the blister pack. Unfortunately though Johnny Lightning did away with the bonus magnet and replaced it with a sticker instead. However they kept the same rectangle format that was much more popular than the cut around the characters way they did with series 1. So there's no difference in viewing the sticker to the magnet if kept in the packaging but obviously a magnet does not bend and droop over time like a sticker does standing behind the car on display. The sticker with this one is as mentioned Beau, Daisy and Luke sitting on the bonnet (hood) of the General Lee.

Like all Dukes of Hazzard Johnny Lightning vehicles, the normal cardboard backing with a small plastic blister has been replaced by the whole thing being entombed in plastic. I like this as it certainly ensures if you are a keeper in packaging type person that it stays in great condition, even if you buy it online and it comes through the post. My only criticism is they could reduce the top part in size (above sticker) as it would then fit on more smaller shelves in people's houses to display it.--James N Simpson Shop here

CORGI CLASSIC - ELVIS THUNDERBIRD WITH FIGURE IN 1998

2011-06-13T21:50:00.000+07:00

In 1998 Corgi Classics introduced the "Elvis" model which contained a diecast figure of Elvis in his white suit, sitting & strumming a guitar. Shop here

CORGI 1/36 ONLY FOOLS & HORSES RELIANT REGAL VAN

2011-06-07T12:52:00.000+07:00

In incredible 25 million viewers watched the swansong of "Only Fools and Horses" on the BBC at Christmas 1996, breaking the BBC's previous audience records. First screened in 1981, John Sullivan's saga of the Trotter family began with their life with granddad in Nelson Mandela House and developed the story of Del, Rodney and their family's rocky path to a business empire, marriage and children and in the process becoming one of the BBC's most successful comedy series ever.

This 1:36 scale die cast model of Del Boys battered Reliant Van features full body decoration including; furry dice, "tax in post" sticker, suitcase and opening side and rear doors. Shop here

FORD GRANADA CONSUL FROM THE SWEENEY

2011-05-31T20:59:00.000+07:00

The Sweeney is a 1970s British television police drama focusing on two members of the Flying Squad, a branch of the Metropolitan Police specialising in tackling armed robbery and violent crime in London. The programme's title derives from Sweeney Todd, which is Cockney rhyming slang for 'Flying Squad'.
The programme was shot entirely on 16mm film by Thames Television's film division, Euston Films. It originally aired on ITV between 1975 and 1978 in the nine - ten pm (2100 - 2200) weekday (usually Monday) slot with repeated showings at the same time until the early 1980's. It starred John Thaw as Detective Inspector Jack Regan, and Dennis Waterman as Detective Sergeant George Carter. Such was its popularity in the UK that it spawned two theatrically released feature film spin-offs, Sweeney! and Sweeney 2.
Notably this popular TV series aired in a dark period for the real-life Flying Squad. In the late 1970s it was publicly censured for being involved in bribery and police corruption, and its close links with the criminal fraternity. Unlike the unwavering high standards seen in the fictional Sweeney, the actual commander of the Flying Squad, Detective Chief Superintendent Kenneth Drury was convicted of five counts of corruption and jailed for eight years on 7 July 1977. An internal investigation, called Operation Countryman, was then launched to stamp out more corruption. A further 12 officers were convicted and many others resigned.

Richmond toys the sweeney ford granada consul car diecast model brand new displayed in a mint box and is in mint condition this model is part of the richmond toys tv classic collection this model is about 1/32 scale. Shop here

THE RUPERT COLLECTION

2011-05-31T20:22:00.002+07:00

Rupert the Bear, in his red jersey, yellow check trousers and scarf, is instantly recognizable and is a time-honored classic-loved and cherished by generation of children and adults.

He first appeared in the Daily Express on the 8th November, 1920, in the story ‘Little Lost Bear’, where ha was beautifully depicted by his creator, the talented artist and illustrator, Mary Tourtel. She very soon introduced other well loved characters such as Algy Pug, Bill Badger and Edward Trunk.

In 1935 Mary Tourtel retired and was replaced by Alfred Bestall, whose wonderful imagination inspired many new characters and the world of Nutwood we recognize, dragons, palaces and pirates all appear in a timeless round of action and adventure stories.

The Rupert Collection from Lledo is a highly collectable range of die-cast vehicles depicting Rupert and some of his best-known friends. See more

HOMER'S CAR THE SIMPSONS 2003 JOHNNY LIGHTNING DIECAST VEHICLE

2011-05-02T21:24:00.000+07:00

Homer's pink car is of one of four Johnny Lightning Simpson's die-cast vehicles released back in 2003. The other three were Marge's Station Wagon, the Springfield Elementary school bus and Chief Wiggum's Police Cruiser. That police cruiser was all white but later Johnny Lightning as part of the 5th release of Hollywood on Wheels released an LA looking Black and White version. In that release Homer's car was also rereleased with tickets over the windshield, the station wagon had dirt spots on the sides and the school bus had a banner painted on it saying school charter.

All of the Simpson's vehicles look sensational! They are all brilliant recreations of the drawn vehicles from the popular Simpsons TV show. Of all the cartoon vehicles released by Johnny Lightning and other manufacturers, these 4 easily most closely represented the actual ones that appear week to week on your TV. I'd love to see Johnny Lightning release other vehicles from the show. The top of my wish list would be Snake's Hot Rod and Mr Burns' limo.
All of these four vehicles come with a little cardboard figure, it is important to note that you will not always get the same figure with each car so if ordering from an online seller and you are getting all four vehicles make sure you ask to give you a different character with each car. Any of the characters can appear in the blister pack of any of the four cars. Cardboard characters you may get are Marge, Homer with Maggie, Lisa, Bart or Auto. These are pretty common on E-bay and elsewhere so don't pay too much. --James N Simpson

OTTO'S SPRINGFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUS THE SIMPSONS 2003 JOHNNY LIGHTNING DIECAST VEHICLE

2011-05-02T21:16:00.000+07:00

The Springfield Elementary School Bus is of one of four Johnny Lightning Simpson's die-cast vehicles released back in 2003. The other three were Homer's Pink Car Marge's Station Wagon and Chief Wiggum's Police Cruiser. That police cruiser was all white but later Johnny Lightning as part of the 5th release of Hollywood on Wheels released an LA looking Black and White version. In that release the school bus had a banner painted on it saying school charter. Homer's car was also rereleased with tickets over the windshield and the station wagon had dirt spots on the sides.

All of the Simpson's vehicles look sensational! They are all brilliant recreations of the drawn vehicles from the popular Simpsons TV show. Of all the cartoon vehicles released by Johnny Lightning and other manufacturers, these 4 easily most closely represented the actual ones that appear week to week on your TV. I'd love to see Johnny Lightning release other vehicles from the show. The top of my wish list would be Snake's Hot Rod and Mr Burns' limo.
All of these four vehicles come with a little cardboard figure, it is important to note that you will not always get the same figure with each car so if ordering from an online seller and you are getting all four vehicles make sure you ask to give you a different character with each car. Any of the characters can appear in the blister pack of any of the four cars. Cardboard characters you may get are Marge, Homer with Maggie, Lisa, Bart or Auto. These are pretty common on E-bay and elsewhere so don't pay too much. --James N Simpson Shop here

JOHNNY LIGHTNING THE SIMPSON MARGE'S CAR

2011-05-02T20:58:00.002+07:00

Marge's Car is the title of one of four Johnny Lightning Simpson's die-cast vehicles. The other three in this series are titled Homer's Car, Chief Wiggum's Police Cruiser (you can get both the white as well as LA looking black and white versions) and Springfield Elementary School Bus.

Marge's car is the orange station wagon with blue roof racks one from the opening credits that almost runs Homer over. Not just Marge, but both herself and Homer drive it in the actual show.

All of these four vehicles come with a little cardboard figure, it is important to note that you will not always get the same figure with each car so if ordering from an online seller and you are getting all four vehicles make sure you ask if possible to give you one with four different characters. Cardboard characters you may get are Marge, Homer with Maggie, Lisa, Bart or Auto. The black and white Wiggum police car is a bit more expensive but you shouldn't be paying more than $10 for any of these vehicles, they are pretty common on E-bay and elsewhere.

The cars are 1/64 scale, the same as the normal Johnny Lightning, Matchbox, Hot Wheels sized vehicles. They all look great and even those not into collecting cars are impressed and pick up these vehicles when they come to visit. Hopefully Johnny Lightning releases other vehicles from the show in the future as well, such as Snake's hotrod and Mr. Burns' Limo. You can get a variation of this car with mud spots on the doors and sides which was released as part of the Hollywood on Wheels Release 5 collection, which is where the black and white police cruiser is also from. If you're interested them, the school bus was also released with a banner saying School Charter, and the pink car's windshield was full of parking tickets. --James N Simpson Shop here

JOHNNY LIGHTNING THE SIMPSONS CHIEF WIGGUMP'S POLICE CRUSIER

2011-05-02T00:24:00.002+07:00

In 2003 Johnny Lightning released 4 vehicles from the Simpsons in an official Simpsons release. Chief Wiggum's police cruiser (white), Marge's station wagon, Homer's pink car and the school bus. Those 4 vehicles were brilliant recreations of the drawn vehicles from the popular TV show. Of all the cartoon vehicles released by Johnny Lightning and other manufacturers, these 4 easily most closely represented the actual ones that appear week to week on their TV show. So it was inevitable that these vehicles became much sort after possessions for both fans of The Simpsons and movie/tv die-cast vehicle collectors.

