The ranks of the 1:64 scale diecast industry have increased by one. Anson has added a 1:64 scale line to it's existing 1:12, 1:18 and 1:43 scale diecast. They are also adding a 1:27 scale line, an interesting variation on the more common 1:24 scale lines. With these additions, Anson joins Maisto, Welly, Yat Ming, Majorette and others who offer the 'big four' diecast scales (1:64, 1:43, 1:24 and 1:18). The most exciting addition is the 1966 Buick Riviera, followed by the Porsche GT2, neither of which have been done in small-scale. While the other five cars and trucks have been done, this will allow for comparison with other manufacturers. The Porsche GT1 looks like it will provide strong competition to the Matchbox and Hot Wheel versions.
For the past 30 years, automotive manufacturers have tested their products in one of the most abusive settings in motor sports. Professional rallying has been popular since the early years of motoring but since the 1950's, it has become serious sport.
Since the early 1970's, the FIA World Rally Championship has provided a world-wide series of events leading to both driver and manufacturer titles. The following is a list of manufacturers and models that held the title for each year.iecast car manufacturers have seldom viewed professional rallying in the same light as other motor sports. Rallying has never had the popularity of Formula 1 or NASCAR. Finding examples of toy rally cars is challenging but not impossible.
Since the 1930's, automotive style has come in waves. Fads and trends come and go as car designers try to re-invent the box on wheels. It is not easy to find new ground, year in, year out. While these trends vary depending on geographic and cultural influences, some trends are more global. Good or bad, these stages of automotive design help us define the history of the motorcar.
While most toy cars simply reflect existing models of production cars, one company has consistently offered something more. While Hot Wheels may not be the most accurate or offer the best detail, some of the most creative small-scale diecast cars have come from Mattel. Over the years, Hot Wheels has produced an incredible variety of toy cars and continues to do so.
by Doug Breithaupt
images by Doug Breithaupt and David Cook
In 1968 I was 11 years old and I had a modest collection of 1:64 scale cars. They were almost all Matchbox and I liked the realism of these models. I remember seeing the first new Hot Wheels and then Topper's Johnny Lightning models followed. I remember one other toy car brand from 1968, one that is largely forgotten today, Aurora's Cigarbox.
Can anyone doubt that the quality and variety of 1:18 scale diecast cars is at an all-time high? Every month, new models appear on store shelves and the challenge for collectors is simply how to find enough display room.
In the past month, the three cars shown below, came in search for shelf space in my toy room. The first is Guiloy's Chrysler Atlantic show car, the second a 1969 Dodge Charger by Hot Wheels and the third is the Audi TT Roadster by Maisto. They represent three very different cars and three 1:18 scale manufacturers who are challenging the current marketplace.
by Doug Breithaupt
Few diecast collectors are aware of the only diecast manufacturer to come out of Korea. King Star appeared in the diecast market during the 1980's and appears to have vanished almost as quickly. Fortunately for collectors, they also left us with some delightful little cars.
