Matchbox 5-pack

I am not a fan of the 5 and 10 packs that are released every year by Matchbox - some collectors lap them up as it is a variation on a model, but I tend to stick with the pure 1-75 range (sorry make that 120) as a collection.

BUT, there is an exception to the rules and this is one of them. I really liked the models included in this pack, and it also gave me a chance to see some of the models out of the blister as I do not normally remove them from the packaging.

I am not a fan of the Fisker Karma at all as a car, but I do think that it is a good inclusion as it is something different and a hark back to the old days when the not known were within the line up (MB75 Alfa Carabo anyone?)

Lotus and Caddy Estate are fine, but the two that really appeal are the VE SS Ute and the Dodge Charger. These tow models - for me - represent what can be achieved by Mattel when they really want to - just the right amount of tampo on each model and both are well produced castings. So much so, they are sitting on my desk at work.

Moving forward, I think I will be getting 5 or 10 packs for the nipper when he is a bit older, as they represent good VFM. I won't be sorry to see them bashed up or chipped - after all they are toys. But perhaps when there are a couple that catch Daddy's eye, some shrewd Jedi mind tricks may have to be employed.

Ferrari's new flagship......

I have never really been a big fan of Ferrari’s – when growing up, I wanted a TR7 more than a Countach or the Ferrari at the time. Just never got into them. But those guys from Maranello have produced some beauties – IMO – such as the 328 GTB, F355, 456GT and dare I say, the Mondial.

They have also produced some shockers – 612 Scaglietti , the FF and the 400 comes to mind….(controversial, I know, but they don’t do anything for me).

So they have now come up with the F12 Berlinetta – their most powerful car to date.

I am not convinced – styling cues at the rear seem to come from the Alfa 8C, and just has too much of a hint of Fisker Karma about it. I would rather take a R35 GT-R and save myself £100k in the process –

I await to see the orang-utan Clarkson (as the Hamster calls him) test this one on TopGear , and how it handles in the hands of their tame racing driver The Stig on the track. My guess is that he will be all gushy about it, but the car will be flawed……

I could change my mind – Geneva Motor Show is this month, so let’s see what it looks like in the flesh when I make my pilgrimage.

But like the Lambo Aventador. – which is just an upgraded Reventón – I have a feeling I will not be that impressed.


Source: Metro, 01/03/2012