Is the paint job really worth it??

Abarth 500 - quality as far as I am concerned and Fiat Group have for this right (unlike calling the Chrysler 200 a Lancia Fulvia...).

But some owners insist on making their cars stand out, and a new fad is getting the wheels kitted out in what I call a Carbon Black finish.

Basically this is just matt black. And on this Abarth, it looks good. However what happens if someone scraps it of gives it an unintentional coach line ?

If this was my car - and although it looks the business, I would be forever paranoid about it in terms of bodywork being breathed upon, etc.

So, is the actual finish worth the hassle and heartache in the end??

Bburago's 1/43 Fiat Croma SW

Another wonderful casting from Bburago - this time the Croma SW.

Producing cars that can be seen on the street everyday is key to the success of a brand and Bburago are doing it well.

Matchbox in the 1970s moved with the times with futuristic and the whacky, but still kept the core line of trucks and cars towards the late 1970s. And that is how you start to learn what is on the road.

I am really pleased that this car is re-created here - I am looking forward to my little one playing with them when he is older and recognising it when on the street.

a great way to learn - and credit to the Fiat Group for granting the license.