Johnny Lightning cashed in on this success by releasing 4 more vehicles. Unfortunately they didn't go with completely different vehicles such as say Snake's Hot Rod or Mr Burns' Limo and instead just added something to the existing castings. With Marge's car they simply added a few spots of mud to the lower door and sides, with Homer's they attached parking tickets over the windshield (probably to resemble the episode where the family went to Manhattan and Homer needed to use the bathroom in the World Trade Centre). With the school bus they simply painted on a banner saying school charter. A new paint job was again what they did here with Wiggum's police Cruiser giving it the LA black and white cruiser look. However unlike with the other vehicles this actually changed it to a different car from the show as sometimes Wiggum uses the white vehicle and sometimes, usually when Springfield needs to resemble a bigger city this one is used. That's made this one a very sought after vehicle and the hardest to find of the second release vehicles, which were released as part of the fifth release of Hollywood on Wheels.

For a lot of collectors, other than hardcore variation collectors or huge fans of the Simpsons who collect every piece of memorabilia they can find, this is the only vehicle if you already own the initial 4 that you'll probably bother with, unless the others are a really cheap price as these can no longer be found in department stores. --James N Simpson Shop here

THE SIMPSONS

2011-05-02T00:17:00.000+07:00

The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a working-class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. The show is set in the fictional city of Springfield, and lampoons American culture, society, television and many aspects of the human condition.
The family was conceived by Groening shortly before a pitch for a series of animated shorts with the producer James L. Brooks. Groening created a dysfunctional family and named the characters after members of his own family, substituting Bart for his own name. The shorts became a part of The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987. After a three-season run, the sketch was developed into a half-hour prime time show and was an early hit for Fox, becoming the first Fox series to land in the Top 30 ratings in a season (1989–1990).
Since its debut on December 17, 1989 the show has broadcast 482 episodes and the twenty second season started airing on September 26, 2010. The Simpsons Movie, a feature-length film, was released in theaters worldwide on July 26 and July 27, 2007, and grossed US$527 million worldwide.
The Simpsons has won dozens of awards since it debuted as a series, including 27 Primetime Emmy Awards, 27 Annie Awards and a Peabody Award. Time magazine's December 31, 1999 issue named it the 20th century's best television series, and on January 14, 2000 the Simpson family was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Simpsons is the longest-running American sitcom, the longest-running American animated program, and in 2009 it surpassed Gunsmoke as the longest running American primetime entertainment series. Homer's exclamatory catchphrase "D'oh!" has been adopted into the English lexicon, while The Simpsons has influenced many adult-oriented animated sitcoms.

JAMES BOND 8 CAR MOVIE REEL COLLECTION

2011-04-25T11:38:00.001+07:00

Includes 8 Diecast Movie Vehicles and Film Reel Collectible Tin From Dr. No to Quantum of Solace, James Bond is the highest grossing movie series of all time! Now, you can own this incredible diecast collection featuring 8 of the most famous Bond vehicles spanning 5 decades of James Bond films. From the famous Aston Martin DB5 and Gold Finger Rolls to the Lotus submarine, Aston Vanquish and even a Moonraker Shuttle, this collection is a must for every Bond fan! Cars are 4" long. Shop here

MOTORMAX 1/43 DODGE - THE USUAL SUSPECTS DIORAMA

2011-04-07T17:26:00.001+07:00

A "Reel Rides" Series Diorama by Motormax featuring a scene from the movie The Usual Suspects. Diorama includes a 1:43 scale die-cast replica of the 1983 Dodge Diplomat Salon and movie character figures. Shop here

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

2011-04-07T17:16:00.001+07:00

The Usual Suspects is a 1995 American neo-noir film written by Christopher McQuarrie and directed by Bryan Singer. It stars Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin Pollak, Kevin Spacey and Pete Postlethwaite.

The film follows the interrogation of Roger "Verbal" Kint, a small-time con man who is one of only two survivors of a massacre and fire on a ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles. He tells an interrogator a convoluted story about events that led him and four other criminals to the boat, and of a mysterious mob boss known as Keyser Söze who commissioned their work. Using flashback and narration, Kint's story becomes increasingly complex.
The film, shot on a $6 million budget, began as a title taken from a column in Spy magazine called "The Usual Suspects," after one of Claude Rains' most memorable lines in the classic film Casablanca. Singer thought it would make a good title for a film, the poster for which he and McQuarrie had developed as the first visual idea.
The Usual Suspects was shown out of competition at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival, and then initially released in a few theaters. It received favorable reviews, and was eventually given a wider release. McQuarrie won an Academy Award for the screenplay and Spacey won the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance.

MOTORMAX 1/43 PONTIAC - OLD SCHOOL DIORAMA

2011-04-07T16:50:00.001+07:00

A "Reel Rides" Series Diorama by Motormax featuring a scene from the movie Old School. Diorama includes a 1:43 scale die-cast replica of the 1977 Pontiac Firebird and movie character figures. Shop here

OLD SCHOOL MOVIE

2011-04-07T16:43:00.001+07:00

Old School is a 2003 comedy film released by DreamWorks SKG and directed by Todd Phillips, director of the documentary Frat House. The story was written by Court Crandall, and the film was written by Phillips and Scot Armstrong. The film stars Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, and Will Ferrell as three thirty-somethings who seek to re-live their college days by starting a fraternity, and the tribulations they encounter in doing so.

MOTOR MAX 1/18 1932 FORD HOT ROD-AMERICAN GRAFFITI

2011-03-18T15:42:00.000+07:00

As Seen In American Graffiti! Instantly recognizable for its bright yellow color and exposed engine, this popular hot rod was one of the 4-wheeled "stars" of 1973's American Graffiti. Our metal and plastic die-cast model features gleaming engine and chrome-look accents, opening doors, rubber tires, moving wheels and steering wheel, detailed interior and dash, display stand, and retro window box package. Shop here

BATWING, 1989 MOVIE VERSION

2011-03-18T15:07:00.000+07:00

This is the first Batwing from the '89 movie. Never seen before or since (in this model; the animated series version was close) but really stood out for me. The jet itself is faithfully reproduced, touch but not brittle plastic, nice see-through canopy, very detailed. Its overall shape looks just like The Batman's stylized chest emblem. Could a plane built like this actually fly? Don't know, but again it looks very cool. The only flaw is that there's a fingerprint imbedded in the plastic on one of the wings; must be from some employee at the factory. Other than that, very good product, and reasonably priced. --The Avenger Shop here

HOT WHEELS ELITE 1/18 FERRARI 250 GT CALIFORNIA SWB SPIDER FROM FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF

2011-02-21T18:00:00.001+07:00

Ferris Bueller is a popular high school student living in an affluent Chicago suburb. After convincing his parents that he is truly sick, Ferris calls on his friend Cameron to join him for a day of hooky from school. Cameron agrees, reluctantly, because it means taking his father's prized classic 1961 red Ferrari 250 GT convertible. They pick up Ferris's girlfriend head for adventure in downtown Chicago -- all the while trying to outsmart and outrun the dean of students who has become wise to Ferris' plan.

Highly detailed diecast model of the rare Ferrari 250 GT California Spider featured in the 1986 film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". The box features the films logo and graphics. Shop here

.SET OF 2- BLACK BEAUTY FROM THE GREEN HORNET

2011-02-03T16:37:00.002+07:00

Set includes- Black Beauty- Street ModeBlack Beauty- Firepower ModeGreat DetailMade of Diecast Movie Black Beauty Die Cast Assortment From the Columbia Pictures movie The Green Hornet, Factory Entertainment is proud to present The Black Beauty as a highly detailed 1:50 scale die-cast vehicle. This factory case contains a Black Beauty in ???Firepower Mode??? and a Black Beauty in ???Street Mode???. The Firepower Mode portrays The Black Beauty with its weapons drawn and ready for action. The Street Mode portrays The Black Beauty with its armaments cleverly concealed. Each vehicle has been carefully designed with movie-accurate details and comes packaged in Green Hornet Movie themed blister card packaging. This is a collectible product and is intended for persons aged 14 years and older.Green Hornet Motion Picture "Black Beauty Die cast" Street ModeAfter the mysterious death of his father, Britt Reid strikes an unlikely friendship with the industrious and inventive Kato. Together. Buy it now

