Vanguards 1/43 Volkswagen Golf MkI

In May 1974,Volkswagen presented the first-generation Golf as a modern front-wheel-drive, long-range replacement for the Volkswagen Beetle. Later Golf variations included the Golf GTI "hot hatch" (introduced in June 1976), a diesel-powered version (from September 1976), the Jetta notchback saloon version (from October 1979), the Golf Cabriolet (from January 1980) and a Golf-based pickup, the Volkswagen Caddy.

To me, Vanguards creation of the Mk1 Golf signified a true change in direction from the staple of re-creating British cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s. I suppose it was a case of adapt to survive. There are so many British cars that have yet to be produced within the Vanguards range,so producing a non-GB car was always going to be a bit of a risk.

Models from VW have been very successfully re-created by the likes of Minichamps and AutoArt. Detail is normally spot on.

So this effort from the Vanguards range hits the mark. It is a very smart and well presented model - more so it is very clean in terms of build - there is not the fuss and flaff of the bigger cars that demand more in terms of etched parts and chrome. And it is this simplicity where the beauty of the model lies. There is hardly owt wrong with it.

The casting also doubles up as the Mk1 GTi - so good mileage to be had.

I am suitably impressed with this one.

Opel Collection.....quick update

it has been a while since I last posted a blog on the Opel Collection that is available in Switzerland and Germany.

I have added tow further models to the collection - the Opel Kadett D GT/E and the Opel Omega B MV6.

Over the next two weeks the next releases are the Opel Admiral B and the Opel Rekord B Coupe - both I have ordered on reserve -

I will be taking some pictures today for the aforementioned, and I will blog about the latest additions to The Garage hopefully next week.

Shame that Eaglemoss Publications has not updated their website with further updates.

Hot Wheels 1970 Camaro Road Race

Hot Wheels 1970 Camaro Road Race

This one reminds me of a car from that film Gumball Rally – its that kind of mental over-powered and wild car that makes cars from the US so interesting.

It looks like a full shorn racer, and I think that this will display very well if this is your part of collection.

I really would not want this as part of the 1-75/100/120 – I don’t think that it fits in with the Matchbox look and feel – and by that I mean that such a car is not a traditional Matchbox model, but more aligned to Hot Wheels.

Hot Wheels Hyundai Genesis

This one is from the 2011 Premiere line.

Yet again, I have to hand it to HW in that they can produce a Hyundai as part of their staple range. I have the older GK version as well as I was amazed that a big manufacturer would bother reproducing it!

The model has enough detail to ensure that it works - headlights are tampoed, effort with the colour scheme. I would like to see more of these type models produced from the Far East - it really gives a world flavour to the youngster of what is out there, rather than just Americana.

Bburago's 1/43 Ford Mustang GT

Methinks that Mattel should really take a leaf out the Bburago book of diecast.

This is a fairly simple casting that could be easily re-created as a Superking model - I mean, HW has hundreds of variations within the normal model line.

What a lovely little model. There is a great bit of detail at the front and back and the wheels complement the casting very well.

I have to say, I am getting more and more impressed with this range especially at this price point, and this mini collection is growing from strength to strength.

Bloody well done!

New 1-75 found in CH - from 1998-odd!!

I am in no way a collector of 3 or 5 packs from the 1-75 range. In fact, I avoid like the plague.

However on a very random trip to Manor this arvo, I had my usual dismal look at the 1-75 on the pegs (same models have been there for the last 7 months), i noticed this old school 3 pack. I think it had been found in a stock cupboard for years, as there was a thin layer of dust still sitting within the windows of the boxes.

As I only know the actual 1-75 range, I am not really sure how old this 3 pack is, but I think it dates from the late 1990s.

It is a real find when shops stock such old items. I do remember years ago on a school trip to Wales, I saw a shop which had a whole 1-75 display from the 70s....complete with cars. I only have the picture in my head, but it is nice to see and own old finds like this today.