THE GREEN HORNET MOVIE BLACK BEAUTY

2011-02-03T16:22:00.000+07:00

The Green Hornet Movie Black Beauty Collectible Die-Cast Vehicle with Weapons Drawn: Inspired by Columbia pictures forthcoming feature film, The Green Hornet starring Seth Rogen as the vigilante crime-fighter and Jay Chou as his sidekick Kato. The new Black Beauty die-cast vehicle collection features one of two 1:50 scale collector die-cast vehicles featuring Black Beauty Street Mode or Black Beauty Firepower Mode. After the mysterious death of his father, Britt Reid strikes an unlikely friendship with the industrious and inventive Kato. Together, they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives, fight crime! But in order to do this, they decide to become criminals themselves, protecting the law by breaking it. Using all his ingenuity and skill, Kato builds the ultimate in advanced retro weaponry, The Black Beauty, an indestructible mobile fortress, equal parts firepower and horse power! Factory Entertainment is proud to present The Black Beauty in Street mode, with its armaments cleverly concealed and in Fire power mode, weapons drawn, ready for action! Make them a part of your team today! Each vehicle sold separately.See more

JOYRIDE 1/18 1958 PLYMOUTH FURY "CHRISTINE"

2011-01-26T17:13:00.000+07:00

Christine was four-wheel evil in the 1983 horror film that bore her name. The fatal '58 Plymouth Fury was acquired by character Arnie Cunningham, but she truly belonged to no one - instead demanding Arnie's devation and wreaking vengeance on anyone who dared to cross her.

The highly detailed diecast model of Christine features opening doors, opening hood, detailed replica of the engine, detailed interior, working headlights, opening trunk and operable steering. See more

KYOSHO 1/18 AUSTIN MINI COOPER S - THE ITALIAN JOB (1969)

2011-01-26T16:52:00.000+07:00

Austin Mini Cooper S - The Italian Job (1969) Diecast Model Car by Kyosho. 1:18 scale (approx 18cm long) If this Mini looks familiar it's because it's a replica of one of the three Minis which featured in the original 1969 film " The Italian Job". The Italian Job is perhaps one of the greatest British films, starring Michael Caine, Noel Coward, Benny Hill and of course the red, white and blue Mini Coopers. Charlie (Michael Caine) has just left prison and now wants to pull off a big heist, the job is to steal $4m of gold arriving in Italy from China. Charlie's job needs financing, so he breaks in to prison to see Mr Bridger (a Mafia-type boss). In Italy, a clever plan is used to distract the authorities, while the raiders make their get-away in three Minis. This leads to the three Mini's being chased by the Police through the back streets, sewers and roof tops of Turin before driving up a ramp in the back of a coach to make their getaway with the gold (well almost getaway!). Please note: packaging does not feature any movie licensing or images. See more

CORGI 1/43 MINI - ITALIAN JOB DIORAMA

2011-01-26T16:06:00.000+07:00

This model represents the classic scene with the Minis bouncing down the steos into the gang's hideway. The mini is known to everyone and the diorama is fine, except for the moulded Mini, which is cringingly bad.Buy it now

MAD MAX 2 - THE ROAD WARRIOR, INTERCEPTOR & ENEMY CAR

2011-01-20T14:20:00.000+07:00

This detail diecast model of the Interceptor (Pursuit Special) and Eneemy Car from the 1981 film Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. The models are packaged in an attractive clear top plastic display case. The outer box features the film logo and photos. Shop here

MAD MAX 2 - THE ROAD WARRIOR INTERCEPTOR DIECAST MODEL

2011-01-19T15:44:00.000+07:00

The Pursuit Special is the fictional model of car driven by Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) in the films Mad Max and Mad Max 2. It is a 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT customized to become a police interceptor of the Main Force Patrol. The same car was used in both films.

Highly detailed diecast model of the V-8 Interceptor (police Pursuit Special) from the film Mad Max2: The Road Warrior. Features include: opening hood, a detailed replica of the V-8 engine, opening doors, operable steering and turning wheels. See more

MAD MAX 2

2011-01-19T15:29:00.002+07:00

Mad Max 2 (also known as The Road Warrior in the U.S., and Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior) is a 1981 Australian post-apocalyptic action film directed by George Miller. The film is the second installment in the Mad Max film series, with Mel Gibson starring as Max Rockatansky. The film's tale of a community of settlers moved to defend themselves against a roving band of marauders follows an archetypal "Western" frontier movie motif, as does Max's role as a hardened man who rediscovers his humanity when he decides to help the settlers.

Mad Max 2 was released on 24 December 1981, and was critically acclaimed. Observers praised the visuals and Gibson's role. Noteworthy elements of the film also include cinematographer Dean Semler's widescreen photography of Australia's vast desert landscapes; the sparing use of dialogue throughout the film; costume designer Norma Moriceau's punk mohawked, leather bondage gear-wearing bikers; and its fast-paced, tightly-edited, and violent battle and chase scenes. The film's comic-book post-apocalyptic/punk style popularized the genre in film and fiction writing. It was also a box office success and received several nominations at the Saturn Award ceremony. Eventually, Mad Max 2 developed into a cult film: fan clubs and "road warrior"-themed activities still occurred into the 2000s. The film was followed by Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome in 1985.

MOTORMAX 1/43 1948 FORD - GREASE DIORAMA 2

2010-12-30T16:34:00.002+07:00

A "Reel Rides" Series Diorama by Motormax featuring a scene from the popular movie Grease. Diorama includes a 1:43 scale die-cast replica of the famed "Greased Lightning" 1948 Ford and movie character figures. Shop here

CORGI 1/32 JAMES BOND ASTON MARTIN DB5 MODEL - THUNDERBALL

2010-12-28T13:03:00.000+07:00

Detailed diecast model of the Aston Martin DB5 driven by Bond in the 1965 film Thunderball. It features extending front machine guns, ejector seat with villian figure, rear pop-up bullet shield and a front bumper ramming device. The film starred Sean Connery as James Bond 007. Shop here

THE ASTON MARTIN DB5 FROM THUNDERBALL

2010-12-28T12:51:00.002+07:00

In early 1965, one of the three vehicles was deployed again in Bond’s next appearance: Thunderball. During the pre-title sequence, it was allowed to again show its opponents what it had. The scene took place outside the Chateau d´Anet palace near Paris: Fleeing from shooting pursuers, the rear wall moved out and two pipes beneath the bumper poured a hefty stream of water onto the three approaching gangsters.

The Aston Martin DB 5 made further appearances in GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). For Pierce Brosnan’s first Bond film, three cars with the license plate number BMT 214 A were employed in February 1995. They were used on the set in Gréolières in Southern France. In Monaco, there was then a car chase with a yellow Ferrari 355 GTS. In Tomorrow Never Dies the DB 5 makes a brief appearance. Scenes were created in London and on the grounds of New College in Oxford, England. The car is to continue to appear in the films as Bond’s private car, while his company car can vary depending on his mission.

JAMES BOND 007 - THUNDERBALL

2010-12-28T12:36:00.000+07:00

Thunderball (1965) is the fourth spy film in the James Bond series after Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963) and Goldfinger (1964), and the fourth to star Sean Connery as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Ian Fleming, which in turn was based on an original screenplay by Jack Whittingham. It was directed by Terence Young with screenplay by Richard Maibaum and John Hopkins.

The film follows Bond's mission to find two NATO atomic bombs stolen by SPECTRE, which holds the world ransom for £100 million in diamonds, in exchange for not destroying an unspecified major city in either England or the United States (later revealed to be Miami). The search leads Bond to the Bahamas, where he encounters Emilio Largo, the card-playing, eye-patch wearing SPECTRE Number Two. Backed by the CIA and Largo's mistress, Bond's search culminates in an underwater battle with Largo's henchmen. The film had a complex production, with four different units and about a quarter of the film consisting of underwater scenes.

Thunderball was associated with a legal dispute in 1961 when former Ian Fleming collaborators Kevin McClory and Jack Whittingham sued him shortly after the 1961 publication of the Thunderball novel, claiming he based it upon the screenplay the trio had earlier written in a failed cinematic translation of James Bond. The lawsuit was settled out of court and Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, fearing a rival McClory film, allowed him to retain certain screen rights to the novel's story, plot, and characters.

The film was a success, earning a total of $141.2 million worldwide, exceeding the earnings of the three previous Bond films and breaking box office records on the first weekend of opening in France and Italy. In 1966, John Stears won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, and production designer Ken Adam was also nominated for a BAFTA award. Thunderball is, to date, the most financially successful movie of the series, and, adjusting for inflation, made the equivalent of $966.4 million in 2008 currency. Although a commercial success, Thunderball received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics and viewers showered praise on the film and branded it a welcome addition to the series, while others complained of the repetitively monotonous aquatic action and prolonged show duration. In 1983, Warner Brothers released a second film adaptation of the novel under the title Never Say Never Again.

JOHNNY LIGHTNING JAMES BOND DR. No 1961 SUNBEAM ALPINE SERIES II

2010-12-19T15:07:00.000+07:00

The Alpine was launched in 1959 and has the distinction of being the first car ever to be seen being driven on screen by a Mr James Bond. It also had an extensive roll in ‘Get Carter’, for it was an undoubtedly attractive car. Shop here

CORGI 1/43 1950'S JOKERMOBILE FROM DC COMICS BATMAN

2010-12-18T22:31:00.000+07:00

Completing this series of models of DC Comics style vehicles is the only 'baddie's' car - complete with a great driver figure. Will the rumoured second series feature more of Batman's enemies?

Features include detailed scale diecast, flip-up canopy revealing interior & fixed joker figure and moulded 1950 Joker figure on base plate. Shop here

CORGI JAMES BOND 007 " MOONRAKER " SPACE SHUTTLE & HUGO DRAX FIGURE BOX SET

2010-12-16T15:10:00.002+07:00

This anniversary issue was in production for a short time. It is retired and "SOLD OUT". Most Corgi models released in their Movie & TV line are in 1:36 scale. In 1995 a group of investors bought the collecting arm of Corgi from Mattel, which purchased Corgi back in 1989. Independed once again Corgi started to reissue many of its popular in past models under the CORGI Classics name. In 1997 a group of models from Corgi movie lines, including James Bond 007 vehicles, were reissued. "Since the first James Bond model - The Aston Martin - was produced in 1965, Corgi has had a continuous working relationship with the producers of the James Bond 007 movies. The James Bond collection celebrates the relationship by recreating some of the most famous models produced over the years.

In 1979 Corgi launched the 'James Bond Space Shuttle' to coincide with the press review of 'Moonraker' in which featured. This detailed recreation of the original has , as its main feature, two large opening cargo doors which when opened reveal a large satellite with hinged solar panels and is released with 54 mm white metal figure of 'Hugo Drax'.

The Corgi 65401 - Moonraker model that we have here was reissued in 1997 as a part of James Bond Collection 007, which was first time re-released of famous Corgi James Bond 007 vehicles models. Model packed in a large size gift box (featured on the picture for this listing) in, which you will find the model with satellite, (model featuring opening cargo doors, operational arm, retractable landing gear) and specially made by Corgi for this release In addition it has a collector gift card that packed in a brown envelop with prints that reads " Top Secret, Highly Confidential Information". This is a great James Bond 007 collectible memorabilia item and can be a great gift! Issued almost a decade ago this model became a not so easy find item. Buy it now

HOT WHEELS 1/12 BATMAN 1966 TV SERIES BATCYCLE

2010-12-16T00:06:00.001+07:00

Batman is a 1960s television series which was based on the DC comic book character. It aired on the ABC network from January 12, 1966 to March 14, 1968. The series starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin, two crime-fighting heroes who defended "Gotham City". A memorable part of the series were Batman and Robin's crime-fighting vehicles, which included the Batmobile, Batcycle, Batcopter and the Batboat.

The original Batcycle designed for the TV series was built from a Yamaha Catalina 250. The attached sidecar featured a portable go-cart with its own Yamaha engine that propelled off the sidecar when Batman™ slowed down or stopped. The Batcycle was customized with a batshield molded into the fairing and fender guard. Since its first appearance in the 1940s, the futuristic gadgets and unique styling of the Batmobile appealed to car lovers everywhere. This Hot Wheels line pays homage to the history of the Batmobile with our second series of 1:50 scale vehicles, using models specific to the Batman movies, comic books, animated series, and television show. Buy it now

MOTORMAX 1:43 DIE-CAST FORD - ROBOCOP DIORAMA

2010-12-08T17:03:00.001+07:00

It's great to see more dioramas involving die-cast vehicles. Following in the footsteps of the classic Johnny Lightning dioramas - Ghostbusters Attack of Mr Stay Puft and Back to The Future Great Scott...Its a Time Machine we've got a new player with Motormax. At 1:43 sized, Motormax uses slightly larger die-cast vehicles to that which Johnny Lightning did who use 1:64 which is the normal Matchbox, Hot Wheels size. 1:43 isn't much bigger though and let's face it, your unlikely to be taking this out of the display packaging anyway so aren't going to have the Ford Taurus police car sitting right next to one of those vehicles anyway.

The diorama is a good one, it does represent the scene but is not 100% looking like a still frame from the movie. In fact the diorama scene never really happened. You've only got one fuel pump bay which the police car is parked like a customer would if they'd just filled up and had gone inside to pay. In the background you've got a shop and a carwash. The figures of Robocop with his arm outstretched and oversized gun in hand is in the right hand side of the diorama and a criminal is in the left side, having surrendered. Of course this isn't what actually happened in the movie. In the movie the criminal who was robbing the station, (Emil who was one of the criminals who killed officer Murphy who became Robocop), never actually surrendered, he fired a machine gun at Robocop while constantly yelling in a panicked voice, "NO! We killed You!" This was after Robocop said his classic Murphy line "Dead or Alive You're Coming With Me!" After unsuccessfully trying to kill Robocop, Emil then tried to escape on a motorbike before the gas station blew up and he crashed into a car. The diorama would have been better if Emil had his machine gun, and the motorbike was maybe standing beside him. But it's just great that there's a Robocop diorama. --James N Simpson Shop here

ROBOCOP

2010-12-08T16:51:00.001+07:00

RoboCop is a 1987 American science fiction-action film directed by Paul Verhoeven. Set in a crime-ridden Detroit, Michigan in the near future, RoboCop centers on a police officer who is brutally murdered and subsequently re-created as a super-human cyborg known as "RoboCop". The film features Peter Weller, Dan O'Herlihy, Kurtwood Smith, Nancy Allen, Miguel Ferrer, and Ronny Cox.

In addition to being an action film, RoboCop includes larger themes regarding the media, resurrection, gentrification, corruption, and human nature. It received positive reviews and cited as one of the best films of 1987; spawning merchandise, two sequels, a television series, two animated TV series, and a television mini-series, video games and two comic book adaptations.

RC2 JOYRIDE 1/18 JAMES BOND CORVETTE MODEL - A VIEW TO A KILL

2010-11-29T17:15:00.000+07:00

This 1985 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-I is one of the littler known Bond cars to feature in a movie. Which starred the cool Roger Moore as it turned out to be his last movie as the secret agent. The Corvette was not much more than a stunning way of trnsport for Bond in this movie. As he has to go to Silicon Valley in Nevada to beat Zorof which ends in a fight on a small airship over the Golden Gate bridge. The Corvette is an American legend and has lasted since the late 50's with the newest still being produced. So with looks and power it was a brilliant choice as a Bond car for the era and marked a change in direction in the film series.

The JoyRide Entertainment Series features detailed models of vehicles from television and film. These fully assembled models are crafted using die-cast metal with some plastic components. Features include opening doors, opening hood with a detailed replica engine, opening rear window hatch and turning wheels. Shop here

JAMES BOND - A VIEW TO A KILL (1985)

2010-11-29T16:47:00.000+07:00

A View to a Kill (1985) is the fourteenth spy film of the James Bond series, and the seventh and last to star Roger Moore as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. Although the title is adapted from Ian Fleming's short story "From a View to a Kill", the film is the third Bond film after The Spy Who Loved Me and Octopussy to have an entirely original screenplay. In A View to a Kill, Bond is pitted against Max Zorin, who plans to destroy California's Silicon Valley.

The film was produced by Albert R. Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who also wrote the screenplay with Richard Maibaum. It was the third James Bond film to be directed by John Glen, and the last to feature Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny.

Despite being a commercial success and earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Song, A View to a Kill was poorly received by critics and was also disliked by Roger Moore himself due to his age. Christopher Walken, however, was praised for portraying a "classic Bond villain".

JAMES BOND ROGER MOORE ERA LOTUS ESPRIT MODEL SET

2010-11-29T15:59:00.001+07:00

This set includes die-cast models of the Lotus Esprit (underwater version) from the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me and the Lotus Esprit Turbo from the 1981 film For Your Eyes Only. Between 1973 and 1985, Roger Moore appeared as James Bond in seven films.

Also included is an individually numbered collectors box complete with miniature reproductions of four James Bond 007 film posters from the Roger Moore era. Shop here

Motormax 1/64 Ford Crown Victoria City Taxi Cab - American Graffiti Metropolis Diorama

2010-11-23T15:40:00.001+07:00

A "Moments in Time" Series Diorama by Motormax featuring a Bustling Metropolis scene from the popular movie American Graffiti. Diorama includes a 1:64 scale die-cast replica of the yellow Ford Crown Victoria City Taxi Cab and one figure . Shop here

Motormax 1/64 Ford Thunderbird - American Graffiti Downtown Diorama

2010-11-23T14:56:00.000+07:00

A "Moments in Time" Series Diorama by Motormax featuring a Down Town scene from the popular movie American Graffiti. Diorama includes a 1:64 scale die-cast replica of the 1956 white Ford Thunderbird and one figure . Shop here

Beautiful Cars in American Graffiti Movie

2010-11-23T14:14:00.004+07:00

American Graffiti's Car for Collectiables

AMERICAN GRAFFITI

2010-11-23T13:46:00.000+07:00

American Graffiti is a 1973 coming of age film co-written/directed by George Lucas, and starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips and Harrison Ford. Set in 1962 Modesto, California, American Graffiti is a study of the cruising and rock and roll cultures popular among the Post-World War II baby boom generation. The film is a nostalgic portrait of teenage life in the early 1960s told in a series of vignettes, featuring the story of a group of teenagers and their adventures within one night.

The genesis of American Graffiti was in Lucas's own teenage years in early 1960s Modesto. He was unsuccessful in pitching the concept to financiers and distributors, but finally found favor at Universal Pictures after United Artists, 20th Century Fox, Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Paramount Pictures turned him down. Filming was initially set to take place in San Rafael, California, but the production crew was denied permission to shoot beyond a second day. As a result, most filming for American Graffiti was conducted in Petaluma.

American Graffiti was released to universal critical acclaim and financial success, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Produced on a $775,000 budget, the film has turned out to be one of the most profitable movies of all time. Since its initial release, American Graffiti has garnered an estimated return of well over $200 million in box office gross and home video sales, not including merchandising. In 1995, the United States Library of Congress deemed the film culturally significant and selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Johnny Lightning 1/64 The Italian Job Mini Cooper BLUE

2010-11-20T12:41:00.003+07:00

Johnny Lightning's mini coopers are painted just like they were in the movie. You can all three colours that were used in the Italian Job, this one (blue), red and white. All have the same white stripes and white rectangle on the roof as the ones in the movie did. The only disappointing thing is they don't have numberplates. The red one is usually the most expensive to obtain, maybe because it was in earlier scenes in the movie as well, maybe as it was driven by Charlize Theron. All colours have the same blister card with the red mini on it.

You can also get dirty versions of the three minis, they are supposedly representing different things, LA road grime on the red car, back alley dirt on the white one, and downtown rust on the blue (as if the car would rust that quickly in the time frame of the movie). Anyway the dirt all looks the same no matter what its supposed origins are. They also come on the exact same blister card as the clean versions which means if you only want the three colours but don't mind if their clean or dirty you should be able to obtain the three cheaper and they still look like they are part of a trio set. --James N Simpson Shop here

Hot Wheels 1/50 1966 TV Series Batboat Vehicle

2010-11-16T21:52:00.002+07:00

The Batboat is the latest in Hot Wheels' line of 1:50 scale vehicles based on the 1966 'Batman' television series, joining the Batmobile, Batcycle, and the Batgirl cycle ( at the time of this writing, the Batgirl cycle is still only available in a limited edition San Diego Comic Con boxset ).

The Batboat comes with a black plastic trailer, customized with the addition of batfins over the wheel wells, and bat insignias on the hubcaps. This trailer is a completely imaginary item, since on the television show ( and in the 1966 theatrical film where the boat was first introduced ) we never saw the Batboat being towed on a trailer of any kind. The boat was always seen to be docked by a pier, ready to go. The trailer attaches to a hitch added to newer editions of the previously released 1:50 scale Batmobile. Unfortunately, when the two models are displayed in tandem, it points out what appears to be a size discrepancy between the two, as the boat seems to be somewhat smaller in scale than the car. The boat does not stay securely, and only rests loosely atop the trailer.

As to the boat itself, the overall color is a dark metal-flake blue, with red pinstriping similar to that on the Batmobile. This is very close to the color of the original boat as seen on the T.V. series. The top of the boat has fairly correct silver highlighted detailing ( although curiously, the 'antenna' between the cockpit bubbles lacks the highlighting ). The sides of the hull have a large white flared leaf or feather shaped area on either side, which appears to be a common feature on the original Crestflite V174, which was produced and modified by Glastron for the show. However, on the Batboat, this was modified with the addition of a sporty red and yellow flame design. The flame on this toy, while similar, does not match the original exactly. However, it is close enough to pass inspection ( if you're not comparing it to still frames from the series ). The large tail fin has the appropriate yellow oval Batman shields ( though they look a bit small ), but it lacks the three white hightlights on both sides that accent the batwing scalloping in the rear ( I don't know why, but this is one missing detail that bothers me a lot ).

The shape of the boat itself seems to be a bit thicker and stubbier than the actual boat used on the show. I may be wrong, but it seems to my eyes that the length of the bow has been foreshortened. Unfortunately, the sculptors of this replica apparently did not have access to the original vehicle from which to take their measurements ( unlike the Hot Wheels Batmobile, which was created from digital scans of the actual car ).

Although the Batboat itself is not entirely accurate, It's still a nice addition to the Hot Wheels line, especially since replicas of the vehicles from the Batman television series have not been seen on toy store racks in well over twenty years. --Davidp Shop here

James Bond Double-Decker Bus: Live And Let Die

2010-11-13T12:12:00.002+07:00

Detailed die-cast model of the Double-Decker Bus driven by James Bond in the 1973 film "Live And Let Die". It features a removable top section. The film starred Roger Moore as James Bond

In the film, as Bond and Solitaire try to escape Son Monique, Bond takes over a double-decker bus. He drives the bus under a low bridge, completely removing the top deck and causing it to fall onto a pursuing car. Buy it now

JAMES BOND - MOON BUGGY & JAMES BOND FIGURE

2010-11-11T16:57:00.005+07:00

From the film Diamonds are forever came, the 'James Bond Moon Buggy'. A strange looking black and white framework vehicle with black wheels and red dome, articulated pincer arms and a revolving radar scanner, it was scaled down to 1/45th. Buy it now

STARSKY & HUTCH 5 Inch 1974 FORD GRAN TORINO & FIGURES

2010-10-14T22:41:00.002+07:00

Introduced as a TV movie in April 1975, Starsky & Hutch immediately entered the annals of TV history as the first high profile cop show to shatter the mould of solo detectives with polar opposite characters and a penchant for guns, girls and squealing tires. it was the latter of these elements which introduced the bond of this successful partnership, Starsky's traffic troubling 1974 Ford Torino. Customized with a lightning flash of a go faster stripe, the $4,461 Gran Torino was one of only 1177 built for the US market. The show eventually ended in 1979 but the revival continues to this day. Shop here

JOHNNY LIGHTNING 'FRIGHTING LIGHTNING' GHOSTBUSTERS ECTO-1A

2010-09-30T21:29:00.003+07:00

This is 1997 Johnny Lightning 'Frighting Lightning' Ghostbusters Ecto-1A. Blue in color. This card is almost impossible to find. Buy it now

1997 JOHNNY LIGHTNING GHOSTBUSTERS ECTO-1A

2010-09-30T21:19:00.004+07:00

This is 1997 Johnny Lightning 'Frighting Lightning' Ghostbusters Ecto-1A. Limited Edition 1 of only 12,000. Gold in color. Shop here

Johnny Lightnings GHOSTBUSTERS ECTO 1 A '59 Cadillac Diecast Vehicle

2010-09-30T21:05:00.004+07:00

Johnny Lightning has released the Ecto 1A 1959 Cadillac Ambulance from the second Ghostbusters movie quite a few times. Only the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard has been re-released more frequently. It's been a while since there has been a re-release though, but with a third Ghostbusters movie in the works, no doubt we'll see the Ecto 1A from the second movie re-released and in stores in the near future again. Maybe we'll even the one from the first movie, in 2010 Hot Wheels have also released a very basic looking one from the first movie as well, it isn't quite the same quality as this one but it is a lot easier to get and cheaper to and maybe a good temporary one to have until you can get a Johnny Lightning one for a cheap price. Who knows if the 1959 ambulance is even going to be in the third movie, they may well do a Ratchet from Transformers and ditch the ambulance for a totally different emergency vehicle. I hope not!

The vehicle looks very good though, no matter which release you get. Most look the same however this one under the Frightning Lightning release had the slight differentiation of white words on the tyres. There was also a Halloween version released under Frightning Lightning that had orange hubcaps, that is also listed on Amazon, you'll find it here. At the time of this review (Jan 2010) these were the only two avaiable on Amazon. The best one to get however has the exact same ambulance (except without the white words on the tyres) and also has a New York police car and four Ghostbusters miniature figures. Its blister pack is displayed as a diorama with Stay Puft on the cardboard as the background. If searching for it on E-bay or somewhere it is called Attack of Mr Stay Puft.

All versions have the no ghosts symbol with the ghost putting up two fingers from the sequel. You can get the no white writing on tyres version on a few different blister cards as it was released quite a few times in a Hollywood on Wheels release as well as 10th anniversary on a (red card) and blue card with Ghostbusters symbol. The blue card is the most expensive to obtain of the white ambulances.

Under Frightning Lightning the vehicle was also released in a few colours, Gold, Silver, Blue and Orange. Although you would think the original white colour would be the most expensive surprisingly these alternative colours cost more.

If you're a Ghostbusters fan you've also got to check out the sensational figure from Necca of Slimer. (review by James N Simpson) Shop here

HOT WHEELS 25/44 GHOSTBUSTERS ECTO-1 WHITE WAGON

2010-09-30T20:28:00.006+07:00

This replica of Ghostbuster Ecto-1 is sure to touch the hearts of many collectors. These are a nice model which looks most impressive, and has a real 'presence' on the shelf.

Hot Wheels 25/44 Ghostbuster Ecto-1

Hot Wheels Short Card 27/52 Ghostbuster Ecto-1

CORGI 1/43 LAND ROVER LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE

2010-09-21T21:07:00.002+07:00

Three old school friends - the self styled leader, the timid dawdler and the mischievous scruff-bag with nothing to do and all the time to do it. Corgi have reproduced the scruffy one with Wesleys Land Rover in this charming set. Shop here

BARRIS TV AND MOVIE CARS

2010-07-26T15:57:00.002+07:00

Great coverage of TV's Batmobile and the Munter's cars. Authors also remind you about cars you didn't know Barris did: The Beverly Hillbillies truck, the Flintstones (film of course) cars, updates of the Knight Rider Firebird, the Jurassic Park Explorers, and the infamous sitcom "My Mother the Car" (the butt of many Johnny Carson jokes). But also taking up space are forgotten cars from forgotton projects...the Bugaloos dune buggy and a TV special "Romp". Cars I would have liked to have seen but didn't make the cut include the Monkee Mobile, the Green Hornet's "Black Beauty" and the Stutz replicas made for the TV adventure series "Bearcats!". Overall a good book, but I have a hunch that only the surface of Barris' career has been scratched. How about a large format book with lots of color and details on the surviving movie cars and "Kustoms" that made Barris the legend he is? Buy it now

CARS IN FILM GREAT MOMENTS FROM POST-WAR INTERNATIONAL CINEMA

2010-07-26T15:47:00.003+07:00

From Steve McQueen's Mustang to 007's killer Aston Martins, cars are the stars in a number of films, every bit as much as their human occupants. This book reviews the good, the bad and the ugly in car movies from both sides of the Atlantic. Packed with obscure facts, stills and arty posters, this book adds up to a visual feast of nostalgia for film buffs and motoring enthusiasts alike. Buy it now

HOLLYWOOD TV AND MOVIE CARS

2010-07-26T15:37:00.003+07:00

This fun-filled history looks back at some of the most memorable and remarkable cars and motorcycles ever committed to celluloid. Colour photography, nostalgic movie stills, and an equally entertaining text examine the Tinseltown careers of photogenic vehicles. Buy it now

CORGI 1/36 THUNDERBIRD SAB 1 40 ANNIVERSARY EDITION

2010-07-12T15:32:00.004+07:00

Celebrate a remarkable British innovation in the form of 'supermarionation', a revolutionary technique for achieving perfect lip sync between pre-recorded dialogue and sensors in the pupets' heads. Lady Penelope and Parker, complete with FAB1 - take a bow on behalf of the whole International Rescue organisation. Buy it now

HOT WHEELS 1/50 SCALE 1966 BATMOBILE DIECAST MODEL

2010-07-08T21:11:00.005+07:00

This is the long awaited 1:50 scale version of the 1966 TV series BATMOBILE. It comes off the back of a 100% accurate laser scan of the actual car and looks lovely. I think it must just be the inspired combination of red/orange on black that gives it that gripping power to enthral people for over 40 years.

There are some annoying elements though, this would not be a fair review if I did not point them out. Like the rocket tubes at the back, these have been reduced to silly little stubs - I would bet to limit any pesky health-and-safety issues - and the beacon antler on top of the roll bar. These are splayed out at 45 degree angles in a most bizarre way. There was just no need for it.

Other than that, and the other faults Incorporated by Mattel to keep the perfectionist modellers happy (or should that be unhappy?), this is a half decent model.

Be aware though, that there are two version of this car available to by, the original series one BATs, and the new series two BATs that have the modified rear which incorporates a boat-hitch for those who wish to buy the accompanying BAT BOAT in the same scale. Nice car, nice model. (Daron G. Woodward "DGT1") --See more

HOT WHEELS - 1966 BATBOAT

2010-07-08T20:59:00.002+07:00

This is one of Mattel's 1:50 scale 1966 BATMAN vehicle line and as such has caused a bit of a stir among the fans. The last time a Batboat had been available had been the 60/70s with CORGI and their strangely coloured boats.

This attempt to recreate it is much better. It is still not quite correct but on the whole it is very nice indeed, with its own trailer included.

Very smart addition to the range and a favourite with the fans. Now all we need is a 1:18 version to fit with the car! See more

SPICEWORLD THE MOVIE BUS

2010-06-25T15:27:00.003+07:00

Spice World is a 1997 British musical comedy film directed by Bob Spiers, written by Kim Fuller and Jamie Curtis, and starring the best-selling pop music girl group The Spice Girls. The lighthearted comedy, made in a similar vein to The Beatles' A Hard Day's Night, depicts fictional events leading up to a major concert at London's Royal Albert Hall, liberally interspersed with dream sequences and flashbacks as well as surreal moments and humorous asides. The film premiered on 15 December 1997 and was released in British cinemas on Boxing Day, followed by the release in North America on 23 January 1998.

This is the Spice Girls 'Spiceworld' the Movie Bus toy. Buy it now

MORRIS MINI COOPER S MK1 - PAUL McCARTNEY

2010-06-25T14:39:00.004+07:00

Paul McCartney's Mini was modified by legendary coachbuilder Radford. Paul, well known as a fan of Aston Martins, had the car finished in Aston Martin California Sage Green Metallic with DB5 rear lights. The interior was trimmed in black leather and had a Webasto-style fold back canvas roof, a popular extra at the time.

One day in early 1967, Paul, his assistant Alistair Taylor, and Paul's sheepdog Martha climbed into the car and drove to Primrose Hill where they saw a strange man wandering around. This was later Paul's inspiration for the song 'The Fool on the Hill'. Buy it now

MORRIS MINI COOPER MK1 - PETER SELLERS

2010-05-28T20:22:00.003+07:00

If you were a celebrity in the sixties then a modified Mini was the cool car to own, and that trend was started by Peter Sellers’ 1963 ‘Wicker Mini’, modelled here.

Sellers asked Rolls-Royce dealership HR Owen to customize his Mini and they commissioned Hooper (Motor Services) Ltd, the spares and servicing arm of the former coach-building firm, to modify the car. It cost £2600 (when a standard Cooper was £679) but featured up-rated leather seats, electric windows and the famous hand stencilled wicker-work effect on its sides. Sellers used the car in the Pink Panther film ‘A Shot in the Dark’. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1/43 TEMPO THREE-WHEELS TRUCK FROM DIE LUDOLFS TV SHOW

2010-05-21T17:20:00.004+07:00

What happens when reality TV meets one of Germany’s biggest car junk yards? Die Ludolfs, a funny look at a not-so-typical family business. With over four million spare parts-and no computers-chaos is the name of the game. Add the dynamics of a multi-generation family business and you’ve got one of the biggest hits on German television. Naturally a business like this acquires a variety of interesting vehicles. But die Ludolfs add their own distinctive touches, applying distinctive paint and decorations to every one.

This is accurate replica of a post-war delivery truck in the funky colors of Die Ludolfs. Extreme detailing including authentic paint scheme (including simulated rust patches), old Christmas tree cargo, plus working doors, simple interior includes steering wheel and bench seat, diecast metal construction with plastic detail parts. Includes clear display case and base.
Schuco is a legendary German toy manufacturer, founded in 1912. The company achieved worldwide fame with its toy cars manufactured in the '30s, '40s and '50s, many of which were patented. While Schuco continues to issue a limited number of metal retro-toys for collectors, today the company is better known for its amazing diecast vehicle replicas. Working directly with manufacturers and car collectors, Schuco painstakingly re-creates each vehicle in miniature, often incorporating tiny details only visible with a magnifying glass. Most Schuco models are issued in specified limited quantities, and once gone, will not be made again. That’s why wise collectors know that a Schuco model isn’t just a purchase: It’s an investment with a lifetime return of enjoyment. Buy it now

A VIEW TO KILL: RENAULT II

2010-05-15T12:57:00.003+07:00

Roger Moore as James Bond, does amazing things at the wheel of a Renault 11 in a classic sequence at the Eiffel Tower. A View to a Kill (1985) deserves its title! Featured in A View to a Kill, Bond commandeers this car and takes it on a pursuit through Paris. During the pursuit the car has its roof chopped off and then later the entire back half of the car is ripped off. Buy it now

LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE - TRIUMPH HERALD CONVERTIBLE AND EDIE PEGDEN

2010-04-25T14:10:00.004+07:00

Last of the Summer Wine is a British sitcom written by Roy Clarke that is broadcast on BBC One. Last of the Summer Wine premiered as an episode of Comedy Playhouse on 4 January 1973 and the first series of episodes followed on 12 November 1973. Since 1983, Alan J. W. Bell has produced and directed all episodes of the show. The 30th series premiered on 19 April 2009 and concluded on 21 June 2009. On the 26 June 2009 the BBC announced that it had recommissioned the show for its 31st series, consisting of six episodes to be broadcast in 2010. Repeats of the show are broadcast in the UK on G.O.L.D. and it is also seen in more than twenty-five countries,[4] including various PBS stations in the United States and in Canada on VisionTV. Last of the Summer Wine is the longest-running comedy programme in Britain and the longest-running sitcom in the world.

The Herald was being developed for launch in 1959 when the vogue was very much for new cars to be of a monocoque construction. As Triumph was a small company they needed the chassis to be built by outside suppliers unfortunately none could oblige so Triumph took the brave decision to develop a new car around what seemed out of date technology.

ERTL - JAGUAR XKR ROADSTER JAMES BOND DIE ANOTHER DAY

2010-04-14T20:09:00.004+07:00

This is a very highly detailed 2002 Jaguar XKR Roadster James Bond Die Another Day diecast model car 1:18 scale die cast by Ertl. Includes Q-card CD ROM. Fold out lower door panels and retractable front grille panels to expose rockets. Opening trunk and fold down rear body panel to expose mortars, pop-up Gatling gun in the rear deck behind front seats, simulated spiked tires
Opening doors with detailed interior, Opening hood with detailed engine, Working front steering.

THE GREEN HORNET'S BLACK BEAUTY

2010-04-09T16:56:00.006+07:00

The 'Green Hornet's Black Beauty' was another beauty from the Corgi stable, finished in gloss black with a green hornet on the vinyl-effect roof. The model featured a flying tracking probe released from the boot and a firing missile concealed behind the hinged radiator grille. Figures of Kato (driving) and the Green Hornet (firing a pistol) were also included. The actual car as used in the TV series was based on a 1966 Chrysler Imperial riding a 129 inch wheelbase (axle to axle), making the model around 1/45th scale. After a five year run, this excellent model was deleted, though it is still much sought after due to the series attaining cult status worldwide. Buy it now.

HOT WHEELS - BATBOAT

2010-03-20T14:42:00.004+07:00

The first appearance of the Batboat was in the 1966 film Batman. It was subsequently used in the 1960s Batman television series. It was created by Glastron Industries.
Mel Whitley and Robert Hammond designed the Batboat from a Glastron V-174. They added a red flashing beacon, glowing eyes, batzooka hatches, seats for both Batman and Robin at the front of the boat, twin wind screens, a center console, an outdrive jet cover, and an aft to deck cover with a glowing Bat-Signal on the tail fin. Although the boat was powered by a Merc Cruiser Chevrolet V-6 and Attwood Corporation manufactured the hardwire, a water squirter and a jet nozzle were added to make the Batboat look like it was nuclear-powered. It took 31 days to build.

Eventually, a replica was built of the Batboat. When the Batman television show was cancelled, Glastron used the two Batboats for promotions on tours. After much touring, the boats were sold. One boat went to a Glastron dealer who was a Shriner. He used it in various Shriner parades. This Batboat was then moved to the Car Stars museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

The original BatBoat was originally designed for the 1966 Batman movie and was subsequently used in the 1966 Batman TV Series. Designed as a submersible hydrofoil with retracting foils, the Bat Boat was powered by a Mercury Cruiser Chevrolet V6 engine. The boat was fitted with twin wind screens, glowing "bat eyes," a red flashing beacon, bazooka hatches and a glowing Batman signal in the tail fin. Our Hot Wheels version comes equipped with a trailer and attaches to the 1966 Batmobile Series 2. Buy it now

CAPTAIN SCARLET SPECTRUM PURSUIT VEHICLE

2010-03-20T13:40:00.005+07:00

The 'Spectrum Pursuit vehicle' completed the trio of 'Scarlet' models, also to 1/48th scale. It was finished in a light metallic blue for its ten year production, though this was slightly darker than in the series. It feature an outward sliding door which when opened would lower the rear-facing figure of Captain Scarlet to the ground (the drivers of these SPVs always sat and drove via a TV monitor screen). Also featured were a hinged nise panel with a concealed firing missile, folding aerial and retractable rear quad track unit. In its final years the normally white rubber bumper was replace with a lack one and the 'Spectrum' roundel decals were replaced by somplified labels.

VANGUARDS - AUSTIN MINI COOPER S 1275 MK1-STEVE McQUEEN

2010-02-15T18:12:00.005+07:00

McQueen bought his Mini from Hollywood Sports Cars and had it taken straight to Lee Brown’s custom shop. He didn’t like the green body and white roof so had the car refinished in medium brown metallic with a beige roof. Brown also chromed and then reversed the wheels to widen the track, fitted a wooden dash, a fold back sunroof and had trimmer Tony Nancy re-cover the seats in brown vinyl. The engine was ported and balanced. McQueen never had front number plates on his cars as he felt it spoilt the clean look.Twenty years later Lee Brown spotted an advert for the car and bought it back, so he now owns the car he originally customized for the film icon. Buy it now.

MINICHAMPS 1/43 ASTON MARTIN DBS "THE STIG"

2010-01-29T16:26:00.009+07:00

The Stig is the name given to the racing driver on the BBC show Top Gear. In the show he is cast as a mysterious "Tame Racing Driver". He is credited as a presenter alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.
The Stig's primary functions on the show are to post Power Laps times in various cars around the Top Gear Test Track in Dunsfold Park, and to train each week's guest in setting a lap time in the Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car feature on the show. In addition The Stig carries out other driving and personal appearance duties when the need arises.
The Stig has also appeared on some of Jeremy Clarkson's motoring specials, such as Heaven and Hell, Thriller and Duel.

This diecast model of the Aston Martin DBS is exquisitely detailed, and an exact replica of the car 'The Stig' drove around the Top Gear test track as part of the 'Power Laps' series, in a stunning time of 1 minute 23.9 seconds. It is part of a series of collectable models being produced by Minichamps in association with Top Gear.

There are just 2,009 of this model worldwide, making it highly collectable, and it is beautifully presented in fully branded packaging, including the track time this car achieved on the TV show.
The coming together of Minichamps, the UK's leading diecast brand, and Top Gear, TV's greatest motoring show, is a fantastic combination most collectors have only dreamed about until now, and gives you the opportunity to own a piece of history. Don't hang around - they'll go faster than you could possibly believe!

Top Gear Minichamps 1/43 Aston Martin DBS ready made diecast car (black) including figure of 'The Stig', as featured in the 'Power Laps' on BBC Top Gear. Only 2009 pieces of each model are available worldwide. Minichamps are high quality die cast models (rather than a toy), and are highly collectable. See more

MOTORMAX 1/43 1949 BUICK ROADSTER "RAIN MAN" MOVIE

2009-12-16T16:12:00.006+07:00

Rain Man is a 1988 comedy-drama film written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass and directed by Barry Levinson. The film stars Tom Cruise as Charlie Babbitt, Dustin Hoffman as Raymond Babbitt, and Valeria Golino as Charlie's girlfriend, Susanna. The film won four Oscars at the 61st Academy Awards (March 1989), including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Actor in a leading role for Hoffman. Its crew received an additional four nominations.

It tells the story of an abrasive yuppie, Charlie Babbitt, who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son, Raymond, a savant, of whose existence Charlie was unaware. After autistic savant Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) inherits three million dollars from his deceased father, his younger brother Charlie (Tom Cruise), in an attempt to trick him out of the money, learns some valuable life lessons.

This is 1949 Buick Roadster from the Rain Man movie. Features:• Depicts Actual Movie Scene• Precision Die-Cast Replica Vehicle• Protective Clear Plastic Cover Included• Measures 10" L x 4.5" H x 4" W• Crafted to 1:43 Scale Buy it now

ANIMAL! GREAT VEHICLE "THE MUPPET MOVIE"

2009-12-10T16:45:00.013+07:00

Corgi re-released it's four 1979 Muppet figures in vehicles in 2002. These were a lot more mass produced so you're a lot more likely to find one in good condition and also still in it's original packaging than the 1979 versions.

Of the four Muppet vehicles, Animal is the vehicle/figure that looks the most similar to the 1979 original. The vehicle displays well on the orange base as it also does in the original box with a nice big plastic observation window. It is secured to the orange cardboard by metal twist ties which can easily be loosened so you can slip each wheel out without cutting them. Wheels all move, in fact the vehicle rolls very smoothly, you'd think with the wheels not being completely circular that the vehicles wouldn't move well but nothing could be further from the truth, in fact if there's a slight angle on the surface you are displaying it, Animal will roll away.

The other three vehicles in the Muppet 25 years release incidentally are Fozzie in a blue old fashioned ute (it was red in the 1979 original release), Miss Piggy in a pink car and Kermit in a yellow car.

Animal himself is pretty well detailed holding his drum sticks ready to bash on the large drums which make up the back wheels or the cymbal or smaller in front of the cockpit thing. Animal's signature is on the undercarriage as well as the two front wheels and top drum. The two rear wheels have the Muppet show logo on them with Kermit coming out of the letter O. It's a good car which you should be able to get boxed in new condition for just a couple of pounds (British sites are where it's the most common being Corgi and all).--James N Simpson

SCHUCO 1/43 VPLKSWAGEN T2A MIMIBUS FROM DIE LUDOLFS TV SHOW

2009-12-02T21:07:00.003+07:00

What happens when reality TV meets one of Germany’s biggest car junk yards? Die Ludolfs, a funny look at a not-so-typical family business. With over four million spare parts-and no computers-chaos is the name of the game. Add the dynamics of a multi-generation family business and you’ve got one of the biggest hits on German television. Naturally a business like this acquires a variety of interesting vehicles. But die Ludolfs add their own distinctive touches, applying distinctive paint and decorations to every one. Schuco is a legendary German toy manufacturer, founded in 1912. The company achieved worldwide fame with its toy cars manufactured in the '30s, '40s and '50s, many of which were patented. While Schuco continues to issue a limited number of metal retro-toys for collectors, today the company is better known for its amazing diecast vehicle replicas. Working directly with manufacturers and car collectors, Schuco painstakingly re-creates each vehicle in miniature, often incorporating tiny details only visible with a magnifying glass. Most Schuco models are issued in specified limited quantities, and once gone, will not be made again. That’s why wise collectors know that a Schuco model isn’t just a purchase: It’s an investment with a lifetime return of enjoyment. Buy it now

CORGI 1/43 SCALE – AUSTIN 1300 FAWLTY TOWERS

2009-11-22T20:50:00.004+07:00

It’s television folklore captured by Corgi. Who hasn’t seen the sketch of Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) giving his Austin 1300 Traveller ‘a damn good thrashing’ with the branch of a tree after it refused to start. And who hasn’t felt like doing the same at some point? This model captures that moment, in the episode ‘Gourmet Night’, well, helped by the backdrop included in the pack. For those whose memory needs a jog the even is detailed on the model’s box: With a drunken chef and a missing lobster, there is no choice but to drive to a local restaurant to collect an available duck. It’s then that the car breaks down.

The Austin model is well reproduced and the hand painted white metal figure of Basil Fawlty is fair- we’ve seen worse. Like the series, this model is a laugh.

If you have heard rumours about specially packaged versions, they are true. In a flash of genius Corgi has released an exceptionally small number of the models with variations on the ‘Fawlty Towers’ hotel name, to read ‘Fatty Owls’ and other, less polite, variations, following a running joke in the actual series.

ERTL COLLECTIBLES MONKEES DIECAST COLLECTOR VEHICLE

2009-11-21T18:09:00.004+07:00

THE MONKEE MOBILE 1:18 Scale 2002 American Muscle / Ertl Collectibles MONKEES Die-Cast Collector Vehicle. It vaguely resembled a GTO, but what started out as a "goat" emerged as pure "Monkee!" When customizer Dean Jefferies was contracted to build a car for the TV show about a rock group and its zany misadventures, he knew just what was needed. While the front grille sported a GTO emblem, Jefferies' extensive modifications included a tall split windshield, and extra row of seats where the rear deck was, a T-bucket convertible top, large fender flares and exapperated taillamps. The engine sported a 6-71 supercharger, although the blower was a dummy, as the car had too much power and was difficult to drive with the original blower.

SCALEXTRIC - THE ITALIAN JOB MINIS

2009-11-17T16:24:00.004+07:00

In recognition of possibly the greatest ever British crime caper, three of the stars from the 1969 cult classic, The Italian Job, are now faithfully reproduced by Scalextric.

An icon of design when the film was released, the three Mk1 Austin Mini Cooper S’s captured the hearts of movie fans the world over; starring in one of the most memorable car chase scenes in cinema history.

Incredibly, for the shooting of the getaway scenes the cars were only slightly modified to achieve the array of dazzling stunts. Movie cars are generally heavily modified to cope with the strains of stunt driving, but the Coopers were race bred, extremely light and incredibly tough in all the right areas.

The Mini originally went into production in 1959 and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2009, the same year that The Italian Job celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Each car is liveried in the correct shade of red, white and blue complete with the individual licence plate numbers. The Italian Job Minis are not suitable for conversion to digital operation.

MARILYN MONROE WITH FORD THUNDERBIRD

2009-10-07T15:26:00.006+07:00

Marilyn Monroe (June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962), born Norma Jeane Mortenson, but baptized Norma Jeane Baker, was an American actress, singer and model.

After spending much of her childhood in foster homes, Monroe began a career as a model, which led to a film contract in 1946. Her early roles were minor, but her performances in The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve (both 1950) were well received. She was praised for her comedic ability in such films as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, Some Like It Hot and The Seven Year Itch, and became one of Hollywood's most popular and glamorous performers.

The typecasting of Monroe's "dumb blonde" persona limited her career prospects, so she broadened her range. She studied at the Actors Studio and formed Marilyn Monroe Productions. Her dramatic performance in William Inge's Bus Stop was hailed by critics, and she won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in Some Like it Hot.
The final years of Monroe's life were marked by illness, personal problems, and a reputation for being unreliable and difficult to work with. The circumstances of her death, from an overdose of barbiturates, have been the subject of conjecture. Though officially classified as a "probable suicide," the possibility of an accidental overdose, as well as the possibility of homicide, have not been ruled out.

In 1999, Monroe was ranked as the sixth greatest female star of all time by the American Film Institute.

There is justifiably now much interest being shown in the 'Corgi', with their interesting range of vehicles. This model is Ford Thunderbird in silver grey bodywork with cream & pink interior, opening boot & bonnet and diamond headlights. It has Marilyn Monroe figure.

1968 FORD MUSTANG GT 390 STEVE McQUEEN BULLITT MOVIE CAR

2009-09-16T17:45:00.007+07:00

Bullitt is a 1968 American thriller film starring Steve McQueen. It was directed by Peter Yates and distributed by Warner Bros. The story was adapted for the screen by Alan Trustman and Harry Kleiner, based on the novel titled Mute Witness (1963) by Robert L. Fish (aka Robert L. Pike). Lalo Schifrin wrote the original music score, a mix of jazz, brass and percussion.
The movie won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing (Frank P. Keller) and was nominated for Best Sound. Writers Trustman and Kleiner won a 1969 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Motion Picture Screenplay.

Bullitt is probably best-remembered for its car chase scene through the streets of San Francisco, regarded as one of the most influential car chase sequences in movie history.The scene had Bullitt in a dark "Highland Green" 1968 Ford Mustang 390 CID Fastback, chasing two hit-men in a "Tuxedo Black" 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum.
In 2007, Bullitt was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

This is 1968 Ford Mustang GT Green 1/43 Steve Mqueen Bullitt . Made of diecast with some plastic parts. Detailed interior, exterior. Has plastic display stand with plastic show case. Dimensions approximately L-4 inches long.

CINDERELLA'S COACH

2009-08-27T22:58:00.004+07:00

'Cinderella's Coach' from the film The Slipper and the Rose, was a strange choice for release, appealing more to girls than boys, and was only available until the following year. The 1/42nd scale all plastic model was finished in gold with four white horses, a footman dressed in pink, and Cinderella herself, also in pink, seated inside. A photograph and signature of Gemma Craven (who played Cinderella in the film) featured on the window box, but as a TV/Film related model, this one is a pumpkin.

THE OPEN-TOP ROUTEMASTER 'DISNEYLAND BUS'

2009-08-15T18:49:00.003+07:00

The open-top Routemaster bus was produced as a ‘Disneyland Bus’ (no.470), pleasing finished in pale yellow with red interior, stripe and ‘Disneyland’ decals. Disney character decals were displayed along the advertising area of each body side and the 1/65th scale model proved popular during its single year production run.

CORGI: KOJACK'S BUICK

2009-08-03T17:07:00.003+07:00

'Who loves ya, baby?'

If you've got the lollipop and the hairline's retreating swiftly, go the whole hog and buy Kojack's Buick. It's a re-release of an buy Kojack's Buick. It's a re-release of an old Corgi 70's favoutite, and now there's a white metal Kojak figure incorporated with the model, albeit a little over scale. He replaces the plastic Kojack and Crocker figures.

The brown Buick is the same moulding as ever, neatly finished with opening doors. The original colour of the model was a metallic dark brown; the new version is a more authentic light brown. However, there's a mystery surrounding the car that Kojak himself might not be able to fathom. The box says the model: 'was originally released in 1976 and included a mechanism recreating the sound of gun fire, which is still featured on this model.'

Either modern guns have better silencers than they did in 1976, or there is no mechanism on the new model. It used to be operated by a revolving toothed wheel at the rear of the car where the number plate should be, this produced a clicking gun noise. -- Model Collector See more